Douglas Trattner

For more than a decade, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer covering every square inch of Cleveland for local, regional, national, and international publications. His work has been published in "Food Network" magazine, "Miami Herald, Globe and Mail," and "Wine & Spirits." In his longstanding role as dining editor, Douglas garnered the title of "Best Critic in Ohio" from the Society of Professional Journalists. While Douglas still pens weekly restaurant reviews, he also serves as founder and managing editor of "Fresh Water Cleveland," a digital magazine that covers Northeast Ohio's most compelling people, businesses, and organizations. Douglas also is co-author of Michael Symon's "Carnivore," a "New York Times" best-selling cookbook, and "5 in 5," another Symon cookbook that was published in late 2013. After writing professionally about his hometown for so long, Douglas assumed there was little left to discover. With fresh eyes, he gave his favorite burg a top-to-bottom reexamination, the result of which you now hold in your hands. He walked away from the project an even bigger fan of Cleveland, uncovering new shops, restaurants, museums, and hidden gems. Douglas's penchant for exploring novel and untested places didn't always pan out; numerous destinations failed to pass muster, ending up on the cutting-room floor. But even a seemingly wasted trip clear across town failed to dampen his spirit. As Douglas can so often be heard saying: "It still beats practicing law." He lives in Cleveland Heights with his wife, two dogs, and four chickens.