Passport Magazine gets the inside scoop on gay Cleveland from caterer Hollie Ksiezyk. Matthew Wexler reports:
Cleveland rocks, according to Hollie Ksiezyk who has been the catering sales manager at the Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland (1515 West 3rd St. Tel: 216-623-1300. www.ritzcarlton.com/cleveland) for the past five years. Her career in the hospitality industry began during college when she worked in a country club. A few years later, a friend started a concierge company, which she joined before moving on to work in catering and special events.
What Hollie loves about her current position is the Ritz-Carlton’s work culture and commitment to their guests. “We put our guests first,” says Ksiezyk, “Our guests are our bosses. It’s the ultimate form of pampering.” And what’s not to love? The property is the city’s only four-star, four-diamond hotel and offers great city views, easy access to attractions such as The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and one of the best Sunday brunches in town. Ksiezyk has also developed LGBT packages for guests and works with Positively Cleveland (the city’s visitor’s bureau) to cultivate gay tourism to the region.
Where are the coolest places to go for cocktails in Cleveland?
Cleveland is fortunate to have world-renowned chefs that welcome visitors to their hot spots for cool cocktails. Michael Symon’s Lola (2058 East 4th St. Tel: 216-621-5652. www.lolabistro.com) has an unbelievable wine selection. The rooftop of Jonathon Sawyer’s Greenhouse Tavern (2038 East 4th St. Tel: 216-443-0511. www.thegreenhousetavern.com) is one of the coolest places to hang out in Cleveland. The Tremont neighborhood (one of the city’s oldest areas) features Rocco Whalen’s Fahrenheit (2417 Professor Ave. Tel: 216-781-8858. www.fahrenheittremont.com) where you can get the best martini in town. And then there’s LUXE (6605 Detroit Ave. Tel: 216-920-0600. www.luxecleveland. com) in the Gordon Square Theater District, showcasing a salvaged Art Deco bar and rescued panels from the Terminal Tower.
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