great comments crew -- i got nothing to add except to say thanks for posting the article. it certainly was interesting to chew on from a variety of angles.

Fathead's opened this week in North Olmstead at Columbia and Lorain.  I've read some glowing reviews so far.

Barley House opens in Cleveland's Warehouse District: Restaurant Row

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Joe Crea

Plain Dealer Columnist

%%head%%RESTAURANT ROW

 

There's no velvet rope, no hip per-than-thou vibe. In fact, the old crowd probably wouldn't recognize the former Spy Bar. Then again, when was puttin' on the cool ever a factor in getting into an Irish bar like the new Barley House?

 

Old Warehouse District meets Auld Sod at the recently opened Cleveland installment of the Akron-based BH.

 

More at http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/restaurantrow/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/123926601596450.xml&coll=2

The Barley House will dominate the competition (which is probably Dive).  The owner is a genius with bars.  No bar has ever succeeded in dowtown Akron, yet Barley House has been a mainstay for almost 3 years now.

Fatheads in Pittsburgh is AWESOME. if this FH store is half as good Melt will have a run for their money...Although truth is if there were a dent put in Melt, it would be filled by people that stopped bothering to try and get a table in under 30 minutes. For the first time, I am really jealous of North Olmsted. It must be incredibly hard to open a restaurant these days, but with the formula of comforting  cheese, grease and micro beer, how can you go wrong? This place is destined to succeed.

 

I went to the Barley House for lunch. I had  grilled fish on a  salad and both were just fine. The service was good, and the promotions manager even approached to chat us up and make sure everything was OK. It is kind of a basic place menu wise, probably appealing more to suburbanites, but it is still nice to have another affordable type place downtown for those that like the style of food they serve. 

Although truth is if there were a dent put in Melt, it would be filled by people that stopped bothering to try and get a table in under 30 minutes.

 

I completely agree!

^I met some relatives at Fatheads last night for dinner, the place was packed.  Their HeadHunter IPA was rather good, I sampled a couple of their other beers (the Treehugger and the #1) and they were good but a little weaker than I would have hoped for.  They do have a very nice guest beer list, not overwhelming large but carefully selected.  The food was good in a very greasy way.  Portions are very large.  There was a long wait for tables, and almost everyone there seemed fairly drunk by the time they were seated.  There is plenty of space to drink while waiting for a table, both at the large bar and in the billiards area where there are ledges and barstools along the walls.

Here is a short vid with some interior shots of the Greenhouse Tavern.

 

Here is a short vid with some interior shots of the Greenhouse Tavern.

 

I hope they have some spicy dishes on the menu!

I just saw that there is a sign in the old Hylander's location (Lakewood on Detroit) that Krazy Mac's is moving in there.  Lakewood is becoming a cheese-lover's heaven...

this is purely anecdotal, but a friend of mine who lives in lakewood had many examples it is booming with regard to new restaurants -many doing well.

I just saw that there is a sign in the old Hylander's location (Lakewood on Detroit) that Krazy Mac's is moving in there. Lakewood is becoming a cheese-lover's heaven...

 

I was just about to comment on that! I saw that as well...so this is the final location of Krazy Macs and the detroit-shoreway location is no more?

I just saw that there is a sign in the old Hylander's location (Lakewood on Detroit) that Krazy Mac's is moving in there. Lakewood is becoming a cheese-lover's heaven...

 

I was just about to comment on that! I saw that as well...so this is the final location of Krazy Macs and the detroit-shoreway location is no more?

 

I believe so. 

 

Went to Barley House for a party Friday night and it was packed.  I had been expecting more of a Flanery's vibe, but it was more like Spy Bar with Irish signs up.  Maybe that's just the weekend evening incarnation.  Intense crowd... the place has been well recieved.

^That's how it will be.

Im going to Greenhouse Tavern tonight before the cavs game...anyone been yet and have any suggestions?

Im going to Greenhouse Tavern tonight before the cavs game...anyone been yet and have any suggestions?

 

I'm double jealous.

Im going to Greenhouse Tavern tonight before the cavs game...anyone been yet and have any suggestions?

 

take pictures!

Not sure if UO folks are aware, but Heather Haviland of Lucky's Cafe in Tremont is doing a dinner service once a month now, we went to our first one the other night, it was an Italian theme.  They are trying to source a lot of products locally and I love their food for brunch so we were excited.  It was a little expensive for us but very reasonably priced for normal people ($35 prix fixe per person), and it's BYOB since they are obviously a coffee shop, but we just stuck with water.  We really, really enjoyed the dinner and it's such a nice, casual atmosphere, will definitely go back. Since we are going out for dinner very rarely these days, this was a nice splurge.  Foodie details follow, if you're not interested in that stuff you can stop reading here.  :-D

 

First course was a choice of a vegetable risotto topped with fried egg and a gnocchi on a bed of pea puree served with fresh green beans and mint.  We got one of each of course, and traded samples.  Both were very good though very mildly spiced, I would say the risotto could have used more salt and the carrots in it were a little underdone, but that's really nitpicky.  The gnocchi were very light and the pea/green beans/mint combo was really interesting and tasty. 

 

2nd course (no choices) was a small house-made Caesar.  I normally do NOT like Caesar dressing because it's usually got an overpowdering garlic taste but this did not.  It was served with a little bit of chopped egg, radish and tasty homemade croutons.

 

3rd course was choice of house-made pappardelle pasta bolognese or eggplant parm.  We got one of each again so we could try both. The bolognese sauce was really very good, very enjoyable.  The eggplant parm presentation was one of my favorites ever; I don't usally like this dish because it's gloppy and heavy and overly cheesy.  But this was a little dish with sliced eggplant, lightly fried and topped with just a little bit of cheese and sauce, then served with a side of angel hair in marinara sauce with capers, which was very enjoyable and kept the dish light but very satisfying and not overly greasy.

 

Dessert was choice of tiramisu or homemade lemon "meringue" ice cream.  I didn't care much for either, this was the only disappointment of the night but still they were fairly good.  The tiramisu had a nice taste but presentation was really strange - a tall, spongy cake with a lot of the sweet cream glopped onto it rather unattractively, and difficult to cut with a fork.  The white bits in the meringue made the ice cream visually unappealing and it wasn't that great in the taste department.  The ice cream was served with 4 different flavors of little tiny cookies which were very good, if a bit underdone for my taste (soft in the middle).

 

All in all definitely would go to one of these dinners again, just wanted to let you all know about them since there were a lot of empty tables.

How do you know what night they're doing this?

I signed up for their emails and got notified that way.  They also had signs posted about it in the waiting area of the restaurant and it's also on their website (where you can sign up for the mailing list if you don't do it in the cafe).

Thanks.

Chef Michael Symon plans two new restaurants dishing up simpler fare and beer

Posted by cball April 21, 2009 20:34PM

Food Network / Associated Press Michael Symon, shown here in the kitchen on the set of "Iron Chef," has plans to open two new restaurants in the Cleveland area.

Starship Symon is about to land two new restaurants in Northeast Ohio.

 

Restaurateur and "Iron Chef" winner Michael Symon has inked deals on both sides of the Cuyahoga River. He's taking over the shuttered Swingos Grand Tavern in Avon Lake as well as a former Cold Stone Creamery in Woodmere.

 

 

------------------------------------------------

 

In all the time I've been familiar with Avon Lake, only one nice restaurant has been able to make a decent go of it in that desert of cuisine and culture.  I wonder if Symon's name will be enough to lift him above that curse.

Went to Greenhouse last night, and pictures are to follow.  Speaking of which, how do you post pictures?  It was evident that they are still working out the kinks, but the whole concept is really cool.  I spoke with the owner and congratulated him and told him he has a bunch of fans and he was extremely nice, shook hands and thanked us for coming.  The menu is going to constantly changing based on the foods that are in season...and they are going focus the menu around those foods.  I had chicken wings and a green bean side...the wings were extremely unique and good and the chicken just melted right off the bone and was really flavorful.  The tables, bar and lights are awesome, i assume more art will be coming. 

^Thanks for the report- I hope to check it out Friday night.

 

Chef Michael Symon plans two new restaurants dishing up simpler fare and beer

Posted by cball April 21, 2009 20:34PM

Food Network / Associated Press Michael Symon, shown here in the kitchen on the set of "Iron Chef," has plans to open two new restaurants in the Cleveland area.

Starship Symon is about to land two new restaurants in Northeast Ohio.

 

My excitement level dropped from about 8 to 0 as I went from the headline to reading about the locations.  Oh well.  I guess tacky exurbanites deserve better food too, even if it's in this inspired location:  http://maps.google.com/maps?q=32858+Walker+Road+Avon+Lake&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=xjvvSYjuAcTgtgf6nbDADw&ll=41.493182,-82.021544&spn=0.002728,0.004828&t=h&z=18

 

 

My excitement level dropped from about 8 to 0 as I went from the headline to reading about the locations. Oh well. I guess tacky exurbanites deserve better food too, even if it's in this inspired location

 

Me too, lol.  I saw the headline and went "Oooh!" and then I read the article and went "Oh."  *Sigh*

^Thanks for the report- I hope to check it out Friday night.

 

Chef Michael Symon plans two new restaurants dishing up simpler fare and beer

Posted by cball April 21, 2009 20:34PM

Food Network / Associated Press Michael Symon, shown here in the kitchen on the set of "Iron Chef," has plans to open two new restaurants in the Cleveland area.

Starship Symon is about to land two new restaurants in Northeast Ohio.

 

My excitement level dropped from about 8 to 0 as I went from the headline to reading about the locations.  Oh well.  I guess tacky exurbanites deserve better food too, even if it's in this inspired location:  http://maps.google.com/maps?q=32858+Walker+Road+Avon+Lake&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=xjvvSYjuAcTgtgf6nbDADw&ll=41.493182,-82.021544&spn=0.002728,0.004828&t=h&z=18

 

 

 

In the food arena, I wouldn't label the exurbanites as tacky.  Yes, they live in tacky homes in tacky neighborhoods, but some are foodies.

 

I wouldn't go to either locations, but I know my Mom would have lunch there when she's out shopping with the girls.

^I'm sure lots of exurbanites know and love good food, but even Chez f'ing Panisse would be tacky at this location:

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=32858+Walker+Road+Avon+Lake&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=xjvvSYjuAcTgtgf6nbDADw&ll=41.493005,-82.019055&spn=0.005457,0.009656&t=h&z=17

Yes, us tacky suburban people who drive all over Cleveland to eat at good restaurants will drive out to Avon Lake as well.  I'm driving "all the way" out to Anatolia this week.  Honestly, when I think about how far people regularly drive in places like LA or Chicago when they want to go to a good restaurant, I feel fortunate that our town is so relatively small and accessible.  I don't know why people act like it's the other side of the world to go some place here. Nothing is that far.  We go to Hudson, Akron, wherever the good food is.

wow. i am totally jealous of that beleiveland. can't wait to see your pics.

 

to post you first have to get your photos loaded up on your computer from your camera. then you have to get them 'hosted' live online. i use photobucket, its free, but there are others. then you just copy and paste the link, but we'll help you after you get that far.

 

Chef Michael Symon plans two new restaurants dishing up simpler fare and beer

Posted by cball April 21, 2009 20:34PM

Food Network / Associated Press Michael Symon, shown here in the kitchen on the set of "Iron Chef," has plans to open two new restaurants in the Cleveland area.

Starship Symon is about to land two new restaurants in Northeast Ohio.

 

 

In all the time I've been familiar with Avon Lake, only one nice restaurant has been able to make a decent go of it in that desert of cuisine and culture.  I wonder if Symon's name will be enough to lift him above that curse.

 

you better watch out with those remarks or al bubba baker is gonna get you!!  :laugh:

 

http://www.bubbasq.com/

 

 

 

Not sure if UO folks are aware, but Heather Haviland of Lucky's Cafe in Tremont is doing a dinner service once a month now, we went to our first one the other night, it was an Italian theme.  They are trying to source a lot of products locally and I love their food for brunch so we were excited.  It was a little expensive for us but very reasonably priced for normal people ($35 prix fixe per person), and it's BYOB since they are obviously a coffee shop, but we just stuck with water.  We really, really enjoyed the dinner and it's such a nice, casual atmosphere, will definitely go back. Since we are going out for dinner very rarely these days, this was a nice splurge.  Foodie details follow, if you're not interested in that stuff you can stop reading here.  :-D

 

 

ha - you know i'm interested and you better copy and paste that review on the 'hound too!  :wink:

 

what a cool idea and it sounds like a nice dinner too -- the eggplant parm dish really caught my attention. when i have made that at home i kind of make it that way too. as you say its almost always waaay to heavy at your typical ital-amer restaurant.

good idea mrnyc, I will put it up on there as well.

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/bites-melt-goes-east/Content?oid=1565377

 

Bites: Melt Goes East

The East Side Should Be Grilled By Fall

by Douglas Trattner

 

Yes, us tacky suburban people who drive all over Cleveland to eat at good restaurants will drive out to Avon Lake as well. I'm driving "all the way" out to Anatolia this week. Honestly, when I think about how far people regularly drive in places like LA or Chicago when they want to go to a good restaurant, I feel fortunate that our town is so relatively small and accessible. I don't know why people act like it's the other side of the world to go some place here. Nothing is that far. We go to Hudson, Akron, wherever the good food is.

 

Oh man.  R&R, I really wasn't trying to impugn the foodiness of suburbanites (or even exurbanites), least of all you.  Nor was I lamenting that these new places were simply far away- I would happily drive very far for the right place.  I just find sprawly exurban commercial strips unbearably depressing for several reasons (aesthetic, cultural, environmental), and was disappointed that's where Symon's new places were opening.  I'm not a dedicated enough foodie that I can separate the food from the atmosphere.

Yes, us tacky suburban people who drive all over Cleveland to eat at good restaurants will drive out to Avon Lake as well.  I'm driving "all the way" out to Anatolia this week.  Honestly, when I think about how far people regularly drive in places like LA or Chicago when they want to go to a good restaurant, I feel fortunate that our town is so relatively small and accessible.  I don't know why people act like it's the other side of the world to go some place here. Nothing is that far.  We go to Hudson, Akron, wherever the good food is.

 

Oh man.  R&R, I really wasn't trying to impugn the foodiness of suburbanites (or even exurbanites), least of all you.  Nor was I lamenting that these new places were simply far away- I would happily drive very far for the right place.  I just find sprawly exurban commercial strips unbearably depressing for several reasons (aesthetic, cultural, environmental), and was disappointed that's where Symon's new places were opening.  I'm not a dedicated enough foodie that I can separate the food from the atmosphere.

 

I'm glad you admit that, because I was going to say you're being totally unfair and generalizing.  OK.  Carry on........

 

 

In place of the standard happy hour, Zack Bruell has launched "green hour" at Parallax (2179 W. 11th St., 216.583.9999, parallaxtremont.com). The green theme is courtesy of absinthe, with the Green Fairy featured in special cocktails daily from 5-7 p.m. The restaurant also has deals on beer, wine and food.

 

[email protected]

 

 

Interesting.  A reason to go back and try that black pepper pasta.  I love the feel of parallax.

Yes, us tacky suburban people who drive all over Cleveland to eat at good restaurants will drive out to Avon Lake as well. I'm driving "all the way" out to Anatolia this week. Honestly, when I think about how far people regularly drive in places like LA or Chicago when they want to go to a good restaurant, I feel fortunate that our town is so relatively small and accessible. I don't know why people act like it's the other side of the world to go some place here. Nothing is that far. We go to Hudson, Akron, wherever the good food is.

 

Oh man. R&R, I really wasn't trying to impugn the foodiness of suburbanites (or even exurbanites), least of all you. Nor was I lamenting that these new places were simply far away- I would happily drive very far for the right place. I just find sprawly exurban commercial strips unbearably depressing for several reasons (aesthetic, cultural, environmental), and was disappointed that's where Symon's new places were opening. I'm not a dedicated enough foodie that I can separate the food from the atmosphere.

 

I'm not a big fan of strip malls either but I go where the good food is and am glad it's there.  On a recent trip to Cincinnati, we stopped in Columbus for dinner and the place we wanted to go was near the Polaris center exit.  Tons of chains and bright lights everywhere and we left it and went way down a winding path through neighborhoods, coming out at one of those depressing strip malls, so we could go to a Turkish place I'd read about.  We were so glad we went, it was terrific, and now if we are ever in that area we know where to go to eat.  If that place were in the Polaris complex, it would probably quickly go out of business because it couldn't compete with the TGI McFunster's of the world.  People will wait for an hour to eat at Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory but they're not interested in going to a weird looking little Turkish place.  More for me, I say.

I'm not a big fan of strip malls either but I go where the good food is and am glad it's there. On a recent trip to Cincinnati, we stopped in Columbus for dinner and the place we wanted to go was near the Polaris center exit. Tons of chains and bright lights everywhere and we left it and went way down a winding path through neighborhoods, coming out at one of those depressing strip malls, so we could go to a Turkish place I'd read about. We were so glad we went, it was terrific, and now if we are ever in that area we know where to go to eat. If that place were in the Polaris complex, it would probably quickly go out of business because it couldn't compete with the TGI McFunster's of the world. People will wait for an hour to eat at Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory but they're not interested in going to a weird looking little Turkish place. More for me, I say.

 

One of my favorite restaurants is Sun Luck Garden, which is in a dumpy strip mall on Taylor Rd.  Fantastic Chinese food, though.  However, if it was newly opening or if it was moving, I would definitely be wishing a better location.  But I'd eat there no matter what the location is.  Doesn't mean we can't still hope for better, especially when the restaurant hasn't yet been established anywhere.

Yep.  In fact, I'm disappointed about the Avon Lake choice, not because of the distance so much but that I think they would have a much better chance of success if they had picked RR or Westlake instead.  I fear they will quickly die on the vine out there.

I'm not a big fan of strip malls either but I go where the good food is and am glad it's there.  On a recent trip to Cincinnati, we stopped in Columbus for dinner and the place we wanted to go was near the Polaris center exit.  Tons of chains and bright lights everywhere and we left it and went way down a winding path through neighborhoods, coming out at one of those depressing strip malls, so we could go to a Turkish place I'd read about.  We were so glad we went, it was terrific, and now if we are ever in that area we know where to go to eat.  If that place were in the Polaris complex, it would probably quickly go out of business because it couldn't compete with the TGI McFunster's of the world.  People will wait for an hour to eat at Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory but they're not interested in going to a weird looking little Turkish place.  More for me, I say.

 

One of my favorite restaurants is Sun Luck Garden, which is in a dumpy strip mall on Taylor Rd.  Fantastic Chinese food, though.  However, if it was newly opening or if it was moving, I would definitely be wishing a better location.  But I'd eat there no matter what the location is.  Doesn't mean we can't still hope for better, especially when the restaurant hasn't yet been established anywhere.

 

Yeah, that plaza is very bad considering the beautiful buildings that it sits across from.

 

To me, that place is "hit or miss".  The spicy food isn't spicy to me.  The beef and onions with spicy hot sauce looked so appetizing.  It was just so-so!  My eyes should water and my nose should run, if that doesn't happen -- It aint spicy!  :whip: :whip:

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/bites-melt-goes-east/Content?oid=1565377

 

Bites: Melt Goes East

The East Side Should Be Grilled By Fall

by Douglas Trattner

 

Since opening a couple of years ago, Melt Bar and Grilled (14718 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216.226.3699, meltbarandgrilled.com) has been one of the most successful restaurants on Cleveland's West Side. Soon, owner Matt Fish will attempt to duplicate that success on the East Side. In a few weeks, Fish will begin an ambitious renovation project at an undisclosed Cleveland Heights location. If all goes as planned, the second Melt will open by late fall. "Cleveland Heights has a lot of great things going on," says Fish, "and I look forward to being a part of it." He added that the move is a natural one, since many of his regular customers already hail from east of the Cuyahoga, and "if any neighborhood in Cleveland is similar to Lakewood, it's Cleveland Heights." When completed, the space will be large, with about 4,500 square feet of seating for about 170 guests. Fish says he plans on mimicking his winning formula as best as he can. He is starting with a space that has "great Cleveland history." Guests can expect wood floors, high tin ceilings, exposed brick walls and a secluded back patio. As for the software, East Siders can look forward to the same great sandwiches, beer selection and rock 'n'roll tinged atmosphere.

 

 

This is a good move.  When McCleveland said a while ago that a known restaurant is thinking about moving to the corner of east 4th and prospect across from Flannery's...i thought melt...and would have liked that. (McCleveland, im still waiting for the potential suitor).

I sure hope with the new Cle Hts location they are able to solve their kitchen/delivery problems.  Not only will this make for happier customers, it could significantly ease traffic at the lakewood location.  I don't even bother going there anymore as I rarely have 2.5 hours to waste waiting to eat (between waiting for a table and then waiting for food, that's about how long it's been the last couple of times I went).

Yeah, I can't think of a worse location.  The current context is sun scarred asphalt with the standard McDonalds and Rx Mart.

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/bites-melt-goes-east/Content?oid=1565377

 

Bites: Melt Goes East

The East Side Should Be Grilled By Fall

by Douglas Trattner

 

Since opening a couple of years ago, Melt Bar and Grilled (14718 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216.226.3699, meltbarandgrilled.com) has been one of the most successful restaurants on Cleveland's West Side. Soon, owner Matt Fish will attempt to duplicate that success on the East Side. In a few weeks, Fish will begin an ambitious renovation project at an undisclosed Cleveland Heights location. If all goes as planned, the second Melt will open by late fall. "Cleveland Heights has a lot of great things going on," says Fish, "and I look forward to being a part of it." He added that the move is a natural one, since many of his regular customers already hail from east of the Cuyahoga, and "if any neighborhood in Cleveland is similar to Lakewood, it's Cleveland Heights." When completed, the space will be large, with about 4,500 square feet of seating for about 170 guests. Fish says he plans on mimicking his winning formula as best as he can. He is starting with a space that has "great Cleveland history." Guests can expect wood floors, high tin ceilings, exposed brick walls and a secluded back patio. As for the software, East Siders can look forward to the same great sandwiches, beer selection and rock 'n'roll tinged atmosphere.

 

 

This is a good move. When McCleveland said a while ago that a known restaurant is thinking about moving to the corner of east 4th and prospect across from Flannery's...i thought melt...and would have liked that. (McCleveland, im still waiting for the potential suitor).

 

Can anyone speculate on where in Cleveland Heights?  I can't think of any open spaces that would be that big.  Maybe it is a spot where a current tenant in not renewing.  I am assuming it would be on either Lee Road, Coventry, or Cedar-Fairmount.

I don't think that Avon Lake is a bad location at all for Symon's joint.  In fact, I rather see it as a "My First Lola: By Kenner" inasmuch as folks who may not normally venture into Downtown or Tremont will get introduced (gently) to his food and may be enticed to try something more daring.

To be clear, I wasn't making a general anti-suburban snide remark.  I'm from Avon Lake.  I can only think of one restaurant above the fast food/burger/pizza joint level that has survived for more than a brief period in that city.  Maybe Symon has a big enough name to break that streak, but Swingos didn't.

Yeah, that plaza is very bad considering the beautiful buildings that it sits across from.

 

Funny you mention that.  Last time I left there I said to my wife as we were walking out, "It's too bad they don't move across the street."  Those storefronts are mostly empty.

 

To me, that place is "hit or miss". The spicy food isn't spicy to me.   The beef and onions with spicy hot sauce looked so appetizing. It was just so-so! My eyes should water and my nose should run, if that doesn't happen -- It aint spicy!   :whip: :whip:

 

I like spicy food, but not overly spicy.  I have to ask for "Hot" to get it where I like it, but it's perfect for me.  Anyone that likes food spicier than I do would be out of luck.  That being said, I think the taste of everything IU have ever gotten there has been excellent.  Just to name the last few things I've ordered and thought were very good:  Pineapple Ginger Chicken, Beef With Spicy Hot Sauce, Halibut and Asparagus with Black Bean Sauce (probably the best of all the things I've ordered, but also by far the most expensive at $19.99), Pepper Steak, and some other type of fish that I can't remember.  The only complaint I have of the place is that it can sometimes take forever to get served and they don't ever give you enough rice for the table and it can be a pain to wait for more to come.

Yeah, that plaza is very bad considering the beautiful buildings that it sits across from.

 

Funny you mention that.  Last time I left there I said to my wife as we were walking out, "It's too bad they don't move across the street."  Those storefronts are mostly empty.

 

To me, that place is "hit or miss".  The spicy food isn't spicy to me.  The beef and onions with spicy hot sauce looked so appetizing.  It was just so-so!  My eyes should water and my nose should run, if that doesn't happen -- It aint spicy!  :whip: :whip:

 

I like spicy food, but not overly spicy.  I have to ask for "Hot" to get it where I like it, but it's perfect for me.  Anyone that likes food spicier than I do would be out of luck.  That being said, I think the taste of everything IU have ever gotten there has been excellent.  Just to name the last few things I've ordered and thought were very good:  Pineapple Ginger Chicken, Beef With Spicy Hot Sauce, Halibut and Asparagus with Black Bean Sauce (probably the best of all the things I've ordered, but also by far the most expensive at $19.99), Pepper Steak, and some other type of fish that I can't remember.  The only complaint I have of the place is that it can sometimes take forever to get served and they don't ever give you enough rice for the table and it can be a pain to wait for more to come.

 

Well I specifically ask/say, "Is this (item) hot.  What ever you deem hot, make it hotter/spicier than that.  I want my tongue to go numb"

 

I always make a point to ask for things to hotter/spicier.  We've had some of the same items, and I just thought they were ok.  Maybe my tolerance for "hot" is too high?  Thanks Mom!

 

 

I guess I don't get the inability of some to separate the food of the restaurant from the location of the restaurant. Here in LA almost every single place worth going is in a hideous strip mall. Especially if those places serve Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Thai or Indian food. Often time the decor inside the restaurant is not particularly nice, but the food is excellent. It's all about the food, the food, the food. Yes, one can go to AOC or Craft or Dolce or Providence which all have their own dedicated buildings and amazing decor, but that is also half the price of the food. When you want to have the best of a particular cuisine, follow the locals. When I go to Ktown, I see where the Koreans eat and go there. The place may be tacky and in a strip mall and I have to listen to blaring K-pop, but the food is amazing and there is nothing wrong with gorgeous Korean girls serving the food. Wait, it's about the food,food,food:)

RockandRoller what was the name of the Turkish place in Columbus?

RockandRoller what was the name of the Turkish place in Columbus?

 

Believe it or not it's called Anatolia Cafe, just like the one we have here.  They are not affiliated in any way and though some of the items on the menu are (understandably) similar, it's definitely a different place.  It was DELISH.

Believe it or not it's called Anatolia Cafe, just like the one we have here. They are not affiliated in any way and though some of the items on the menu are (understandably) similar, it's definitely a different place. It was DELISH.

 

If I recall correctly (and I visited the Cleveland Anatolia Cafe many times when they first opened in Cedar Center), while the CLE and COL restaurants are not longer linked, the CLE joint was started by folks coming up from the COL place.  They've diverged since then, but were certainly joined at the hip early on.

interesting little article in todays USA today:

 

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/affordableamerica/2009-04-23-cleveland-dining_N.htm

 

Cleveland restaurants put a new spin on comfort food  

 

By Scott Meivogel

 

Down-home dining: Profiles of cheap-eats classics.

 

1. Sokolowski's University Inn

1201 University Road; 216-771-9236; sokolowskis.com

 

Beginning in 1923 and continuing through three generations and several shifts of fortune in the Tremont neighborhood, the Sokolowski family has served belly-filling, home-style Eastern European dishes to legions of locals, Cleveland sports and polka stars, U.S. presidents, and more recently, hordes of trendy foodies. The eatery includes a workingman's bar, a cafeteria-style food-service area and a warren of comfy rooms stocked with communal tables. The main meal is lunch (there's also a fish fry on Friday evenings, plus Saturday night dinners), where diners pile their cafeteria trays with kielbasa and bratwurst sausages, potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, sautéed pierogies, Salisbury steak and other Old-World fare (most entrees, which include a few sides, are $7.25), then move into the lively social scene in the rear.

 

2. Melt Bar and Grilled

14718 Detroit Ave., Lakewood; meltbarandgrilled.com

 

Given that grilled cheese sandwiches are one of the pillars of American comfort food, why did it take so long for someone to create a restaurant devoted entirely to the concept?...