Cleveland Bakeries, and .... Language Classes .... ?? (Lorain, Napoleon: schools, university, live in)

[freewheelingvagabond]

Just moved to Cleveland a week back, and have started at a new job. I work and live in the downtown area. So far really loving the overall vibe of the place - especially the architecture of the old buildings in the downtown area. And, the little coffee shops (no Starbucks, please), and Ontario Street Cafe.


If you don't mind, two questions -


1. I got some chocolate pastry from this downtown establishment called Chocolate Bar. Terrific, but (in my opinion) insanely overpriced. $8 for a small(ish) slice, and $60 for a whole cake! Are these average prices in Cleveland?

I'm curious to hear your suggestions for nice bakeries, and places to get a nice dark chocolate cake. Doesn't have to be inexpensive, I'm all ears for anything - but very welcoming of places where the prices are not as astronomical. For e.g., I've had excellent cakes (8-12 inches) for $30-$45 in Chicago.


2. Are there any 'professional' or 'semi-professional' centres for learning languages - French, German, or Spanish? By 'professional' or 'semi-professional' - what I have in mind is some programme run by an embassy or a consulate - or, something equivalent or similar.


Thank you all!

[usaf_1832]

I can speak for University Circle (a quick red line or healthline ride away):

1) French Cleveland Pastries, Desserts Cleveland : Coquette Patisserie - French Pastries Cleveland
2) Italian Prestis Bakery
3) Italian https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...land_Ohio.html

Corbo's has the best Cassata Cake of any city I've ever had, and best cannoli in Cleveland.

[WRnative]

Originally Posted by freewheelingvagabond

Just moved to Cleveland a week back, and have started at a new job. I work and live in the downtown area. So far really loving the overall vibe of the place - especially the architecture of the old buildings in the downtown area. And, the little coffee shops (no Starbucks, please), and Ontario Street Cafe.


If you don't mind, two questions -


1. I got some chocolate pastry from this downtown establishment called Chocolate Bar. Terrific, but (in my opinion) insanely overpriced. $8 for a small(ish) slice, and $60 for a whole cake! Are these average prices in Cleveland?

I'm curious to hear your suggestions for nice bakeries, and places to get a nice dark chocolate cake. Doesn't have to be inexpensive, I'm all ears for anything - but very welcoming of places where the prices are not as astronomical. For e.g., I've had excellent cakes (8-12 inches) for $30-$45 in Chicago.


2. Are there any 'professional' or 'semi-professional' centres for learning languages - French, German, or Spanish? By 'professional' or 'semi-professional' - what I have in mind is some programme run by an embassy or a consulate - or, something equivalent or similar.


Thank you all!

Have you been to the West Side Market (now also open on Sundays) yet? There are several bakeries there (secret: some are supplied by Davis Bakery). Their prices are competitive, unlike the prices you quoted. The West Side Market bakeries often deplete their shelves by late afternoon, especially on busy Saturdays.

https://davisbakery.net/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...de.Market.html

You can reach the West Side Market using Ohio City Connector buses or the Red Line from Tower City.

http://www.riderta.com/ohiocityconnector

There is a free parking lot, but it can fill up during the peak market hours, especially on Saturday. There is a time limit on parking there.

While at the West Side Market, walk down Lorain a couple blocks to the Farkas Pastry Shoppe (think Austro-Hungarian Empire and tortes), a legacy Hungarian bakery. Cleveland once had the largest Hungarian-speaking population outside of Hungary (if you enjoy ethnic food, some time take the rail rapid from Tower City to Shaker Square and enjoy the Balaton, named after Lake Balaton).

Farkas Bakery & Pastries | Cleveland Ohio | Napoleons (Krémes), Ludlab, Tortes, Dobos, Linzers, and More European Hungarian Desserts

Farkas Bakery & Pastries | Cleveland Ohio | Napoleons (Krémes), Ludlab, Tortes, Dobos, Linzers, and More European Hungarian Desserts

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Ohioans

You also might check out the bakery at the Ameritrust Rotunda Heinen's (have you been there yet?), apparently also at least partially supplied by Davis Bakery (check out the coconut bars, something that always merits a stop when near the Davis Bakery store on Chagrin Blvd.). Read about it under "Attractions" here:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...Cleveland.html

https://davisbakery.net/product/coconut-bars/

For language classes, perhaps check out Cleveland State University (it offers many night classes on a safe, convenient and pleasant downtown campus), although you could call consulates and ask for recommendations, do a web search, or call an ethnic society for the language of your choice (Cleveland has several ethnic schools that try to preserve native languages).

World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at a glance | Cleveland State University

https://www.csuohio.edu/registrar/ta...es-audit-basis

Center for eLearning | Cleveland State University

Please provide us with feedback about your experiences as a newcomer to Cleveland. It will be helpful to other newcomers in the future!

Presti's and Corbo's are in Little Italy. You can reach it using the Red Line from Tower City.

When I last read the ingredient labels for Corbo's products sold in Marc's stores, my memory is that they still contained hydrogenated oils (trans fats). That's an issue also at most supermarket groceries and even commercial bakeries, especially for frostings. Ask for butter creme frostings.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=10

Supposedly, trans fats are banned in Cleveland. The Cleveland Clinic wellness program emphasizes the avoidance of trans fats, spurring its unpopularity in Cleveland. Of course, the FDA is considering a national ban on trans fats, but it's good that Cleveland joins other major cities in getting a head start. I do wonder if the ban is enforced in Cleveland....

http://www.joecimperman.com/sites/de...0lawsuit_0.pdf

Good luck!

[freewheelingvagabond]

@usaf_1832 - thanks, would check those out!