tremonttrixie

I'm surprised it stayed open as long as it did. Let's see; downtown's largest residential pocket of young professionals, and you can't sell a freakin taco? It has to be really bad for that to happen. And it truly was.

Twentysomethings can't possibly have a recollection of the flats as it was deserted over 10 years ago.

Americano info: http://www.yelp.com/biz/americano-bratenahl I have enjoyed it a few times.

Marie's is a fave. Real place, real food. Great schnitzel.

Sorry to hear about the closings. W25 is getting close to being a "destination", and it would do the city well to assist. The Westside Market should really be open every day except Sunday. I think the hours should change as well, staying open untill well past rush hour. Thousands of people drive home past the market every weeknight, but it is closed by 4:00. It could open later to make up ther difference, reason being that the target market no longer comes in at 7:00 a.m. or when the mill changes shifts. The "babushka ladies" who shopped that early are from days gone by... The way I see it, if the Market is open later and on weekdays, much more energy and activity on W25 would result in people exploring beyond half a block. The whole area could quickly evolve into a "food district". Art galleries, restaurants, small "to-go" spots for dinner to take home... With the Market as the "anchor store", it would build critical mass. Now W25th is more like a mall with the really big store being closed. -here's hoping... :roll:

dont forget the westside market for groceries. It is a twenty minute walk if you cut through the flats.

Seriously? Wouldnt that be like a tofu tasting room? -colorless, flavorless...

Excuse me, but where does it say that I will not return because of paper signs? Where? The point is that this is yet another example of lack of attention to detail prior to opening. Not a HUGE thing, but really... still there??? There are 5 restaurant supply houses within 5 miles of downtown. I assure you, they have signs of all types, including "mens" and "ladies". I am glad to hear that the food is innovative and well executed, given the limitations of the kitchen.

I’m sorry, but I have to add my 2 bits here. I have worked in the restaurant business for close to 30 years. I have been in places that open after a series of dry runs and other than some MINOR tweaking, they operated as though they were open for years. This is what should be the goal and the standard, not to open, piss off the clientele which is btw, paying full price for lousy food and service. Add to that an unfinished atmosphere. Wonderbar was open for 3 weeks when I stopped in. The restrooms still had INDEX CARDS with “men” and “women” written on them and taped to the doors, along with another piece of paper scribbled with “restrooms” taped to the wall by the staircase leading down. This attention to detail, or lack thereof, is pervasive in too many places. If you are not ready to open – do not do it. If Zocalo’s food and service is slipshod from the first day, what kind of message does that send? If a restaurants attitude is that “we can make lots of mistakes because we are new” and people will understand – and still pay… seriously, where else does that logic apply? Would you pay top buck for a new car if their attitude was the same? How about a new high-end hotel? If the room isn’t finished, room service blows, the food is bad, and the wine list only has 10 percent of the wines listed available, but demands the going rate, do you just say “that’s OK, they just opened”? How many “second chances” do you give a place that purposely opens when they ARE NOT READY??? I don’t buy it, and I am sure that has a lot to do with the dismal success rate of new places. Customers should not be treated as guinea pigs, and nor should they accept it. End of rant.

have you tried thai fun in tremont? it is my current favorite in the city.

Best thing to happen in Cleveland since....ummmm.... OK-since Lola opened. We need more things such as this to bring the suburbanites back to the city. Thank you!!!!!

Vulpster, I love gelato! First had it in Itally in the 70's, and I am oh so glad it is now more readily available in the U.S. But I do NOT like the americanized version. Of all places (!) the best and most authentic gelato is at the velvet tangoroom. Go figure. Only 3 flavors, but they say it is organic and from somwhere in NY. It's the real deal. The gelato at Presti's et all are "Gelateria" products. Its OK at best imo. And I MUST get to Mickey's and try the fruit whip, -hope its not too late. Thanks for the tip W28!

Not all that fond of gelateria. I was really wanting to like it too, but I find it too sweet, and they use artificial coloring. Love Honey Hut! And Sandy's out on the east side by E.180 -Lakeshore area, close to wildwood (Neff Rd.)park is a great independent for custard. Woo City is fantastic, but was recently bought up b a bigger company if I'm not mistaken.

try the old Tower City fitness, now called "rezultz" or something like that. Nice new owner and free parking under tower city if you use the flats entrance. Clean. Reasonable. Small local biz, not a chain.