I hope your experience at Zocalo is better than average. I have heard a lot of negative things about it, even after the "new and improved" menu.

 

They got a new consulting chef - can't remember his name.

I hope your experience at Zocalo is better than average.  I have heard a lot of negative things about it, even after the "new and improved" menu.

 

They got a new consulting chef - can't remember his name.

 

It's Aaron Sanchez, he was an Iron Chef America contestent.  The "new" menu has been rolled out and the complaints continue, perhaps moreso because they also raised their prices.

I don't think it's been rolled out yet.

I don't think it's been rolled out yet.

 

Yes it has, a friend of mine went and didn't like what they got, which was also more expensive than on a previous visit, and asked the server when the new menu would be rolled out and she said this was the new menu.

People complain too much.  I haven't been there (yet), but the menu looks similar to Abuelo's (at Harvard and Richmond), and the prices look similar too.  I'll reserve judgement until I go to Zocalo's :).

I've actually had pretty good experiences (food and service) every time I've been there (a whopping 3 or 4 times).

The new menu has been rolled out. I was just there over the weekend.  Everyone I was with thought the food was pretty good and would come back. No complaints in the service. 

My mom and some people from work went to dinner at zocalo thursday night and they all said the food was very good. Ive been there a few times when they had the old menu and thought the food was decent. I personally do not know anyone who went there and had bad food or bad service.

I agree with the above comments.  I've been there 3 times for dinner and found it a good experience, but not the best service. 

As a soon-to-be-resident of Shaker Square, I am VERY excited about this:

 

Heather Haviland is gearing up for the busiest summer of her professional career. The chef and partner of Lucky's Café (777 Starkweather Ave., 216.622.7773) is in the works to open a second café in the former home of Café Limbo. Called Vine & Bean (12706 Larchmere Blvd.), the restaurant will feature "rustic foods with a local approach," Haviland explains. The location will no longer be a vegetarian restaurant, but the chef promises to offer delicious meat-free and vegan items. Beer and wine will accompany live music and a charming garden patio. The team is shooting for an early July opening. Haviland also is getting closer to opening her dream bakery and café, Sanctuary, which will be located in Tremont's historic Union Gospel Press Building, now called Tremont Place Lofts. There she will craft European-style artisan breads and ambitious pastries for Lucky's, Vine & Bean and the on-site café. Plans call for an early autumn opening. "Rumor is that when you die, you get to nap all you want," jokes the excited but harried Haviland.

 

http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/59/luckys-caf-date-night-in-the-district-and-debonn-vineyards

^Nice.  The Limbo location has so much potential- good for Ms. Haviland.

 

And her Gospel Press location sounds cool too.  Happy to see her playing of the building's name even if the developers aren't cool/smart enough to.

As a soon-to-be-resident of Shaker Square, I am VERY excited about this:

 

thats great news.

The husband and I went to Zocalo's on Wednesday night. We found the food and the service to be great compared to the Philadelphia area restaurants. Our waitress was very attentive without hovering. The food was wonderful, especially the guacamole.

sorry I have been falling behind in my interwebs reading and not sure if this was posted anywhere. Jazz28 now open in OC where Halite, and Budapest Blue were located.  The menu looks great and they have live music. I was riding by and stopped to say Hi and welcome. I briefly met the mangager and owner and joked about wanting some famously good near west happy hour specials ala Flying Fig, Bar Cento, Lolita , Light Bistro and he said it is in the works. Here is to hoping!

 

http://jazz28.com/index.html

Thanks.  I didn't even know that Budapest Blue had closed.  I'm obviously way out of the loop.

Man, I could have sworn I had just read something (on these boards) about some special or something going on at Budapest Blue.  Must have been a quick close and I'm sorry that I never made it in.  But glad to see someone came in quickly and that they seem competent!

My girlfriend and I decided it had been too long since our last Melt fix, so we headed over there a couple nights ago.  We walked in the door and what followed was mass disorientation.  I was standing in a room that did not exist the last time I had better there a few months ago.  They knocked down a wall and took over the storefront to the west.  The new space doesn't appear to be utilized very efficiently yet, but they might be just waiting on new furniture.  The capacity looks to only be increased by a third because there is a big open area in the middle now.  Anyway, it looks great and it is good to see a Cleveland original thriving.

Two W25th closings reported in this week's free times (see below).  Not really very surprising as that location really does feel miles away from the energy of Market Square IMHO.  But still sad.

 

Two Ohio City restaurants on the very same block have closed. Dish Global Deli (1834 W. 25th St.) owner Heather Campbell blames the location, the far end of West 25th, as the kiss of death. "Had we been eight doors down we probably would have been fine," she says. Rather than sink more money into a tough sell, Campbell decided to "get out while the getting's good." Campbell's catering company can be reached at 216.235.9916. The Monastery (1844 W. 25th St.), a tea-themed restaurant next door, has also shuttered.

 

http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/61/bites070108

Wow, I can't believe Dish Global Deli closed.  I loved that place and it seemed to always have a decent crowd in there when I went.  Admittedly, I was usually there on a weekend, so maybe the weekday crowd wasn't that good. 

 

Also, their Sunday hours bothered me because they closed at three; on two occasions, I went there after three only to find that they were closed. I gave my business to Cento down the street instead.

Also, their Sunday hours bothered me because they closed at three; on two occasions, I went there after three only to find that they were closed. I gave my business to Cento down the street instead.

 

My sentiments exactly - I had good food, but was rarely there when they were open.

I too have eaten at Dish a few times (Sundays only)...but that's it.  As with many other businesses in the neighborhood, it's nearly impossible to patronize them unless it's the weekend since they close around 6-7.

 

Great sandwiches, brunch, and owners nonetheless!  Good luck!

I too have eaten at Dish a few times (Sundays only)...but that's it.  As with many other businesses in the neighborhood, it's nearly impossible to patronize them unless it's the weekend since they close around 6-7.

 

Great sandwiches, brunch, and owners nonetheless!  Good luck!

 

A few months ago, they scaled the hours back and started closing at 3. It is very difficult to survive as a place that only serves lunch.  On the bright side, they seem to be hinting that they are scouting out a new location that will bring them more business.

With the exception of Saturday afternoons, there just isn't enough foot traffic.  And 1/2 of the daily foot traffic that exists will not go into most of the establishments to eat.  We talk about critical mass regarding population for downtown to attract retailers, etc...Aren't we a dozen or so more storefronts away from making W.25/Lorain/Bridge a destination aside from few days the WSM is open?  A few more evening options and a few more daytime options--both food, retail, and entertainment.

 

I'm not knocking W.25th , just pointing out that it has yet to reach its full potential--and THAT'S exciting!

 

Sorry for going off on a tangent!  It's just that eating on Dish's patio on a Sunday morning and it being the only active storefront on the street is rather disheartening.

If they would have opened in downtown proper they might not be closing. We are dying for good, quick, inexpensive lunch places downtown.  I keep hitting the same ones over and over because there are so few good choices.

Has anyone heard that there's a vegan pizza place in Lakewood?  Someone was telling me about it, but didn't mention the name or location. 

 

Yes! It's called Mamma Mia's and it's on Madison near Ridgewood and Birdtown. It's an older pizza shop that added a second menu for vegans. It's very good food and being vegan, that is pretty much the only pizza I will eat, since they actually can make a pizza with vegan cheese and meats which is something I have not seen anywhere else in Cleveland! Also, the owner is offering subs and antipasto salads using vegan cheeses and meats. It's very delicious and one of the best places to try in Lakewood! BTW, if you are vegan, Melt also added vegan cheese to their menu, opening a foray of options up such as grilled cheeses!

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:

"it would do the city well to assist."

 

Beyond the millions poured into the streetscaping a few years back, loans being provided to projects like Fries and Scheule, GLBC's expansion, dozens of Storefront Renovation program projects, what more should we expect the "city" do? Sorry, I just hear people say "the city" (when they mean anything operating out of 601 Lakeside) should do this or that, when it's usually something the city has no jurisdiction over. The city has done plenty for West 25th and the Market in terms of infrastructure improvements. In the case of the WSM and its hours, it's the vendors themselves that could be improving the situation, as you rightly pointed out.

 

I'm the first to agree with you and say that the Market needs to expand/adjust their hours to accomodate a post-industrial residential base. The WSM has the potential to be a great catalyst for improving the area even more. However, as so many have said - the vendors' association cries foul at any suggestion for doing things differently. Look at the insufferable squawking that happened when the (evil, big bad people aka "the city") replaced the freezers/display cases recently. The way they carried on, you'd have thought the vendors were being asked to hand over their reproductive organs. So imagine how easy it would be to convince them to rearrange the schedule they've grown accustomed to for the past decade or three.  :|

^I generally agree with you, but long term there is definitely one more the could do if it ever has the money:  The absurd width of West 25th north of Bridge really needs to be addressed in a future streetscape phase.  I'll carry this over to the OC thread though to stay in good standing. :)

Vivo on Euclid has closed "due to construction" - according to the sign on the door, they'll be using the time for a "multi-layer" remodeling and will reopen as "Vivo Italian Steakhouse".

 

 

Vivo on Euclid has closed "due to construction" - according to the sign on the door, they'll be using the time for a "multi-layer" remodeling and will reopen as "Vivo Italian Steakhouse".

 

 

 

Insiders say that their last few weeks have been rough, and it seemed like a good time for them to "re-do", with them having poor sidewalk access of recent.

"Italian Steakhouse"?

Can anyone tell me if Luxe is open for lunch?  Tried its website, Googled, and called, but had no luck.  Thanks.

"Italian Steakhouse"?

 

By the way... that's really what they've always been.  Upscale modern italian type dishes... and great cuts of meat.  I think they're just coming out and saying it now.

Can anyone tell me if Luxe is open for lunch?  Tried its website, Googled, and called, but had no luck.  Thanks.

 

From the Free Times review this week:

Luxe Kitchen & Lounge: 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland - 216.920.0600.

Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

 

So it looks like your only option is Sunday.

^ Thank you!

They're really moving along with Cadillac Ranch! Stud walls up all over the place!  The great thing about this project is that it may inspire some people w/ $$$ to invest in the rest of the building--sooner rather than later! 

There was a restaurant that opened pretty recently, called the Cleveland Grill on West 117th Street just south of Lorain Avenue and I-90. It's a very nice restaurant, a little bit fancy and tremendous food. But I fear it won't stay open for long because few or no other people have been in there the several times I've gone. The staff is mostly Albania and Russian, so help out our new immigrants!

 

Check it out. It's right next to the Sahara Market and across the street from Holyland Imports. Speaking of helping out area immigrants, check out those two markets. The stuff that's available at these two places is too cool.

Walked by the former Tavern on the Mall (East 6th & St. Clair in the Lincoln Building); apparently they're putting in a sportsbar there. Normally I'd be groaning, but there's really not too much in the immediate vicinity.

I heard that the Bob Golic's Sports Bar & Grill will be going in on West 6th.

^where?

^1213 West 6th Street

is that the old synergy spot or the place next to the hat factory?

 

(this place will probably get no business on browns sundays)

^Two weeks ago, I noticed a lot of work going on in that space.

i saw the synergy space getting a lot of work done to it, but i think the address lines up more with the place next to the hat factory, which has been vacant for quite some time.

We need a few more sports bars in Cleveland  :lol: (and to think in DC, we cant find a decent sports bar!) 

I like it when old sports heroes have bars (to an extent).

 

I'm just waiting for the Keith Furphy Sports Bar & Grill ;)

There was a restaurant that opened pretty recently, called the Cleveland Grill on West 117th Street just south of Lorain Avenue and I-90. It's a very nice restaurant, a little bit fancy and tremendous food. But I fear it won't stay open for long because few or no other people have been in there the several times I've gone. The staff is mostly Albania and Russian, so help out our new immigrants!

 

Check it out. It's right next to the Sahara Market and across the street from Holyland Imports. Speaking of helping out area immigrants, check out those two markets. The stuff that's available at these two places is too cool.

 

While I agree that its never seems very busy when I've been there, the Cleveland Grill has been open for at least 5 years...so they must be doing something right.

i saw the synergy space getting a lot of work done to it, but i think the address lines up more with the place next to the hat factory, which has been vacant for quite some time.

 

Nope, it's the place fka Synergy - 1213 St. Clair. The Hat Factory is 1230ish.

I had heard that too about Golic's place - although I'd rather have a Mike Golic establishment...

Has anyone tried the new tapas place on Coventry?