Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison, owners of Salt in Lakewood, are busy with two new projects. The first is Poppy, which will open this spring in the former Felice space on Larchmere. Down the road, Evelyn, their new Spanish eatery, will open in the former Spice Kitchen property in Gordon Square. Credit: Douglas Trattner

As Covid marches on, fueled by the more contagious Delta variant, more and more businesses are requiring proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 tests for entry into their establishments.

We can add Felice (12502 Larchmere Blvd., 216-791-0918) on the Cleveland-Shaker border to the list. The 13-year-old restaurant recently announced that in an effort to protect the safety of its staff and guests, would-be diners must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

The responses on social media, as one can likely imagine, have been widely mixed. While the majority of people who elected to comment praised the restaurant for its decision while vowing to dine there in support, others were incensed. (Top tip: Never read the comments.)

Here is the statement from Felice:

“Given the increase in Covid cases we are taking steps to keep our staff and guests safe. Starting on September 1, 2021 we are asking guests for proof of vaccine (photo of your card on the phone will be accepted) or a negative Covid test within 72 hours of your visit. We appreciate your patience and understanding to help protect our community and we are grateful for your continued support of Felice.”

This article appears in Aug 25 – Sep 7, 2021.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.