Home Care In Chagrin Falls, OH

Randy Knecht, a Wisconsin man who's dedicated much of his life to his former high school's sports program, had been deprived of watching his daughter, Ana, compete at the same school he once attended, due to poor health.

That all changed earlier this month, though, when Knecht and his friends concocted a plan to surprise Ana at her high school's basketball parents' night.

Knecht told "Good Morning America" that he decided several months ago that he'd attend the parents' night game to show support for his daughter.

Knecht, who spent more than 20 years coaching football and basketball at Cochrane-Fountain City High School, is currently being treated for several health conditions, including diabetes, at a medical facility in Wabash, Minnesota.

"The plan started as a goal," said Knecht. "I'm setting a goal that I am out of this place in time for Ana's parents' night."

Knecht hit upon the idea while sharing with two longtime friends his desire to attend Ana's game. The idea quickly developed into a plot to surprise Ana, who'd already been told by her father that he wouldn't be able to make the game.

"She said 'Dad, I understand totally. You got to get better. You do what works for you,'" Knecht said.

On Jan. 16, the night of the game, Knecht's friends picked him up and drove him to the big game, where he was ushered onto the court, embraced his surprised daughter, and then spoke a few words to her before the game.

In the video, captured by ABC affiliate WXOW, Ana can be seen walking to center court, teary-eyed and holding a single rose, and embracing Knecht, who's equally emotional, sitting in an electric wheelchair.

"I had no idea and I was very shocked," Ana Knecht told WXOW. "I thought I was in a dream. I just hugged my mom and cried. I went down and hugged him and said hello."

"I think what I said is, you know, 'I love you Annie so much, and we worked hard on putting this together,'" said Knecht, who added he was hoping his surprise wouldn't throw her daughter off of her game.

Knecht, who is vision impaired, said that at one moment when Ana scored a basket, he was suddenly able to see with "20/20" vision the moment that mattered most. He called the entire event "The best day of my life."

"Everybody was there for parents' night, but in essence it really just puts life in a perspective," said Cochrane-Fountain City High School girls' basketball coach Rick Peterson. He called the evening a "very emotional night for everybody involved."

"When times are tough, when I'm sitting here at night, and my pain is 15 out of 10…[I] pop open my computer, watch the video, and that's therapy enough," said Knecht.

"After what we did on parents' night, I don't want to say I don't care, but who cares what happens to me now?" Knecht added.

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio – Restaurateur Brad Friedlander is getting back into the game.

He is reviving Lopez, his old Mexican restaurant, this time at 506 E. Washington St. in Chagrin Falls. The address had been home to several restaurants in the recent past and is next to a Burntwood Tavern.

Friedlander told cleveland.com he just took possession of the restaurant Thursday and hopes to open in mid-November. He said he has replaced kitchen equipment and the chefs are starting to cook today – Friday, Oct. 27.

Friedlander had wanted to open a Mexican place after returning to Cleveland in the 1970s from California to work with his father, also in the restaurant business. There were ones here and there, and a couple of little places on the West Side, he said, but that was about it.

Then – in a right-place, right-time situation - noted chef Rick Bayless had come into town to do some cooking classes, and Friedlander seized what he called the “fortuitous” moment.

“We knew back then what he was. He was the Van Gogh of Mexican food,” he said. “The things he did, the things that he taught, the way he behaved set the tenor in my kitchens for the last 50 years - the cleanliness, the quality, the freshness.”

Friedlander had opened what was Lopez y Gonzalez in 1980. Its original location was at 2066 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. It closed in 1998. Even with Friedlander’s experience, Bayless’ name and a focus on upscale Mexican – this was not a place to just grab a few tacos – there was a learning curve among diners.

When the restaurant opened, “People didn’t understand it. They were coming in looking for chimichangas. They were looking for things we weren’t doing. They didn’t understand jalapeno mustard sauce, fish dishes, the chicken. We loved the food and it was phenomenal, but the public didn’t take to it right away.

“The people who understood what we were doing appreciated it; the people who didn’t condemned us.”

Then a glowing review ran in The Plain Dealer, and the restaurant took off.

Now it’s Lopez 2.0.

“It’s going to be like Lopez y Gonzalez, but just the Lopez part,” he joked.

Armed with Bayless’ recipes, the restaurant will accommodate about 50 seats with 25 to 30 on the patio.

“It’s going to be a small restaurant, because I know what it’s like to have a big restaurant these days,” he said.

“One of the fearful things about doing something like this is everyone is going to say, ‘It’s not the same.’ That’s a big thing.”

Friedlander said he contacted many of the original employees to test the food in a beta-like, trial-and-error stage.

“It’s so different from any Mexican restaurant in Cleveland,” he said. “It’s not taco-based. We do Mexican entrees.”

While there will be some enchiladas and tacos al carbon, expect diverse culinary offerings. As good Italian restaurants know to offer more than spaghetti and meatballs, a true Mexican menu will have an array of dishes.

The wide-ranging menu will include salmon, game hen, chicken mezcal, pork chops and assorted fish dishes, he said. Many will be based on the original recipes, which Friedlander has.

He closed Blu, the Restaurant in 2022 because of economic issues and staffing challenges, residual effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Blu - like Red, the Steakhouse and Moxie, two other Friedlander joints – was pretty spacious.

“My kitchen before (at Red and Moxie) was bigger than this whole restaurant,” he said.

“The situation for me is I can’t see operating a large restaurant anymore,” he said. “It’s just too difficult getting qualified help.”

Friedlander said when he owned Moxie and Red, he had 125 to 130 employees. About 45 of those were Culinary Institute of America graduates.

“When I closed those restaurants,” he said, “I didn’t have one.”

He has chefs lined up and has been approached by his original bartenders. And he said he’s going to start with a small, manageable menu that probably will be expanded.

“I’ve got to deliver and make the food as good as it was,” he said.

I am on cleveland.com’s life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. For my recent stories, here’s a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursdays. Twitter: @mbona30. My latest book, co-authored with Dan Murphy, is “Joe Thomas: Not Your Average Joe” by Gray & Co.

Get a jumpstart on the weekend. Sign up for Cleveland.com’s weekly “In the CLE” email newsletter, your essential guide to the top things to do in Greater Cleveland. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings - an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. Click here to subscribe. Cleveland.com newsletters are free.

Like cool local food + drinks photos and videos? Follow @DineDrinkCLE on Instagram.

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- After having its moment in the national television spotlight this past summer on “Good Morning America,” Chagrin Falls will once again be in the public eye as Seema Acharya competes in the Food Network’s “The Big Bake: Holiday” episode Nov. 13.

Acharya, who owns the Frosted Cake Art bakery in Chagrin Falls, will team up with fellow bakers Matt Marotto, a pastry chef from New Jersey, and Jeremy Davis, a cake artist from Michigan.

The trio’s charge is to bake a cake that is unique, festive and defies gravity in a larger-than-life design.

Acharya’s hand-chosen bakery team will compete against two other cake-building teams with the hopes of winning a $10,000 prize.

Her team will have five hours to create an out-of-the box, holiday-themed cake such as “Jingle Bell Rockin” to impress host Brad Smith and judges Danni Rose, Eddie Jackson and Ron Ben-Israel.

The Manor Brook Drive resident describes baking cakes on camera as a “ninja experience.”

“Working on cakes on the set in front of the camera was truly incredible. The time constraints added an adrenaline rush, pushing me to think creatively and work swiftly,” Acharya said in describing the taping.

“The Big Bake: Holiday” starts Nov. 6, but Acharya’s episode will air the following week.

Acharya is no stranger to cake competition shows, as she has appeared in the past as a judge on the Food Network’s “Buddy vs. Duff” and as a contestant on the Food Network’s “Chocolate Meltdown: Hershey’s After Dark” and Netflix’s “Sugar Rush.”

The Frosted Cake Art owner said she plugged Chagrin Falls during the taping of “The Big Bake,” but is uncertain whether her remarks made the show’s final cut.

Fans of Acharya’s cake sculptures can thank her for not finding a bakery years ago to make her son’s birthday cake, prompting her to take matters into her own hands and made the cake herself.

Soon after the adrenaline rush of making her son’s birthday cake began to wear off, Acharya started to take cake-decorating classes at Michael’s.

After mastering the cake craft for friends and family, Acharya opened Frosted Cake Art in 2014. The shop specializes in cakes and other pastry for special occasions such as weddings, holidays and -- of course -- birthdays.

Most travelers on an Ohio itinerary naturally gravitate towards headliners like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. While the towering skyscrapers with bright neon lights can be inviting, Ohio offers much more beyond its large cities. Numerous destinations throughout the state, including its countryside, provide a unique experience away from the hustle and bustle of crowded urban centers.

The small localities in Ohio deliver a charming balance between tranquility and diversity. The streets are quieter, and the pace of life is comfortably slow. They are also home to rich history, unique culture, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly, close-knit communities showcasing trademark Midwestern hospitality. This combination results in an enthralling vacation experience for all travelers. Whether planning your first trip to the Buckeye State or contemplating a return, here are picture-perfect towns in Ohio.

More in OhioDiscover 9 towns in Ohio that are ideal for seniors.

Yellow Springs

Yellow Springs is more than a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by green open spaces and sprawling state parks. This tiny village in Greene County, known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and cultural events, also boasts a scenic natural wonder it was named after. The Yellow Springs, named for the iron-rich waters that leave a yellowish stain, is located inside the Glen Helen Nature Preserve and fascinates tourists with its unique natural spectacle. The preserve features over 20 miles of trails, allowing hikers and explorers to admire the delightful surroundings. Nearby, the John Bryan State Park and the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve are renowned for their distinctive geological features and natural beauty, offering endless opportunities for campers, trekkers, bikers, and more.

Closer to the village center, Yellow Springs has a vibrant downtown area brimming with independent shops, local eateries, and street art. For a glimpse into the local art scene, the Village Artisans Co-op, a collective of local artists and craftspeople, sells handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and photography, highlighting the community-driven art scene. Lastly, you can cap off the day by stopping by Young’s Jersey Dairy for a delicious ice-cold treat.

Chagrin Falls

Chagrin Falls is distinguished by the gorgeous natural waterfall on the Chagrin River, which flows through the heart of its downtown. This spectacular focal point attracts visitors to this small Cleveland suburb and serves as an ideal backdrop for photography. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Frohring Meadows, a sprawling nature spot with lush prairies and woodlands. With almost 3.5 miles of trail winding through the park, it offers an ideal setting for hiking and sightseeing. Downtown Chagrin Falls is a vibrant district featuring a charming mix of art galleries, restaurants, and shopping stores, highlighting the area's diversity.

The Glass Asylum stands out as a notable attraction, particularly for newcomers to the town. This art gallery showcases intricate glass-blowing art and offers visitors the opportunity to learn this unique technique. Another exciting venue is the Chagrin Valley Little Theater, which has been a community staple since 1930. It is a delightful venue for family-friendly live performances and a chance to experience local history.

Marietta

Historic Marietta, founded in 1788, was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Located along the banks of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, it boasts a rich river boating heritage, still celebrated through events like the annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. This event marks one of the most vibrant times to visit the community, offering endless family-friendly entertainment. Marietta’s rich history is preserved at the Campus Martius Museum. Situated on the site of the first organized American settlement built in 1788, the museum provides insights into civilian life at that time.

The downtown district of Marietta reflects the rich history of bygone eras. It hosts a mix of the town’s antique attractions, including the stunning Basilica of Saint Mary and the 1847 Henry Fearing Home Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts.

Peninsula

Peninsula offers dramatic vistas along the Cuyahoga River. This small community in Summit County, with a population of about 600, is nestled within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Visitors can enjoy a diverse natural experience exploring the park's flora and fauna. The park features a range of landscapes, including lush forests, beautiful waterfalls, and river canals, providing countless recreational opportunities. Outdoorsy travelers will be spoilt for choice with the sheer number of hiking trails in Peninsula.

Highlights include the Salt Run Trail, covering about 3.25 miles, offering a challenging hike through woodlands, rugged hills, and meadows. The Stanford Trails, equally challenging, rewards hikers with views of Brandywine Falls. Peninsula is also known for its antiques, art, and collectibles, which visitors can explore at Peninsula Village Antiques for unique souvenirs.

Vermilion

Vermilion, situated along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, offers tourists unrivaled views of the lake. Its charming harbor, pristine beaches, and tranquil rural atmosphere make it a prime destination for a lakeside getaway in Ohio. The Vermilion River Reservation features a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for leisurely walks along its shaded trails. The Vermilion Lighthouse at Harborview Park is the town’s most iconic landmark, offering spectacular views of Lake Erie and its magical sunsets.

Main Street Beach, close to downtown, is popular for its swimming and water sports opportunities, including canoeing and kayaking. Vermilion’s town center, a pedestrian-friendly area, is dotted with charming businesses, offering a chance to mingle with friendly locals. For those with a sweet tooth, Brummer’s Homemade Chocolates is a must-visit.

Tipp City

Adorable history, unique culture, and beautiful open spaces come together harmoniously in this charming little city in Miami County. Tipp City’s allure is evident in its beautiful parks and exciting community festivals. Charleston Falls Preserve spans over 200 acres of natural wilderness, inviting hikers to explore its rich biodiversity, including wildlife and rare plant species such as walking fern, wild columbine, and purple cliff brake. Meanwhile, Kyle Park offers a more urban recreational space with facilities for sports such as baseball.

The local dining scene is impressive, featuring a mix of restaurants with deep international influences. For instance, at Fridas Mexican Kitchen and Bar, visitors can enjoy sumptuous Mexican cuisine like enchiladas and chimichanga. For a more immersive cultural experience, visitors can plan their trip to coincide with the annual Tipp City Mum Music Festival.

Twinsburg

Located halfway between Akron and Cleveland, Twinsburg offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Ohio’s big cities. Home to about 20,000 residents, it effectively balances natural and urban attractions. At the Twinsburg Historical Society Museum, visitors can explore various artifacts and learn about Twinsburg’s history, including its founding by identical twins Aaron and Moses Wilcox. Liberty Park, a popular spot in Twinsburg, offers facilities for sports like soccer and baseball, amidst its beautiful outdoor setting.

For those seeking wilder adventures, the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an excellent choice. Twinsburg is renowned for hosting the Twins Day Festival, the largest gathering of twins in the world, making it a unique time to visit as people from around the globe come together to celebrate the town’s unique heritage

Cambridge

Cambridge is a small city in southeastern Ohio, lying in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The town is renowned for its glassware manufacturing heritage, which visitors can learn more about at the historic Cambridge Glass Company. The National Museum of Cambridge Glass offers deeper insight into this rich heritage, housing an elegant collection of glassware and providing interactive experiences that simulate working at the Cambridge Glass Company. But there is more to Cambridge than its glassware reputation. Stepping outside, Cambridge City Parks offer an exciting mix of outdoor activities. With five parks spread across the city and over 890 acres of green space, visitors can enjoy picnicking, sightseeing, people-watching, and relaxing. Additionally, the 7-mile paved Great Guernsey Trail is ideal for hiking, biking, and skateboarding, offering a scenic exploration of the area’s backcountry.

Granville

This charming town in Licking County delights with a peaceful, rural atmosphere, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. Home to Denison University, its youthful student population imparts an upbeat personality to Granville. The town's history can be explored at the Granville Historical Society Museum, which displays a range of unique artifacts dating back two centuries. Prominent landmarks, such as the Avery Downer House and Granville Inn, showcase the town’s conspicuous New England-style architecture.

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Wildwood Park, a popular destination for outdoor recreation. This charming public park offers multiple sports facilities, including baseball, basketball, and soccer fields. It also features a playground, picnic tables, and grills, making it an ideal location for a family day out.

Waterville

For those seeking a secluded, rural retreat, Waterville offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of privacy. This quaint riverfront community is situated along the fertile banks of the Maumee River. Its rich history dates back to the late 18th century when Europeans first settled in the town. Among Waterville’s top landmarks is Roche de Boeuf, the site of a historic 1908 bridge over the Maumee River. The annual Roche de Boeuf Festival is an exciting time to join locals in celebrating their history and culture. Waterville features natural attractions such as BendView MetroPark, with quiet scenic trails for hiking and biking, and opportunities for kayaking along the Maumee River. Meanwhile, Farnsworth Metropark offers a more family-friendly atmosphere, where pets are also welcome.

Put-In-Bay

This picturesque village on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island is approximately three miles from the mainland. It is a popular summer destination, attracting tourists with its fun water adventures, lively downtown, and perch fishing opportunities. History enthusiasts will appreciate the historic homes and the imposing Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument, which commemorates the 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Standing at almost 107 meters, it is among the country’s tallest monuments.

Visitors with families can enjoy Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, which features activities like wall climbing and gem mining. The complex also includes the beautiful Butterfly House, home to hundreds of colorful tropical butterflies in a serene, green rainforest environment. A visit to Put-In-Bay Winery is recommended for those interested in sampling the local wine scene.

Final Thoughts

Midwestern America is home to some of the most appealing states for visitors in the country, with Ohio ranking among its most interesting destinations. Boasting diverse natural landscapes, numerous state parks, remarkable history, and rich cultures, Ohio has all the hallmarks of an unforgettable getaway. Visiting these small towns in Ohio presents a unique opportunity to experience a distinctive side of the Buckeye State.

Owner Eddie Tancredi told 3News' Austin Love how they revitalized an old blacksmith workshop into a desirable pizza spot.

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Located in the heart of Chagrin Falls, ETalian has quickly become a crowd favorite. The secret sauce to their pizza? Simplicity, and it's paying off.

The man behind the dough is chef and owner Eddie Tancredi. And with a name like that, he was born for slicing za!

"It just goes with it," Tancredi laughed. "It goes with the flow."

He is putting his own flair into food and into the name of the shop.

"So it's my initials, Eddie Tancredi. I actually had this name ETalian since I was 20 years old, and I've just been waiting to use it," said Tancredi.

Tancredi is using pizza to revitalize a historic Chagrin Falls building that sat vacant for years.

"This building is from the late 1800s. It's actually one of the first buildings built in Chagrin Falls," said Tancredi. "It used to be a blacksmith, so it kind of ties into a pizzeria as well. Blacksmiths back then were using fire to make their things, just like we do now for our pizzas with the wood-fired oven."

ETalian is pumping out a bit more of a delicious product now, though... and according to Tancredi, it all starts with the dough.

"We use four ingredients (for the dough)... flour, fresh yeast, salt and water. That's it," he said.

That dough then gets topped with their homemade tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh toppings and cooked to perfection in their 800-degree Italian wood-fired oven.

Along with pizza, they serve fresh salads, home-baked bread, desserts, and a Tancredi original, a pizza wrap that incorporates all the best of a pizza and a salad.

"When you're coming in here, be ready to have a good time. We cook everything to order with fresh ingredients. Just come in with a good attitude, and we will be happy to serve you," said Tancredi.

ETalian is located at 13 Bell Street in Chagrin Falls and is open every day at 11 a.m. For more head to their website www.etalianpizza.com.

MORE FROM 3NEWS' AUSTIN LOVE: