Alumna Finds Success as Chef, Restaurateur
After a three-day journey from Ukraine, Natasha Pogrebinsky, along with her parents and younger brother, arrived in the United States on January 2, 1991. They had three suitcases and just $200. Two weeks later, they left New York City for a permanent home in Parma, Ohio.
Today, the CSU alumna is an acclaimed chef, culinary instructor and expert on Eastern European cuisine who has appeared on eight television shows, including Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay, and been featured in The New York Times.
It’s been quite a journey and acclimating to a new country shortly before her 10th birthday was not easy.
“It felt like a slow motion, black and white movie,” she recalls. “I experienced a lot of stigma from other children. It was hard to make friends and getting used to the food was a huge culture shock – harder than the language. But I loved cereal and Saturday morning cartoons.”
Not until she was a student at Normandy High School did Pogrebinsky feel truly comfortable in her new homeland. Following graduation and hoping for a career in teaching or nursing, she started college at Case Western Reserve University, then transferred to CSU, earning a BA in history and social studies in 2005.
“CSU was more than a school — it was a community in which life background and passions connected. I really felt comfortable and grew because of the diversity of the student population,” she says. “I had amazing professors and our student voices and influence could go beyond the classroom. CSU opened opportunities for me.”
Following college, Pogrebinsky taught school for four years in Ohio, Maryland and New York, as well as hospitality management as an adjunct professor at the City University of New York for five years.
While teaching and also working part time in restaurants, she took a step that would alter her career – enrolling in the French Culinary Institute (now International Culinary Center) in New York “just as culinary arts were starting to take off.”
After graduating and working as a chef and executive director of culinary operations at several New York restaurants, she and her brother opened Bear restaurant in November 2011. With its menu of refined European dishes, Bear was a success and for the next several years, the duo continued to wow New Yorkers with tasty ethnic delicacies.
In 2016, they closed Bear and she returned to the Cleveland area where she is now the executive chef and director of culinary operations at The South Side and Hi & Dry in the Tremont area.
Her menus showcase Eastern European dishes made from fresh ingredients – “eggs, milk, beef, pork and chicken from farms located 20 to 40 miles away, bratwurst and kielbasa from the West Side Market, Ohio City pasta,” she says.
“Food has no borders. Eastern European cuisine goes beyond ethnic recipes and uses a lot of ingredients in our culture,” she adds. “I am always looking to blend recipes slightly differently, create new flavor spectrums and expand the sphere of what we know as modern cuisine.”
The chef is currently working on a documentary with CSU’s School of Film & Media Arts. Chef in the Land, a concept she brought to the film school, will explore a chef’s life in Cleveland and include visits to restaurants, interviews with fellow chefs and even a recipe book. She is the film’s creator and writer; CSU students are filming, editing and doing post-production work.
In addition, she and her brother Alexander (also a CSU graduate) are working on a tech startup in Cleveland that she says will revolutionize the restaurant industry. They hope to release a working prototype in early 2020.
The alumna is proud of her success and feels the best is yet to come.
“I opened a restaurant in New York, was successful and achieved status in the field. I was one of the first American chefs to promote Eastern European cuisine that is modern and relevant, not mom-and-pop style. I am always looking for new projects. I want to grow The South Side and hire CSU students. I want to complete Chef in the Land and open a restaurant here. I want to keep progressing in my career – I’m not even halfway finished!”
Also in This Issue...
Addressing Food Insecurities Among Students
According to the College & University Food Bank Alliance, 36 percent of college students experience food insecurity while nine percent are homeless.
Making Food Safer
In a chemical engineering laboratory in the heart of Fenn Hall, a team of mathematics and engineering students and faculty begin an expirement that could enhance food safety.
Making Great Kraut
Drew Anderson (BBA ’09) turned his love for homemade sauerkraut into Cleveland Kraut, sold in 3,500+ stores with inventive flavors and national acclaim — proving fermentation can be bold and local.
Community Roots
Sam McNulty (BA ’97) launched his hospitality career at CSU and now runs top Ohio City bars and Market Garden Brewery. He’s also redeveloping Duck Island, connecting Cleveland neighborhoods.
Global Agriculture Grows the World
Charlotte Sine graduated from Fenn College in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in English. That degree served her well during a 46-year career in various editorial positions at Meister Media Worldwide.
A Message from the President
President Harlan M. Sands marks his first year, spotlighting CSU’s student-centered achievements: Say Yes scholarships, new partnerships, global outreach, and seven strategic priorities forward together.
Love Letter to Cleveland
A 58‑ft mural by Gary and Laura Dumm now graces CSU’s Michael Schwartz Library, celebrating local landmarks and history, funded by community and tied to Cleveland Memory Project.
CSU Among Nation’s Best
Cleveland State has once again been selected by The Wall Street Journal as one of the best universities in the United States.
C|M|LAW Hall of Fame
The Cleveland-Marshall Law Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to honor alumni, faculty, staff, friends and community leaders who have contributed to the success and prestige of the law school.
Increasing Degree Attainment
CSU is part of a statewide partnership, led by College Now Greater Cleveland, selected to join Degrees When Due. This national initiative seeks to assist students who have some college credits to complete their degrees.
Sands Shares Plans for Year Two
Seven new initiatives, including a Forward Together Innovation Challenge, were announced as part of President Harlan Sands’ first State of the University address.
New Leaders Join Team CSU
Three highly regarded, results-driven individuals have joined the University’s leadership team.
LCC Joins Enhanced Transfer Partnership
Cleveland State University has created a series of innovative partnerships with local community colleges which are designed to create a comprehensive, assistive pathway for students to make the easy transition to Cleveland State.
Parker Hannifin Students Live and Learn
In early 2019, Cleveland became the fourth Say Yes to Education chapter in the nation, thereby making college free for virtually all Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) graduates.
Pooling Their Knowledge
CSU partnered with the Seven Hills Recreation Center to improve sensory processing and socialization for children with special needs through a pediatric aquatic therapy program.
Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards
CSU’s faculty and staff are second to none! Each year, Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards honor individuals who bring distinction to the University and support student success through their day-to-day efforts.
Research Highlights
CSU researchers tackle big challenges —f rom AI-driven fertility analysis and trauma-informed youth programs to brain aneurysm prevention using nanoparticles — fueling innovation across disciplines.
Leave a Legacy with Estate Plan
Alumna Virginia McFrederick loved libraries. And because she included CSU in her estate plan, the Michael Schwartz Library is now home to the Virginia McFrederick Group Study Center.
Getting Real About Property Management
Cleveland State University will expand innovative education, research and experiential learning in real estate and property management, thanks to a transformative $1.2 million gift from the NRP Group and the Millennia Companies.
Creating Community Through the Arts
Gina Vernaci had spent nearly four decades as a theater manager and administrator and was in the middle of a highly successful tenure at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square when a lunchtime walk changed her educational and professional path.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
CSU is Viking Strong with a worldwide network of 130,000-plus alumni. Each year, a select group who bring distinction to the University through their career achievements, service and engagement are honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards.
From Fixing Cars to Fixing Bodies
Alumnus sees medicine as a vehicle for improving the community
Alumni Adventures
From behind-the-scenes visits to well-known (and little-known) Cleveland sites to world tours, the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Homecoming Memories
A people-powered parade, golden apples, a harvest picnic, reunions, dedications, awards . . . Homecoming 2019 was packed with activities that brought alumni and their families back to campus.
Class Notes – Winter 2020
Addressing Food Insecurities Among Students
According to the College & University Food Bank Alliance, 36 percent of college students experience food insecurity while nine percent are homeless.
Making Great Kraut
Drew Anderson (BBA ’09) turned his love for homemade sauerkraut into Cleveland Kraut, sold in 3,500+ stores with inventive flavors and national acclaim — proving fermentation can be bold and local.
Global Agriculture Grows the World
Charlotte Sine graduated from Fenn College in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in English. That degree served her well during a 46-year career in various editorial positions at Meister Media Worldwide.
Love Letter to Cleveland
A 58‑ft mural by Gary and Laura Dumm now graces CSU’s Michael Schwartz Library, celebrating local landmarks and history, funded by community and tied to Cleveland Memory Project.
C|M|LAW Hall of Fame
The Cleveland-Marshall Law Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to honor alumni, faculty, staff, friends and community leaders who have contributed to the success and prestige of the law school.
Sands Shares Plans for Year Two
Seven new initiatives, including a Forward Together Innovation Challenge, were announced as part of President Harlan Sands’ first State of the University address.
LCC Joins Enhanced Transfer Partnership
Cleveland State University has created a series of innovative partnerships with local community colleges which are designed to create a comprehensive, assistive pathway for students to make the easy transition to Cleveland State.
Pooling Their Knowledge
CSU partnered with the Seven Hills Recreation Center to improve sensory processing and socialization for children with special needs through a pediatric aquatic therapy program.
Research Highlights
CSU researchers tackle big challenges —f rom AI-driven fertility analysis and trauma-informed youth programs to brain aneurysm prevention using nanoparticles — fueling innovation across disciplines.
Getting Real About Property Management
Cleveland State University will expand innovative education, research and experiential learning in real estate and property management, thanks to a transformative $1.2 million gift from the NRP Group and the Millennia Companies.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
CSU is Viking Strong with a worldwide network of 130,000-plus alumni. Each year, a select group who bring distinction to the University through their career achievements, service and engagement are honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Alumni Adventures
From behind-the-scenes visits to well-known (and little-known) Cleveland sites to world tours, the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Class Notes – Winter 2020
Making Food Safer
In a chemical engineering laboratory in the heart of Fenn Hall, a team of mathematics and engineering students and faculty begin an expirement that could enhance food safety.
Community Roots
Sam McNulty (BA ’97) launched his hospitality career at CSU and now runs top Ohio City bars and Market Garden Brewery. He’s also redeveloping Duck Island, connecting Cleveland neighborhoods.
A Message from the President
President Harlan M. Sands marks his first year, spotlighting CSU’s student-centered achievements: Say Yes scholarships, new partnerships, global outreach, and seven strategic priorities forward together.
CSU Among Nation’s Best
Cleveland State has once again been selected by The Wall Street Journal as one of the best universities in the United States.
Increasing Degree Attainment
CSU is part of a statewide partnership, led by College Now Greater Cleveland, selected to join Degrees When Due. This national initiative seeks to assist students who have some college credits to complete their degrees.
New Leaders Join Team CSU
Three highly regarded, results-driven individuals have joined the University’s leadership team.
Parker Hannifin Students Live and Learn
In early 2019, Cleveland became the fourth Say Yes to Education chapter in the nation, thereby making college free for virtually all Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) graduates.
Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards
CSU’s faculty and staff are second to none! Each year, Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards honor individuals who bring distinction to the University and support student success through their day-to-day efforts.
Leave a Legacy with Estate Plan
Alumna Virginia McFrederick loved libraries. And because she included CSU in her estate plan, the Michael Schwartz Library is now home to the Virginia McFrederick Group Study Center.
Creating Community Through the Arts
Gina Vernaci had spent nearly four decades as a theater manager and administrator and was in the middle of a highly successful tenure at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square when a lunchtime walk changed her educational and professional path.
From Fixing Cars to Fixing Bodies
Alumnus sees medicine as a vehicle for improving the community
Homecoming Memories
A people-powered parade, golden apples, a harvest picnic, reunions, dedications, awards . . . Homecoming 2019 was packed with activities that brought alumni and their families back to campus.
Addressing Food Insecurities Among Students
According to the College & University Food Bank Alliance, 36 percent of college students experience food insecurity while nine percent are homeless.
Community Roots
Sam McNulty (BA ’97) launched his hospitality career at CSU and now runs top Ohio City bars and Market Garden Brewery. He’s also redeveloping Duck Island, connecting Cleveland neighborhoods.
Love Letter to Cleveland
A 58‑ft mural by Gary and Laura Dumm now graces CSU’s Michael Schwartz Library, celebrating local landmarks and history, funded by community and tied to Cleveland Memory Project.
Increasing Degree Attainment
CSU is part of a statewide partnership, led by College Now Greater Cleveland, selected to join Degrees When Due. This national initiative seeks to assist students who have some college credits to complete their degrees.
LCC Joins Enhanced Transfer Partnership
Cleveland State University has created a series of innovative partnerships with local community colleges which are designed to create a comprehensive, assistive pathway for students to make the easy transition to Cleveland State.
Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards
CSU’s faculty and staff are second to none! Each year, Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards honor individuals who bring distinction to the University and support student success through their day-to-day efforts.
Getting Real About Property Management
Cleveland State University will expand innovative education, research and experiential learning in real estate and property management, thanks to a transformative $1.2 million gift from the NRP Group and the Millennia Companies.
From Fixing Cars to Fixing Bodies
Alumnus sees medicine as a vehicle for improving the community
Class Notes – Winter 2020
Making Food Safer
In a chemical engineering laboratory in the heart of Fenn Hall, a team of mathematics and engineering students and faculty begin an expirement that could enhance food safety.
Global Agriculture Grows the World
Charlotte Sine graduated from Fenn College in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in English. That degree served her well during a 46-year career in various editorial positions at Meister Media Worldwide.
CSU Among Nation’s Best
Cleveland State has once again been selected by The Wall Street Journal as one of the best universities in the United States.
Sands Shares Plans for Year Two
Seven new initiatives, including a Forward Together Innovation Challenge, were announced as part of President Harlan Sands’ first State of the University address.
Parker Hannifin Students Live and Learn
In early 2019, Cleveland became the fourth Say Yes to Education chapter in the nation, thereby making college free for virtually all Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) graduates.
Research Highlights
CSU researchers tackle big challenges —f rom AI-driven fertility analysis and trauma-informed youth programs to brain aneurysm prevention using nanoparticles — fueling innovation across disciplines.
Creating Community Through the Arts
Gina Vernaci had spent nearly four decades as a theater manager and administrator and was in the middle of a highly successful tenure at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square when a lunchtime walk changed her educational and professional path.
Alumni Adventures
From behind-the-scenes visits to well-known (and little-known) Cleveland sites to world tours, the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Making Great Kraut
Drew Anderson (BBA ’09) turned his love for homemade sauerkraut into Cleveland Kraut, sold in 3,500+ stores with inventive flavors and national acclaim — proving fermentation can be bold and local.
A Message from the President
President Harlan M. Sands marks his first year, spotlighting CSU’s student-centered achievements: Say Yes scholarships, new partnerships, global outreach, and seven strategic priorities forward together.
C|M|LAW Hall of Fame
The Cleveland-Marshall Law Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to honor alumni, faculty, staff, friends and community leaders who have contributed to the success and prestige of the law school.
New Leaders Join Team CSU
Three highly regarded, results-driven individuals have joined the University’s leadership team.
Pooling Their Knowledge
CSU partnered with the Seven Hills Recreation Center to improve sensory processing and socialization for children with special needs through a pediatric aquatic therapy program.
Leave a Legacy with Estate Plan
Alumna Virginia McFrederick loved libraries. And because she included CSU in her estate plan, the Michael Schwartz Library is now home to the Virginia McFrederick Group Study Center.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
CSU is Viking Strong with a worldwide network of 130,000-plus alumni. Each year, a select group who bring distinction to the University through their career achievements, service and engagement are honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Homecoming Memories
A people-powered parade, golden apples, a harvest picnic, reunions, dedications, awards . . . Homecoming 2019 was packed with activities that brought alumni and their families back to campus.