A month or two ago, I could not get a table at Zinc on a Saturday and I had called a few days in advance.

Thanks, guys for the reports! I like the look of the patio when I walked back there over the summer. I worried, though, about their timing to the market and if their product would really be up to snuff. Hopefully they'll work it out. I think the bakery would be a great addition to downtown.

 

I have been to the patio and it is really really nice.  It always seemed to do pretty well while it was warmer out. 

 

I had lunch there in the summer as well, which was pretty good.  The service was a bit spotty, but I cant remeber any specific problems so it must not have been terrible.  I'm not terribly suprised that the service was a bit spotty, they had just opened and were working things out.  Hopefully it has improved as I really was liking that patio and cant wait til spring.

I just wanted to mention Chinato, I had another fabulous lunch there today. The food is just incredible, and it's just a great place. I had the tongue app and the carbonara pasta today and it was absolutely perfect.

 

Still thinking about my Monday lunch, lol?

 

I'm eating at Zoup for the first time, an my conclusion is "meh".  The chicken chili is pretty good, but the salad tastes like it could be from McDonalds.

Monday's lunch was truly very un-special, I had to fix that with my Tuesday lunch I think :)  I found Zoup to be "meh" as well, and didn't return after 2 tries.  You should try the vegan place, Flaming Ice Cube, on public square - but call in your order in advance as it takes them a REALLY long time to make the food (like 20 minutes), and when you're on JD, time is of the essence. The mmmushroom burger is really fantastic.  You could probably also scoot into Tower City - the Greek place on the upper level above the food court has a fantasic meze plate (appetizers kind of plate) - I get it with pasta salad (homemade) instead of the lamb, and it comes with that, a small mixed green salad w/feta and real kalamatas, homemade hummous (and good!) and grilled sliced pita wedges, tabbouleh (the only "meh" thing on the plate) and a couple of other things, it's very filling and very tasty and would be very quick.

Just a couple brief, late reviews.

 

A friend and I went to the Silver Spartan Diner at Case on Saturday.  We got seats immediately, the waitress was incredibly friendly, and the food was okay.  I mean, let's be honest, it was diner food - we're not looking for a 5 star meal or anything.  The coffee was free and despite the restaurant getting busier as the late morning progressed, the waitress was always around with a full pot.  Damn good service and we tipped her very well!

 

Last Tuesday or Wednesday, I hit up Algebra in Little Italy.  It's a very cool, Coventry-ish coffee shop and the food is pretty good too.  I had some kind of hummus dish and a strange pepper coconut coffee that was absolutely revolting until I poured enough sugar, honey, and creamer to minute the taste.  It's not the restaurant's fault - just not my kind of drink.

 

Finally, last Tuesday I had a quick lunch at these Chinese buffet place on E12.  Not the best food or service, but okay for what it was.

 

Just noticed that a new place is moving onto Shaker Square: http://www.zanzibarohio.com/aboutus.php

 

Is this this old Luchita's space?  [Then Moroccan?]

Yes.

having had a bit of hard day and not wanting to go home to an empty condo (everything inc cats moved to San Diego but me),I impulsively pulled into Verve on the way home for a glass of wine and appetizer. It was closed! A sign said they are only doing catering. I am sorry I did not go more, but I thought the place was nice. I often recommended it to people pre theater.

 

So then I go to Ponte Vechhio wanting this lovely happy hour wine and the burger with mascarpone cheese , roasted tomato, and poached egg. Nope don't do that anymore. Guess I am out of the loop.

 

So I went to Bar Cento and luckily they are still on their game. Had a salumi board and roasted beets in a gorganzola cream sauce. Great stuff. I was a little bummed out their meats for the most part are being imported from the likely suspects of Spain and Italy. I thought it was awesome when they were regional. Oh well.

Bummer about Verve.

Verve does breakfast as well I believe.

Monday's lunch was truly very un-special, I had to fix that with my Tuesday lunch I think :)  I found Zoup to be "meh" as well, and didn't return after 2 tries.  You should try the vegan place, Flaming Ice Cube, on public square - but call in your order in advance as it takes them a REALLY long time to make the food (like 20 minutes), and when you're on JD, time is of the essence. The mmmushroom burger is really fantastic.  You could probably also scoot into Tower City - the Greek place on the upper level above the food court has a fantasic meze plate (appetizers kind of plate) - I get it with pasta salad (homemade) instead of the lamb, and it comes with that, a small mixed green salad w/feta and real kalamatas, homemade hummous (and good!) and grilled sliced pita wedges, tabbouleh (the only "meh" thing on the plate) and a couple of other things, it's very filling and very tasty and would be very quick.

 

I'm definitely hoping to try Flaming Ice Cube either tomorrow or Friday.  Thanks for the heads up on the order time!  Is it like that for their cold sandwiches, or just for the burgers?  I shall report back when I go!

It's like that for everything I've ordered there, even if you just get soup.  It's better than when they first opened, but it still takes a much longer time than most places you'd get takeout from. 

I'm pretty sure I read something recently that Verve closed??

^correct

Too dad about Verve.  It was supposed to be really good, although have not tried it.

 

I think its in kindof a tough spot.  I know they couldnt get a succesful dinner crowd.

 

Good news concerning E. 40th & Prospect...

 

 

Bites: Restaurant Opening in Heights Rockefeller Building

And more local food news

by Douglas Trattner

 

"The good folks behind The Big Egg (5107 Detroit Ave., 216-281-1600), which opened in Ohio City just shy of two years ago, are already planning an expansion."

 

From Cleveland Scene: http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/bites/Content?category=1520384

 

^ Interesting that they're expanding.  I was under the impression that the Big Egg wasn't doing well.  Maybe it's just me, I guess.

I would go to both places.  Mayfield and Lee has been boring for so long its about time that area does something.  There are a lot of young home owners/families in that area.

 

The Big Egg on the Eastside.  I would do it!

Yeah, I'm excited to get something of interest into that beautiful Heights Rockefeller Building.

Yeah, I'm excited to get something of interest into that beautiful Heights Rockefeller Building.

 

Do you remember when Society Bank was in that building?

I heard that a restaurant was going in the Hts. Rockefeller Building.  Should be interesting to see how it looks.  I have been to many events in there over the years and remember going to Society Bank there as a kid.  It is definitely a GRAND space.  I hope they don't change too much of it.  I love that building.  It has retail, offices, and apartments in it.

Do you remember when Society Bank was in that building?

 

Nope.

coming soon: sum place

from Cleveland Foodie by Michelle V

 

At 25, Hodgson is working on his second food truck, which will debut this spring and offer burgers, fries and shakes, and his first restaurant: Sum Place, which is slated to open May 1.

 

“I think I’m the youngest restaurateur in town, and I can say restaurateur because I now own three things,” he says with a big grin. “Yeah, I’m a little terrified.”

 

Sum Place, a name he says he picked because he wants to mess with drunk people, is going in the old Grind building on W. 25th in Ohio City next to where Crop Bistro is moving.

 

http://clevelandfoodie.com/2010/11/coming-soon-sum-place.html

I had the most relaxing afternoon.  I finally tried the Flamming Ice Cube ( great burger!) and had a coffee from Erie Island Coffee Co and took them both to the Arcade--a very relaxing time watching them set up Christmas decorations...

 

Now for the sad news:

 

Teresa's Pizza is no more.  I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before, but it appears it has closed fairly recently.  Hopefully the storefront can be filled soon...retail please...

Wow, I just walked by there the other day and it looked like they were open.  Of course, I didn't go in, as I had really bad servers the 2 times I dined in there.

I never tried Teresa's, so don't know how much to mourn it.  Was it good?  I'm suspicious of the pizza quality at places that offer pizza, subs and pasta, but perhaps needlessly so.

 

Anyway, maybe there's an opening now for a top notch sit-down pizza joint downtown?  Maybe selling slices on the side?  Seem to be missing piece.  Unless you count Chinato.  Which is a little fancier than most sit-down pizza places.

I never tried Teresa's, so don't know how much to mourn it. Was it good? I'm suspicious of the pizza quality at places that offer pizza, subs and pasta, but perhaps needlessly so.

 

Anyway, maybe there's an opening now for a top notch sit-down pizza joint downtown? Maybe selling slices on the side? Seem to be missing piece. Unless you count Chinato. Which is a little fancier than most sit-down pizza places.

 

There is a top-notch, higher-end pizza place in Boston called The Upper Crust. Would be nice to see something like that come to town.

^Upper Crust is good stuff, that's the kind of pie I think Cleveland needs more of.  Though I'd really love to see a real sit down place with table service, that also does take out.  Informal though.  I'd guess there's a market for it.  Even R&Rollers coworkers must like pizza!

coming soon: sum place

from Cleveland Foodie by Michelle V

 

At 25, Hodgson is working on his second food truck, which will debut this spring and offer burgers, fries and shakes, and his first restaurant: Sum Place, which is slated to open May 1.

 

“I think I’m the youngest restaurateur in town, and I can say restaurateur because I now own three things,” he says with a big grin. “Yeah, I’m a little terrified.”

 

Sum Place, a name he says he picked because he wants to mess with drunk people, is going in the old Grind building on W. 25th in Ohio City next to where Crop Bistro is moving.

 

http://clevelandfoodie.com/2010/11/coming-soon-sum-place.html

 

I love the name.  When they expand they can call the second location, "Sum Place Else"  LOL

^Upper Crust is good stuff, that's the kind of pie I think Cleveland needs more of. Though I'd really love to see a real sit down place with table service, that also does take out. Informal though. I'd guess there's a market for it. Even R&Rollers coworkers must like pizza!

 

My boss eats nothing but dry salad, diet coke and cookies. My supervisor (inbetween me and boss) is on WW and never eats anything like pizza. She also lives on salad, but has dressing, but no cheese, and no olives, and dressing on the side, and only balsamic. She drinks Crystal Lite during the day and eats things like dry WW english muffins for breakfast. My other co-worker is a vegetarian, but she likes pizza as long as it's veggie.

^R&R, if lived in town, I'd personally rescue you for lunch once a week.

It's awful, I tell you. I bring lunch most of the time and just eat at my desk. It's an exciting 15 minutes out of my day.  when it's at least decent out, I do try to go out even if it's just to walk around for a few minutes, but then I usually end up getting something out.  But very few people here go OUT, like to a sit down joint.

 

*shhhh* - about once a month, I've started taking myself to Chinato for a solo, special, very nice lunch at the bar. It's pretty much the best meal I've eaten all month each time I go there. And I stay over an hour sometimes! And sometimes have a glass of wine! FVCK YOU CORPORATE AMERICA SALAD EATERS.

It's awful, I tell you. I bring lunch most of the time and just eat at my desk. It's an exciting 15 minutes out of my day.  when it's at least decent out, I do try to go out even if it's just to walk around for a few minutes, but then I usually end up getting something out.  But very few people here go OUT, like to a sit down joint.

 

*shhhh* - about once a month, I've started taking myself to Chinato for a solo, special, very nice lunch at the bar. It's pretty much the best meal I've eaten all month each time I go there. And I stay over an hour sometimes! And sometimes have a glass of wine! FVCK YOU CORPORATE AMERICA SALAD EATERS.

 

ROFLMAO!!  Those damn Rabbit Food eaters!

^^ Next time I'm downtown I'll stop by Slyman's and pick you up some Corned Beef. Since I don't know who you are, I'll have to just leave it outside your building and then PM you. I'm sure it will all work out perfectly.

 

Poor thing. Dry WW muffins. Blech!!

I never tried Teresa's, so don't know how much to mourn it. Was it good? I'm suspicious of the pizza quality at places that offer pizza, subs and pasta, but perhaps needlessly so.

 

Anyway, maybe there's an opening now for a top notch sit-down pizza joint downtown? Maybe selling slices on the side? Seem to be missing piece. Unless you count Chinato. Which is a little fancier than most sit-down pizza places.

 

sounds like vincenza's.  no sit down service but everything else you mentioned.  Can't get pizza DT better from anywhere esle, IMHO.

LOVE Slyman's. Have actually walked there and back to try to justify eating there, when weather is good, but that's another 1.5 hour lunch and I can't pull that off too often (that's what he said).  Sadly, I think Slyman's and future trips to Chinato are now on hold til my gallbladder removal 12/8, and subsequent recovery period have passed. I hope I don't end up in the hospital for trying to enjoy thanksgiving dinner.

Hmm, in other threads I recall hearing about some action at the old Centrum in Coventry (comedy?), but don't think I saw this posted.  Sounds pretty promising.  I can't bear Paninis or Winking Lizard, so hope this place works out:

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/fracas11182010.aspx

old centrum theater space on coventry back in the pink with new gastropub

 

The expansive bar from the Johnny Malloy's days remains, but all 16 taps now will dispense only local craft crews. Most of the 30 or so options in bottles will be crafts as well. By next spring, Romano plans to be brewing his own on-site.

 

Fracas will open in early December.

 

12 breweries to watch in 2011

 

Keep your eyes on these 12 breweries with big plans for 2011.

 

MARKET GARDEN BREWERY Cleveland

 

According to Sam McNulty, the beer god responsible for Cleveland spots like the Belgian-laden Bier Markt and pizza-slinging Bar Cento, his union with former Dogfish Head brewer Andy Tveekrem was meant to be. “I was backpacking by myself in Thailand, sitting in a bar and surfing the ’net,” says McNulty. “I read that Andy was leaving Dogfish, so I got in touch, and it was bromance at first sight.” Their mutual affection spawned Market Garden, which by its winter opening may offer as many as 25 beers—some guest taps but mostly their own, many of which have been crowd-approved by Bier Markt patrons. Tveekrem’s sessionable creations for Market Garden are decidedly tamer than his Dogfish suds—many of them clock in under 5% ABV—and lean closer to the brewing ethos he developed  in his early days at Great Lakes Brewing.  “Beer has swung so far in the direction of extremism—in both taste and ABV—and while it’s nice to have a good Belgian tripel from time to time, you can’t put down a gallon in one night,” McNulty says. Tveekrem continues, “As the pendulum swings back, I want to focus on refinement and finesse, not about how much you can pour into the kettle. Philosophically, that’s where my head’s always been.” Offerings will range from a German-style bock to a Belgian tripel to an American pale, but the pair won’t stop with beer: Tveekrem will try his hand at distilling with whiskeys, infused vodkas and gin, while McNulty hones a menu of picnic-style eats, perfect for casual meals in the brewery’s 3,000-square-foot

cobblestoned American beer garden.

TWO TO TRY: Explore Tveekrem’s range with a light, pre-Prohibition-style American lager, and a honey barleywine. “I’ve been playing with the recipe for about 25 years now,” he says. “It needs to see the light of day.”

 

http://draftmag.com/features/12-breweries-to-watch-in-2011/

 

Local, Fresh Approach Goes Down Good at Cleveland Airport Marriott

10/22/2010 By Glenn Hasek

 

Something very exciting is happening at the Cleveland (Ohio) Airport Marriott—something that should interest any hotel owner or manager looking to build their restaurant business. The Marriott owned and managed hotel, which completed a $20 million renovation in July 2009, has a restaurant—AMP 150—that has been getting steady local publicity since it opened in September 2009. “AMP” stands for “America’s Modern Palate.”

 

http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/local-fresh-approach-goes-down-good-cleveland-airport

 

wow ange up there is rilly ringin all my brewhaha bells. i am so looking forward to that.

 

and yay for the centrum coming back online. sounds perfect.

Battery Park Power House Wine Bar...

The concept at this unique, not so typical wine bar is YOLO.. You Only Live Once... The YOLO atmosphere is chic relaxing yet fun to be at. Our goal is to create an upscale place to visit, where you can have fun, enjoy a bottle of wine, and escape the madness of everyday life..

 

http://www.batteryparkwinebar.com/index-1.html

 

I thought the old Centrum was going to have some performing arts or perhaps movies again. Another restaurant?  :?

I believe it's becoming a theater for improv comedy.  There was that clevescene article talking about it a few weeks ago

Best as I can tell, the space is (or is going to be) split into space for an  improv troop and a separate space for local craft beer bar/gastro pub:

 

http://www.bigdogtheater.com/id68.html

http://www.fracascleveland.com/fracas.php

 

 

 

 

New Brewpub going into the old Panini's/Riveria space on Detroit in Lakewood. They had been renovating all summer and when I drove by this morning the windows had a sign for IIRC "Plank Brewpub" or "Plank Brewery".

 

I went to Deagen's in Lakewood for lunch yesterday and everything is top notch. The menu is Gastro Pub styled  but rather limited, no apps even just salads for starters. However the food is excellent. The pulled pork is to die for, served over jalepeno corn bread with apple slaw and fried onion crisps.

^I think its called "Plank Road Tavern", so, unfortunately, I'm guessing its not a brewery.  Hopefully its a nice bar, though.  They've been doing alot of work on it.

New Brewpub going into the old Panini's/Riveria space on Detroit in Lakewood. They had been renovating all summer and when I drove by this morning the windows had a sign for IIRC "Plank Brewpub" or "Plank Brewery".

 

I went to Deagen's in Lakewood for lunch yesterday and everything is top notch. The menu is Gastro Pub styled but rather limited, no apps even just salads for starters. However the food is excellent. The pulled pork is to die for, served over jalepeno corn bread with apple slaw and fried onion crisps.

 

Went 4 2 dollar taco Tuesday last week.  It was excellent. Superb brew selection. I will be back

New Brewpub going into the old Panini's/Riveria space on Detroit in Lakewood. They had been renovating all summer and when I drove by this morning the windows had a sign for IIRC "Plank Brewpub" or "Plank Brewery".

 

I went to Deagen's in Lakewood for lunch yesterday and everything is top notch. The menu is Gastro Pub styled  but rather limited, no apps even just salads for starters. However the food is excellent. The pulled pork is to die for, served over jalepeno corn bread with apple slaw and fried onion crisps.

 

Went 4 2 dollar taco Tuesday last week.  It was excellent. Superb brew selection. I will be back

 

Yeah I went over Thanksgiving weekend and sat at the bar.  But we did order appetizers (or small plates?)  Very good..  But next time I think I will be ordering the pulled pork since that's like the 4th time I heard how great it was.

Nice people too.  The owner is a young guy and is usually there to make sure things are going well. 

 

 

FYI, they also have vegetarian Wednesdays.. 

^I think its called "Plank Road Tavern", so, unfortunately, I'm guessing its not a brewery. Hopefully its a nice bar, though. They've been doing alot of work on it.

 

Duh, I saw that last night. I am not sure what I was thinking. I guess I got it confused with the "Plank Road Brewery" label that Miller brews "Icehouse". I hope that the Plank Road Tavern in in reference to the old split log toll road that originally ran along the path where  Detroit Rd is today, and not in reference to "Ice House" beer. Too many headaches from that...

Yeah I went over Thanksgiving weekend and sat at the bar. But we did order appetizers (or small plates?) Very good.. But next time I think I will be ordering the pulled pork since that's like the 4th time I heard how great it was.

Nice people too. The owner is a young guy and is usually there to make sure things are going well.

 

http://www.deagans.com/menu.html

 

Apparently there is a lunch menu and dinner menu. There are no Apps on the lunch menu or small plates. Just salads, sandwiches and a few entrees. I didn't see the pulled pork on the dinner menu.

 

 

Yeah I went over Thanksgiving weekend and sat at the bar. But we did order appetizers (or small plates?) Very good.. But next time I think I will be ordering the pulled pork since that's like the 4th time I heard how great it was.

Nice people too. The owner is a young guy and is usually there to make sure things are going well.

 

http://www.deagans.com/menu.html

 

Apparently there is a lunch menu and dinner menu. There are no Apps on the lunch menu or small plates. Just salads, sandwiches and a few entrees. I didn't see the pulled pork on the dinner menu.

 

 

Ah....  I guess I was there for early happy hour...  I remember the "bar snacks" and "small plates" menu.  Lots of things to try still.

new ohio city thai restaurant quickly cooks up a following

Thursday, December 09, 2010

 

Amy and Montri Visatsud met in a Thai restaurant, so it's only fitting that they'd open their own. Banana Blossom debuted in November at 2800 Clinton in Ohio City.

 

The couple considered Brunswick, but the choice wasn't difficult. "I'm a Cleveland native," says Amy, "and I'm really excited to see all the new businesses coming into the neighborhood, and this seemed like a good opportunity to get in there."

 

The move quickly paid off. Amy says she's pleasantly surprised by the local support, especially considering that the site -- the former home of Jazz 28 and Halite -- is a couple blocks off the main West 25th Street drag. "We have a lot of regulars already," she reports. "We had one girl who was there four times in the first week we were open."

 

Montri worked in an aunt's restaurant in Seattle, but is a first-time owner. Partner Sengchan Misaiphon is the chef. Both are from Bangkok, and they strive for authenticity in their extensive menu, which includes 58 entrees.

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/bananablossom12092010.aspx