Call Me Judge Laura

Two food events coming up in the next couple of weeks. The first is the 4th annual Great International Gulyas-Goulash Cook Off, on June 17 from noon to 4 PM, It’s held outdoors at St. Emeric’s Church, located on West 22nd Street in Cleveland, right behind the West Side Market. Versions of the meaty paprika laced Hungarian stew are the star attraction. Contestants submit pots of their own special recipe and guests get to sample the dishes (until they run out). Competitors are welcome- just register in advance and show up with your dish. I’m one of the cook-off judges but you can be too- there’s also a People’s Choice award.

Also on the day’s menu are pogácsa (a flakey bacon studded biscuit), lángos (fried bread), strudel and local beers to wash it all down plus live traditional music. Might be just the thing for Father's Day. Tickets are $12, and that gets you samplings, bread, pickles, and a ballot. Purchase online at or at the door. Proceeds go towards the restoration of the Hungarian Cultural Gardens. Direct questions to gulyascookoff@gmail.com

I’m also a judge for the first-ever Heights Culinary Heritage Show on June 24. Twenty-five registered contestants (the deadline to register was end of April so it’s too late to enter) will be competing for a first place prize of $300, and all the recipes will be collected in a commemorative cookbook. The rules require dishes to be vegetarian and to have some cultural or ethnic significance that the cook must explain to the panel of tasters.

The free -adults only- event is hosted by Council Gardens, a cluster of garden apartments built on seven and half acres off Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Established in 1963, it provides affordable independent housing for people age 62 and over, and for mobility-impaired adults of any age. There will be refreshments, ethnic music and dancing.

The coolest thing about this place is the Community Garden and Urban Farm Project, and tours will be given the day of the Show. Residents grow flowers and organic fruits and vegetables and there’s a small weekly farmers market on the grounds that’s open to the public. Tickets must be reserved in advance at 216-630-7740.