^ Thanks

^Love the Moosehead.

 

 

Like the Moosehead, Love the Ironwood, though its more of a bar than the Moosehead.  Great barfood, and a really nice patio.

Although some may know about it, others may not:  Sterle's Slovenian Country House - E. 55th and St. Clair

 

I ate there three weeks ago with a client.  I really enjoyed it!  I then got to see the inside of the Slovenian Chruch for the first time too--good to see the area has been able to retain a few of these locations.

Sterle's is awesome.

 

For Chinese, I really like Wu's Cuisine on Rockwell (& 21st?).  Its in that old-school Chinatown block behind the Phoenix coffee that's on superior.  The sign out front says "Shanghai."

 

Man would I like to see that block fixed up, and complimented with something similar across Rockwell.

^Is that the Wu's that used to be in Lakewood on Madison?  If so, I agree...very good food.

some great food and dirnk happy hours (and great food anytime, but not budget).

Lolita

Flying Fig

*Tremont Tap House

*Bar Cento

Light Bistro

 

* younger crowd fits in great

 

3 of my favorite Cleve area restos that I don't make it to often enough b/c they are in the burbs:

Anatolia Cafe-Turkish in Cleveland Heights

Pacific East-Sushi Cleveland Heights

The Brew Engine-Lakewood

 

Full on Cleveland taverns with a ton of charm (young and old fit in great):

Major Hooples -Flats

Harbor Inn-Flats

Parkview-Detroit Shoreway

Stone Mad

 

Brunch-Lucky's Cafe

 

I strongly second Melt, Brew Kettle, Sokolowskis

 

fancy after dinner cocktails: Velvet Tango Room

 

I love the Rock Bottom b/c it is right in neighborhood and the food and most of the beers are good, but unsure if your coworker would want to go through the trouble to get to it.

^Is that the Wu's that used to be in Lakewood on Madison? If so, I agree...very good food.

 

That's them.

Old school comfort food/burger joints:

Inn on Coventry, Cleveland Hts

Brennan's Colony, Lee Rd, Cleve.Hts.

Academy Tavern, Larchmere

Bearden's, Rocky River

Toby's, Turney Rd, Garfield Hts

Fairview Tavern, Lorain Rd

West End Tavern, Lakewood

 

Italian:

Maria's, Lakewood

Danny Boy's, Rocky River

Geraci's, Univ. Hts.

 

Drunk dining:

Red Chimney, Fleet Ave. (although I don't think it's open 24 hours a day anymore)

Dianna's, W 117th

Michael's Diner on the Shaker Rapid line

The french toast at the Shack on the Tracks is to die for!

 

 

Where is Shack on the Tracks?

 

I finally got around to going to the West Side Market Cafe for a breakfast meeting. The pancakes were some of the best I've ever had!

 

I also finally went to Sterle's last week for a Northeast Ohio City Council Association meeting (article forthcoming -- the PD was there but didn't write about it). Good family-style food. While others raved about the food, I thought it was just good.

Michael's Diner on the Shaker Rapid line

=

Shack on the Tracks

Ah. Thankyou

Michael's Diner on the Shaker Rapid line

=

Shack on the Tracks

 

Damn outsider. :wink:

 

Only people from outside the Shaker Square/Cleveland Hts./Shaker Hts. area would call the diner, Mikes/Michaels.  Most everyone I know refers to it as "the Shack on the Tracks".

^I had to look up the name of the place on the Shaker Square website because I don't think I've ever called it by its real name.

Two of my favorites:  Joe's Deli in Rocky River, and Phnom Penh on either W. 25 or Lorain.

Has anyone tried this place?  I'm just curious and definitely thinking about going!  I looooooove papusas!!!!!

 

http://www.cleveland.com/goingout/index.ssf/2008/09/taste_of_the_town.html

 

At La Brasa, on Cleveland's west side, feast like a king - peasant-style

by Debbi Snook

Friday September 26, 2008, 12:15 PM

TASTE OF THE TOWN

 

 

 

We were lifting our forks, but we could have been nosing down a roughshod runway in El Salvador, chickens squawking and fluttering out of the way.

 

The food at the four-month-old La Brasa transforms its old-timey storefront into an hour-long trip to a far-away place. Clevelanders who love grilled or slow-cooked meat with potatoes will feel right at home. So will their wallets, with many very full dinners around $10.

 

 

pupusas! that place sounds awesome.

 

dammit i cant help it --

everytime i see "pollo asado" i think of ween. ahh the 90's. :laugh:

"...Hi, can I help you? Yes, I would like a basket of chips

I would like a beef chimi...

Umm, what is, what is the, what is the, what is the pollo asado?

That's the chicken.

Ok, what is the carne asado?

That's the beef.

Ok, let me get two carne asado tacos..."

 

Sounds like an interesting place.  Although I wonder why they called "Pollo Asado" a chicken platter?  It's just a baked/roasted chicken with regional spices.

 

pupusas, arepas, gorditos....all the same to me.  Just depends on what the background/nationality of the person making them.

Sounds like an interesting place. Although I wonder why they called "Pollo Asado" a chicken platter? It's just a baked/roasted chicken with regional spices.

 

pupusas, arepas, gorditos....all the same to me. Just depends on what the background/nationality of the person making them.

 

Well I'm partial to El Salvador, and hence papusas :-P.  I am intrigued, however, that they say they are filled with squash as opposed to beans.  I'll report back if I get to go there!

Sounds like an interesting place.  Although I wonder why they called "Pollo Asado" a chicken platter?  It's just a baked/roasted chicken with regional spices.

 

pupusas, arepas, gorditos....all the same to me.  Just depends on what the background/nationality of the person making them.

 

Well I'm partial to El Salvador, and hence papusas :-P.  I am intrigued, however, that they say they are filled with squash as opposed to beans.  I'll report back if I get to go there!

 

Really?  Wow!  cool.  You're our first out Latina!

Sounds like an interesting place. Although I wonder why they called "Pollo Asado" a chicken platter? It's just a baked/roasted chicken with regional spices.

 

pupusas, arepas, gorditos....all the same to me. Just depends on what the background/nationality of the person making them.

 

Well I'm partial to El Salvador, and hence papusas :-P. I am intrigued, however, that they say they are filled with squash as opposed to beans. I'll report back if I get to go there!

 

Really? Wow! cool. You're our first out Latina!

 

No, no, no, I'm not.  I've just been to El Salvador a couple times :).  Although I did get mistaken for being Salvadoran when I was there cause I was fluent in Spanish at the time (let that slip a little in recent years :() and I'm sicilian so I almost have the right look :).

No, no, no, I'm not.  I've just been to El Salvador a couple times :).  Although I did get mistaken for being Salvadoran when I was there cause I was fluent in Spanish at the time (let that slip a little in recent years :() and I'm sicilian so I almost have the right look :).

oh...you little stinker!  :evil: :whip:

Sorry to get your hopes up!  Now back to restaurant talk!  :-D

 

For a good sandwich on the run, I do like Dagwood's on the corner of State and Tuxedo in Parma just south of Brookpark. 

 

I tried Dagwood's for lunch today.  Solid sub place.

I'll add a second for Brennan's Colony.  In addition to the bar food being top notch (best onion rings I've ever had and a great burger), it is pretty reasonable.  And the best part...when you're in the mood to spend a little more, they have a great specials menu that changes every night with items in the $15 - $25 range that are also excellent, and surprisingly upscale and gourmet.

 

On the west side, Sokolowski's is of course one of my favorites, but for a place not yet mentioned, I also love the Harp.

There's a great Mexican/hispanic place on Madison, Villa y Zapata. It looks a little sketch on the outside but the food is great. There is another one on W 25th I believe, but I've never been to that one.

 

Oh yeah parkview definitely has the best "bar food" I've ever tasted.

I didn't see this posted anywhere else, but here's another great highlight of the Cleveland food scene in the national spotlight:

http://www.gourmet.com/restaurants/2008/09/eight-great-recession-busters-in-cleveland

 

Nice.  The editors/critics, from a variety of news paper and magazines, love our food scene.

 

:clap:

There's a great Mexican/hispanic place on Madison, Villa y Zapata. It looks a little sketch on the outside but the food is great. There is another one on W 25th I believe, but I've never been to that one.

 

Oh yeah parkview definitely has the best "bar food" I've ever tasted.

Yes, Villa Zapata is good.  The one on W 25 isn't as good as the one on Madison, IMHO. 

great article in gourmet & good suggestions -- ie., for kobe burgers and for mr. brisket.

 

"Cleveland is in the midst of a decade-long foodie boom"

 

well i'm so glad they finally took notice.  :wink:

 

also, i can't help but note the cheerful tone, so different from what the peedee might lead with, "residents of america's poorest city can hardly afford to eat out much, but if you're looking to save money....yada"  :whip:

I've been to Harp and thought it was pretty good too.

 

Just this past Sunday I had breakfast at Buckeye Beer Engine on Madison in Lakewood.  I was surprised how good the food was because it's not a place you usually associate with breakfast.  I'd definitely recommend it.  Nothing like having a Hippie IPA with your omelet  :drunk:

 

Now if only they sold Buckeye brews on the eastside  :laugh:

Most people probably know that Flying Fig has a great happy hour (can't beat the $5 blue cheese and bacon burger, and select $3 drafts); but did you know that they have those happy hour prices on Saturday from 3 to 5? That could come in handy if you're in the area.

"Now if only they sold Buckeye brews on the eastside"

 

apparently not enough eastsiders appreciated it. Not only did they sell it, they brewed it. It was in Bedford. They also had a little counter where they sold the beer. Fun times.

 

"Now if only they sold Buckeye brews on the eastside"

 

apparently not enough eastsiders appreciated it. Not only did they sell it, they brewed it. It was in Bedford. They also had a little counter where they sold the beer. Fun times.

 

 

You could make your own beer at the Bedford spot.  You'd pick out the recipe, they'd do the dirty work.  They'd even print labels with your design.  Do they do that at Beer Engine too?

no. it is brewed off site in North Ridgeville I think (brewkeeper?)

 

edit: come to think of it this relationship may have ended...not sure

"Now if only they sold Buckeye brews on the eastside"

 

apparently not enough eastsiders appreciated it. Not only did they sell it, they brewed it. It was in Bedford. They also had a little counter where they sold the beer. Fun times.

 

 

Wow...I had no idea! 

 

I heard about them this past Dec. when my sister, who lives right down the steet from the Engine, brought some of their beer for dinner at my place. 

 

Their website talks about it...http://buckeyebeerengine.com/about

The Drink Cafe in Lakewood (Detroit next to McCarthy's) has the best shrimp bisque I've ever tasted; The Rush Inn a little further west on Detroit has really good bar food as well. I would also reccomend the Beachcliff Tavern in Rocky River and the The South Side in Tremont (awesome sandwiches).

A Cookie and A Cupcake bakery opened in Tremont today.  I took it upon myself to try it out on my lunch break.  It was a tough sacrifice to make, but I did it for the betterment of UO. 

 

Anyways, they have about 10 different cupcakes and some cookies.  I tried the grasshopper cupcake (chocolate-chocolate chip cupcake with mint frosting) and it was fan-freaking-tastic.  Very moist cake and super light frosting.  Good sized cupcake too.  It cost $2.50. 

 

Today was soft opening, and I think they'll have more cookies and brownies and stuff once they get going.  Definitely a thumbs up from me.

 

Here's their website:

 

http://www.acookieandacupcake.com/index.shtml

 

Ooo, I was gonna swing by Banyan Tree this evening anyway.  I'll have to see if I can make it there before 7.

Actually, someone on Cleveland.com posted that they were only opening from 11-5 today and tomorrow for the soft opening, so you might want to call before rushing.

Actually, someone on Cleveland.com posted that they were only opening from 11-5 today and tomorrow for the soft opening, so you might want to call before rushing.

 

Doh!  Definitely can't make it by 5.

GOODMAN GROUP REAL ESTATE SERVICES GROUP LEASES SPACE AT GREAT NORTHERN PLAZA IN NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO

 

Goodman Real Estate Services Group LLC of Lyndhurst, Ohio, recently completed the lease to Inchin's Bamboo Garden in Great Northern Plaza in North Olmsted, Ohio. Inchin's Bamboo Garden is a full service, northern Indian-style Chinese restaurant serving unique dishes not traditionally found in other Chinese restaurants in the United States. The company currently has locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Raleigh, Seattle, and Columbus.

 

Goodman Real Estate Services Group specializes in retail real estate representing shopping center properties for lease, land for sale, and companies seeking to lease, purchase or sell real estate.

 

Kyle Hartung, an associate with Goodman Real Estate Services Group LLC, exclusively represents Inchin's Bamboo Garden in northeast Ohio.

 

Our Philosophy

Inchin’s Bamboo Garden was started with a simple

idea - to provide a unique dining experience that

brings back memories of far away lands... The cuisine

is an artful blend of exotic ingredients and finds it’s

influence from the Chinese province of Szechwan and

the eclectic flavors of India.

Our chefs are trained to prepare the food from scratch

so that every order is made fresh and has it’s own

distinct taste. This is a hallmark of this restaurant and

something we take pride in.

 

www.bamboo-gardens.com

www.goodmanrealestate.com

I posted this on Cleveland.com, but since I am sure many of you wisely avoid the site (if I could only be so strong), here goes-

In Asiatown-the menu looks killer for Korean food fans:

 

has anyone been to Ha-Ahn Korean Bistro yet? I stumbled on it in the Golden Plaza 3030 Superior when I was picking up one of those killer sandwiches from Superior Pho to go. I have not been in the plaza for possibly months so I have no idea how long it was been there. Ha-Ahn is in the old space of Golden Bakery. It is tiny and the menu looks BASIC but authentic , ie Bim bop, Korean roll, Kimchi Chige,ramen, and what sounds good-Kalgooksoo "thick noodles in homemade anchovy paste". I am crushed I did not have time to try it and it may be a while before I can. Plus I can't have the guy from Superior Pho see me cheating on him at another soup stand :). Anyone been? thoughts? I hope people go b/c at high noon there were no customers and I want them to have a chance in these tough times if they are indeed good

 

 

 

A Cookie and A Cupcake bakery opened in Tremont today. I took it upon myself to try it out on my lunch break. It was a tough sacrifice to make, but I did it for the betterment of UO.

 

Anyways, they have about 10 different cupcakes and some cookies. I tried the grasshopper cupcake (chocolate-chocolate chip cupcake with mint frosting) and it was fan-freaking-tastic. Very moist cake and super light frosting. Good sized cupcake too. It cost $2.50.

 

Today was soft opening, and I think they'll have more cookies and brownies and stuff once they get going. Definitely a thumbs up from me.

 

Here's their website:

 

http://www.acookieandacupcake.com/index.shtml

 

  sounds great!  Maybe they will open a second location in Detroit Shoreway!

Oh!  I forgot to post!  I went to A Cookie and a Cupcake on Friday night (they actually did stay open past 5), and I had an espresso cupcake.  It was goooooooooooooooooood, and I didn't even eat it until Saturday afternoon :-D.  The two women who run it were really really nice, and they were really excited that they'd had so much business on Friday.  They were also excited when I told them that they got picked up by the UO and cleveland.com radars!

oooh cupcakes. I wish I wasn't carpooling today I would swing by on my way home.

my lungs thank you for carpooling... you're a good citizen!  You deserve a cupcake.

Cleveland Restaurant Week is back.

http://www.clevelandindependents.com/rw.php

 

November 2-7 and 9-14.

Cleveland Restaurant Week is back.

http://www.clevelandindependents.com/rw.php

 

November 2-7 and 9-14.

 

thank Goodness and those folks at opentable listened.  Now if they would only list the appropriate neighborhods for each restaurant instead of just saying "Cleveland".

From Scene:

 

According to chef-partner Pete Joyce, Bistro on Lincoln Park (2391 W. 11th St., 216.862.2969, bistroonlincolnpark.com) will open in the old Sage Bistro spot within two weeks.