Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Gallucci's

Keeping in step with Cleveland's cultural diversity theme, one such establishment serving Northeast Ohio for over 85 years is the Gust Gallucci Company.

Fortunately for Cleveland and those who frequent Gallucci's on a regular basis, they survived the entire Euclid Corridor reformation.

Gallucci's sets in the Midtown Corridor at 6610 Euclid Avenue.

Not only can you or I pop in for a freshly made canoli, but Gallucci's distributes supplies, food, wines and numerous other items to area restaurants and businesses!

There's not a lot of fanfare outside of this small, warehouse type building and its gravel parking lot....but when you walk inside, you are transported back to the sights, sounds, and smells of Faeto, Italy.

After Gust Gallucci passed away, his sons Frank and Ray continued to carry the torch...and today, Ray's son carries on the family tradition along with a slew of other family members including Gust's great grandson!

All family members maintain the family business philosophy: "Always sell the best product at the best possible price and provide good service with a smile and a thank you."

Because of their extensive list of delicacies, it's rare when you can not find what you crave at Gallucci's ....from the homemade canolis...to their deli meats such as genoa salami....pastas and sauces.....oils and spices......Italian pastries....'ready to eat' kitchen area.....prosciutto or meatball sandwiches....an artichoke dip to die for....and so much more.....

In some families, visiting Gallucci's on New Year's Eve is a yearly tradition to start the year off right! It is in ours! This year in sub-zero temps, we battled Mother Nature to maintain a delicious custom! A delightful woman saw our two dozen canoli setting in our cart...asked how we liked it? I told her it was wonderful. She asked the baker for one to taste it....and wound up going back to get at least a dozen more!!!

Take a drive over to 6610 Euclid Avenue or log onto the Gallucci's website to take a gander at a list of their victuals, and you too, will see why Gallucci's is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy

Today kicks off the 110th anniversary of The Feast of the Assumption on Murray Hill in Cleveland's Little Italy District!

Church stands open up at 6pm and the great festival runs through Midnight Sunday evening.

The 'Feast' showcases multiple platforms without even trying.

First and foremost, the Feast of the Assumption (August 15th) celebrates Mary being 'assumed' into Heaven by God. This is a holy day of obligation. Mary has fully assumed her place in Heaven a total being --mind, spirit, and body --which continues to fulfill God's plan.

Next, Clevelanders of Italian descent gather to share their heritage, their religious beliefs, and family traditions!

A neighborhood comes together (the Little Italy residents as well as Holy Rosary Parish) to showcase to the city what they have to offer, to celebrate their roots, and to throw one of THE biggest parties in Cleveland!

If you have never been, you are missing out on a memorable experience!

This 4-day feast serves up the very best Italian food around--all homemade! Whatever you like, they have --cannoli, pizza, cavatelli, Italian sausage, fried dough, clams, pasta, Italian ice....the list is endless.......

The street fair closes down Mayfield Road so vendors and shop owners can showcase their fine wares while patrons walk around getting a flavor of the neighborhood.

There are games for the kids, games of chance, rides, live music each night, and souvenir stands.

The area just next to Holy Rosary Catholic Church is set up for folks to pray, to light candles for special intentions, and to buy authentic religious items.

Holy Rosary says this festival is their main fundraiser besides weekend collections which help Catholic school kids as well as maintaining the Church and Parish grounds.

Two of the highlights include the Solemn Mass on the Feast of the Assumption and then the procession around town...and on the final day, there is a candlelight procession and devotions followed by a spectacular fireworks show!

Cleveland's wonderful ethnic mix brings dozens of nationalities together ushering in a different festival each weekend!

However, this is one "Feast" you won't want to miss! Make your way down to Cleveland's Little Italy and you, too, will see why The Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy is this week's Hidden Gem!