July 6, 200915 yr Blackbird Baking Co opened this week in Lakewood at the Lakewood-River border. The space is cute with a great open kitchen. We bought a rosemary foccacia for lunch and it was A-mazing! Can't wait to try more. I thought the prices were very reasonable too, compared to what I usually pay at the WSM bakeries. www.blackbirdbaking.com
July 6, 200915 yr As long as we're plugging bakeries, let me add my recommendation for Sweetie Pie Bakery - they sell their products at Crocker Park's farmer market, Breadsmith in Lakewood, and Carriage House Market in Avon. The nut rolls are really moist and packed with nuts; they also have kolackies, danishes, and great sticky buns. http://sweetiepiebakery.net/ Also, for great Polish baked goods, I like the Gertrude Bakery (Fleet Ave, then south on E.65th and left on Gertrude): http://cleveland.about.com/od/neighborhoods/ss/slavicvillage_9.htm Lastly, the Charles Peters Bake Shop on Turney at the Garfield/Cleveland border: "Charles Peters Bake Shop Located along Turney Road, just south of the Mills Creek development, Charles Peters Bake Shop has been serving Eastern European pastries, breads, and pies since 1929. Their party trays of cookies and brownies are one of the best--and tastiest--values in town. During the weeks preceding Lent, they offer Paczki (Polish filled donuts). Other highlights include strudel, kuchen, and Polish sweet bread. Charles Peters Bake Shop 4608 Turney Rd. Garfield Heights, OH 216 641-6887" http://cleveland.about.com/od/foodstores/tp/Cleveland-Ethnic-Food-Markets.htm
July 7, 200915 yr Just got back from a visit to Bar Symon. Great atmosphere for being in a strip mall in Avon. Since we arrived at 7 on a Monday evening, it wasn't overly full, but by 8:30 is was getting pretty busy. Food was really good, but the beer selection was outstanding. A real extensive list of domestics and imports, plus a section at the bottom of the list titled "Other" that included PBRB and Miller High Life on tap. We sampled some of the potato chips with blue cheese fondue as well as a sausage platter with three different types, including lamb mint and veal. Plus it came with three different types of mustard, including one that I unofficially determined to be Bertman's Ballpark Mustard. Nice Cleveland touch. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Michael Symon himself was there tonight, walking around and meeting with customers, shaking hands and chatting it up. He even stopped by to check up on us at the bar, shook hands and had a good laugh (that trademark Symon laugh). Just like a regular guy. Awesome time all around.
July 8, 200915 yr Just got back from a visit to Bar Symon. Great atmosphere for being in a strip mall in Avon. Since we arrived at 7 on a Monday evening, it wasn't overly full, but by 8:30 is was getting pretty busy. Food was really good, but the beer selection was outstanding. A real extensive list of domestics and imports, plus a section at the bottom of the list titled "Other" that included PBRB and Miller High Life on tap. We sampled some of the potato chips with blue cheese fondue as well as a sausage platter with three different types, including lamb mint and veal. Plus it came with three different types of mustard, including one that I unofficially determined to be Bertman's Ballpark Mustard. Nice Cleveland touch. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Michael Symon himself was there tonight, walking around and meeting with customers, shaking hands and chatting it up. He even stopped by to check up on us at the bar, shook hands and had a good laugh (that trademark Symon laugh). Just like a regular guy. Awesome time all around. glad to hear you had a positive experience...i really really need to get there ASAP. what would you say the % of locals and imports was? i really try and stay away from most imports as they have to come over on a boat and you really dont get the freshest quality of beer that way.
July 10, 200915 yr Construction has visibly started on the Five Guys burgers in Lakewood. They are placing Jersey barriers in front of it on Detroit this morning. I am assuming to work on the facade and may the recessed patios that they show in the renderings.
July 10, 200915 yr Greenhouse Tavern Review: http://www.cleveland.com/living/index.ssf/2009/07/clevelands_greenhouse_tavern_f.html (with more pictures) Cleveland's Greenhouse Tavern features local ingredients and wings to die for by Debbi Snook/Plain Dealer Reporter Friday July 10, 2009, 12:57 PM The Greenhouse Tavern takes its eco-friendly mission seriously. Barn-board wall panels hark back to a pastoral century. Bicycle wheel rims on overhead lamps suggest well-spent miles. Even the location suggests rebirth -- on a vintage street so crackling with reinvigorated popularity, it made The New York Times last week. But open the recycled-paper menu and virgin territory pops out. Yes, there is a French flair in the techniques here, but there are daring new takes on older ideas, plus the freshness and deep flavors of many local ingredients plucked from Cuyahoga Valley farms. More at http://www.cleveland.com/living/index.ssf/2009/07/clevelands_greenhouse_tavern_f.html
July 10, 200915 yr Some aspects of Greenhouse feel not fully formed. On three visits, there was a nagging hunk of bare floor space in the main dining room, making the place feel empty even when it was full. The crack serving staff -- attentive, knowledgeable -- might want to inform patrons that delicious grass-fed beef is a degree or two chewier than the industrial version. And there were just too many poached eggs on the menu. Ok I've read this over about 7 times now, and I swear it says the "crack serving staff"......?!?!?
July 10, 200915 yr I'm going to have to try these wings and see if they are really hot to my standards.
July 13, 200915 yr PD's top ten new restaurants: http://www.cleveland.com/goingout/index.ssf/2009/07/tasty_10_a_quick_guide_to_the_2.html
July 13, 200915 yr Just got back from a visit to Bar Symon. Great atmosphere for being in a strip mall in Avon. Since we arrived at 7 on a Monday evening, it wasn't overly full, but by 8:30 is was getting pretty busy. Food was really good, but the beer selection was outstanding. A real extensive list of domestics and imports, plus a section at the bottom of the list titled "Other" that included PBRB and Miller High Life on tap. We sampled some of the potato chips with blue cheese fondue as well as a sausage platter with three different types, including lamb mint and veal. Plus it came with three different types of mustard, including one that I unofficially determined to be Bertman's Ballpark Mustard. Nice Cleveland touch. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Michael Symon himself was there tonight, walking around and meeting with customers, shaking hands and chatting it up. He even stopped by to check up on us at the bar, shook hands and had a good laugh (that trademark Symon laugh). Just like a regular guy. Awesome time all around. glad to hear you had a positive experience...i really really need to get there ASAP. what would you say the % of locals and imports was? i really try and stay away from most imports as they have to come over on a boat and you really dont get the freshest quality of beer that way. Sorry for the delay, just saw this today. Tough for me to give you a percentage, but there was a pretty good selection of US beers. I know I saw a few from Colorado, PA and California in addition to the Great Lakes selection. I think you could do just fine there living on domestics.
July 16, 200915 yr Saw this in the Scene about the old City Buddha space in Ohio City (update). I'm sure it will be fab.... During the five years since he left Touch Supper Club, Jeff Allison has been on a bit of a roll. His Garage Bar (1859 W. 25th St., 216.696.7772, thegaragebar.net) shot out of the starting gate like a top-fuel dragster, only recently slowing to a comfortable speed. Last summer, Allison shipped the concept south to Columbus, opening a second Garage Bar in the hip Arena District. Next up for the itchy-fingered entrepreneur is Dragonfly, a sleek Asian restaurant and lounge to be opened in the old City Buddha spot on West 25th Street. "I looked at the street to see what we were missing," says Allison, "and I thought we needed a clubby pan-Asian bistro." When completed, the double storefront will feature a sushi bar, lounge and dining room. The project will unfold in stages, with a sushi bar and club the first to debut. Until then, Allison will continue to push his tasty barbecue at Garage. "We have fantastic food here," he says, "but people don't tend to think of us in that way."
July 16, 200915 yr Another bar? (sigh!) I used to like City Buddha...Bought lots of things there. Don't get me wrong, I think GB is great, though, but I'd like to stroll and be able to see a little more.
July 16, 200915 yr ^Sure, but this sounds as much sushi place as it does bar. And I celebrate as culinary holes in neighborhoods close... Next up, downtown Thai and near west side Indian...
July 16, 200915 yr ^Sure, but this sounds as much sushi place as it does bar. And I celebrate as culinary holes in neighborhoods close... Next up, downtown Thai and near west side Indian... Agreed!
July 16, 200915 yr Well regardless of certain arguments made on here, bars and restaurants seem to do better than retail can in the city. People are more willing to come in to play than to shop I guess. I'm just glad it is not a sports bar. (For a city that's supposedly retail starved, why does most of the retail fail in the traditional commercial areas) Sorry that doesn't belong here :-P
July 16, 200915 yr hmm, has anyone had the bbq at the garage bar? do they smoke it up outside somewhere or in a kitchen? how is it?
July 16, 200915 yr ^The only thing I've ever eaten at Garage Bar are tater tots. Tater tots taste pretty good at 1:30.
July 17, 200915 yr ^Sure, but this sounds as much sushi place as it does bar. And I celebrate as culinary holes in neighborhoods close... Next up, downtown Thai and near west side Indian... Sounds like Japanais in Chicago, just probably smaller
July 17, 200915 yr Jac's on West 6th is now Lust Nightclub. Hopefully it will do better than Jac's did.
July 17, 200915 yr With a name like "Lust Nightclub" we can be certain it will draw a quality crowd. I'm sure you'll give us a great review. he he he Take ProkNo5 or the Greek trio with you. This sounds like something right up their collective alley! LMAO!!
July 21, 200915 yr By the way... Presto's on the Euclid side of the arcade is now open. I believe it opened sometime last week or 2 weeks ago. I went in last week and had a grilled chicken breast with provolone, artichoke hearts and goat cheese and it was really good. Also there was a pretty good line last week and the 2 other days i walked past it during lunch this week and last.
July 21, 200915 yr Is something going into the old Monastery space on W.25th? There looks like there is something happening.
July 21, 200915 yr Sandwiches, salads, wraps. And the best spicy tomato & blue cheese soup on earth. Might have to try that this week.
July 21, 200915 yr Spuzzillo's Market in Little Italy just opened up converting the old gas station (long time out of use). I believe they have a deli, but I'll have to verify in two weeks. If anyone else want's to check it out, let us know.
July 21, 200915 yr Sandwiches, salads, wraps. And the best spicy tomato & blue cheese soup on earth. Might have to try that this week. Its a great place (well, the Fairview one is...haven't been to the downtown one yet). Michael Symon helped the owner create his menu back when they first opened...so its the same soup that Symon has had on the menu at Lolita.
July 21, 200915 yr Is it bad that I lived there for two years and I have no idea where the old gas station is/was?
July 21, 200915 yr Is it bad that I lived there for two years and I have no idea where the old gas station is/was? haha, well it really doesn't look like one with what's left. the "parking lot" across from Mama Santa's on E.123rd and Mayfield. It's the building on that property.
July 21, 200915 yr Is it bad that I lived there for two years and I have no idea where the old gas station is/was? haha, well it really doesn't look like one with what's left. the "parking lot" across from Mama Santa's on E.123rd and Mayfield. It's the building on that property. Have you heard anything about the space where Corbo's Bakery used to be?
July 21, 200915 yr Is it bad that I lived there for two years and I have no idea where the old gas station is/was? haha, well it really doesn't look like one with what's left. the "parking lot" across from Mama Santa's on E.123rd and Mayfield. It's the building on that property. I had no clue that used to be a gas station.... I mean, it does make sense. Glad it's not a ghetto convenience store any more!
July 21, 200915 yr Is it bad that I lived there for two years and I have no idea where the old gas station is/was? haha, well it really doesn't look like one with what's left. the "parking lot" across from Mama Santa's on E.123rd and Mayfield. It's the building on that property. Have you heard anything about the space where Corbo's Bakery used to be? No word yet. I know the owners started charging too high of rent after someone passed away in their family, which is why Corbo's had to move--into a building they owned next door. I can't remember who owns that building on the corner, but it is for sure not the Corbos. Also, Terry Tarantino is still seriously considering the Mayfield theater. Like I said before, I'll have more info when I get back into town. Lastly, Strong rumor another pizza place will open in the next year. More details in a few weeks.
July 22, 200915 yr The building where Corbos was is one of the best signature buildings of Little Italy. I'd love t see it renovated. Maybe a nice little classy grocery store that would serve a walkable neighborhood well. No lottery/brown bag, though.
July 22, 200915 yr The building where Corbos was is one of the best signature buildings of Little Italy. I'd love t see it renovated. Maybe a nice little classy grocery store that would serve a walkable neighborhood well. No lottery/brown bag, though. Yes, the upper floors are in need of some exterior restoration.
July 22, 200915 yr Actually funny story about that gas station. My grandparents (came from Italy in the early 50's) were good friends with the man who made it into a gas station (Lenny Lo Duca). When Lenny wanted to convert it into a gas station, everyone on the hill called him crazy and that woul dbe a bad investment. My grandmother was one of the few people who told him to do it and that he would succeed. He ended up making alot of money at that gas station throughout the years, and a few years into his investment had a family and named his daughter after my grandmother, Laura. Ok, anyway...Lenny retired some years back and got rid of the property...glad to see it has new use.
July 22, 200915 yr I heard there was a letter of intent signed for that space, but have yet to hear what it is...
July 22, 200915 yr If I remember correctly, it is going to be a sports bar owned by a former professional athlete.
July 22, 200915 yr old Boneyard downtown Which, incidentally, is a nicer place (plasma TVs and such) since the new owners put some money into it (and renamed it Forti's).
July 22, 200915 yr old Boneyard downtown Which, incidentally, is a nicer place (plasma TVs and such) since the new owners put some money into it (and renamed it Forti's). I havnt been in since the new owners took over but i had a feeling that would be improving it a bit.
July 24, 200915 yr http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/07/24/bars.speakeasies/index.html Little shout out about Velvet Tango Room on cnn.com. (best French 75 ever!) With only 9 bars mentioned, we're rolling with the big boys! :wink:
July 24, 200915 yr Velvet Tango Room nearly always makes those lists. There was a very similar one out a few months ago! Also usually makes for best bartenders in the country. Congrats VTR
July 24, 200915 yr Good list of cities to be on the list with. Not a single bar from cities like Phoenix, Vegas, or Atlanta.
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