The 43-year-old executive chef of Astoria in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District got his start balancing restaurant work and life as a touring musician, eventually trading saxophone solos for saute pans. Nearly two decades later, he’s still making art, but this time through bold, Mediterranean-inspired dishes at one of the city’s standout spots. From building Astoria from the ground up to staying plugged into Cleveland’s local food and music scenes, the Seven Hills native blends passion, flavor and community into everything he does.

(Heidi M. Rolf)

Around the Corner: I would say my favorite spot around here is Good Company in Detroit-Shoreway. Their wings are unmatched. They do a phenomenal job there. And that’s kind of to a fault, where if I find a spot that impresses me, I’m going

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