^^Looks sharp.  Perfect for that big, conspicuous space right on Public Square.  Dare I say, it's kind of the anti-Cadillac Ranch in terms of projecting an image of downtown.

I agree, the anti-Cadillac Ranch, that's good!

 

A co-worker and I went to lunch today. She mentioned the restaurant that used to be Damianos in the 75 public square building as it's close by. I'm like um, yeah, I'm not sure we want to go there. She said we'd poke our heads in and decide and then go to John Qs if not. Meanwhile, I found dozens of negative mentions about the food in this place online, and approached with dread. We got there, couldn't see a sole inside and were met with a big "CASH ONLY" sign on the door, a piece of white paper someone printed out and stuck on the door, right next to the multiple little symbols for the credit cards they apparently don't take.  We left and went to John Qs.

Oh, I also wanted to post that if you missed the clusterf*ck in the flats yesterday, apparently part of 90 was closed so a bunch of people decided to take my regular shortcut and go through the flats. Except there were several barges in a row at that big blue bridge (sorry, don't know the street, it's a 5 way intersection, one avenue goes under tower city) so traffic started backing up waiting for it. Those of us who know our way around the flats a little better often detour away from waiting to go over to columbus and cut up that way and over that bridge and out of the mess pretty quickly. But when I turned onto columbus - gridlock. Both ways. couldn't figure out why. Finally inched up to the bridge, people were waiting at it awhile (it was in the up position and STOP lights were on) and then turning around and getting in line to inch back down the road. After I sat in the line towards the bridge for over 20 minutes, not even close to turning around, I had had enough so I went up the curb lane to the sidestreet there, parked and went in to the bar on the corner - Sainato's rivergate tavern. I'm sure most of you know of this place but as I rarely go down Cols unless the main bridge is blocked, I've never even seen it before. It was like an oasis in a storm. one by one those of us who didn't want to spend 2 hours in an overheating car sitting in traffic pulled off and walked into the place. Everyone was talking and taking pictures of the folks sitting in traffic. Finally at like 5:30 the city showed up and put an actual Road Closed sign up in front of the bridge - thanks for letting us know, jerks. Meanwhile, inside I had good tunes on the jukebox, Jameson to drink and a nice chicken parm entree. They deliver downtown by the way, which I wouldn't have known if I hadn't stopped in there yesterday, and it seemed a decent place. www.sainatos.com www.rivergatetavern.com

I agree, the anti-Cadillac Ranch, that's good!

 

A co-worker and I went to lunch today. She mentioned the restaurant that used to be Damianos in the 75 public square building as it's close by. I'm like um, yeah, I'm not sure we want to go there. She said we'd poke our heads in and decide and then go to John Qs if not. Meanwhile, I found dozens of negative mentions about the food in this place online, and approached with dread. We got there, couldn't see a sole inside and were met with a big "CASH ONLY" sign on the door, a piece of white paper someone printed out and stuck on the door, right next to the multiple little symbols for the credit cards they apparently don't take.  We left and went to John Qs.

 

Is it called Prime 75?

Yes, that's the place.

rnr... columbus road bridge broke down yesterday late afternoon, causing the cluster*fck... but allowed for your nice diversion :)

 

I heard it should be repaired by friday.

Yeah, the bartender said it broke around 3, but they should have blocked Cols rd and put a road closed sign up a lot sooner than they did. But it did allow for my nice diversion, so no complaints really. But the other people out there in their cars were probably majorly annoyed.

Oh, I also wanted to post that if you missed the clusterf*ck in the flats yesterday, apparently part of 90 was closed so a bunch of people decided to take my regular shortcut and go through the flats. Except there were several barges in a row at that big blue bridge (sorry, don't know the street, it's a 5 way intersection, one avenue goes under tower city) so traffic started backing up waiting for it. Those of us who know our way around the flats a little better often detour away from waiting to go over to columbus and cut up that way and over that bridge and out of the mess pretty quickly. But when I turned onto columbus - gridlock. Both ways. couldn't figure out why. Finally inched up to the bridge, people were waiting at it awhile (it was in the up position and STOP lights were on) and then turning around and getting in line to inch back down the road. After I sat in the line towards the bridge for over 20 minutes, not even close to turning around, I had had enough so I went up the curb lane to the sidestreet there, parked and went in to the bar on the corner - Sainato's rivergate tavern. I'm sure most of you know of this place but as I rarely go down Cols unless the main bridge is blocked, I've never even seen it before. It was like an oasis in a storm. one by one those of us who didn't want to spend 2 hours in an overheating car sitting in traffic pulled off and walked into the place. Everyone was talking and taking pictures of the folks sitting in traffic. Finally at like 5:30 the city showed up and put an actual Road Closed sign up in front of the bridge - thanks for letting us know, jerks. Meanwhile, inside I had good tunes on the jukebox, Jameson to drink and a nice chicken parm entree. They deliver downtown by the way, which I wouldn't have known if I hadn't stopped in there yesterday, and it seemed a decent place. www.sainatos.com www.rivergatetavern.com

 

This was the place that was against the Skate Park being installed down there.  I think he was threatening some type of legal action or just being a general POA.  That is until someone explained that as a pizza shop with tons of adolescents running around he would make a fortune.  Sometimes I really think that unless someone with an outside point of view explains things stake holders in an area are instantly against everything. 

There are also valid reasons stakeholders may be opposed to a given type of project or business. It is easy for outsiders to criticize them or not take the time to understand the history behind why they may be opposed, no matter if we agree with their rationale or not. If the project is fully explained, and there is no trouble or anything that could be a problem for their property, then all is good. But, as a property owner, you betcha I would question anything going next to mine. Its my civic duty. Just because I question it does not mean I would be opposed to it either.

 

By the way, off topic a bit there.. I wanted to post that the cube on the square... Flaming Ice Cube is now open later at night, past 9:00 PM to 9:30....great for enjoying an evening meal outside of the realm of bars or bar foods/crowds/sports crowds. Many people have asked me at random why more such places are not open later at night downtown, from locals to visitors.... Now that someone is being a bit of a pioneer in that effort, I would like to reward them with support.

 

Maybe that could seed some bravery in other non-food or non-bar establishments to do the same. What's more interesting is that it is not directly in a "district"  so it encourages foot traffic and discovery in other parts of our very easy to walk (but seems like a lot of locals, or those who play in the confines of the "districts" do not realize it) downtown!

 

Having been there, I can see why they wouldn't want a bunch of teenagers around. It's clearly not the crowd they're trying to draw. I know beggers/choosers etc, but if you're trying to set up a friendly neighborhood establishment for residents, businsesses and other area adults, with a well-stocked bar and 60s/70s music on the jukebox, having it overrun with teens isn't going to draw those customers. And there's no alcohol profit, which is the real money shot in this type of business.

^ I agree.

I swear I read something a few months ago about a very, very high profile NY sushi chef who is coming here to open a restaurant. Not for awhile, was going to be in conjunction/as a result of the casino opening. I cannot find mention of it anywhere online, and because it's sushi, of which I am not much of a fan, I didn't pay as much attention to it as I would have other food news. Does anyone know the restaurant or chef being planned?

^There were rumors of a Nobu associated with the Casino around the time of the "big announcement" that Gilbert teased us with, via KJP (the lakefront development near Browns Stadium).  I don't think there were any credible news reports though, just chatter.  Not sure if that's what you were thinking of.  The only other sushi news I know of is the new lounge/restaurant on W9th.

Nobu! That's it! So it's not happening?

Flaming ice cube is very good actually....both smoothies and the vegan foods.

Nobu! That's it! So it's not happening?

 

I have no news about it, I was just questioning if it was ever more than a rumor, which may still prove to be true or untrue.  I haven't heard about any restaurant spaces in the Higbee building casino, but maybe there will be some big ticket retail and restaurants in phase 2.  If so, we're probably years away from tenant announcements.  On the other hand, now that Gilbert owns the Ritz (or is in contract to buy it, not sure if it's closed yet), the rumor may have been about the Ritz restaurant space.  Either way, I'd bet no Nobu, but who knows?

Arabica Coffee on Detroit and 116th in Cleveland closed after 9.5 years. I'm not terribly surprised as the recent opening of MoCa on Clifton and 104th probably over saturated the coffee market for that general vicinity. No way you can support 4 coffee shops in a half mile radius there.

Agreed, and that is probably exactly the case. I hope something fills in there, though. That intersection is starting to get signs of unkempt issues. Empty storefronts cannot help.

Jilians' successor, Next (I think that's what it's called), opens soon. I play volleyball with a few people who are going to work there.

Jilians' successor, Next (I think that's what it's called), opens soon. I play volleyball with a few people who are going to work there.

 

Okay, looks like the place will be opening soon:

 

http://www.cedarfairmount.org/?p=323

 

Signs outside of Myxx now indicate a July opening! :)

 

;)

Whoops.  I knew I misheard the name

Agreed, and that is probably exactly the case. I hope something fills in there, though. That intersection is starting to get signs of unkempt issues. Empty storefronts cannot help.

 

It's looking pretty bad. The sidewalks are unkempt with trash, weeds, and pebbles. The empty car lot around the corner also gives a depressed state feeling. There's so much potential in this general vicinity, but I think it'll take a while. At least Brothers still acts as an anchor.

I didn't see this elsewhere on the forum, but Melt is apparently opening an office and kitchen in St. Clair Superior.  There's no indication that there will be food service on the site.  Does anyone know otherwise?

---

 

http://www.stclairsuperior.org/Whats_NEW.html

 

Retail Spotlight 2010:  Melt Bar and Grille Headquarters and Commissary

 

 

Melt Bar and Grill Brings Franchise Headquarters to the Neighborhood!!

Jamar Doyle

 

Matt Fish is an energetic guy with a passion for food and for Cleveland like none other.  With a culinary career that spans 21 years, Matt is the founder and force behind Melt Bar and Grill, one of Cleveland’s hottest and most successful local restaurants, in a city that’s becoming increasingly famous for an exceptional local food scene.  Recently I had the opportunity to tour Melt’s new headquarters facility and talk with Matt about the success of Melt and his new facility at St. Clair Superior.

 

Jamar: How did your passion for cooking develop?

 

Matt:  I began my culinary career right out of high school, and have had the opportunity to work my way through the restaurant business in Cleveland, including at some of the city’s best establishments.

 

 

Jamar: So from that experience how did you decide to make the leap into owning your own restaurant?

 

Matt:  I’ve always had the desire to own my own restaurant, and one day in 2006 I decided this is it.  So I looked for space and found the perfect location in Lakewood.  In September 2006 the first Melt opened at that location.

 

 

Jamar:  Last May you opened a second location in Cleveland Heights and are opening a third in Independence later this year.  How do you explain your rapid success?

 

Matt:  Consistency is key.  Repeat business is a big part of the restaurant industry, and customers expect a high quality experience each and every time they make the choice to dine at a location.  Our goal is to consistently deliver on that high quality experience at all of our locations, and that’s a big reason we created this facility.

 

 

Jamar:  Tell me more about what will go on here and what that means for Melt.

 

Matt:  This facility will serve as our headquarters, containing office space for administrative work.  But just as important this facility houses a large commissary, a central storage and kitchen facility that will alleviate a major issue for us.  Right now kitchens at our two locations basically run 24/7.  After they close prep work begins almost immediately for the next day.  With this facility that work can take place here during the day then be shipped out to our locations. The local restaurant chefs still prepare your dish right on site, but all of the time consuming prep work, such as washing and cutting veggies, cutting and blanching potatoes, baking fresh breads and desserts, seasoning and marinating fresh cuts of meat, creating our various soups and sauces, etc. will take place here, increasing our productivity and helping to keep our product consistent.

 

 

Jamar:  I can certainly see how this facility will help you as you grow, but how did you choose St. Clair Superior for your headquarters and commissary?

 

Matt:  I’ve always loved this area.  Here I’m a part of the growing Tyler Village community and the energy of AsiaTown.  It’s a great area that for us is great because it is centrally located, my trucks can get to all of my restaurants, east, west and now south, all in 20 minutes.  It’s great!

Ponte Vecchio on the Superior Viaduct has been sold.  They will officially close down this week & the new owners (the guy behind Erie Island Coffee, ABC & XYZ) hopes to open his new place, The V, by the Labor Day holiday weekend. 

Speaking of XYZ, I was in there last week and we were joking with the bartender about what their next place would be named and he mentioned they are thinking of opening a pizza place in the  in the back . I assume he was talking about the" Maria's Desserts" space facing the parking lot in the back.

 

Although "LMNOPizza" was vetoed as a name....

Chef Jonathon Sawyer's Noodlecat restaurant opens Tuesday on Public Square

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2011/07/chef_jonathon_sawyers_noodleca.html

 

Awesome.

Ponte Vecchio on the Superior Viaduct has been sold.

 

Oh--that's too bad---it was a great place--very good food. Any idea what its replacement will be like?

 

Ponte Vecchio on the Superior Viaduct has been sold.

 

Oh--that's too bad---it was a great place--very good food. Any idea what its replacement will be like?

 

 

I heard a champagne bar, I hope it was a bad joke.

I didn't see this elsewhere on the forum, but Melt is apparently opening an office and kitchen in St. Clair Superior.  There's no indication that there will be food service on the site.  Does anyone know otherwise?

 

No, it's just a consolidated food-prep site for the two (soon to be three) restaurants.

Whoever Sawyer hired to do his PR, they are doing a great job.  I mean everyday there is another mention somewhere locally and now nationally.  Nice work.

 

Ex-Parea Chef Opens NYC-Inspired Noodlecat Next Week ... in Cleveland

 

Jonathon Sawyer, former executive chef of Michael Symon's short-lived Parea (and onetime unfortunate forager of mushrooms), is set to open his second restaurant in Cleveland next Tuesday. Noodlecat will serve Japanese-style noodle dishes, made with local produce. "Selfishly," the chef tells the Plain Dealer, "I've just wanted to have good noodles in Cleveland ever since I've come back from New York City."

 

http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2011/07/ex-parea_chef_opens_ny-inspire.html

 

and the referenced interview

Jonathon Sawyer to Open Noodlecat in Cleveland This Summer

Chef Sawyer discusses his new green-certified Japanese noodle joint

 

At the Scottsdale Culinary Festival last weekend Chef Jonathon Sawyer of Cleveland’s Greenhouse Tavern confided that he was working on a new project. Sawyer, a member of Food & Wine's 2010 class of Best New Chefs, will be opening Noodlecat, a 60-seat, Japanese, green-certified noodle joint in July around the corner from the Tavern.

 

http://www.thedailymeal.com/jonathan-sawyer-open-noodlecat-cleveland-summer#ixzz1Rv3DNfnY

 

 

^Thanks for posting those!  The interview in the second link is really awesomely candid.  And Sawyer sounds like a pretty rad boss:

 

The reality of living in Cleveland is that in the winter when things are slow you have a choice: limit people’s hours, hire seasonally, or you keep cooks and send them to a place to trail. I send them to New York. I rent an apartment on Craigslist for a month and a half to two months, and send our people there. We do about two at a time, and not two at a time at same restaurant. For us it works because some are salaried, some are hourly, and then all we did was pay for the apartment while they're trailing. It has worked out great. And we’ve had people want to do it in return so they can find out what we're doing in Cleveland.

 

 

 

^^I'm very proud to live in the Cayuga valley!

^Ha, yeah, I saw that.  Maybe the interviewer went to Cornell or something.

^ Also their sign was going up this morning, the damn thing is HUGE.  I think "noddlecat" spans almost their entire frontage. 

Saywer says he goes to Wonton Gourmet & BBQ on Payne for Chinese.  Anyone ever been?  The yelp reviews are good!  My biggest beef with "Chinese" food is the mystery meat some places serve.

It's awesome!  I do think mystery meat is kind of par for the course though.  I ordered the spicy shredded pork maw earlier this week.  It was delicious, although the meat seemed a bit tough and was odd looking.  Turns out it was stomach.  But it tasted good!  I've had a couple vegetarian dishes from there that were also excellent.  I highly recommend the Szechuan Eggplant and the Braised Mushrooms with Bamboo.  Both had flavor profiles that you generally can't find at other Chinese restaurants in town.  Ordering there can be a bit overwhelming, but I would highly suggest taking the time to look at the pictures that line the walls of the restaurant.  The staff is very friendly and more than willing to talk you through the four menus they have (I think one is for downtown lunch types, one is a general menu aimed at Chinese expats, another focuses on soups and noodles, and the last covers the walls of the restaurant, which I believe consists of Hong Kong style specialities.)

I think Pearl of the Orient and Sun Luck Garden (which I noticed he gave a shout-out to as "elevated Chinese") are the only Chinese restaurants I have been to in NEO where the meat doesn't seem like a mystery.

I love the cheesy NoodleCat video.

Everyone I know swears by Wonton. It frequently gets raves that it's Cleveland's most authentic Chinese. But I have not enjoyed my meals any of the three times I was there. I'm sure that reflects an unsophisticated palate, but I just can't get into it ... Even as a proud resident of Asiatown :(

I've gotta give my nod to Hunan East as long as you order off the picture menu.  Although any place you see more Chinese people than non-Chinese people eating is usually good.

Agreed.  Hunon East definitely has that 'look' to it (lots of Asians dining on any given night) and that is impressive considering its location (although I believe there is a decent Asian population just north of there around that chinese christian church on Trebisky).  But honestly, I don't find it to be on par with Hunan Coventry.  I use it more as a quick take-out joint.  I definitely will give a shout out to their egg-foo-young, which is the best I've had (even though it really weighs you down).

I think that Wonton Gourmet is also a specific kind of Chinese restaurant.  I haven't tried any of the more "standard" Chinese dishes (Pepper beef, General Tso's, etc.).  I've actually heard that they don't do these dishes particularly well.  I think if one sticks to ordering of the wall, where the Hong Kong specialties are, the chances for success are greater.  I would actually be interested if anybody knows of any good Chinese near Detroit Shoreway.  I used to go to Long Phung, which billed itself as a Vietnamese restaurant but actually did the standard Chinese stuff really well.  Unfortunately it reverted to being the Big Egg (which I wouldn't mind if it was the Big Egg of my youth, although I think that one is largely a figment of my imagination).  We have enough greasy spoons on the west side to choke a health inspector (literally), but not so much in the way of Chinese.

I've heard Bearden's will be re-opening sometime in September. It was via their Facebook page but I am unable to log-on at work. Has anyone else heard about them opening back up?

Correction:  It is in fact re-opening via their website www.beardens-cleveland.com

Correction:  It is in fact re-opening via their website www.beardens-cleveland.com

 

Yay!!

 

This should be a nice addition:

 

Orale Kitchen debuts in Ohio City

 

In late July, Rodriguez will open Orale Kitchen, in the former Dish and Opa! spot on West 25th St. Since Dish closed, Rodriguez has used the space as his commercial kitchen. "I figured, I'm here cooking all the time, I might as well open the doors," he says half-jokingly.

 

 

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

 

Ponte Vecchio on the viaduct is closing. Last day today-everything 50% off including wine! A new place will be coming, operated by the same folks as ABC Tavern in OC-Sept 1. Sounds intriguing

to add to the above, they are soliciting neighborhood input with regard to what people want in a neighborhood resto

Any word on what the owner or chef of P.V. is going to do?  I believe he came from Italy...  It would be a shame to lose him as well as P.V.. 

*I was reminded again by how fortunate Cleveland is with the amazing Italian everywhere, after coming back to D.C. and having horrible Italian at one of the few places we have (and an old standby). 

Any word on what the owner or chef of P.V. is going to do?  I believe he came from Italy...  It would be a shame to lose him as well as P.V.. 

*I was reminded again by how fortunate Cleveland is with the amazing Italian everywhere, after coming back to D.C. and having horrible Italian at one of the few places we have (and an old standby). 

 

Where did you eat?