^ Yep. I'm pretty sure it opens at 11:30 every day except maybe either Saturday or Sunday (one of those days, it only opens up for dinner. But it's also open fairly late, in the 11:30 p.m. range.

Wow!  I didn't know it would be opened already!  Fantastic!  How about the veggie options?

Map...Boy?  31...32?

 

Now, if MayDay changes his name, then we're all screwed.

Rest assured, that will never happen. I've been MayDay since I signed on skyscraperpage.com's forum almost ten (TEN!) years ago and I'll be MayDay until my ticker (or liver) conks out.

wow we can change our name w/o starting from scratch? Is Map Boy MGD? This whole peabody thing bores me.

Rest assured, that will never happen. I've been MayDay since I signed on skyscraperpage.com's forum almost ten (TEN!) years ago and I'll be MayDay until my ticker (or liver) conks out.

 

Yeah, but you don't work in field. That's the motivation behind our changes.

 

 

So basically I should be in a field that's more conducive to regurgitating and repackaging?  :wink:

is 3231 some sort of cryptic code?

So basically I should be in a field that's more conducive to regurgitating and repackaging?  :wink:

 

is wim 3231?

 

I was trying to figure out who these two "new" people with all the post are!

Yes, 3231 is Wimwar. The reason for the change was explained on the Lighthouse Landing thread.

Downtown Lakewood is getting 2 new restaurants.  A Dave's Cosmic Subs and Souper Market are both opening near the corner of Warren and Detroit. 

Souper Market apparently looked at University Circle for its second store, but didn't find a spot it liked.  They're keeping it on their list for future expansion, though!

Souper Market apparently looked at University Circle for its second store, but didn't find a spot it liked.  They're keeping it on their list for future expansion, though!

 

What, they couldn't find a suitable 30 sf location for their operations??

Maybe they want to feed on the Melt castoffs? I was just there lastnight and will definitely be heading back, really tasty. Felt moderately bad for the 10+ people that were standing against the wall waiting for seats, though..

Melt just went up a notch after they added Bells Two-Hearted IPA to their taps :drunk:

Melt just went up a notch after they added Bells Two-Hearted IPA to their taps :drunk:

 

I buy it because of the fishy on the bottle.

Vivo is closed for a couple of weeks due to a kitchen fire.  They are going to rework there menu and reopen soon.  Had reservation there for this week and a manager called and explained the situation, that's service...

i had a reservation too and got a call. 

 

i didn't realize that the fire was that serious.  maybe an excuse to do some other updates during the slow season?

^Jan typically is pretty slow, although the restaurants I've been in lately have been packed.  Not sure if it was just random, the smoking ban is helping or it's a sign of the improving economy... Anyone else noticed the same thing?

In other news, The Mad Greek in Cedar-Fairmount is adding a patio to the back to be open this spring.  Any outdoor seating is a good thing around here since there isn't too much of it...

I ate at the Cleveland Chophouse on Saturday and was really surprised by the number of people there.

^a lot of people or just a few?

A lot of people were there. Both the restaurant and the bar were packed.

In other news, The Mad Greek in Cedar-Fairmount is adding a patio to the back to be open this spring.  Any outdoor seating is a good thing around here since there isn't too much of it...

 

afterwards, make sure you check out The Fairmount's Patio in the back, its a nice little atmosphere out there. On most beautiful summer nights, the inside is completely empty, while the patio out back is packed to the gills.

^^ Cleveland Chophouse (and Brewery) brews the region's finest pilsner, aptly named "Bohemian Pilsner".  Be sure to give it a try on your next visit.  They have a great happy hour, very good food and brews to go!

Finally went to Snickers the other night.  The Crazy Mac was delicious, but I chose to enjoy it at the original restaurant, as Cheddars looked a little barren.  I'm happy to report, though, that Snickers was pretty full and that Cheddars had about 10 diners when we left around 10:00.

I was at the Winter Warmer brew fest last night-what a great event, this was the first year, and I think it was a success.  Getting to try all the local beers in a central location (Rock Bottom) was awesome. Anyway, Buckeye Brewing (makers of Hippy IPA) that was in Bedford closed as we know. They are opening a brew pub in Lakewood on Madison-beer, burgers etc in March. I think the brewing facility will be located elsewhere (north ridgeville?). The web site is not really updated...Anyway I am loving that another brew pub is hitting the scene. You can't have too many brew pubs! When they were in Bedford, they went under the radar as the location was a little odd...and they never really pushed the tasting bar, it was more about the brewing. 

 

http://www.buckeyebrewing.com/

 

Continuing my conquest of the local fine dining scene, I made it to Melt the other night and was quietly delighted that there was a 30 minute wait.  The place was jamming and YSOH & I were content to wait with brews in hand.  The corn chowder and fried tofu were delicious (FYI, Michael Symon...Melt has outdone your tofu dish and for about 1/4 the price!) and we took more than half of our Parmageddon and Spinach Pie sandwiches home...yum! 

 

It was exciting to be in a simple, casual place in such high demand.  The food was great, the beer selection was impressive, the wait-staff, despite the crowd and lines, was polite and friendly, and the food came out in a jiffy!

 

One of my favorite parts was looking around at tables reading their menus, which are mounted on old LP sleeves.  I proudly read my Michael Stanley menu, while my ladyfriend read her Police menu.  I saw Styx, Kiss, AC/DC, and others as well.  Nice touch of comic relief!

I was at the Winter Warmer brew fest last night-what a great event, this was the first year, and I think it was a success.

 

I hadn't heard a peep about it. I would have loved to have given them some free PR in the paper. But if there was a press release, it might have gone to our entertainment editor.

 

http://www.buckeyebrewing.com/

 

Odd location in Bedford doomed them? Odd Web site, too! I hope these folks don't get too creative for their own good. Still, it'd be good to have them here in Lakewood.

 

P.S. does anyone know how to get a hold of them? I'd like to pass it along to our Lakewood reporter.

They had post cards on their table. It looks like it is going to be called the Beer Engine. the address is 15315 Madison Ave.  No contact # but a contact email: [email protected]

 

buckeyebeerengine.com

 

They have never been ones to promote much, the fact that they were at the Winter Warmer fest was great.

 

As of last week the brewer from Rock Bottom/Chop House was concerned about low ticket sales for the event ... I  am not sure how long ago this was put together. Then it was mentoned in the Scene or Free Times. In the end it sold out, The place was bursting at the seams. They had 1/2 the brewers up in the attic, and the other 1/2 in a heated tent on the patio. I would say every local brewer was there. We are very lucky to have a great brew community here.  Hopefully this will be a yearly thing as it was very reasonably priced ($20) for this type of event. I didnt even come close to using all my sample tickets - I would have ended up in detox if I  tried.

^I had no idea this event was going on.  Probably would have gone had I known about it.

^I know, I am sorry I should have posted given it was a downtown event, and there are so many micro beer fans here on UO. Scott the brewer thinks a traditition has started so we will have to look out for it next year.

They had post cards on their table. It looks like it is going to be called the Beer Engine. the address is 15315 Madison Ave.  No contact # but a contact email: [email protected]

 

buckeyebeerengine.com

 

They have never been ones to promote much, the fact that they were at the Winter Warmer fest was great.

 

As of last week the brewer from Rock Bottom/Chop House was concerned about low ticket sales for the event ... I  am not sure how long ago this was put together. Then it was mentoned in the Scene or Free Times. In the end it sold out, The place was bursting at the seams. They had 1/2 the brewers up in the attic, and the other 1/2 in a heated tent on the patio. I would say every local brewer was there. We are very lucky to have a great brew community here.  Hopefully this will be a yearly thing as it was very reasonably priced ($20) for this type of event. I didnt even come close to using all my sample tickets - I would have ended up in detox if I  tried.

 

Now that is something I can get behind...a brewpub I can walk to!  Thats going to make a nice little bar cluster, with the Mars Bar, Old Stand and Patio within a block

Continuing my conquest of the local fine dining scene, I made it to Melt the other night and was quietly delighted that there was a 30 minute wait.  The place was jamming and YSOH & I were content to wait with brews in hand.  The corn chowder and fried tofu were delicious (FYI, Michael Symon...Melt has outdone your tofu dish and for about 1/4 the price!) and we took more than half of our Parmageddon and Spinach Pie sandwiches home...yum! 

 

It was exciting to be in a simple, casual place in such high demand.  The food was great, the beer selection was impressive, the wait-staff, despite the crowd and lines, was polite and friendly, and the food came out in a jiffy!

 

One of my favorite parts was looking around at tables reading their menus, which are mounted on old LP sleeves.  I proudly read my Michael Stanley menu, while my ladyfriend read her Police menu.  I saw Styx, Kiss, AC/DC, and others as well.  Nice touch of comic relief!

 

Melt really is amazing...such a well done restaurant.  Its one of those places that just gets everything right.  If only they were a little bigger!  We tried to go to brunch there yesterday at about 1pm and the wait was 30-40 min.  If you haven't been there for brunch yet, I recommend it.  I had a great steak omlet and really good homefries.  9am-9pm on Sundays.  But obviously, be prepared to wait.

Continuing my conquest of the local fine dining scene, I made it to Melt the other night and was quietly delighted that there was a 30 minute wait.  The place was jamming and YSOH & I were content to wait with brews in hand.  The corn chowder and fried tofu were delicious (FYI, Michael Symon...Melt has outdone your tofu dish and for about 1/4 the price!) and we took more than half of our Parmageddon and Spinach Pie sandwiches home...yum! 

 

It was exciting to be in a simple, casual place in such high demand.  The food was great, the beer selection was impressive, the wait-staff, despite the crowd and lines, was polite and friendly, and the food came out in a jiffy!

 

One of my favorite parts was looking around at tables reading their menus, which are mounted on old LP sleeves.  I proudly read my Michael Stanley menu, while my ladyfriend read her Police menu.  I saw Styx, Kiss, AC/DC, and others as well.  Nice touch of comic relief!

 

Melt really is amazing...such a well done restaurant.  Its one of those places that just gets everything right.  If only they were a little bigger!  We tried to go to brunch there yesterday at about 1pm and the wait was 30-40 min.  If you haven't been there for brunch yet, I recommend it.  I had a great steak omlet and really good homefries.  9am-9pm on Sundays.  But obviously, be prepared to wait.

 

Thats a good thing!  A wait is a good thing.  My suggestion is maybe the owner should get on a place like www.opentable.com and this way they could (potentially) manage reservations or atleast have data to support/review operating hours vs. bookings.

^ my suggestion is the owner scrap that bland, tired, overrated Johnny Mangos, and open Melt II in the space. Lakewood is a long drive for many of us in the OC area  - I wonder when I will bother to get out there. Maybe to go to the brew pub  :-D

No need to scrap Johnny Mangos. Just open up Melt II in some currently vacant space.

The guy that owns Melt doesn't own Johnny Mango's...he used to be a chef at Johnny Mango's.

oh, yeah you are right. I am guessing he does a better job at Melt or he is not in the kitchen. I don't mean to be hating on JM, but it infuriates me that place squanders its potential (including location, vibe) with food that is poorly prepared and bland-on the surface the menu isn't bad, pretty eclectic and reasonably priced but weakly executed. Couple this with watered down booze and poor service... The Melt concept is brilliant. cheese and beer- you cant go wrong

Peabody, I don't understand your dissatisfaction with Johnny Mango.  I've lived in the neighborhood for 2 years now, and though I wasn't a big fan when we first moved, I now think it's one of the most reliable places in the neighborhood for a tasty, healthy, and inexpensive meal, especially with an every changing selection of veggie, bean, and bread selections.

At the very least, JM has much greater selection of flavors than Melt and is also considerably healthier.

I have to agree with peabody.. I find JM consistently disappointing.. And I wanted to love it so bad!

 

But you're right, it trounces Melt in the healthfulness department.. I think injecting pure lard into your aorta trumps Melt on that front, though. :wink:

Guv, I'm with you.  JM is damn good.

The owner of Melt is also the chef.

 

JM is obviously doing something right, since it always seems crowded when I go there.

The food at JM *can* be good like the Vietnamese crepe. Drinks-wise, I'm with peabody, they're really weak.

 

However, like a certain other vegetarian-ish place on the east side, it's the shoddy service that has turned me off. I don't know why it is - but in both places, it's like the servers have some sort of anemia from not getting animal protein. For being so "healthy", the service is almost always lethargic - what's the point of being "healthy" if you're practically catatonic? They're not making good arguments for going veggie, that's for sure.

 

I guess I was spoiled in my years at Kent - we had the Zephyr Cafe which had amazing food (the bread, god how I miss the bread) and servers who actually gave a rat's @ss that you decided to give them money to pay their bills.

Really?  Your distaste for the service at the "other" veggie restaurant on the East Side has been well documented and I've already registered my testimony that I've never had problems over there.  I'll say the same for Taco Mango...I've always had great service!  Last night, for example, the guy from behind the bar came running out into the street after I'd left to give me the $20 voucher I'd earned from my last year of purchases.  Apparently, it had printed out after my receipt and he didn't notice it until after I'd left.  Now, that's service! 

 

The food...well, I have a dish that I like and I stick to it.  The drinks...yes, weak as hell.  But the place is fun and fresh and I'll keep going back!

Is the other place you guys are talking about Tommy's? I'm okay with Tommy's.. Sort of hit and miss.

 

The best veggie food I've ever eaten (in my life) was at Passage to India in Westlake.. Unfortunately it must've lost its chef when it move to Lakewood (now India Garden) because it's just not the same.

^Yes Jax - I refuse to go to Tommys because of the completely inept service I've experienced, and I'm the first person to support locally-owned businesses. I'm a forgiving diner, but even I have my limits.

 

"The drinks...yes, weak as hell."

 

Being gay and of Irish-German descent, that's simply unacceptable in my world. :whip:

^Yes Jax - I refuse to go to Tommys because of the completely inept service I've experienced, and I'm the first person to support locally-owned businesses. I'm a forgiving diner, but even I have my limits.

 

"The drinks...yes, weak as hell."

 

Being gay and of Irish-German descent, that's simply unacceptable in my world. :whip:

 

I like the milk shakes at Tommy's.  Are milkshakes ok in "our" world?

weird. I have never had a service problem at Tommy's.  although I am sorry to say- I think the food is very average to below average though, like Johnny Mangos. They have the same great atmosphere though. I will still go to Tommy's though (well for one my step daughter loves it and  you move the earth to make a 13 year old happy). I think the atmosphere is how they both stay afloat...it sure isn't the food.  You can name any food item on the menus of either place, I can probably tell you where to find a better rendition-probably with better service, surely a lower price, although possibly, but maybe not, in a crumby or "un hip" atmosphere.  As far as the J mango service..when I get bad service somewhere I usually give a second chance (in their case 4 or 5) at the bar as table service may not be as good. But they still suck at the bar. Do I really care about what some wanna be goth punk poser got pierced last night or how many vodkas they drank?  No. Do you think you could apologize for the 45 minutes it takes to get a cold ,stale, bland burrito in front of my long empty glassed place setting? I think not.

"I like the milk shakes at Tommy's.  Are milkshakes ok in "our" world?"

 

Of course they are -why do you think God invented the elliptical machine? ;-)