Exciting News: Larder Supply's Grand Opening Rescheduled!
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Chefs Jeremy Umansky and Allie La Valle had set their sights on launching the much-anticipated Larder Supply on December 14. However, due to unexpected snowy weather conditions, they have decided to move the opening to Saturday, December 20, from noon to 6 p.m. This event will mark their first knife sharpening session alongside a shopping experience, allowing eager culinary enthusiasts to explore what Larder Supply has to offer.
Initially conceived as a simple specialty retail outlet, Larder Supply is evolving into a more dynamic and versatile space. The focus on knife sharpening is just one aspect of this exciting new direction.
Umansky and La Valle, who are also the creative minds behind Larder Delicatessen & Bakery in Hingetown, have reimagined Larder Supply as a center for culinary education, events, and consulting services, all while maintaining a smaller selection of thoughtfully chosen retail items.
Located in a cozy 500-square-foot area directly across from their unique firehouse restaurant on West 29th Street, Larder Supply was originally set to debut in the spring of 2024 with an array of imported Japanese knives and European cooking tools. However, challenges related to global politics and tariffs led them to rethink their initial plans.
Rather than remain in limbo, this culinary duo opted to redefine the space's purpose, focusing on hands-on educational experiences, chef-led events, and personalized consulting services, complemented by a carefully curated collection of practical kitchen tools.
During the grand opening on December 20, attendees will have the opportunity to watch Umansky demonstrate knife sharpening using a belt sharpener. He will also share valuable tips on proper care and techniques for maintaining high-quality blades, emphasizing that owners of premium knives might benefit more from learning to sharpen with a whetstone.
Initially, Larder Supply will only be open for shopping during these special event hours, as the inventory continues to grow. Education remains at the heart of their mission. A knife skills class led by Umansky is scheduled for Sunday, December 28, from 2 to 3 p.m., with further classes and talks in the pipeline. Umansky anticipates welcoming fellow culinary educators, such as Rich Shih, his co-author of "Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-Based Fermentation," as well as Danny Childs, an ethnobotanist and mixologist known for his book "Slow Drinks."
Additionally, the space will feature Umansky’s personal culinary library, which he intends to utilize as a research tool for clients. This library will serve as a foundation for consulting work that encompasses areas such as fermentation, food systems, and culinary innovation.
For Umansky and La Valle, Larder Supply has transformed from merely a retail venture into a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering community, and adapting to the ever-evolving culinary landscape—one class, conversation, and consultation at a time.
Paris Wolfe is a reporter specializing in dining, drinking, and culture for Cleveland.com | The Plain Dealer, with a keen interest in the local food, dining, spirits, and cocktail scene, bringing over 30 years of writing experience to her coverage.
