Jibaro Food Truck opening "Serrano" a taqueria at East 12th and Lakeside in a couple of weeks. Unless 1201 Lakeside is on the west side.  Thank God.  We need some good food over here in the Avenue District.

Jibaro Food Truck opening "Serrano" a taqueria at East 12th and Lakeside in a couple of weeks. Unless 1201 Lakeside is on the west side.  Thank God.  We need some good food over here in the Avenue District.

 

*Gulp, gulp, gulp*

 

I hope they have churros!

Jibaro Food Truck opening "Serrano" a taqueria at East 12th and Lakeside in a couple of weeks. Unless 1201 Lakeside is on the west side.  Thank God.  We need some good food over here in the Avenue District.

 

*Gulp, gulp, gulp*

 

I hope they have churros!

 

Be glad you missed (by quite some time) the PFM (officially Professional Food Management, unofficially many other things) era of "food" service at CWRU.  I couldn't eat Mexican food for several years after I graduated....

Jack flaps is very good.

 

How are the prices there? I was planning to go there today, til I realized it was half owned by the same guy as Momocho. I ate at his Lakewood place the other day (El Carnicero). One dish (the lamb chops) was amazing. Everything else was fine, but nothing special---which would have been fine, except for the price.  The dinner was VERY EXPENSIVE given the quality. Will never return there, but now hesitant to go to Jack Flaps.

It's not a greasy spoon 2 dollar place. They have creations that don't exist anywhere else in the area and they are high quality w good ingesients so naturally they will b priced between 8-12 bucks. It's a specialty place and worth it in my opinion. Eric from momocho is a great guy, his prices may b steep for a few items but they sell

^Thanks for the review. 8-12 bucks is fine--if both the quantity and quality are there. 12-20 was fine for El Carnicero, but the overall quality and quantity wasn't there. (I was very disappointed given all the hype it and Momocho gets.)

^Thanks for the review. 8-12 bucks is fine--if both the quantity and quality are there. 12-20 was fine for El Carnicero, but the overall quality and quantity wasn't there. (I was very disappointed given all the hype it and Momocho gets.)

 

Didn't you say the lamb chops were "amazing?"  What would you expect to pay for amazing lamb chops?  Even Applebee's entrees are around $15!

 

Yes--lambchops were "amazing". Price=$20. And that's fine.

 

But the rest of the entrees were okay and/or kindof small. The non-lambchop part of the bill=$80.

 

Total experience--one amazing dish and the remainder small/nothing extraordinary. Total $100. 

 

Weighted average and final assessment? Not worth a second trip and now weary of this owner's other restaurants.

 

Happy there's a new breakfast place on in that part of Ohio City? Yes--I am--just leery of going--that's why I was asking those who have been there about price/quantity/value.

 

PS--never been to an Applebee's and never had any interest to go to one.

I've never been to Eric Williams's Lakewood place (and to be fair, I've heard similar complaints as yours from others), but you're missing out if you don't go to Momocho or Happy Dog (and as it sounds, Jack Flaps as well) because of that experience.

El Carnicero has a very similar menu to Momocho, but is half as good. I will stick with Momocho.

 

Jack flaps is very good.

 

How are the prices there? I was planning to go there today, til I realized it was half owned by the same guy as Momocho. I ate at his Lakewood place the other day (El Carnicero). One dish (the lamb chops) was amazing. Everything else was fine, but nothing special---which would have been fine, except for the price.  The dinner was VERY EXPENSIVE given the quality. Will never return there, but now hesitant to go to Jack Flaps.

 

dont forget you can go try it out for less $ during pancake happy hour.

 

pancake happy hour - i just love the thought of that.

 

^I'll check out Momocho at some point, but won't return to the Lakewood place. Expansion of a business oftentimes hurts a business that is predicated on detailed quality control like non-chain restaurants are...

To give you an idea of Eric Williams, momocho is like an incubator for entrepreneurs. When they do a good job and are loyal he helps them launch their own place providing guidance, money and help ( he was scrubbing the counter at jack flaps when I went). He leads through his actions. Easy guy to root for. Anyway, carmicero is the same family as momocho but was meant to emphasize more tamales then momocho. I have a feeling he has alot of momocho items on there to get his places name out

I found this interesting tidbit about Jonathon Sawyer's upcoming Trentina... The website no longer seems active, so I can't read the whole story - but the few sentences noted in the Google search I found from October are intriguing... It's previously been confirmed that the Trentina space is on the east side (suburbs, I believe - and likely near enough to Cle Heights).  But the quote below specifically notes the space as a "beloved space, a small space"...  When you note something as "beloved" - it would seem to be a clue that might help narrow things (that is, unless it's beloved only to him - but that's not how I'm taking it...) What vacant east side "beloved" space could he be talking about?

 

canopi.com/content/2013/10/15/partners-in-crime/‎

Oct 15, 2013 - "We are opening Trentina in a beloved space, a small space, and we don't need much beyond the personal loan we are taking out."

I found this interesting tidbit about Jonathon Sawyer's upcoming Trentina... The website no longer seems active, so I can't read the whole story - but the few sentences noted in the Google search I found from October are intriguing... It's previously been confirmed that the Trentina space is on the east side (suburbs, I believe - and likely near enough to Cle Heights).  But the quote below specifically notes the space as a "beloved space, a small space"...  When you note something as "beloved" - it would seem to be a clue that might help narrow things (that is, unless it's beloved only to him - but that's not how I'm taking it...) What vacant east side "beloved" space could he be talking about?

 

canopi.com/content/2013/10/15/partners-in-crime/‎

Oct 15, 2013 - "We are opening Trentina in a beloved space, a small space, and we don't need much beyond the personal loan we are taking out."

 

Something with historical significance and they are getting historical development grant money?

Former Sergio's space in University Circle, perhaps.

Former Sergio's space in University Circle, perhaps.

 

Good call, that's gotta be it.

Former Sergio's space in University Circle, perhaps.

 

That was my first thought, too.

Apparently a Falafel Express opened up in Lakewood plaza a few weeks ago. I just had it for lunch and I am very pleased. Good quality Mediterranean food at a decent price. 

Has anyone been to Red downtown, yet?

I thought of Sergio's - and came back to site and good to see others had same idea. There is no second choice.

Rothschild Farms opens, expands dining options in Cleveland's PlayhouseSquare area

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Add another morning and midday option to your list of dining spots in PlayhouseSquare. Rothschild Farms restaurant opened at 2033 East 14th St. this week.  Focusing on breakfast and lunch options, the 120-seat restaurant offers a selection of grab-and-go prepared sandwiches, salads, sides, beverages and snacks.

 

The breakfast menu is compact but flexible, especially the Farm Fresh Skillet option with choices of meat, eggs, hash, a biscuit or roll, and any of five sauces ($8.99). Burritos, vegetarian omelets and croissant sandwiches are each priced at $7.50.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2014/01/rothschild_farms_opens_expands.html#incart_m-rpt-2

Zach Bruell's Kafeteria is now open in the BP building (200 public sq), 3rd floor, open to the public.  They've got your standard multi-station cafeteria layout with a few nicer options:  Pizza, noodles, grill, salad, sushi, espresso, and juice bar.  Haven't heard a complaint yet from anyone in the office.

Anyone know what restaurant this will be?

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/bbs/agenda/2014/AGENDA01152014.pdf

 

Docket A-2-14 1350 Euclid Avenue WARD: 3

(Joe Cimperman)

 

Heritage Development, Owner of the Property appeals from an ADJUDICATION ORDER,

dated December 30, 2013; appellant states that a new restaurant is moving into the northeast

corner of the US Bank Centre on the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street at

Playhouse Square. To provide easier access from the square, they would like to add a new

exterior door along the East 14th Street façade. This new door would match the color and style

of the existing door further south along the building façade. The swings of the door will en-

croach approximately 2’-2” into the public right-of-way. Fortunately the door is located where

the sidewalk widens and should not pose any additional risk to passers-by.

No clue. Will be interesting to find out.

Anyone know what restaurant this will be?

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/bbs/agenda/2014/AGENDA01152014.pdf

 

Docket A-2-14 1350 Euclid Avenue WARD: 3

(Joe Cimperman)

 

Heritage Development, Owner of the Property appeals from an ADJUDICATION ORDER,

dated December 30, 2013; appellant states that a new restaurant is moving into the northeast

corner of the US Bank Centre on the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street at

Playhouse Square. To provide easier access from the square, they would like to add a new

exterior door along the East 14th Street façade. This new door would match the color and style

of the existing door further south along the building façade. The swings of the door will en-

croach approximately 2-2 into the public right-of-way. Fortunately the door is located where

the sidewalk widens and should not pose any additional risk to passers-by.

 

Hopefully this will turn out to be something good... what a great location and very underutilized.  I noticed Sunday night that all the windows had paper in them and was curious what was going on...

The word in the building is that it is going to be some sort of Asian Fusion place

Asian fusion? Bac comes to mind and he posted something about "big announcement coming soon" on his Facebook page. Coincidence?

Ohio City's Newest Bistro Comes out of Hiding for its Winter Debut

 

For the past year, Diane Miller has been quietly at work turning a handsome brick storefront on a quiet block in Ohio City into a restaurant. Miller has done her best to keep the details of the project under the radar (despite my attempt last year to pry the story loose), but given that opening day is just around the bend, the cat officially is out of the bag.

 

Within the month, Pastas and Pastries will open at 3800 Whitman Avenue, just around the corner from St. Patrick's Church. Miller is not in this alone; she has enlisted industry veteran Ron Heinbaugh as her partner, pulling the former Snicker's and Crazy Mac's owner out of restaurant retirement.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2014/01/16/ohio-citys-newest-bistro-comes-out-of-hiding-for-its-winter-debut

Also, not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but Zack Bruell's Kafeteria is open, 3rd floor of 200 public square (the old BP building). It's a stations-based setup but with higher quality, made-from scratch food (yet reasonably priced).

^Cool, thanks. Downtown needs more quick and inexpensive lunch places. Will check it out.

A couple months ago, Alvie's Restaurant moved from their space on Ontario to a joint venture with 21 Lounge on East 2nd. It's the alley across from the May Company building near Prospect. I guess Alvie's is running the catering and lunch. The 21 Lounge crew handle dinner and night service. I know the 21 Lounge owner Matt and his sister Alaina. Good folks. You should check the place out.

 

https://www.facebook.com/trentinacle

 

to be located at 1903 Ford Drive

^what a useless facebook page----no info whatsoever. I assume no webpage either.

Michael Symon (in just-online Cleveland.com article) notes he has two "restaurant projects" for CLE, including "taking over a legdendary dining spot" (he doesn't necessarily say "restaurant spot").

 

The Silver Grille is legendary... Would New York Spaghetti House count? Others?

Michael Symon (in just-online Cleveland.com article) notes he has two "restaurant projects" for CLE, including "taking over a legdendary dining spot" (he doesn't necessarily say "restaurant spot").

 

The Silver Grille is legendary... Would New York Spaghetti House count? Others?

 

the spaghetti would be great (so would some shiny new apt towers around the erie cemetary neighborhood to compliment it).

 

 

Sammy's or the Watermark

 

https://www.facebook.com/trentinacle

 

to be located at 1903 Ford Drive

 

That is the former Sergio's University Circle spot.

 

There's some more info on their website:

 

http://www.restauranttrentina.com/

Awesome to see the Trentina space speculation confirmed. I can't wait for that place. Exciting to hear about the Symon projects too.

 

Ohio City's Newest Bistro Comes out of Hiding for its Winter Debut

 

For the past year, Diane Miller has been quietly at work turning a handsome brick storefront on a quiet block in Ohio City into a restaurant. Miller has done her best to keep the details of the project under the radar (despite my attempt last year to pry the story loose), but given that opening day is just around the bend, the cat officially is out of the bag.

 

Within the month, Pastas and Pastries will open at 3800 Whitman Avenue, just around the corner from St. Patrick's Church. Miller is not in this alone; she has enlisted industry veteran Ron Heinbaugh as her partner, pulling the former Snicker's and Crazy Mac's owner out of restaurant retirement.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2014/01/16/ohio-citys-newest-bistro-comes-out-of-hiding-for-its-winter-debut

 

Eh, the concept (and name) doesn't sound all the appealing to me, but man are the comments to that Scene piece harsh!

Awesome to see the Trentina space speculation confirmed. I can't wait for that place. Exciting to hear about the Symon projects too.

 

Ohio City's Newest Bistro Comes out of Hiding for its Winter Debut

 

For the past year, Diane Miller has been quietly at work turning a handsome brick storefront on a quiet block in Ohio City into a restaurant. Miller has done her best to keep the details of the project under the radar (despite my attempt last year to pry the story loose), but given that opening day is just around the bend, the cat officially is out of the bag.

 

Within the month, Pastas and Pastries will open at 3800 Whitman Avenue, just around the corner from St. Patrick's Church. Miller is not in this alone; she has enlisted industry veteran Ron Heinbaugh as her partner, pulling the former Snicker's and Crazy Mac's owner out of restaurant retirement.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2014/01/16/ohio-citys-newest-bistro-comes-out-of-hiding-for-its-winter-debut

 

Eh, the concept (and name) doesn't sound all the appealing to me, but man are the comments to that Scene piece harsh!

 

They've got a point about the "cash only" thing.  I can't see how that's "the newest trend", particularly in a neighborhood where crime and panhandlers are even perceived as an issue.

I have never heard of "Cash Only" as being a trend. I actually have to agree with the comments relating to that point.

Its not a trend.  Cash only is usually done by places that have been cash only for a long time or have a product that will sell regardless of having credit/debit.  The business knows they have a product that is in high demand and people are willing to go to the ATM in order to have their product.  This place better hope that its pasta will gather that type of attention.  Certainly places that are cash only would never say that its a "trend".

I've been to quite a few cash only places in my travels, typically old school mom and pop places. Noticed that most of them will provide an ATM on premises.

 

So not a big deal.

News about the restaurant on the ground floor of "my" building....

 

Black Dog Kitchen Closes, Another Eatery to Open

Posted by Douglas Trattner on Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 1:41 PM

 

It shouldn't be too difficult for diners to locate the new TB's Restaurant, Bar and Lounge (2015 E. 8th. St.), says owner Tim Smith; he'll just direct them to the massive mural of a black dog, painted on the wall of the City Club Building. That mural was painted about a year and a half ago to help direct diners to the entrance of Black Dog Kitchen, but apparently more than a few gallons of paint was required to make that restaurant a success; it closed a couple weeks back. For the time being, Smith says he has no plans to remove or alter the image as it serves as a monumental landmark.

 

For the past four years Smith has operated TB's Hot Dogs & Hoagies at E. 185 and Lakeshore, but he'll shutter that outfit to focus on his new downtown spot. He says that popular eatery combined with his bustling T-Bone's Catering business should provide him with a solid base of customers.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2014/01/20/black-dog-kitchen-closes-another-eatery-to-open

Michael Symon (in just-online Cleveland.com article) notes he has two "restaurant projects" for CLE, including "taking over a legdendary dining spot" (he doesn't necessarily say "restaurant spot").

 

The Silver Grille is legendary... Would New York Spaghetti House count? Others?

 

My choice would be to bring back 'Top of the Town' 38th floor ErieView tower. We need a great restaurant and lounge with an amazing view again. It would be beautiful at night.

Michael Symon (in just-online Cleveland.com article) notes he has two "restaurant projects" for CLE, including "taking over a legdendary dining spot" (he doesn't necessarily say "restaurant spot").

 

The Silver Grille is legendary... Would New York Spaghetti House count? Others?

 

My choice would be to bring back 'Top of the Town' 38th floor ErieView tower. We need a great restaurant and lounge with an amazing view again. It would be beautiful at night.

 

Now that would be an awesome spot. Unfortunately it is somewhat isolated, but it could be a draw the area needs.

News about the restaurant on the ground floor of "my" building....

 

Black Dog Kitchen Closes, Another Eatery to Open

Posted by Douglas Trattner on Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 1:41 PM

 

It shouldn't be too difficult for diners to locate the new TB's Restaurant, Bar and Lounge (2015 E. 8th. St.), says owner Tim Smith; he'll just direct them to the massive mural of a black dog, painted on the wall of the City Club Building. That mural was painted about a year and a half ago to help direct diners to the entrance of Black Dog Kitchen, but apparently more than a few gallons of paint was required to make that restaurant a success; it closed a couple weeks back. For the time being, Smith says he has no plans to remove or alter the image as it serves as a monumental landmark.

 

For the past four years Smith has operated TB's Hot Dogs & Hoagies at E. 185 and Lakeshore, but he'll shutter that outfit to focus on his new downtown spot. He says that popular eatery combined with his bustling T-Bone's Catering business should provide him with a solid base of customers.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2014/01/20/black-dog-kitchen-closes-another-eatery-to-open

 

I'm not sure what the quality of the food was like lately, but the "mac and cheese" I had there a little over a year ago was the most disgusting thing that has ever been served to me in a restaurant.  The pasta was literally swimming in oil separating from the cheese, and it tasted like a burnt shoe.  I'm glad the mural is staying, though- it was the best part of the restaurant, IMO!

That is just a cursed space.  What's amazing is people keep on trying.  Wish the new owner luck, but I expect to be celebrating the next new restaurant there in 2 more years. 

^ There will be a lot more people living and working near this intersection over the next couple years. The next restaurant (or the one after this new one) will have a better chance than Black Dog.

 

I went to Black Dog a couple times with my buddies. I liked the space. The food was okay at best though

^ There will be a lot more people living and working near this intersection over the next couple years. The next restaurant (or the one after this new one) will have a better chance than Black Dog.

 

I went to Black Dog a couple times with my buddies. I liked the space. The food was okay at best though

 

While getting on the elevator at the City Club Building, some of the workers cleaning the now-closed Black Dog restaurant were taking a break in chairs in the ground-floor lobby. I only overheard a few comments, but the sum of the conversation was that the Scene article on a new restaurant opening in the Black Dog space was "premature" and that there is a lot of work left to do before TB's might relocate/open at that location. I didn't catch what kind of work, but the gist was that it's not a done deal as the article said.