In 2013, Debbie Hanson of ClevelandPeople.com created the Food Adventurers Passport Program. Passport holders visited local ethnic restaurants and learned about the food and culture while enjoying camaraderie and a great meal. Passport holders get a special presentation from the staff and a special offer at the featured restaurant. It was a lot of fun but then Covid hit and Debbie's health took a bad turn so the program stopped. But in her honor (she passed away in April 2025) we are bringing back the group as the Debbie Hanson Food Adventurers.
We have a date and location for the first Debbie Hanson Food Adventure. It will be Wednesday September 24 at YYTime. It's located at the SE corner of East 30th and Payne where Mueller Tire used to be. Lots of free parking. It's a beautiful space - a mix of modern and traditional. And the food is billed as Asian street food favorites.
When I was there I had Bang-Bang Chicken and a traditional noodle dish where everyone gets their own pot.
Bang Bang Chicken
YYTimes Noodles
We are still working with the chef for a special menu. We will start promptly at 6PM so come a little before that. You have to RSVP and it's First Come, First Served. Once you RSVP we will send more details.As Irish poet William Butler Yeats said, "There are No Strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet." We hope you can join us.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Debbie Hanson Food Adventurers Program?
The Debbie Hanson Food Adventurers are a group that visit local ethnic restaurants and learn about the food and culture while enjoying camaraderie and a great meal. Members get a special presentation from the staff and often a special offer at the featured restaurant.
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What should I wear to the restaurant?
This may vary depending on the restaurant and time of year. But in general, dress for a nice restaurant. Business casual is always appropriate and ethnic garb is fun and acceptable. Top of Page
What should I expect at an event?
This will vary but in general you will be served a special meal with your fellow Adventurers. You will be given a presentation from the Chef, Owner or knowledgeable other person who will explain the preparation of the food, the spices, how to order and so on. There may be cultural extras such as musical performances.
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How much will it cost?
Each event will have a different cost but we plan on all events to be in the $25 to $35 range including tax and tip. You can see the expected price of an upcoming event on the webpage for that event. Top of Page
Who do I pay?
At each event you pay the restaurant directly for the featured dinner and any extras you may order.
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None of my friends want to come with me. Can I come alone?
One of the best parts, we think, about the Debbie Hanson Food Adventurers Program is that you don't have to have a companion to participate. We realize that not everyone wants to try new things but that shouldn't stop you, a true adventurer, from having fun. This is not a "couples event" (though they are welcome) so it is perfect opportunity if you are unattached or if your friends don't like this kind of thing to participate. Top of Page
How often will there be events?
We are planning on having an adventure every 6 weeks or so. We expect to have other adventures as well - perhaps a holiday event, Drinks of the World event, tours of ethnic places and so on.
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What type of restaurants will we go to?
We will be visiting restaurants that serve authentic food and represent their culture. We plan on featuring a variety of different cuisines and cultures - from all over the world.
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Can I bring a guest?
Sure, as long as they sign up in advance. Part of the fun of the Food Adventure is to meet new people and not have to have a companion to enjoy these affairs.Top of Page
Will there be wine, beer or other alcohol?
We expect that most of the restaurants we visit will have some type of alcoholic beverage available for purchase. Note that you are on your own in purchasing any alcoholic drinks.
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I know a great restaurant for an adventure. Can I tell you?
Sure. We are always looking for new adventures and appreciate your suggestions.
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Where and When is the next event?
The next event (and links to past adventures will be posted on the main Food Adventurers Page. But sign up to be notified early so it doesn't fill up and you miss out.
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Here are some descriptions of some of the places we visited in the past.
Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant
2240 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
November 6, 2017
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in November 2017 was to Ethiopia. Zoma Owner Zeleke Belete told the Food Adventurers that they had entered a Fork Free Zone and explained that Ethiopian food is eaten with the spongy injera bread instead of silverware..
Zeleke Belete and his wife
The menu was varied and traditional and finished with an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
The Food Adventurers also enjoyed hearing about Ethiopian culture, history and customs.
Photos, videos and more from the Ethiopia Adventure
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The Pearl Asian Kitchen - 20060 Van Aken Blvd
January 10, 2017
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in January 2017 was to China. Chef Rose Wong prepared a special menu anticipating the upcoming Chinese New Tear celebration for the 50 adventurers.
Flaming Sweet & Sour Fish
Attendees also enjoyed hearing about the Chinese Cultural Garden, Confucius Institute, 4 great novels of China and more. They also learned some basic Chinese language from Luling Li. 
Luling Li and Rose Wong
Photos, videos and more from the China Adventure
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Pho Thang Vietnamese Restaurant - 815 Superior Avenue East - Cleveland
August 16, 2016
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in August 2016 was to Vietnam. Owners Henry and Nancy Troung prepared a very special traditional Vietnamese dinner which included four courses: appetizers, soup (pho), entrees and dessert.
Attendees also enjoyed seeing some of the colorful fashions of Vietnam. And Vietnam Veteran Green Beret Lt Colonel Joseph Meissner told the story of 4 heroes of Vietnam.
Photos, videos and more from the Vietnam Adventure
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Lithuanian Club - 877 East 185th Street Cleveland
February 23, 2016
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in February 2016 was to Lithuania. We enjoyed delicious traditional Lithuanian food and drink and learned about Lithuanian history and culture. We enjoyed a musical performance on the kankles which is like a Lithuanian zither.In addition we saw a Tree Cake (Sakotis or Baumkuchen) being made in the kitchen upstairs.
Dainius Zalensas baking a Lithuanian tree cake
The menu included Cepelinai, the national dish of Lithuanian along with Kugelis (potato pudding), Vedarai (potato sausage) and a more familiar sausage and sauerkraut.Photos, videos and more from the Lithuania Adventure
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Korea House Restaurant at 3700 Superior
September 9, 2015
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in September 2015 was at the Korea House Restaurant at 37th and Superior in Cleveland. The Korea House has been in Cleveland for more than 30 years. Sean, son of the owner, served as our host.
People who enjoy trying different foods and learning about different cultures participate in the Food Adventurer's group. The first 50 Passport holders who RSVP'd enjoyed a sumptuous Korean meal and learned about the country, culture, customs and, of course, food of Korea.At the Korea House they always serve a bowl of rice and 8 different side dishes (banchan) with their meal including Kimchi.
The menu consisted of Korean seafood pancake (Haemul Pajeon) and a Mandu which is a dumpling similar to pelmeni and pierogi. Japanese miso soup was followed by with 3 entrees - beef, chicken and noodle. The beef dish was made with Korean vodka. The noodle dish is traditionally served on Korea's Thanksgiving Day and the chicken was marinated with kiwi, pear, garlic and more and then barbecued on a grill.Photos, videos and more from the Korean Adventure
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Dubrovnik Garden Restaurant in the Croatian Lodge
June 10, 2015
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in June 2015 was at at the Dubrovnik Garden Restaurant in the Croatian Lodge at 34900 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, OH 44095. People who enjoy trying different foods and learning about different cultures participate in the Food Adventurer's group. The first 50 Passport holders who RSVP'd enjoyed a sumptuous Croatian meal and learned about the country, culture, customs and, of course, food of Croatia.Dubrovnik is a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea. It's known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century.
The menu consisted of Bean Soup followed by a thinly cut Cabbage Slaw. The main course featured Raznicki (kabobs), Cevapcici (sausage), Stuffed Cabbage, Goulash over noodles and Home Style Potatoes. The dessert was Palicinke (polychinka).
Photos, videos and more from the Croatian Adventure
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Mad Greek Restaurant in Cleveland Heights
January 13, 2015
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in January 2015 was at the Mad Greek Restaurant in Cleveland Heights. The adventurers learned about Greek culture and sampled traditional Greek food and drink. One highlight was the bouzouki playing by Kosta Revelas.
Kosta Revelas playing bouzoukiPhotos, videos and more from the Mad Greek Adventure
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Claddagh Irish Restaurant in Lyndhurst
October 19, 2014
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in October 2014 was at the Claddagh Irish Restaurant in Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. 50 adventurers (with a waiting list) gathered to learn about Irish culture and food and share a traditional Irish breakfast. 
Bruce Grieg on bagpipes at the Claddagh eventPhotos, videos and more from the Claddagh Irish Adventure
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Europa Russian Restaurant in Pepper Pike
September 30, 2014
The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in September 2014 was at the Europa Russian Restaurant in Pepper Pike. Russia is a huge country. So just as there are many different languages and types of people in different parts of Russia, there are different food preferences. The Food Adventure to Europa was a sampling of many traditional Russian foods and culture.
Svetlana Stolyarova in the Ice Bar at EuropaPhotos, videos and more from the Europa Russian Adventure
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Emperor's Palace in old Chinatown in Cleveland
June 24, 2014
The AsiaTown neighborhood in Cleveland has grown and thrived the last several years. But the original Chinatown in Cleveland, a little West of AsiaTown - around East 21st and Rockwell, was not doing well. But Jason Lin, Henry Luu and others aree transforming the neighborhood and the Emperor's Palace Restaurant is the cornerstone.
Photos, videos and more from the Emperor's Palace Adventure
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Our next adventure was to the Middle East!Besides the excellent food, stories about Arabic culture and camaraderie everyone enjoyed trying the hookah pipe.
Kan Zaman owner Wael AyyadPhotos, videos and more from the Kan Zaman Arabic Adventure
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Our second food adventure took us south of the Border - to Mexico! We asked our passport holders what food they wanted to try next and the majority said MEXICAN!So we journeyed to Mi Pueblo Authentic Mexican Restaurant in University Circle. (11611 Euclid Avenue.)
Owner Gerardo Ortega walked us through Mexican foods and customs.
Mi Pueblo food adventurersPhotos, videos and more from the Mi Pueblo Adventure
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The first ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure was Wednesday July 24 at the Saffron Patch for an evening of Indian cuisine and culture.See more from the Saffron Patch adventure.
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