Humm... I wonder how "spicy" those dishes are.  2 chili's doesn't seem that hot.

 

I guess I'll have to venture over there and see.

dude they are from thailand they know how to turn it up. the problem in thai joints is always convincing them to make it thai hot. i try to tell'm i have a thai stomach and they usually laugh and get the point!

dude they are from thailand they know how to turn it up. the problem in thai joints is always convincing them to make it thai hot. i try to tell'm i have a thai stomach and they usually laugh and get the point!

 

Well you know I like super triple three alarm fire hot and like you, I'm always disappointed.

 

I want my lips to burn, that kick in the throat, my nose to run, my eyes to water.  I want HOT damnit not lukewarm!

yeah you gotta speak up and work it to convince them papi. its hit and miss but sometimes you get the real deal goods. if you dont speak up you will surely get the watered down gringo version.

Did that pizza (or some other kind of cafe) place close along Euclid near the bodies space? It looked like aluminum foil was draped in the windows.

Did that pizza (or some other kind of cafe) place close along Euclid near the bodies space? It looked like aluminum foil was draped in the windows.

 

yes

Did that pizza (or some other kind of cafe) place close along Euclid near the bodies space? It looked like aluminum foil was draped in the windows.

 

Side note, if anyone knows what that space rents for, please PM me.

yeah you gotta speak up and work it to convince them papi. its hit and miss but sometimes you get the real deal goods. if you dont speak up you will surely get the watered down gringo version.

 

I always tell restaurants to make it "really" hot.  I'll say something along these lines," I know it says spicy, but can you make it two or three times spicier than indicated".It's still never hot enough. 

 

The ONLY place that makes spicy food they way my mom and I like it is this place called Jitlada in LA.  It's like eating a forest fire, but the food is so damn good!

There's a whole thread on one of my food boards about how to get ethnic places to understand that you want it really, really hot.  Generally, I think people say something like "Make it as hot as you would make it for someone from your country" or that you want it much hotter than an average American can get them to get it.

yeah you gotta speak up and work it to convince them papi. its hit and miss but sometimes you get the real deal goods. if you dont speak up you will surely get the watered down gringo version.

 

I always tell restaurants to make it "really" hot.  I'll say something along these lines," I know it says spicy, but can you make it two or three times spicier than indicated".It's still never hot enough. 

 

The ONLY place that makes spicy food they way my mom and I like it is this place called Jitlada in LA.  It's like eating a forest fire, but the food is so damn good!

 

 

Holy cow!  I've been to Jitlada.  It's not that far from my apartment.  Gotta love those tiny great restaurants in trashy strip malls in LA.  I just ask them to make it Thai hot, not white boy hot.  Usually works.

Lets get back on topic, please.

Question:  Where can I take someone for a low-key, not too trendy date in Lakewood?  Or surronding area?

Pepper's

http://www.pepperslakewood.com/

 

Also, great pizza at Dewey's: http://www.deweyspizza.com/

Player's Pizza

Pepper's

http://www.pepperslakewood.com/

 

 

I second.  GREAT food at Peppers.

Deagans - Kitchen and Bar on Detroit.  Nice place and has been getting rave reviews (right downtown Lakewood) http://www.deagans.com/default.html

 

The Clifton martini and wine bar is nice.  I know you said not trendy, but its nice but casual, you can just hang out and order appetizers + its in my uncles building. :-D  Cleveland end of Clifton.

 

Players is always great!

I forgot about Deagan's, went there a few weeks ago and it was fab!

Went to Banana Blossom Thai Restaurant in Ohio City (former Jazz28) last night with my mom who was in town.

-Food was great, I had the red curry with chicken (I ordered shrimp) and it was 2 out of 3 "chili's" and was fairly spicy

    -gave me a free side of shrimp even though I told them chicken was fine

-Took a little longer than I would've liked to get the food

-Gave us free edamame while we waited

-Even though our bill was only ~$22 they gave us free desert at the end as well.  Also, saw a group of 3 next to us get a free dessert martini at the end of their meal just because, not because anything went wrong.

-The service was top notch and I've never felt so appreciated in a restaurant

 

Highly suggest stopping by and giving it a try.

Tradition, you just convinced me - I'll check it out next week

Went to Banana Blossom Thai Restaurant in Ohio City (former Jazz28) last night with my mom who was in town.

-Food was great, I had the red curry with chicken (I ordered shrimp) and it was 2 out of 3 "chili's" and was fairly spicy

  -gave me a free side of shrimp even though I told them chicken was fine

-Took a little longer than I would've liked to get the food

-Gave us free edamame while we waited

-Even though our bill was only ~$22 they gave us free desert at the end as well. Also, saw a group of 3 next to us get a free dessert martini at the end of their meal just because, not because anything went wrong.

-The service was top notch and I've never felt so appreciated in a restaurant

 

Highly suggest stopping by and giving it a try.

 

I went last week.  I had the panang curry with chicken.  It was good, but I'll definitely ask for it hotter next time.  The service was awesome and there was a good crowd there for a new restaurant.  We'll definitely be going back.

Is it Thai owned and operated?

Last night I only saw the 2 waiters/bartenders and they were both Thai.  No clue who owns it.

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

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.

While on the Thai restaurant topic...I heard from a friend today that Mint Cafe on Coventry is closing.  She heard rumors about it and last Friday while eating there she asked the waitress who confirmed they are closing "at the end of the year."  My friend asked why and the waitress just shrugged with a disappointed look.

 

Anyone know why this is?  or if it's for sure true?  The place always seems to have a good crowd.

 

 

^Yikes, that wouldn't be good.  Thai restaurants are crucial neighborhood building blocks!

FYI, Zinc has a groupon today:

 

http://www.groupon.com/cleveland/

We have been to Indian Delight on Detroit several times.  Great food.  Never very crowded but I see a lot of take out.  I hope the place stays open!

While on the Thai restaurant topic...I heard from a friend today that Mint Cafe on Coventry is closing.  She heard rumors about it and last Friday while eating there she asked the waitress who confirmed they are closing "at the end of the year."  My friend asked why and the waitress just shrugged with a disappointed look.

 

Anyone know why this is?  or if it's for sure true?  The place always seems to have a good crowd.

 

 

 

Here's the blurb in Scene this week (http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/bites/Content?category=1520384)

 

On or about December 31, Mint Café (1791 Coventry Rd., 216-320-9915, mintcafecoventry.com) will close its doors. The question remains as to whether or not they will ever reopen. "I am not sure yet. I am still thinking about it," says owner Matt Kanegkasikorn, who also runs Peppermint. He says that despite brisk business, and five more years on the lease, he is having trouble keeping the business fully staffed. "I am shorthanded, and I'm tired." Best-case scenario for local Thai fans is that he will remodel and reopen, as he is still debating

 

Kind of strange.  Sure hope they reopen.

That's really too bad. In an era where people are clamoring for jobs, he can't find decent help?

I'm thinking maybe business isn't so hot, so he can't afford to hire/maintain the extra help required.

Any recommendations for a place that would be good for lunch on Christmas--not too expensive/fancy, but good good (and open on Christmas)? Any cuisine...maybe something in Asiatown? Thanks.

Asian is about all I can think of that might be open.  There's supposed to be a really good Chinese place in Mayfield Hts, something Garden maybe? Sun Luck Garden, could that be it? Maybe give them a call and see if they're going to be open?

I'm thinking maybe business isn't so hot, so he can't afford to hire/maintain the extra help required.

 

Understaffed indicates he doesn't have enough decent, reliable staff to serve the customers he has, and if you add his "tired" comment to it, it sounds like he's probably putting in 80-100 hour weeks himself.  It's a bad problem in restaurants, for sure - people calling off, not showing up, handling scheduling and changes, etc. It's not a job I'd want to have.

^right on point...people who have never been in the business don't have a clue what it is like.

^^^^ I think Asian is the best bet, too. I was in Li Wah earlier this week, and they had a sign indicating that they'd be open on Christmas. I think most of the restaurants in the nabe will be. Your other option is to check out www.delivermefood.com on Christmas and see what the "today's hours" are for various restaurants. Most will be closed, but you might find a random one open. Just be sure to try different delivery areas, so you don't miss anything.

I'm thinking maybe business isn't so hot, so he can't afford to hire/maintain the extra help required.

 

Understaffed indicates he doesn't have enough decent, reliable staff to serve the customers he has, and if you add his "tired" comment to it, it sounds like he's probably putting in 80-100 hour weeks himself. It's a bad problem in restaurants, for sure - people calling off, not showing up, handling scheduling and changes, etc. It's not a job I'd want to have.

 

This is part of the reason there is a drug/alcohol problem in the Restaurant World.  The stress and crazy hours one ends up working, if you want to disappear to somewhere else but know that you need to work another 12-14 hours tomorrow, well there's a drug for that.

In other Asiatown news, don't think anyone's mentioned it, but East 30th Cafe (http://e30cafe.com/) is now open next to the beautifully named Park2Shop. They're tackling a pretty broad menu, with Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and American offerings. Haven't eaten there yet but will keep you posted.

 

Another restaurant is opening up in the 3100 block of Superior, more or less one storefront down from Number One Pho, and I've heard they'll be serving Vietnamese and Thai. The storefront renovation looks great, and I heard the interior has really nice finishes. That means we'll now have three Vietnamese restaurants in a row and East 30th Cafe serving Vietnamese around the corner. It'll also be what I believe is the first Thai offering in the neighborhood (well, second, after East 30th's pan-Asian take). Yaya Asiatown!

 

 

If the problem is genuinely not being able to keep the business staffed, then maybe he needs to review either his/his managers' management style or maybe he needs to be willing to offer better wages.

I'm sure he offers the same wages everyone else does. If he were to offer higher wages, he would probably have to significantly increase the prices on the menu, and people would complain and might stop coming. It actually is VERY difficult to find and retain good restaurant staff, from the lowest to the highest level. It's a lot of hours for pretty thankless work and not a lot of money, and you have to really love doing it to stick with it.  Cleveland has a big lack of dedicated "service" professionals in a variety of areas, including restaurant and hotel staff - most people take these jobs because they can't find anything else, and then leave when something better comes along.

I'm sure he offers the same wages everyone else does. If he were to offer higher wages, he would probably have to significantly increase the prices on the menu, and people would complain and might stop coming. It actually is VERY difficult to find and retain good restaurant staff, from the lowest to the highest level. It's a lot of hours for pretty thankless work and not a lot of money, and you have to really love doing it to stick with it.  Cleveland has a big lack of dedicated "service" professionals in a variety of areas, including restaurant and hotel staff - most people take these jobs because they can't find anything else, and then leave when something better comes along.

 

Thats anywhere.  Even in cities like London and NY.

If you don't feel like Asian food on Christmas, I believe that Bar Cento is open year-round, including on Christmas. Likewise, you might do well with hitting a Jewish deli, but Christmas also falls on Saturday, so that would rule out the Orthodox-run places.

Beer Engine in Lakewood is open 365 too. High quality pub grub.

If you don't feel like Asian food on Christmas, I believe that Bar Cento is open year-round, including on Christmas. Likewise, you might do well with hitting a Jewish deli, but Christmas also falls on Saturday, so that would rule out the Orthodox-run places.

 

Or they could just call you.  I'm sure you can whip up a Asian few delicacy's!

^True that. It's probably good that you don't have the Things around to help you answer your phone; Pugu would probably be disappointed with the bananas and live chicken that you would deliver. ;-)

 

My brother is coming to town for the week, and every time he does, I manage to gain five pounds from taking him to all of the bars and restaurants. Knowing that the Beer Engine is open for after Christmas dinner drinks is A Big Damn Problem.

To everyone not celebrating all of Christmas Eve with the family,

 

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar (28601 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere, OH) is having it's annual Christmas Eve (which I call Jewish Eve since that's about 80% of the patronage on that night) party tomorrow from 9pm to close.  I've gone the last few years, and it's a complete blast.  The food is a little iffy but there are a lot fantastic drink selections and a LOT of people.

^True that. It's probably good that you don't have the Things around to help you answer your phone; Pugu would probably be disappointed with the bananas and live chicken that you would deliver. ;)

 

My brother is coming to town for the week, and every time he does, I manage to gain five pounds from taking him to all of the bars and restaurants. Knowing that the Beer Engine is open for after Christmas dinner drinks is A Big Damn Problem.

 

LOL

Bar Cento opens at 4:30 pm on 12/25 per its website.

OpenTable has reservations open for amp150 on Christmas day starting at 10:30 I think.  SASA on Shaker Square is also open later in the day.  McCormick and Schmicks is open too.

 

 

In other Asiatown news, don't think anyone's mentioned it, but East 30th Cafe (http://e30cafe.com/) is now open next to the beautifully named Park2Shop. They're tackling a pretty broad menu, with Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and American offerings. Haven't eaten there yet but will keep you posted.

 

Another restaurant is opening up in the 3100 block of Superior, more or less one storefront down from Number One Pho, and I've heard they'll be serving Vietnamese and Thai. The storefront renovation looks great, and I heard the interior has really nice finishes. That means we'll now have three Vietnamese restaurants in a row and East 30th Cafe serving Vietnamese around the corner. It'll also be what I believe is the first Thai offering in the neighborhood (well, second, after East 30th's pan-Asian take). Yaya Asiatown!

 

 

 

Thanks for this update and I second the yay for Asiatown.

I've been wanting to go to the E. 30th Cafe as well.  Evidently it's run by the Hom family and I have liked all of their other places...Li Wah (in the same shopping area), King Wah in R. River and Ho Wah in LaPlace-Beachwood. The odds are good that this new one should be worth a visit.

I'm sure he offers the same wages everyone else does. If he were to offer higher wages, he would probably have to significantly increase the prices on the menu, and people would complain and might stop coming. It actually is VERY difficult to find and retain good restaurant staff, from the lowest to the highest level. It's a lot of hours for pretty thankless work and not a lot of money, and you have to really love doing it to stick with it.  Cleveland has a big lack of dedicated "service" professionals in a variety of areas, including restaurant and hotel staff - most people take these jobs because they can't find anything else, and then leave when something better comes along.

 

Even in the restaurant biz, there are places that pay (slightly) better or worse.  And most of the places I know that can't keep staff aren't able to do so because of highly unprofessional, abusive management.  Believe it or not service professionals talk, and when a place isn't very good to work at, it gets around and pretty soon they can't find employees- especially not the experienced staff who make up the core of any restaurant's staff.  I'm not saying that's necessarily the case with Mint, but it is often the case when the complaint they are making is made.

That's true, for sure, I knew of places to steer clear of when I was a server and trainer. I do wonder what the real story is.