There are many reasons for wanting to write a cookbook. For Linda Gruenspan, it was the desire to give something back to an organization that helped her deal with her debilitating disease, Multiple Sclerosis.
Gruenspan said that as the 25th anniversary of her diagnosis approached, “It got me thinking. I realized I’d like to do something to give back, in my own personal way. MS gave my life more than I’d ever have expected. I wanted to do something to honor that.”
She decided that a local cookbook would be just the thing, having spent so many years in the food industry, a field which she loves passionately.
“After all, Cleveland has such a wonderful restaurant scene, I felt sure some of the area’s chefs would contribute recipes for a book,” she said.
She wrote letters to local chefs and restaurant owners inviting them to participate and explaining that proceeds from the book would go to the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Soon, the recipes began to arrive. They included contributions from Doug Katz, chef-owner of Fire Food & Drink in Cleveland’s Shaker Square; Zack Bruell, owner of L’Albatros, Parallax and other Cleveland restaurants; Jonathan Bennett of Moxie the Restaurant and Red the Steakhouse, both in Beachwood; and Michael Symon of Lola, Lolita and B Spot restaurants. All in all, 26 chefs contributed towards filling the book’s 178 pages with their own unique creations.
“Great Chefs of Cleveland”, as the book is aptly titled, includes food advice, definitions and ingredient substitutions in addition to dozens of recipes. Rounding out the food content of the book are wine recommendations and a section on champagne and sparkling wine from Dina Kostis of Pickwick & Frolic, and cocktail recipes from Lisa Horner, mixologist for Kevin’s Martini Bar, also at Pickwick & Frolic.
Poems written by one of Gruenspan’s friends who also has MS, as well as passages written by Gruenspan and other people with MS add a touch of poignancy and serve as reminders that the book is for a good cause.
“Some people love art or music. I love to do food,” Gruenspan said.
“Great Chefs of Cleveland” is available online at msohiobuckeye.org or at the following restaurants for $35: Pearl of the Orient East, Moxie the Restaurant, Fire Food & Drink, and Zack Bruell restaurants. All proceeds from the books will go to benefit the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Funds support programs ranging from transportation for medical appointments to aquatic exercise classes.
