Well, we could sure use a good non-chain.

Just read about a new food truck that should be starting operation soon called Dim and Den Sum:

 

http://www.facebook.com/DimAndDenSum

 

The menu looks awesome.  The chefs are the recent chef du cuisine from fire and a chef from the spotted pig in nyc.  Looks like they will "park" downtown, csu/phs, near east and west sides and in the hts.

ooh, street food!  yayz.  If they get an established locale on playhouse square, I'd venture up there.

It looks like he's shooting for strongsville. Sorry R&R or should I say fatty.

 

I seconded Kamms or somewhere closer in at least.

 

 

 

Crocker Park would be the best site if he didn't already have a presence in Avon Lake. Otherwise St. Rongsville makes the most sense financially.

Just read about a new food truck that should be starting operation soon called Dim and Den Sum:

 

http://www.facebook.com/DimAndDenSum

 

The menu looks awesome. The chefs are the recent chef du cuisine from fire and a chef from the spotted pig in nyc. Looks like they will "park" downtown, csu/phs, near east and west sides and in the hts.

 

Now THIS is exciting news (no offense, M. Symon).  Hopefully it's able to pry some downtown workers away from their beloved steakery and foodcourt junk.

Crocker Park would be the best site if he didn't already have a presence in Avon Lake. Otherwise St. Rongsville makes the most sense financially.

 

I disagree.  I think that more suburban locations (especially South Park Mall, which is as run-of-the-mill as it gets) will cause his place to be looked at more like a "nicer Red Robin" than something special.  At least Eton Collection is unique as far as suburban junk goes.

Gotta give a shoutout to one of my favorite spots, Lava Lounge - always a great spot moreso now because of their current beers on tap. Off the top of my head:

 

Bells Two-Hearted Ale

Stoudt Lager

Thirsty Dog Old Leghumper Porter

Thirsty Dog Stud Service Stout

Hoegaarden (not my thing, but listing it anyway)

Flying Dog Tire Bite Golden Ale

Magic Hat #9 (again, not my thing)

 

I might be forgetting one or two - but anyway, love this lineup! :drunk:

 

http://www.coolplacestoeat.com/lava.html

Crocker Park would be the best site if he didn't already have a presence in Avon Lake. Otherwise St. Rongsville makes the most sense financially.

 

I disagree.  I think that more suburban locations (especially South Park Mall, which is as run-of-the-mill as it gets) will cause his place to be looked at more like a "nicer Red Robin" than something special.  At least Eton Collection is unique as far as suburban junk goes.

 

I'm just thinking about market saturation. If you live in Bay Village and you want to go to a Symon restaurant, the Avon and CP locales would be competing against each other. West siders won't go out to eat in Strongsville and vice versa. I just think he'd capture more of the market. Additionally, I don't think the suburbanites are as picky about architecture (obviously).

Totally agree.  Symon is hitting each sub-market in Greater Cleveland while avoiding overlap.  He's expanding as much as he can without saturating.  In the eyes of these sub-markets, nothing really is special... and standardization is a good thing.  Come one come all to the asphalt near the mall!

Totally agree. Symon is hitting each sub-market in Greater Cleveland while avoiding overlap. He's expanding as much as he can without saturating. In the eyes of these sub-markets, nothing really is special... and standardization is a good thing. Come one come all to the asphalt near the mall!

 

But that is my point, too.  I am afraid he is going to turn it into into a standard-fare chain.  Most chains start out good and the quality suffers and uniqueness factor goes away as more locations open in more and more bland areas.  I don't want that to happen, because I actually like the B Spot and the last thing I want to see it turn into is Red Robin II.

I posted about oversaturation of Symon several pages ago and was poo-poo'd.  I do worry about this as well.  If his restaurants become as ubiquitous as, say, Aladdin's, what will happen?

I posted about oversaturation of Symon several pages ago and was poo-poo'd. I do worry about this as well. If his restaurants become as ubiquitous as, say, Aladdin's, what will happen?

 

I would hope that Symon doesn't expand much beyond his current level. That said, all his restaurants have a different style. If he were putting a Lola in beachwood, independence, westlake and downtown, then he'd really be killing his brand. B Spot, Lolita and Lola are all different types of restaurants. Its a delicate balance and greater accessibility can throw it off.

When he opened B Spot and Bar Symon, I thought "I hope he doesn't over-saturate, but at least they're all unique."  Then he opened B Spot and Bar Symon in the Q and I thought, "I hope he stops there, and at least it'll be nice having these options downtown plus he'll get great exposure being at the Q."  Now I'm thinking, "what suburb location is he going to open ANOTHER B Spot in next and how long until he can't personally keep an eye on all of them and they're run like Max & Erma's?"

Before we get all flustered that we might end up with a bunch of Symonbees where we can all eat good in the hood, do we really think the same concerns haven't been expressed about every celebrity chef's empire? Can't we just for a little moment in time, be happy that he's doing well enough to even consider expanding into new venues when the economy is still in the sh!tter?!?

I also think it's a little too much at once.  I mean, B spot and bar symon both opened within the past year (roughly), no?  And Roast was only a little over a year ago, even though it's not in our market.  How many restaurants can you open that quickly and not suffer some kind of decline of product or oversaturation of yourself in the area?  We had planned for awhile to go up to Detroit just so we could visit roast, but why bother now, when so much of his food is available here.  KWIM?

 

edited to add - don't get me wrong, I am THRILLED that there will be a b-spot in my neighborhood, if it comes to fruition.  I still haven't been able to make it out to avon, it's a pretty far trip for us, and we would definitely be regulars if this came to strongsville.

"why bother now, when so much of his food is available here."

 

Because there is not here, and it's possible the menu might be a little different ;-) I think they may be trying to set it up so each level of the hierarchy feeds into the next, with Lola being the flagship and so on.

Definitely happy about the expansion, I think people are CONCERNED about the integrity of the "brand" precisely because we want his success to continue.  I mean, how many restaurants does John Besh have in NOLA?  Only one, I think. And when others have expanded, it's typically to other cities - Keller has 3 in California but all very far away from each other, 2 in NY.  Mario has his places in NY and I'm not sure if he's represented anywhere else.  How many places does Bobby Flay have? 

 

I don't think we have to worry about Symon going Wolfgang Puck foodcourt on us ;-)

Flay has 5 restaurants... and then "bobby's burger place", which it appears to have 4 locations.

right, but are they all in the same city?

mario batali has at least 3 in NYC. I have been to a couple and they were good and quite different.

Definitely happy about the expansion, I think people are CONCERNED about the integrity of the "brand" precisely because we want his success to continue.  I mean, how many restaurants does John Besh have in NOLA?  Only one, I think. And when others have expanded, it's typically to other cities - Keller has 3 in California but all very far away from each other, 2 in NY.  Mario has his places in NY and I'm not sure if he's represented anywhere else.  How many places does Bobby Flay have? 

 

 

http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/

 

Besh has 6, all in NOLA

 

Flay has 4 "Bobby's Burger Palaces" all in the NY/NJ/CONN area, most in *GASP* malls.  He also has 2 NYC restaurants, 1 in AC, 1 in LV and 1 in the Bahamas

 

Batali has 8 NYC restaurants, 4 LV, 3 LA.  Plus I read that he is involved in a new Italian brewpub in NYC

Well sh*t.  I stand corrected.

Alright - in need of a lunch place near Baldwin-Wallace. Here are the requirements:

 

1. Relatively inexpensive (i.e. burgers/sandwiches no more than $8)

2. Relatively mainstream cuisine - decent bar food would work. No Alladins, Vhooda, Treehuggers, etc.

3. MUST have one decent beer on tap (if it's just Dortmunder, that's okay - but no p!sswater)

4. MUST be open by noon so we can make an appt. at 1:30pm.

5. A Rockne's/Winking Lizard local chain would work.

6. Preferably IN Berea not far from Bagley Road.

 

***IMPORTANT*** I know there are some good spots but the following are out because they base their hours on the days of the Puritans: Cornerstone Brewery (a shame because we've been wanting to try them) and The Brew Kettle.

 

I saw two places that might fit the bill - Mike's Place and Upper Deck Sports Bar... any opinions?

 

How about Zach Bruell?  He has four restaurants all located between Tremont and University Circle.

my only beef with Symon is the lolita menu barely ever changes. It is pretty much one of my favorite spots, but I don't go there as often I was like b/c the menu never changes. PLus they took the pig ear off the menu, which still burns me up.

Alright - in need of a lunch place near Baldwin-Wallace. Here are the requirements:

 

1. Relatively inexpensive (i.e. burgers/sandwiches no more than $8)

2. Relatively mainstream cuisine - decent bar food would work. No Alladins, Vhooda, Treehuggers, etc.

3. MUST have one decent beer on tap (if it's just Dortmunder, that's okay - but no p!sswater)

4. MUST be open by noon so we can make an appt. at 1:30pm.

5. A Rockne's/Winking Lizard local chain would work.

6. Preferably IN Berea not far from Bagley Road.

 

***IMPORTANT*** I know there are some good spots but the following are out because they base their hours on the days of the Puritans: Cornerstone Brewery (a shame because we've been wanting to try them) and The Brew Kettle.

 

I saw two places that might fit the bill - Mike's Place and Upper Deck Sports Bar... any opinions?

 

 

Wow, you've knocked out most of the places I would have suggested.

 

Ok, my suggestions based on your criteria are:

 

Brown Derby Roadhouse - note, I do NOT know if they are open for lunch during the week, but they are on the weekends.  Hours are not posted on their site: http://www.brownderbyroadhouse.com/menu.html

 

Groucho's Saloon - this is NOT an upscale bar by any means, but has lots of character and they will let you order and bring in Capri Pizza, which is right next door: www.eatcapripizza.com/

 

Both are in the plaza where Panera sits on the road, just on your R past Engle a short ways.

 

Wait! I just thought of a better suggestion:  the Eastland Inn.  Little house turned into a restaurant, very close to Bagley.  Good burgers, definitely should have something good on tap.  33 Eastland Road Berea, OH 44017-2129 - (440) 234-7260

Open Daily 11am-2:30am

I know, I've been wanting to try Cornerstone AND Brew Kettle but they don't open until 1pm and we have to be somewhere at 1:30pm. :-( Thanks for the other suggestions, though :-)

see my edit.  Have you ever been to Eastland Inn?  I forgot we discovered it when I was PG and went a couple of times and liked it, though service was a little slow, it was friendly and the food was pretty good.

Not open on Sundays - should have mentioned, I need this info for tomorrow :-(

I know, I've been wanting to try Cornerstone AND Brew Kettle but they don't open until 1pm and we have to be somewhere at 1:30pm. :-( Thanks for the other suggestions, though :-)

maybe you can eat a snack at home before your event and hit either corner stone or Brew kettle afterward.Of the 2, the kettle is best. truthfully the brew kettle has some of the best beer in the area. While the atmosphere is full on suburban, the beer selection is top notch so if you are in the area you should take advantage.  Cornerstone is fine, but it sort of reminds me of Rocky river brewing Co. Nice enough, but not very inspiring brews.

oy, you don't demand much, do you? :)  I guess I'm back to the brown derby place, I'm pretty sure Groucho's doesn't open until 2 on sundays.  It's pretty pathetic and chain-y though.  I mean, you could go to Damon's and sit at the bar, they have a decent selection of beers probably, and the food is passable, but obviously that's a big chain.  You are right near the wasteland where I live, there is just very little in the way of what you're looking for. There might be something right downtown berea that I don't know about, I've really only been to cornerstone there.

If you're really desperate you could go to the Islander bar and grill, which is in middleburg but it's RIGHT off the pearl rd exit.  Good selection of beers, terrible atmosphere, passable food.

Mayday.  Mike's Bar and Grill has some really good food, and a bunch of really good craft beer both in bottles and on draft.  The owner (Mike...obviously) even gave me a free bottle of Hop Stoopid upon my graduation from B-W.  They have great burgers, a homemade black bean veggie burger which is amazing, and some of the best sweet potato fries anywhere.  It's in downtown Berea on Front Street, and is always a good choice.  Upper Deck blows.

Peter, are they open on Sundays, before or at least by noon?

For the life of me, I can't remember! I was always there on Sunday mornings...but more in the 2am range.  They don't have any hours posted online, but their number is easy to find so I would just suggest calling.  I always remember them being open for lunch by 11 on the weekdays, but I'm just not sure about Sundays unfortunately. 

Yeah - I've been calling Mike's. Once every 15 or so minutes since I first posted and each time it's been busy. After six times, I think I've given them a fair shake.

 

So without a website to know their hours (no need for anything fancy, just a logo, phone number, hours, and maybe a menu), and no way to find out when they're open (a lot of places will have info available if the phone is busy; "thanks for calling ____, we're located ___, open ____", etc.), I guess they don't need the business :-\ Too bad, it sounded really promising.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

I haven't been to the Chinato's yet, newly opened at East 4th and Prospect, but I've walked by it twice in the last two weeks -- the smell coming from it is awesome. I'm wondering if anyone has eaten there yet and does the scent of the food match the taste? ? ?

I posted a review of Chinato upthread.  It's awesome.

Had a nice peppercorn filet at the Waterstreet Grill on W9th St last night after "Xanadu."  Why is there no 24 hour diner/coffee shop in all of downtown, or is there?  I love the 24 hr diners in NY/NJ with the extensive menus.

I pick up friends downtown from the bus or train in the middle of the night and am constantly reminded there is no 24-hour restaurant downtown. It would be more of a pain to me if I didn't have two 24-hour restaurants in my neighborhood on West 117th in the Clifton-Detroit area.

has big egg gone 24hr yet?

Does anyone know of a good restaurant in the University Circle area? I am a fan of chicken & am in the area daily but I never know where to go for lunch. Any ideas?

Does anyone know of a good restaurant in the University Circle area? I am a fan of chicken & am in the area daily but I never know where to go for lunch. Any ideas?

I think somebody mentioned there was a burrito place that just opened.  I looked a couple pages back but didn't see it.

 

docbroc mentioned a couple places here:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,11359.240.html

Does anyone know of a good restaurant in the University Circle area? I am a fan of chicken & am in the area daily but I never know where to go for lunch. Any ideas?

 

Go to Falafel Cafe!  Everything there is good, but if you're wanting to stick to chicken, their spicy chicken pies and their chicken and rice are tasty.

Does anyone know of a good restaurant in the University Circle area? I am a fan of chicken & am in the area daily but I never know where to go for lunch. Any ideas?

Do you consider Little Italy to be part of the University Circle area?

I can consider that if you have any good options. I am mainly walking because it's such a nice area but I have access to a car & the bus. So I don't want to limit my options!  :-D

Presti's.

In addition to Presti's, generations of CWRU students have eaten at Mama Santa's in Little Italy

IMO, Mamma Santa's is super overrated.

 

*ducks*