Some details on the new Tavern of Little Italy:

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/tavernoflittleitaly120715.aspx?utm_source=hootsuite

 

...But what about ordering a burger and a beer?

 

That's what Dominic Gogol had in mind when looking to start his Tavern of Little Italy, an American-style gastropub set to open later this month at 12117 Mayfield Road.

Arby's is officially open at the Langston at CSU. Nicest Arby's I've ever been to

 

When did all these restaurants in St. Clair-Superior open up? Shortly before noon today I went up East 30th north of Euclid to St. Clair and saw several new restaurants with lots of people going into them. Maybe they weren't new, but they were new to me! That whole area has become quite a restaurant district, and not ethnic-Asian restaurants or the old standbys like Slyman's or Sterle's either.

Rick Doody (founded Bravo/Brio and owns Cedar Creek Grille in Beachwood) is on the Beachwood planning agenda this week to present plans for a suburban branch of his planned Flats East Bank "Coastal Taco".  This would presumably go in the former Sushi Rick/Cooker spot on lower level as the agenda notes it is proposed for the La Place center (opposite Cedar Creek).

When did all these restaurants in St. Clair-Superior open up? Shortly before noon today I went up East 30th north of Euclid to St. Clair and saw several new restaurants with lots of people going into them. Maybe they weren't new, but they were new to me! That whole area has become quite a restaurant district, and not ethnic-Asian restaurants or the old standbys like Slyman's or Sterle's either.

 

The only one I know of off the top of my head is the new Crust location at St. Clair and 30th, which I believe opened in June. I'm curious as to what else is over there now. It's been a few months since I've been over that way

This place sounds amazing!

 

Cinci-Based Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse to Open in Old National City Bank Lobby

 

One of Cleveland’s most spectacular interiors has officially been claimed. Originally home to the Cleveland Trust Co., and later National City Bank, the column-lined bank lobby on the main floor of the Garfield Building will become the Cleveland home for Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. The 11-story structure, built in the 1890s, was recently purchased by Cleveland-based The Millennia Companies, which has plans to convert the bulk of the building into apartments.

 

The first Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse opened in Cincinnati in 1999, followed by a location in Louisville in 2006. The third Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is slated to open this April in Nashville, with Cleveland following in late spring or early summer. Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse is the flagship brand of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment restaurant group, which also operates Precinct and Carlo & Johnny.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2015/12/14/cinci-based-jeff-rubys-steakhouse-to-open-in-old-national-city-bank-lobby

^ Welp, I guess it's going to be a while before I can see the inside of the old National City Bank lobby again... (hoping that one day I'll be able to afford eating at Jeffy Ruby's)

The just-updated Pinecrest website seems to indicate (in their PDF brochure) that Red The Steakhouse will be relocating from Moxie-adjacent location in Beachwood -across the highway to Pinecrest in 2017. It's noted they have either a signed lease or letter of intent. Interesting. Could this make room for the previously announced Asian concept to go opposite Moxie? (Or is Moxie moving, too?)

Interesting.  Pretty much any location is a better fit for either of them (as opposed to that office park/shopping center they are currently in).  Although with Van Aken closed at Chagrin/Warrenville it certainly doesnt make Pinecrest as easy to get to as it used to be. 

 

Surprised nothing announced about Paladar yet.   

This place sounds amazing!

 

Cinci-Based Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse to Open in Old National City Bank Lobby

 

One of Cleveland’s most spectacular interiors has officially been claimed. Originally home to the Cleveland Trust Co., and later National City Bank, the column-lined bank lobby on the main floor of the Garfield Building will become the Cleveland home for Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. The 11-story structure, built in the 1890s, was recently purchased by Cleveland-based The Millennia Companies, which has plans to convert the bulk of the building into apartments.

 

The first Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse opened in Cincinnati in 1999, followed by a location in Louisville in 2006. The third Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is slated to open this April in Nashville, with Cleveland following in late spring or early summer. Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse is the flagship brand of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment restaurant group, which also operates Precinct and Carlo & Johnny.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2015/12/14/cinci-based-jeff-rubys-steakhouse-to-open-in-old-national-city-bank-lobby

 

This is a great addition for you guys! The interior design should also be top notch as well.

 

Cincinnati Business Courier has some additional details: EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Ruby shares details of his newest restaurant

 

...

 

"This space is incredible. I've never seen anything like it," Ruby told me by phone from Cleveland in his first interview about the new space. "There's nothing even in Vegas that compares to this space."

 

The lobby has 45-foot-tall ceilings and is flanked by 30-inch-circumference marble columns. The marble walls will be covered in diamond-tufted velvet to dampen the noise and give it a unique look, Ruby said. The original check-writing and tellers' tables will be incorporated into the steakhouse's decor and the bank vault will be used as a wine cellar to store Ruby's selection of fine wines, which was the recipient of one of Wine Spectator's highest recognition.

 

The bank's original 9-foot-tall gilded statues will remain in the main hallways along with smaller statues throughout the former lobby. Ruby purchased an old bar once owned by Al Capone, which will be featured in this restaurant, he said.

 

...

Surprised nothing announced about Paladar yet. 

 

I know you or others mentioned Paladar moving to Pinecrest. You may have inside info that this is firm. I do know that Cincy's Nada restaurant, similar to Paladar, has been on Pinecrest leasing maps. Don't know if that might have been the "Paladar" noted or maybe a sub...

^ Welp, I guess it's going to be a while before I can see the inside of the old National City Bank lobby again... (hoping that one day I'll be able to afford eating at Jeffy Ruby's)

 

TPH2[/member] It'll be my treat following another newsletter mailing!

Banter and Herb'n Twine are now open, has anyone been to them yet? My roommate went to Herb'n Twine and didn't like it (quality didn't match the price), but she's pretty picky so I still need to check it out.

Banter and Herb'n Twine are now open, has anyone been to them yet? My roommate went to Herb'n Twine and didn't like it (quality didn't match the price), but she's pretty picky so I still need to check it out.

 

I went to Banter the week it opened. I liked it overall. The poutine was very good, my only complaint was that it was a bit salty. I don't recommend trying to eat a whole portion by yourself though

Banter has a great vibe.  Just really comfortable and the guys who run it know what they are doing.  They should do really well in that space...its really a place for anyone.  Also get your beers and wines there, nice slection

Ate at Bomba the other day--a new taco place in Rocky River. Wanted to say here---it was a very good. Had a few different tacos---from duck to shrimp to brisket. All was delicious. Good drinks as well. (I have no financial or other interest in the place--this a true review!)

Ate at Bomba the other day--a new taco place in Rocky River. Wanted to say here---it was a very good. Had a few different tacos---from duck to shrimp to brisket. All was delicious. Good drinks as well. (I have no financial or other interest in the place--this a true review!)

 

The nearby side street, Linda, has kind of a Rainey St, Austin TX kinda vibe going on.

^ speaking of bomba, which made this list -- 12 new suburban restaurants:

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/12/voodoo_tuna_miami_nights_m_ita.html#0

Very refreshing to hear about local government streamlining to support small businesses.

 

Why and How Lakewood Is Becoming a Dining Destination

Lakewood rising

By Annie Zaleski

 

Deagan's Kitchen & Bar opened in downtown Lakewood in 2010 in a space occupied by a string of prior businesses that never really lasted. From the start, the gastropub distinguished itself from other eateries in town by offering an ever-evolving, carefully curated beer and cocktail list, a thoughtful menu featuring upscale bar food, and weekly specials such as Taco Tuesdays and Vegan/Vegetarian night.

 

In hindsight, it's clear that the arrival of Deagan's lit the fuse on a Lakewood dining explosion. During the last five or so years, nearly 40 new restaurants or food-first establishments have opened in the city. Gone are the days when Lakewood was considered a dive bar mecca. Today, "it's become an area where great chefs want to be," says Deagan's owner Dan Deagan.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/how-and-why-clevelands-western-neighbor-is-becoming-a-dining-destination-like-no-other/Content?oid=4680391

Red the steakhouse in Beachwood is moving to Pinecrest in 2017

AJ Rocco's opening in Detroit-Shoreway

http://m.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/01/11/a-j-roccos-owner-to-open-coffee-house-in-detroit-shoreway

AJ Rocco's opening in Detroit-Shoreway

http://m.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/01/11/a-j-roccos-owner-to-open-coffee-house-in-detroit-shoreway

 

For the life of me.....I read "Detroit Shoreway" and couldn't shake W.58 and DETROIT. Confused myself pretty good.

 

I like this, this is the little building that could :-)

 

Also, the Dellavadova collaboration idea was pretty ingenious.

Opening this weekend @CLElittleitaly Mayfield & Murray Hill it's TOLI Gastropub. Just up the hill from @inthecircle https://t.co/SfUAJKrb5l

Opening this weekend @CLElittleitaly Mayfield & Murray Hill it's TOLI Gastropub. Just up the hill from @inthecircle https://t.co/SfUAJKrb5l

 

I wonder what took them so long to publicly open. They looked pretty close to being finished when they opened the place up during the Feast. And every time I've gone by there over the last few months, there have been people sitting at the bar with the TV's on.

Opening this weekend @CLElittleitaly Mayfield & Murray Hill it's TOLI Gastropub. Just up the hill from @inthecircle https://t.co/SfUAJKrb5l

 

I wonder what took them so long to publicly open. They looked pretty close to being finished when they opened the place up during the Feast. And every time I've gone by there over the last few months, there have been people sitting at the bar with the TV's on.

 

What could be called "extended soft openings" are by no means uncommon.

Probably run as a members-only social club at the outset for The Family! ;)

Akron’s Nuevo eatery to open a second location in big lakefront development in downtown Cleveland; new Nuevo to open in July

 

By Katie Byard

Beacon Journal business writer

 

Not yet two years old, locally owned Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar in downtown Akron will open a second location — in a new building in a planned lakefront development in Cleveland.

 

“We’ve already broken ground on the building. … We hope to be complete for the RNC [Republican National Convention]” in July in Cleveland, said Dick Pace, a Cleveland developer, who is spearheading the lakefront project.

 

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/akron-s-nuevo-eatery-to-open-a-second-location-in-big-lakefront-development-in-downtown-cleveland-new-nuevo-to-open-in-july-1.654725

"New Nuevo to open in July." Kind of a funny sentence since Nuevo means new in Spanish.

 

Anyway, I'm very excited to try it out and it sounds like a great choice for the lakefront. I hope Cumberland is able to keep pulling in good local NEO establishments for the lakefront. If the lakefront is going to be a tourist destination (which I believe is the idea), then it needs to give tourists a taste of the quality local establishments, and not national chains. I think Fat Heads would also be a great choice.

^having been to the one in Akron, I think this is a big win. I like the atmosphere, food, and drinks. That's my opinion, of course.

^having been to the one in Akron, I think this is a big win. I like the atmosphere, food, and drinks. That's my opinion, of course.

 

I think their guac. is better than Momocho and they have great margaritas.

Finer dining coming to Hermit Club at Hofbrauhaus

 

http://m.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/01/18/new-finer-dining-restaurant-to-launch-in-the-hermit-club-at-hofbrauhaus-cleveland

Celebrity chefs feed Cleveland real estate

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/21/celebrity-chefs-feed-cleveland-real-estate.html

The Cleveland Bagel Co will be opening their first retail location in Hingetown.  It will be located in between the hair studio and Jukebox. 

The Cleveland Bagel Co will be opening their first retail location in Hingetown.  It will be located in between the hair studio and Jukebox. 

Exciting! Has anyone tried them before?

The 25 essential Cleveland restaurants

http://m.clevescene.com/cleveland/the-25-essential-cleveland-restaurants/Content?oid=4491065

^^ya I have had them several times when they were at rising star. Good stuff. I'm not a bagel snob so the NEw York crowd may criticize more, but frankly....no thanks to a NY bagel, I don't need 1,000 calories for fast breakfast.  These guys I think boil, then bake? Whatever it is, they are smaller but still pretty chewy under the harder shell. I'll go here often

The 25 essential Cleveland restaurants

http://m.clevescene.com/cleveland/the-25-essential-cleveland-restaurants/Content?oid=4491065

 

Is there a more updated list? This list was published almost a year ago.

^^ya I have had them several times when they were at rising star. Good stuff. I'm not a bagel snob so the NEw York crowd may criticize more, but frankly....no thanks to a NY bagel, I don't need 1,000 calories for fast breakfast.  These guys I think boil, then bake? Whatever it is, they are smaller but still pretty chewy under the harder shell. I'll go here often

 

lol well ny bagels come in many variations, so there isnt just one style. for sure small bagels are usually better and afaik boil and bake is the correct way to make them. of course no bagels of any stripe are good for you. best you can do is look for bialys instead, those are about as healthy as is possible and they will fulfill any craving, but even then no one should really be eating too much of these carbo-bombs.

mardi gras clev style -- get your fat tuesday poonchkeys:

 

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/02/paczki_guide_fat_tuesday_2016.html#0

Cle Bagel Co's bagels are pretty darn good and very "NY Style" for those who seek that. I've had them a couple of times but I really try to limit white flour in my diet these days so I won't be a regular patron.

Biagio's in Eastlake has great donuts overall and serves paczkis.

 

On a side note, the owner just died. :(

 

^^ya I have had them several times when they were at rising star. Good stuff. I'm not a bagel snob so the NEw York crowd may criticize more, but frankly....no thanks to a NY bagel, I don't need 1,000 calories for fast breakfast.  These guys I think boil, then bake? Whatever it is, they are smaller but still pretty chewy under the harder shell. I'll go here often

 

lol well ny bagels come in many variations, so there isnt just one style. for sure small bagels are usually better and afaik boil and bake is the correct way to make them. of course no bagels of any stripe are good for you. best you can do is look for bialys instead, those are about as healthy as is possible and they will fulfill any craving, but even then no one should really be eating too much of these carbo-bombs.

actually classic old-style NY bagels are not supposed to be that big like so many you see around now. Old-timers (at this point those 80+ :|) who remember them are constantly decrying (or kvetching about!) their demise. Have you tried Black Seed bagels yet? Supposedly they're Montreal-style bagels and one of the new wave of old-style bagels. One opened up near me but I haven't been there yet. I dunno, but should one bagel cost $1.50? I don't know what they charge in Cleveland now, but the average price in New York seems to be a dollar (as it has been for a few years). Remember when you could buy several for that price??

Biagio's in Eastlake has great donuts overall and serves paczkis.

 

On a side note, the owner just died. :(

 

 

Sad news.  :-(

Biagio's has the best donuts in Cleveland, hands down!

Raving Med, a Fast-Casual Middle Eastern Concept, to Open in Playhouse Square

 

It’s been three and a half years since Acapella restaurant closed in the Playhouse Square neighborhood, but the space finally will reopen this March. Restaurant owner Seth Bromberg, who also operates the nearby District (1350 Euclid Ave., 216-858-1000), will open Raving Med, a casual eatery that will specialize in Israeli street food staples like falafel and shawarma.

 

Throughout Israel, explains Bromberg, a frequent visitor to that country, small falafel and shawarma stands are as common as are hot dog carts in urban American cities. Though each operator has his or her own twist on doing things, all benefit from fresh ingredients prepared daily and cooked to order.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/02/16/raving-med-a-fast-casual-middle-eastern-concept-to-open-in-playhouse-square

Raving Med, a Fast-Casual Middle Eastern Concept, to Open in Playhouse Square

 

It’s been three and a half years since Acapella restaurant closed in the Playhouse Square neighborhood, but the space finally will reopen this March. Restaurant owner Seth Bromberg, who also operates the nearby District (1350 Euclid Ave., 216-858-1000), will open Raving Med, a casual eatery that will specialize in Israeli street food staples like falafel and shawarma.

 

Throughout Israel, explains Bromberg, a frequent visitor to that country, small falafel and shawarma stands are as common as are hot dog carts in urban American cities. Though each operator has his or her own twist on doing things, all benefit from fresh ingredients prepared daily and cooked to order.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/02/16/raving-med-a-fast-casual-middle-eastern-concept-to-open-in-playhouse-square

 

Downtown still has a void of diverse fast casual restaurants, so I'm excited about the addition of this. It will be nice to be able to grab something quick and it not be a burger, burrito, or pizza.

Restaurant Week

Take advantage of the pricing and try something new!

Channel 19 just interviewed Michael Symon... Lolita timeline still approximately a year to reopen after fire... His Mabel's BBQ moved back now to potential April opening... from Fall 2015, then Winter 2016.

Sad news to report: it looks like we've lost another counter breakfast/lunch spot downtown. I went to grab breakfast at the Huron Square Deli this morning and found this

 

Very sad news. One of my favorite lunch spots.