listen to this, we were in bklyn today -- this guy below has a prominent shop on hopping smith st in brooklyn w/ overstock from the old ohio knitting mills. it has a beautiful sign with the "onm building and cleveland ohio" real big in the window -- so that drew us right in. lots of colorful women's clothes. i talked to him a little -- he lives downtown in the chinatown "arts district" (or whatever it's five other names are) in clevo half the week and has the shop in brooklyn other half -- he's sculptor and has a studio. he would like to be able to sell his work and the clothes in the clev & said its a shame the market isn't there, still he was very upbeat on downtown and the nabe around csu.

 

check out the excellent website:

 

http://www.ohioknittingmills.com/

 

they sometimes have fashion shows around here where they sell the clothes (lip stick and razor blades has many pieces) anyway I got buzzed on wine and bought 3 pieces-those vinatage frocks are so SCRATCHY- I flashed back to the 70's when as a kids I was always uncomfortable in dress up clothes. very cool looking but itchy!

Retail? Bet your beans

Phoenix Coffee shifts focus from wholesale side to showcase creativity, create eclectic cafés

 

By JOHN BOOTH

Crain's Cleveland

 

6:00 am, April 23, 2007

 

 

 

When word came in 1996 that an adult bookstore would fill the space next to their Superior Avenue roastery, Phoenix Coffee owners Carl Jones and Sarah Wilson-Jones had an instant answer.

 

“Oh, didn’t we tell you? We’re opening a café in there,” Ms. Wilson-Jones recalled explaining to the landlord. “It was literally the cash-register-on-the-card-table kind of thing.”

 

A little more planning goes into Phoenix Coffee’s cafés these days as the Cleveland company moves away from its wholesale roots.

More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com

This is good news. Cleveland needs a local coffee chain that's better than Arabica. But I have two concerns:

 

1. Their beans are fine, but they need to brew better coffee at their stores. The stuff I've had at the Superior location is watery and bitter.

2. They need to improve their store design. The Superior store is like my Grandma's basement, all carpet and fluorescent lighting. The Lee Road store is a little better, but not much. (Not familiar with other branches.) They should take a cue from Gypsy Beans or Talkies or hell, even Starbucks.

1700 East 9th... they'll have their work cut out - you have Stone Oven in the Galleria (my personal favorite and they serve City Roast), Cork and Beans in the Huntington Building, the coffee shop inside Reserve Square (if they're open) not to mention the 3 Starbucks locations within a quick walk.

The stuff I've had at the Superior location is watery and bitter.

 

 

All coffee is watery and bitter! Yuck! :)

The stuff I've had at the Superior location is watery and bitter.

 

 

All coffee is watery and bitter! Yuck! :)

 

OH NO YOU DIDNT!! (neck roll for extra emphasis)

 

MOV, I USE TO LIKE YOU!   :evil:   YOU CAN TALK ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS, BUT DO NOT DIS COFFEE YOUNG'UN!  :whip:  :whip:   :whip:

 

I've had 5 cups today already!

5 cups!! I've probably have only drank 5 cups my entire life and even then it was less coffee and more a mixture with a little coffee and tons of milk and sugar.  I don't know I just can't get down with the stuff. Sorry :-D

5 cups!! I've probably have only drank 5 cups my entire life and even then it was less coffee and more a mixture with a little coffee and tons of milk and sugar.  I don't know I just can't get down with the stuff. Sorry :-D

 

 

I had two cups when I woke up, one on the walk to the train, an Iced coffee going up to the office, a cup around 11:45 AM.  Apparently I've had two iced coffees...i don't even remember drinking the second one :|

 

UO is full of coffee addicts.

I'm not addicted, I could give up coffee whenever I would want. Mind you, there would be widespread bloodshed and carnage, but I could quit! No, really!  :evil:

I am looking at the 5 empty pint glasses that one time contained coffee in the past 2 and a half hours.  I need help

1700 East 9th... they'll have their work cut out - you have Stone Oven in the Galleria (my personal favorite and they serve City Roast), Cork and Beans in the Huntington Building, the coffee shop inside Reserve Square (if they're open) not to mention the 3 Starbucks locations within a quick walk.

 

Yeah, I'm not that excited by this location decision. It won't have any street visibility, will it? There are no storefronts in that building (the old McDonald Investments). I'd much rather see them across the street in the Ohio Savings building, where a huge storefront has been vacant for years.

It's actually in the 1st floor retail space of the KeyBank Center (former McD Inv.) parking garage - not terrible, I suppose.

The stuff I've had at the Superior location is watery and bitter.

 

 

All coffee is watery and bitter! Yuck! :)

 

OH NO YOU DIDNT!! (neck roll for extra emphasis)

 

MOV, I USE TO LIKE YOU!  :evil:  YOU CAN TALK ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS, BUT DO NOT DIS COFFEE YOUNG'UN!  :whip:  :whip:  :whip:

 

I've had 5 cups today already!

 

 

You mean you actually drink it for the taste.

 

I love coffee flavored milk and sugar.

 

This is good news. Cleveland needs a local coffee chain that's better than Arabica. But I have two concerns:

 

1. Their beans are fine, but they need to brew better coffee at their stores. The stuff I've had at the Superior location is watery and bitter.

2. They need to improve their store design. The Superior store is like my Grandma's basement, all carpet and fluorescent lighting. The Lee Road store is a little better, but not much. (Not familiar with other branches.) They should take a cue from Gypsy Beans or Talkies or hell, even Starbucks.

 

Anyone remember the Phoenix on Pearl Road in Brooklyn Centre?  It was an excellent place that served as the community's gathering space.

 

It closed a couple of years ago and became a Huntington Bank.

Niko's owner cuts back, but the space he occupied in Lakewood expands

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Bill Lubinger

Plain Dealer Columnist

The gyros and tableside gy rating will soon be stilled -- re placed by another novel dining twofer.

 

Niko's on Detroit, the popu lar Greek restaurant that spiced longtime family recipes with Friday-night belly dancing, is closing Saturday.

 

More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com

OMG!  Did you see he said "trendy Tremontish"!!!  They didn't say Chicago or NYC for once!!!  Watch out world, here we come!

Dugas, who is leasing the spaces, recruited Akron chef John Cafarelli (formerly of Clearview Inn Steak & Chop House in Bath Township) to run the restaurant, which will feature a full wine and martini selection and a menu heavy on presentation.

 

On paper, his dishes sound incredibly promising. Entrees include such creative offerings as Belgian Ale (ginger-braised short ribs with Dijon-thyme spaetzle), Five-Spice Duck Breast (pan-seared, soft mascarpone polenta, pomegranate molasses duck jus) and Honey-Rubbed Chai Tea Smoked Pork Tenderloin (dressed with a bourbon sweet potato puree, apple-cider gastrique and peppered bacon lardons) -- $15 each.

 

ie pretty food - small portions.  However, I'd dine there!  8-)

^^There was a piece in Metropolis magazine about that shop a couple months ago (cool little cutout of the actual building at E59th and Chester as well).  Did he ever try selling the clothing in Cleveland before opening a store in brooklyn?

Niko's was great and I waited way to long to try it. I went less than a year ago for the first time.  Its too bad that its closing. He should maybe hook up with MRN on the Arts and Retail district. I don't think the smoking ban has anything to do with Niko's on Detroit closing, but I talked to Niko last year around election time and I know he was absolutely furious about the passage of the ban fearing he would loose business. If the ban did have anything to do with the closing he would have been more than happy to share it with reporters, but it looks like that wasn't the case.

New restaurant on the west bank of the flats. Any good we will see????????????/

Huh?

I believe the question is - "is it any good? We will see.". They're referring to Cyrus, which opened in the Powerhouse in the former Riverwalk Cafe spot. http://www.cyruswaterfront.com/

 

Fyi, Velocity on Clifton @ West 104th was slated to reopen today.

The following quote was taken from a post here: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=2454.180;topicseen

Talks about yet another chain.

It mentions The Pub, which is "a British-tinged restaurant/bar concept." It's opening at a lifestyle center in suburban Dayton, but has other locations.

 

Here's the quote:

 

The Beavercreek pub is part of a bigger expansion by the company. Sanders said the company plans to launch Pub locations in Cleveland and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. In 2009, the company is eyeing Columbus, Detroit and Naples, Fla., as possible expansion markets.

 

I wonder where they plan to open this place. Hopefully not one of the suburban malls. I'm hoping its Pesht, FEB, Euclid Avenue, East 4th, The Flats WB or at the very least Tower City.  Seeing as how they are waiting 'til 2009 a location that doesn't exist yet seems the most likely.

that Cyrus menu looks tremendously pedestrian...except the vegetarian offerings which actually look pretty good. But if they have a great cheeseburger and some quality micros on draft rounded out with some Reggae ..then they may be on to something.  i just don't get why these places try to compete with the Shooters early 90's "Americana" IE grilled chicken salad/wrap menu. do we need more of that?

Looks like it will be much sooner than 2009 for the Pub; opening at Beachcliff.

 

British invasion . . .

 

The Pub, an English-style restaurant and tavern with 20-plus beers on tap, will fill the former Gamekeeper's space at Beachcliff Market Square in Rocky River. Beth Kretschmar, the center's manager, said a September opening is likely. The Pub is one of four dining concepts by the Cincinnati-based Tavern Restaurant Group, which also operates the Polo Grille, Nicholson's Tavern & Pub and deSha's Restaurant & Bar in southwest Ohio and Louisville and Lexington, Ky.

 

 

 

"that Cyrus menu looks tremendously pedestrian...except the vegetarian offerings which actually look pretty good. But if they have a great cheeseburger and some quality micros on draft rounded out with some Reggae ..then they may be on to something.  i just don't get why these places try to compete with the Shooters early 90's "Americana" IE grilled chicken salad/wrap menu. do we need more of that?"

 

I think that most places in that area - until Stonebridge is at build-out would do well to aim for the middle of the market. No, it's not necessarily exciting cuisine but it'll give another option. One thing I noticed about their site - they boast beautiful views of the River and skyline, but they're nowhere to be found (nor are any people).

GRAND CLOSING - BRENDAN O'NEILL'S WESTLAKE

 

We are sad to say that our landlord has chosen

to replace us in the Westbay plaza. Our last day

of "normal" business is Sunday, May 13. We will have a closing

party the next day.

 

We are looking to relocate in the Westlake area.

Please check our website for updates.

 

THANK YOU FOR 6 GREAT YEARS!!!

 

Grand Closing Party

Monday, May 14th - 5-11pm

All beer, well & call drinks - $2.50

Sandwiches & Appetizers - $5

Entrees - $10

Top Shelf Liquor - $4

(Premium liquors are the same)

 

Brendan O'Neill's Traditional Irish Pub and Restaurant

The Pub Staff

30006 Detroit Road

Westlake, OH 44145

440-892-7825

http://www.brendanoneills.com

 

Too bad, that was a decent non-chain place out there.

Word is they will be replaced by a Japanese/Hibatchi restaurant.

i can count the number of times i've been in westlake on one hand.

i can count the number of times i've been in westlake on one hand.

 

You're really missing out on something, Pope. There's some much there there in Westlake.

i can count the number of times i've been in westlake on one hand.

 

I've been once, twice, tops.  I was underwhelmed.

i can count the number of times i've been in westlake on one hand.

 

Me to, unless you count the times I cut thru there to get to Detroit or Bowling Green and Toledo.

I'm no Westlake fan, but it's sad to see a local restaurant forced out by their landlord when they were doing good business up against all the chains in Crocker Park, the Promenade, and along Detroit and Sperry.  I'm going to check out Greenisland in Bay Village next time I'm in the mood for Irish out that way rather than whatever that Irish chain is in Crocker Park. 

 

Unrelated to this, I've always felt that Dave and Buster's made a mistake in locating out in Westlake - it belongs in the E.4th/Gateway neighborhood more than in some suburban wasteland, in my opinion.  Their vast parking lot is never very full.  But at the time they were looking to expand to Cleveland the Flats were dying and the downtown scene was still emerging.  I think if they were looking now, they'd see the success that HOB, Hard Rock, etc. has downtown and reconsider that Westlake location.

OT:  Why do we always use the phrase "...the flats was/is dying".  I've never considered the flats to be dead - only reinventing itself.  I'm sure once a few more stonebridge building are up the media will use kinder and more gentler way of referring to the flats

Oh definitely reinvented - the West Bank is FAR from being dead.  I think most (myself included) use the phrase dying to describe the entertainment mecca that it once was...

We went to Cyrus tonight to welcome our new west bank neighbor.  we had a great time on the patio. Few were there on a gorgeous night on opening week. The staff was extremely energetic and gracious. This opposed to the Dock which was there last year and staff were McCarthyesque  in behavior (same owners) . I gave the menu a chance-we had a flank steak sandwich with a burger, both were great. Honestly you could not ask for a better night-river, boats and skyline. The owner and manager went out of their way to express appreciation for supporting them in the city (I think the owner has a resto out in the burbs) hope folks will check it out. live music is coming too.

i can count the number of times i've been in westlake on one hand.

 

I've spent more time than I care to relate in Westlake since I am from that neck of the woods.  Brendan O'Neill's was a nicely done (maybe a little overdone) Irish Pub.  I definitely wouldn't mind having one of them Downtown.

 

i can count the number of times i've been in westlake on one hand.

 

Me to, unless you count the times I cut thru there to get to Detroit or Bowling Green and Toledo.

 

my rule is if I get out of my car (non gas station related) then i've been to city

looks like only the clev made any kind of showing in this year's james beard awards. these are america's most prestigious food world awards are voted on by peers in the industry. the only outright local winner this year was:

 

NEWSPAPER FEATURE WRITING WITHOUT RECIPES

Elaine Cicora

Cleveland Scene

Soul Kitchen

 

unless you count this chef, rick bayless, who discovered mexican food and honed it in the clev at lopez y gonzalez before heading off to chicago:

 

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT

Frontera Grill

Chef/Owner: Rick and Deann Bayless

Chicago, IL

 

the other ohio showing was micheal symon, who was nominated in this category, but didn't win:

 

BEST CHEF: GREAT LAKES

Michael Symon

Lola

Cleveland, OH

 

i didn't see or hear of any other ohioan winners or nominees, which kind of surprized me:

 

http://www.jamesbeard.org/awards/index.php

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry if this has been posted already ... I've been out of the UO loop the last few weeks, but I didn't see it elsewhere.

 

After long delay, Sweethearts Cafe is officially open on Superior & E. 35th-ish (next to China Merchandise Exhibit and directly across the street from Tyler Village). It's not quite the Asian candystore that some of us thought ... it's a little difficult to nail down but their focuses seem to be on ice cream and asian-inspired drinks. They do have a food menu, but I've only had Chai and Chai Smoothie my first two times. The intereior, again, is difficult to nail down. Basically, it appears that their branding strategy is to not have a brand. The interior is kinda a sapphire blue color with some weird artwork in the entranceway, some Tiki inspired touches and a light-up faux palm tree with an Asian Winnie the Pooh perched in it that says "Hello. Welcome" as you come in. If you're a fellow kitsch addict, you'll love the atmosphere at Sweethearts.

^ do they have banh mi sandwiches?  My name is peabody and I am a banhmiaholic.

^ You know, I don't recall if they did. I don't think so. Although you can get some mean little sandwiches at Superior Pho. They had fish nuggets, quarter chickens and chicken satay - that's all I can recall. I believe, and this may reflect my general ignorance of cultural distinctions, that the menu of this particular cafe, is Taiwanese-inspired, whereas Banh Mi is far more common at Vietnamese restaurants. But again, take that with a MAJOR grain of salt ... my expertise is limited to knowing that all people should partake in Bubble Tea.

well you are right that the sandwiches are Vietmenese...and BTW the best I have pretty much had anywhere (yes I seek them out 'round the country))can be found at Superior Pho. Asia Food has them too , which made think if Sweethearts was a Asian mix like the store, it could happen. I can only dream. I think Taiwanese can be spicy, which is a good thing, so I will have to check it out when I am in the AT hood.

I know this is so revolutionary it should probably have it's own thread, but Juji's in the lobby of the Statler Arms is now open until 8pm Monday - Thursday.

and Juji's is?

...apparently revolutionary.

http://www.pluggedincleveland.com/restaurants/990+jujis+at+the+statler.html

 

It's pretty tasty, actually.

not that I'm anti new restaurants, I fail to feel that its description is "revolutionary"

 

Regardless, I'll give it a whirl.