2021 To Dine Challenge Submissions

Well, what a wild and unusual time 2020 was. But, I still completed my annual To Dine Challenge, and it's almost time to kick off a new list.

For those of you newer around these parts, every December I ask my readers to submit restaurants to be considered for my version of a New Year's Resolution. Then, on January 1st I announce a new list of 10 local, independently-owned restaurants that I challenge myself to dine at over the next 12 months and share here. 

So, hit me with those restaurant suggestions in the blog comments or on social media (@BiteBuff)! 

I want to focus the 2021 list on minority-owned restaurants, restaurants that may be particularly struggling with the effects of the pandemic, and restaurants that will continue to offer carry-out or delivery. 

For us, I don't think we'll feel comfortable dining in until a vaccine is widely distributed. So at least through the winter and early spring we'll likely be sticking to takeout. 

- What is your favorite hidden gem in your neighborhood?
- Did you discover any new-to-you cuisines in 2020 at a local spot we should check out?
- Is a business you love hurting from the economic crisis and COVID precautions in place that could use some extra love?
- Is there a black-owned restaurant that you'd like to see highlighted here?

Our restaurants are hurting, and I want to continue to shine a light on the experiences we have around Northeast Ohio. I encourage you to continue to support your favorite restaurants in a responsible way. Order takeout, purchase a gift card to use in the future or as a gift, and tip generously. 

If you'd like to check out some past To Dine Challenge lists, here are the most recent:
2020
2019
2017

Thank you for sending me your submissions! You all always come up with such excellent suggestions, and I look forward to narrowing down this list every year to the 10 I'll challenge myself to.