The Legend of NEO Food Tours aka All Great Ideas Come from a Pub Napkin
The idea for the Northeast Ohio (NEO) Food Tours was born deep within the brains and stomachs of Pat Johnson and Todd Gauman in the Spring of 2010. The concept began to take root after imbibing a few pints of our favorite local brew in one of Cleveland’s neighborhood pubs.
The discussion was centered on two facets: The first being the amazing culinary scene that had taken root in Northeast Ohio over the past decade, and how the region’s history as a meting pot was helping flavor its future. The second was the area’s unique and diverse cities and neighborhoods, and how their history and development were intrinsically tied to their immigrant roots.
Northeast Ohio is in the midst of a culinary renaissance, fueled by the chefs and their restaurants. These very same chefs and restaurants are many times also inspired by the very neighborhoods they have settled in, thus completing the cycle.
We knew we wanted to enlighten people from both near and far, not only about what was happening inside these creative restaurants, but also the neighborhoods and cities that they call home. So we had amazing restaurants and great neighborhoods but how to link them together, and teach and entertain? From personal experience we knew the best way to the mind was through the stomach!
We created an event that combines the best of both worlds, dining while allowing people to learn about multiple restaurants from the chefs themselves, and interspersing these “courses” with a guided tour of the neighborhood, noting its history, architecture, and stories along the way. Much like a progressive dinner with a purpose!
Our vision has since grown, our team expanded, now more than ever we look forward to providing you a passport to the best that the Northeast Ohio region has to offer!
Our mission for the NEO Food Tours is to create an intimate experience for you, our guest, to learn about the many creative chefs and their restaurants, to experience the wonderful, unique neighborhoods throughout our region, and to meet new friends along the way.
We hope you share our vision, and join us on a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget!
Cheers!
-The NEO Food Tours Team
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