Lozada's and its name is toast. I went in to scope yesterday and the  place is called something like Villa de la Zapata. There is a similarly named store on Madison and  80ish area -I didn't ask if they are the same owners. they did not have carry out menu printed yet, but a glance at the menu looks pretty pedestrian (no goat or lengua tacos). I recently heard that the Madison ave place is awesome (I happened to be in nabe today and it was open), so maybe if here is an affiliation, there is hope. I am kind of bummed b/c we don't have many PR places despite the population. I made a plantain and beef pie in mourning. Thank goodness I can cook PR food

soft opening preview of Tremont tap house...So many places so little time

 

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=5025848

A friend of mine from work was raving about Tremont Tap House today.  I need to go check it out.

Lozada's and its name is toast. I went in to scope yesterday and the  place is called something like Villa de la Zapata. There is a similarly named store on Madison and  80ish area -I didn't ask if they are the same owners. they did not have carry out menu printed yet, but a glance at the menu looks pretty pedestrian (no goat or lengua tacos). I recently heard that the Madison ave place is awesome (I happened to be in nabe today and it was open), so maybe if here is an affiliation, there is hope. I am kind of bummed b/c we don't have many PR places despite the population. I made a plantain and beef pie in mourning. Thank goodness I can cook PR food

 

Villa Zapata is on Madison.  We go there with friends.  Pretty good.

I was pleasantly surprised to get an email FYI from Bar Centro that they are having a junior iron chef night on Tuesdays where kiddos make a pizza w/the help of the chef...they get a  little chef hat etc. Despite my general  misgivings about mixing children in places grown ups like peace(along with planes and swimming pools), my initial reaction is 100% positive as I think it is another great way to make our community a little more diverse , unique, and gulp,child friendly.I was looking at the food forum on Cleveland.com, and people were going nuts over this (positive and negative) . What better way to expose kiddos to the city, make their food , and funk up the bistro. Anyway in case anyone here has spawned, or know anyone that has, I think it is pretty darn cool! I would love to see parents have a place to network and all as I imagine it sometimes hard to meet like minded people in the innercity. yeah Bar Centro. What do you all think?

 

Now I was back again for a second time.  Everything was great, I think better than the first visit which was a few days after opening. A lot of places are firing up the gourmet pizzas now days, but is the best or among the best out there, the Belgian fries were awesome, and we also had the lamb app which was great. the house red (french, Italian not sure) was very wallet friendly, and very good IMO. It was really nice after a crappy day to head up the street and have such a pleasant, affordable experience.    And one of our forumers works there too!  :wave:

Mulberry's: Sports and Spirits at Cleveland's New Hangout

Submitted by Julie on November 10, 2007 - 12:51pm.

Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Events Local News News Other

 

This week marked the grand opening of one of the most innovative new bar/sports facilities in the Cleveland area - Mulberry's. The idea has been six years in the making, with the last two of those years spent planning and constructing the facility.

 

Owned by partners John Teel and Darrell Seafler, Mulberry's is not only a place to grab a few drinks, but they also offer indoor basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, kickball, floor hockey, and whiffle ball in the facility's gymnasium through Teel's other venture, Cleveland Plays.

 

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

Mulberry's opens just in time for the big Ohio State vs. Michigan football game next weekend, where on game day they'll feature bleacher seating, free hot dogs, free chips & salsa, free parking, and all the Coors Light draft you can drink from opening (11am) to close. You get all that for just $15 at the door. Plus there's no charge for designated drivers, and if you're not into beer, they'll be having $3 Skyy Vodka drinks.

 

It's probably not a great idea to start off your business by running afoul of Ohio's liquor laws.  From the Ohio Division of Liquor Control's permit-holder guide:

 

DON’T sell an unlimited number of servings of alcoholic beverages

during a set period of time for a fixed price, any alcoholic beverage after

9 p.m. at a price less than the regularly charged price, encourage or

permit any game or contest which involves drinking or the awarding of

alcoholic beverages as a prize, or increase the volume of alcoholic

beverages contained in a serving without increasing proportionately the

price charged for such serving. (OAC 4301:1-1-50 (A))

 

DON’T give away any alcoholic beverages.

(ORC) 4301.22 (D) and OAC 4301:1-1-46)

 

 

 

^we are all about breakin' liquor laws around these here parts. I am honestly trying to picture what building this is in. I will have to take look down there...but not during the times jocks hopped up on coors light and red bull are around.

^ I don't you think you have to worry about crazed jocks. Cleveland Plays people are more into having fun and meeting new people. The hardcore people play in different leagues -- typically all-male leagues. Yikes, those are intense!

well then welcome to the nabe Cleveland Plays!

you are correct that a bar can not sell an "all you can drink package."  However, bars are alowed to rent out thier space for a pirvate, third party, function.  The third party can charge guests at the door, and offer pretty much anything they want.

 

 

you are correct that a bar can not sell an "all you can drink package."  However, bars are alowed to rent out thier space for a pirvate, third party, function.  The third party can charge guests at the door, and offer pretty much anything they want.

 

Reminds me of drinking in Salt Lake City, its how they get around all the liquor laws.

FYI

 

Bar Cento's menu has been updated!  I went into work yesterday and it had changed a bit.  From what I recall, new lamb entree, "stingray" entree, seafood "soup" appetizer, and a few more things.  Oh, and the Kid's Pizza thing is ridiculously popular (I think around 3-4 dozen signed up already for the first one!)

 

Check it out! 

 

And I repeat, all bottles of wine to go 50% off!  :drunk:

Since there was all the talk of mediocrity, and even disappointment in Zocalo on E. 4th., this restaurant review in The Free Times is interesting.  Apparently they were not impressed with their first 2 visits either, and it looks like from this article that they may have gotten it together..    Anybody have similar experiences/impressions?

   

Dining Lead

Quick Recovery

The Dramatically Improved Zocalo Is Worth Another Look

By Douglas Trattner

 

FLAT IRON STEAK - Sliced thin and served tender.. In the restaurant world, the only thing harder than meeting inflated expectations is reversing previously held negative ones. It's easier to satisfy a first-time diner than one who had an unpleasant initial experience; the pleasure curve is shorter and more direct.

 

That was the position in which we found ourselves after a less-than-stellar encounter shortly after Zocalo's opening left us dreading a second visit. Such is the burden of a restaurant critic: You are compelled by duty to return to the scene of the crime and throw good money after bad. Of course, there's a reason we go back a second and, in this case, third time: Unlike milk and mattresses, restaurants typically improve with age.

 

More at http://www.freetimes.com

I heard they've gotten better from a friend with similar food tastes to my own as well. I was very disappointed with my first visit, to the point I haven't been back. I'll give them another shot.

 

BTW, I forget where I heard it (maybe here?), but Rick Bayless used to chef at the original Lopez? That blew my mind, I love his show on PBS.

^ I am not going to hold my breath b/c besides the food not tasting good, the menu was kind of Chi's- Chi'sesque . Something in their promo literature made it sounds like they were going to do more authentic complex dishes.  We went a few weeks ago.the atmosphere was good, margaritas excellent, and in our case, the service was good, although we sat at the bar where service usually is better.  I'd go back for a margarita or tequilla tasting (huge list), but probably not try the food again

Went to Mi Pueblo in UC again Friday night... Would still take that any day over Zocalo.  Doesn't compare in terms of atmosphere, but the food is great.

Love mi Pueblo. the west side location is pretty hard core taqueria. The UC one is my fave though. I kind of like the atmosphere

Love mi Pueblo. the west side location is pretty hard core taqueria. The UC one is my fave though. I kind of like the atmosphere

 

speaking of that area, I wonder if the Euc will bring bag a similar burgers and wings menu

While at Mi Pueblo, also peeked in the new Hookah Lounge (Blue Fig or something like that) and the new Euclid Tavern.  Euclid Tavern looks much closer - actually saw someone in there behind the bar working on the place on a Friday night.  They've painted and such.  The other place looked like they had the new windows in and that was about it...

 

A couple of Lee Rd nuggets:

- Saw a sign in the old Arabica location (the standalone bldg just south of Lopez) announcing that a new Japanese restaurant called Ariyoshi would be opening soon. 

- Work is continuing on the new Anatolia Cafe (corner of Kensington & Lee) but not too fast... New windows are in the northern most part of it, but the rest is just covered up by a bunch of tarps, so I'm guessing those windows aren't in yet.  Given that, it's not surprising that not much seems to have been done on the inside yet.

from: http://clevelandfoodie.blogspot.com/2007/11/la-tortilla-feliz-to-close.html

 

11.12.2007

la tortilla feliz to close

Well, another one bites the dust - unfortunately. This is one place I'm sad to see go. I've enjoyed many pitchers of sangria (the best in town) and empanadas that are borderline addicting at this little Tremont spot that serves some very tasty South American cuisine.

 

The last meal will be December 31. If you haven't been, try and go before they close. The food is really good and very reasonably priced. And I have yet to have a better glass (or pitcher!) of sangria - it's that good.

 

 

FYI

 

Bar Cento's menu has been updated!  I went into work yesterday and it had changed a bit.  From what I recall, new lamb entree, "stingray" entree, seafood "soup" appetizer, and a few more things.  Oh, and the Kid's Pizza thing is ridiculously popular (I think around 3-4 dozen signed up already for the first one!)

 

Check it out! 

 

And I repeat, all bottles of wine to go 50% off!  :drunk:

 

 

I went to Bar Cento the other night and had a great time.  Great food, great wine, great prices.  Will definitely head back.  And I wasn't the only one having a good time - it was packed!

 

 

I recently went to Zocalo for a second time after a not so good first visit. The second visit was much better. My complaint the first time wasn't so much the food but the service. They seem to have worked out their service issues. Also, I recently tried the take out window and the food was much better than I expected.

there is a middle eastern place opening on Franklin and w.25th the name looks real similar to the hooka place up the street near Nates. Anyone know anything? Bar Centro is my new sweetheart...if I could only afford to eat out more.

Kan Zaman- I think they are moving.

I ate at a new sushi place on Shaker Square tonight, Sasa Matsu, which is next to the movie theater in the old Sushi on the Square spot.  Everything we had was good, excellent martinis and the shrimp dumpling appetizer was especially delish.

I ate at a new sushi place on Shaker Square tonight, Sasa Matsu, which is next to the movie theater in the old Sushi on the Square spot.  Everything we had was good, excellent martinis and the shrimp dumpling appetizer was especially delish.

 

that's good to hear, Sushi on the Square really really really let things slip when I lived on the square back in 2002. Sloppily prepared food multiple times had never going back.

I ate at a new sushi place on Shaker Square tonight, Sasa Matsu, which is next to the movie theater in the old Sushi on the Square spot.  Everything we had was good, excellent martinis and the shrimp dumpling appetizer was especially delish.

 

These are the owners of Matsu in Shaker that moved to the Square and changed the restauarant quite a but.  I enjoyed the food but its a lot trendier and $$$ than the old place and they didn't have maki options on the menu which was dissappointing.  It was the opening night  so maybe they will add that later.  Hope so. 

Recent Free Times review of Sasa Matsu and other nuggets:

 

Sasa Matsu In Shaker Square, Asian Grill in Cleveland and Chef Jonathon Sawyer, Of Bar Cento

In cities like New York and Los Angeles, sushi bars are facing stiff competition from less formal izakaya, sake bars that serve food. Like tapas bars, izakaya feature a large selection of small plates intended for sharing. And while many do offer sushi, the stars of the menu are most often steamed, fried or grilled. SASA Matsu (13120 Shaker Sq., 216.767.1111), which opened last week at Shaker Square, is Cleveland's first look at the concept. Opened by Scott Kim, SASA replaces the 7-year-old Matsu that Kim ran on Chagrin Boulevard. Unlike the dark and pubby atmosphere of izakaya found elsewhere, SASA is crisp, contemporary and not exceedingly comfortable. In addition to an impressive selection of sakes, served both chilled and warm, the menu features a diverse clutch of soups, salads, sashimi, specialty sushi rolls and dishes described as small, medium and large. Diners can start with a bowl of miso or udon noodle soup, move on to crispy shrimp tempura, snack on fried Japanese sweet peppers, and settle into a plate of grilled beef yakitori. And this is just scratching the surface of the multi-page menu.

 

The section of Clifton Boulevard between West 104th and West 112th has not been particularly kind to restaurants. Velocity American Bistro is the latest victim to succumb to a spot that has claimed, in just the past few years, a handful of ostensibly pleasant businesses. Recent casualties include Giovanna's, Mise and Jeso. Across the street, the newly opened Asian Grill (11100 Clifton Blvd., 216.961.9655) hopes to accomplish what former tenants Sean's Place and Razmataz Café did not, namely to last longer than a football season. The new owners have packed the small space with so many tables, servers are compelled to bob and weave their way through the dining room. The conventional menu carries Thai, Japanese and Chinese specialties, including a large selection of vegetarian dishes.

 

Congratulations to chef Jonathon Sawyer, of Bar Cento (1948 W. 25th St., 216.344.9944), and his wife, Amelia, on the arrival of their healthy baby girl. To celebrate, the Ohio City restaurant is starting Junior Iron Chef Tuesdays, a fun opportunity for kids to make their own pizzas (with help from mom and/or dad, of course). Chef Sawyer provides the dough and toppings, the rest is up to the little ones. Kids leave with a full belly and a free chef's cap. The events begin Nov. 20 and run every Tuesday from 4:30-8 p.m.

 

 

What's the new restaurant on E. 9th next to Kinkos/FedEx?  I was running last night and saw it lit up.  It's amazing how much a few new places like that could invigorate that part of downtown after 6pm and on weekends!  

 

When is the Phoenix coffee shop opening on E.9th?!

^My sister just started there.  I'll have to get more info from her, but I think it's a cafe/deli during the day (with an emphasis on locally grown products) and a wine/martini bar at night.  Not sure how that location will do in the evening, but time will tell!

That place looks awesome; they did a great job with the interior. I'm looking forward to trying it.

I'll come down for lunch someday soon and we can check it out!

I posted this a while back somewhere else.  It is from the DAS website:

 

Project Name

The Market Café at AmTrust

Client

AmTrust

 

Location

Cleveland, Ohio

 

Project Description

D-A-S Construction Co. is serving as the general contractor for the construction of The Market Café at the AmTrust Business Center in downtown Cleveland Ohio. The 5,500 square foot café will serve organically grown foods and will be located in the former site of Charles Schwab financial services at the corner of E. 9th and Chester. The existing space has been demolished to the bare structure with all possible materials salvaged for recycling. New mechanical systems will be installed to accommodate the new use of the space not only in the café itself but through two floors of occupied space with minimal disruption to bank activities. New rooftop equipment will be located on the roof of the 3rd floor. The completed Café will feature a farmer's market theme. Further "green building" techniques are included in the finishes and furniture of the space through the use of lumber reclaimed from demolished barns for use in tables and wall finishes. A full service kitchen as well as three separate "short order" stations will be included in the finished space. The Café is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007.

The Market Cafe is hosting a private party today. They open to the public December 3rd.

Where's the entrance exactly?  Is this a street level place?  It's hard to understand from the description.

 

 

Yeah, it's street level (well actually the floor is about 4 ft below street level but it occupies the ground floor frontage), and because it is a corner space and all glass, it should liven up that stretch of East 9th/Chester considerably.

I drove by there this morning. Looks very nice inside.

 

 

From Cool Cleveland:

 

Resurrection of The Flat Iron Cafe

 

Saturday November 17 stands as a day of resurrection, so to speak. The grand reopening of the upstairs bar and restaurant area of the old Flat Iron Café was reopened after it was nearly destroyed by fire. Spirits and voices were raised in celebration of the event, like welcoming an old friend back from the dead. It could just as easily been a wake.

 

On Labor Day weekend this year, fire broke out in the restaurant’s main office. Investigation proved that the fire was electrical in nature and was confined to the second floor. Quick work by the Cleveland Fire Department saved the landmark from total destruction. Current owner Dan Brennan, vowed to rebuild and reopen as soon as possible and made good on his promise, reopening the first floor in just ten days, the upstairs just last Saturday night. The old café has proved to be as tough as its Irish heritage.

 

The place was paced wall to wall with the faithful. With glasses raised, the event kicked off the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and the Irish national anthem. Music was provided by Paul, Peggy and Richie of Brigid’s Cross. The music continued with the band playing traditional Irish pub tunes alonf with a good helping American rock and folk with an Irish accent. Then to assembled multitude was treated to a rendition of “The Oldest Swinger in Town” by Dick “the Rooster” Goonan, a great old guy that just happens to be Peggy’s father and as almost as much of a landmark in the community as the Flat Iron. The Guinness flowed, the music played, people sang at the top of their voices and as the night went on the toasts to the Flat Iron got louder and more frequent. I challenge you to find anyone who was there that didn’t have the best time of their life. No one left unhappy.

 

By the way, how many of you have seen a beer fountain? I suggest you catch the next performance of Bridig’s Cross and if you’re lucky, really lucky, you may get the chance. It’s quite spectacular, ‘nough said.

 

Of all the after work spots in the Warehouse District or the Flats, one stands out, the Flat Iron Cafe. This popular watering hole is an icon on the east bank of the Cuyahoga, famous for good food, good drinks, good music and, of course, good company. But, it also has a place in Cleveland history that few are aware of.

 

Established in 1910 and billed today as “The Oldest Irish pub in Cleveland” the Flat Iron is nestled in the shadow of the Detroit Superior Bridge on a part of the Cuyahoga known as Irishtown Bend. The bend is named for the Irish immigrants that settled in Cleveland on the river. These settlers fled their native land to make new lives for their families far away from the grip of the “Great Potato Famine” also known as “The Great Hunger.” From 1845 through 1850 they sailed from Ireland to America in what came to be known as “Coffin Ships,” emigrating to stay alive. Carved from a single piece of gray granite, a monument across the way from the Flat Iron commemorates the event:

 

Read more:

 

http://coolcleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.CityScapeFlatIronResurrection

From today's Restaurant Row:

 

Another week, another new Mexican restaurant opens. El Jalapenos has opened in the space where Kluck's had been for 70 years on West 117th Street. You'll notice the mango-hued exterior, and the interior has been brightened up a bit, too. We're hearing raves about the Mexican dishes, especially the mole poblano, as well as the margaritas.

from: http://clevelandfoodie.blogspot.com/2007/11/la-tortilla-feliz-to-close.html

 

11.12.2007

la tortilla feliz to close

Well, another one bites the dust - unfortunately. This is one place I'm sad to see go. I've enjoyed many pitchers of sangria (the best in town) and empanadas that are borderline addicting at this little Tremont spot that serves some very tasty South American cuisine.

 

The last meal will be December 31. If you haven't been, try and go before they close. The food is really good and very reasonably priced. And I have yet to have a better glass (or pitcher!) of sangria - it's that good.

 

 

I went to La Tortilla Feliz on West 14th last night, and it was a very sorry experience.  Most of the time, my friend and I were the only people dining there.  One other couple was there when we arrived and another showed up before we left, but it was totally empty.  The staff was very cordial, but in a visible state of anguish.  This was also reflected in the food.  And our waitress almost seemed to beg us to attend the last event there, a wine tasting tonight.  She told us that LTF was primarily closing due to a lack of business.   

 

 

 

I have to say that while the food was usually terrific at La Tortilla, I can't say the same about the service. They were never rude but that sense of anguish seemed to be apparent the last time I went (about a year ago). When we walked in, the hostess said (whispered) "how many?", sat us down with menus (no water, no drinks, nada) and we were left sitting there for ten minutes twiddling our thumbs. The staff just wasn't very engaging and didn't exactly make us feel welcome - no "how is everything?", "would you like another beer?", etc. Lack of business? Maybe if they acted like my business was appreciated, I'd have gone back.

^I had had an ok experience with their ceviche, however When I went to eat there, a lot of the items seemed too doughy for lack of a better word. I guess thats the curse when you make the best empanadas yourself! Anyway it is sad to see it go b/c it was so loved. Too bad they could not work out their issues b/c I am not sure how many places like it in town.

.....

 

From Cool Cleveland:

 

Resurrection of The Flat Iron Cafe

 

... This popular watering hole is an icon on the east bank of the Cuyahoga, famous for good food, good drinks, good music and, of course, good company. But, it also has a place in Cleveland history that few are aware of.

 

Established in 1910 and billed today as “The Oldest Irish pub in Cleveland” the Flat Iron is nestled in the shadow of the Detroit Superior Bridge on a part of the Cuyahoga known as Irishtown Bend. The bend is named for the Irish immigrants that settled in Cleveland on the river. These settlers fled their native land to make new lives for their families far away from the grip of the “Great Potato Famine” also known as “The Great Hunger.” From 1845 through 1850 they sailed from Ireland to America in what came to be known as “Coffin Ships,” emigrating to stay alive. Carved from a single piece of gray granite, a monument across the way from the Flat Iron commemorates the event:

 

Read more:

 

http://coolcleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.CityScapeFlatIronResurrection

 

aaah yes Irish Town Bend, the history, the beauty, take the kids....ground center for the dawn of western man in Cleveland. Now it shall  be called crotch town bend in  response to the new "Adult Entertainment" zone developed by our fearless leaders.  Larry Flint's Palace (stucco I am sure) is sure to add to this austere setting for all to enjoy now and in the future. Don't forget to bring the family!

^^^ The waitress actually pestered us a little too much, probably because the place was empty and she had nothing else to do.

 

But I did have a business lunch there last year, and service was excellent.  We were in and out pretty quickly.  The food wasn't bad, either.

Max's Deli won't reopen at redesigned Westgate after all

Posted by Zachary Lewis November 29, 2007 15:53PM

Categories: Breaking News

 

 

Fans of Max's Deli will have to wait a little longer to get their fix.

 

Michele Kotoch, owner of the popular, 25-year-old Rocky River eatery known for its desserts, said Thursday she has abandoned plans to re-open at the new Westgate shopping center, which is under renovation on the Rocky River-Fairview Park border at Center Ridge Road.

 

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

Maybe this was already stated here, but Kan Zaman didn't close - they moved down West 25th south of the hospital in a stand alone building with parking in front...

We checked out the Tremont Tap House this week. The kitchen is opening this coming week, and the menu looks absolutely delicious, from the obligatory gourmet pizzas to innovative yet home style ethnic offerings. Hopefully it will taste as good as it looks. I wish they put the menu on line.

 

The remodel is really nice, even the bathrooms are beautiful.  Best is the beer selection-lots of micros. I did note there is nearly no parking in the little lot in the back, and street parking looks really limited. I am guessing this is going to be an issue. Anyway, I am sure before long this will be overrun with the Soutsidesque sat pm crowd (drunk suburbans driving suburbans) but still it is a nice place.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=5025848

Not sure if it's been mentioned but Long Phung (formerly the Big Egg) is being remodeled - looks like it will still be a Vietnamese restaurant. Speaking of - I picked up some of Minh-Anh's "Cinnamon Beef Soup" (aka pho) tonight... it had been a while so I was curious if it was as good as I remembered it:

 

"I did note there is nearly no parking in the little lot in the back, and street parking looks really limited. I am guessing this is going to be an issue. "

 

I really doubt that the clientel they are shooting for would be turned off by having to park on the street if they don't in fact walk there.  Don't see why this would be an issue.  Should they tear down a neighboring house for more convenient parking.?..?

^She had said the street parking appeared limited.  When I worked at Treehouse, I would say the vast majority of our customers on busy nights drove in.  So, parking is a legitimate concern.