The best veggie food I've ever eaten (in my life) was at Passage to India in Westlake.. Unfortunately it must've lost its chef when it move to Lakewood (now India Garden) because it's just not the same.

 

I can't comment on how Passage to India used to be (since I never ate there) but I think India Garden is very good.  The best Indian is Udupi Cafe in Parma Hts.  All vegetarian south Indian...really, really good.

For Indian food downtown during lunch, I swear by Indies in the Colonial Marketplace (I go for the chicken entrees, but I've heard good things about the veggie). The lady behind the counter is a bit hyper but she's a hoot :lol:

"I like the milk shakes at Tommy's.  Are milkshakes ok in "our" world?"

 

Of course they are -why do you think God invented the elliptical machine? ;-)

 

Oh God....I love ya!

Tommy's is completely hit or miss in my book, except for the milkshakes which are fantastic and are never bad :-)  Service isn't terrific, but it's sad to say that I've come to expect that around here (UC, Little Italy, & Coventry) - it just doesn't seem to be a priority anywhere.

For Indian food downtown during lunch, I swear by Indies in the Colonial Marketplace (I go for the chicken entrees, but I've heard good things about the veggie). The lady behind the counter is a bit hyper but she's a hoot :lol:

 

I like that place, too.  Usually I get the Chana Masala and a sweet lassie.  The old lady is awesome, it's like having your grandma serve you Indian food.  Her husband owns the little deli next to the CVS at Euclid and 9th- which makes sense when you realize that half of the items at the "deli" are actually Indian.  They used to have a breakfast, but apparently they aren't open in the mornings anymore.

Tommy's is completely hit or miss in my book, except for the milkshakes which are fantastic and are never bad :-)  Service isn't terrific, but it's sad to say that I've come to expect that around here (UC, Little Italy, & Coventry) - it just doesn't seem to be a priority anywhere.

 

Is that because they have so many college kids working as servers?

Tommy's is completely hit or miss in my book, except for the milkshakes which are fantastic and are never bad :-)  Service isn't terrific, but it's sad to say that I've come to expect that around here (UC, Little Italy, & Coventry) - it just doesn't seem to be a priority anywhere.

 

Is that because they have so many college kids working as servers?

 

those aren't college kids, they are high school kids (well for tommy's anyway)

Quote from: 3231 on Yesterday at 07:02:50 PM

Quote from: JeffreyT on Yesterday at 04:14:30 PM

Tommy's is completely hit or miss in my book, except for the milkshakes which are fantastic and are never bad smiley  Service isn't terrific, but it's sad to say that I've come to expect that around here (UC, Little Italy, & Coventry) - it just doesn't seem to be a priority anywhere.

 

Is that because they have so many college kids working as servers?

 

those aren't college kids, they are high school kids (well for tommy's anyway)

 

Yeah, actually very few of the college students (CIA/CIM/Case) work off of their own prospective campuses.  And if they do, they tend to be farther away because they want to avoid running into others they know.  Like the night I was out on a date at Lola and saw another girl that I had asked out as a waitress.  Funny, awkward, and yummy  :wink:

^the food or the waitress? or both?

wow, you guys really are giving two of my favorites a hard time!  For the record, I've never had bad service at Tommy's or Mango's and the food at Tommy's is still some of my favorite in town.  I honestly probably wouldn't eat at JM's if not for the convenience factor (I live two blocks away), but it is certainly my most frequented spot for a cheap meal in the OC.  Tommy's?  I've been going there since I was 14 and I've literally NEVER been disappointed.

Damn.  I'm surprised everyone is so critical of JM.  Is it really neccessary to get very fast service for every meal.  Just chill out and drink a couple Dos XX on tap and wait for the plantains and quesadilla to show up, then tip less than you normally would if service is bad.  I can't believe this conversation has went on this long.

What's wrong with people sharing their experiences? No one said you had to read it.

 

Not everyone leads a life of leisure and has the luxury of chilling out because some over-patchoulied slacker has no work ethic. Dos XX on tap? That swill won't improve the situation. :-P

 

My biggest gripe is that I've known too many good people in the service industry - I have an enormous amount of sympathy for them since I've heard the horror stories.  I'm not asking for the servers to do windsprints - but I shouldn't be sitting at a table for 15 minutes to even be acknowledged; I shouldn't have to flag down a server three times (once to ask, twice to remind) to fill my glass of water. If the kitchen is running slow - a simple "sorry, the kitchen's pretty busy today" is all I need. I'm not about to apologize for holding people to a certain standard.

What's wrong with people sharing their experiences? No one said you had to read it.

 

Not everyone leads a life of leisure and has the luxury of chilling out because some over-patchoulied slacker has no work ethic. Dos XX on tap? That swill won't improve the situation. :-P

 

My biggest gripe is that I've known too many good people in the service industry - I have an enormous amount of sympathy for them since I've heard the horror stories.  I'm not asking for the servers to do windsprints - but I shouldn't be sitting at a table for 15 minutes to even be acknowledged; I shouldn't have to flag down a server three times (once to ask, twice to remind) to fill my glass of water. If the kitchen is running slow - a simple "sorry, the kitchen's pretty busy today" is all I need. I'm not about to apologize for holding people to a certain standard.

 

I share MayDay's sentiments.  You agreed to take a job in a "service oriented" business.  If you can't do your job...you shouldn't be there.  If management has not noticed that I've chosen to let me $$$ do the talking, by going from a regular patron to a take patron with select items, then the problem is worse then just the wait staff.

 

Damn.  I'm surprised everyone is so critical of JM.  Is it really necessary to get very fast service for every meal.  Just chill out and drink a couple Dos XX on tap and wait for the plantains and quesadilla to show up, then tip less than you normally would if service is bad.  I can't believe this conversation has went on this long.

having worked in the service industry for me it is sacreligious to tip poorly. I just stop going instead. And I have no problem "chilling out". But when I see wait staff goofing off and ignoring, unacceptable (ps Bier Markt is another sometime offender). I also have no problem when a staff is running his or her tail off due to an unplanned staff shortage or rush, and earnestly apologizing. Whole different story. There is a differnce b/t slow service and POOR service.

 

edit: oh and I should have added, if I could actually get a couple of Dos XX, I would maybe chill. And the plantains blow -although Im a harsh critic after living in FL or 14 years. Maybe being in my late 30's makes me unworthy of being graced with their service. 

Let's see how many different ways you all can say JM and Tommy's sucks.  You have somehow filled a whole page up.

Let's see how many different ways you all can say JM and Tommy's sucks.  You have somehow filled a whole page up.

 

What's wrong with people sharing their experiences? No one said you had to read it.

 

and yet you are still complaining about our complaining.

"Let's see how many different ways you all can say JM and Tommy's sucks.  You have somehow filled a whole page up."

 

But it's okay when you go on and on about Gwathmey-Siegel and their CSU Student Center designs... gotcha.

 

Leave it to MayDay to put up another classic picture that says a 1,000 words!

Touche.  I've never written that word before.  Looks strange.

With all this Johnny Magno talk, I'm going there for dinner tonight inspite of all the neysaying.  I will relay the experience afterwards.

Touche.  I've never written that word before.  Looks strange.

maybe b/c w/o an accent, it looks like "douche"? And you better report back about that meal

Well, the experience started off with a pleasureble walk down Bridge Ave from my apartment to JM.  Arriving around 6:45 revealed a half filled dining room, the two of us took a table in the middle with chairs facing the big screen tv which would soon be showing the Cavs game.  Greetings and drink service were prompt, and the Dos XX ice cold with a more than ample lime on the side.  Fried plantains and chips and salsa for apps was ordered and again arrived quickly, and in the words of my girlfriend, "these are the best plantains we've ever had here because of their unusually crunchy exterior, and a warm and succulent interior."

15 minutes later the entrees came.  A vegetable quesadilla for me and a mushroom and garlic quesadilla for my girlfriend.  Because I usually get the steak q, I wasn't as happy as I normally was with the entree, but it was still the best thing in OC for $5.95 (except for 4 or 5 egg rolls from Phenom Penh).

And for the price, 2 beers, chips and salsa, fried plantains, and two quesadilla entrees, the bill with a 20% tip was $34.

We were full, and pleased with JM's service, drink potentness, and food value on all accounts, and plan on continuing a roughly monthly visit to this neighborhood staple.

I was going to bring my camera to capture the excitement, but I thought it might be a bit much.

....... and in the words of my girlfriend, "these are the best plantains we've ever had here because of their unusually crunchy exterior, and a warm and succulent interior."

 

thats because she ain't had my Abuelas o Grandes Abuelas "Maduros" "YoYo's" or "Tostones "

 

ummm ummm good

"Dos XX" - "drink potentness,"

 

Lightweight ;-)

"Dos XX" - "drink potentness,"

 

Lightweight ;-)

 

The "potentness" was a comment on someone's remark that the drinks are watered down there.  Now I know they meant the mixed drinks (and they definetly are), but just throwing that out there in jest.  I've been known to throw down the Triple Diamonds in my time in Fireneze.  I heard I had a good time out there...

i think maybe we've discussed it before, the former Century at the Ritz has new awnings up outside, its called the "NiCE 1926" or something. Not sure if the inside is open or not, was only walking past outside.

....... and in the words of my girlfriend, "these are the best plantains we've ever had here because of their unusually crunchy exterior, and a warm and succulent interior."

 

thats because she ain't had my Abuelas o Grandes Abuelas "Maduros" "YoYo's" or "Tostones "

 

ummm ummm good

 

since we are talking plantains (Maduras/ripe/sweet)  Lozada's has one of Clevelands better preperations. Although no where lets them ripen enough. The house hot sauce is awesome too. Talk about slow service though! since the they are friendly and the food is good I endure...and I am able to properly chill with one of their strong drinks. It turns in to a very interesting night club at night...Maybe like the Marti Gras late night crowd (from the other board), but Puertoricano style!

^where is said Lozada's?

....... and in the words of my girlfriend, "these are the best plantains we've ever had here because of their unusually crunchy exterior, and a warm and succulent interior."

 

thats because she ain't had my Abuelas o Grandes Abuelas "Maduros" "YoYo's" or "Tostones "

 

ummm ummm good

 

since we are talking plantains (Maduras/ripe/sweet)  Lozada's has one of Clevelands better preperations. Although no where lets them ripen enough. The house hot sauce is awesome too. Talk about slow service though! since the they are friendly and the food is good I endure...and I am able to properly chill with one of their strong drinks. It turns in to a very interesting night club at night...Maybe like the Marti Gras late night crowd (from the other board), but Puertoricano style!

 

That estilo Boricua!  Wepa!  LOL

 

^where is said Lozada's?

 

West 25 near Lorain if memory serves me right.

Lozada's is on 1909 w25th, north of the market. It is pretty well regarded in the Puerto Rican community, although due to illness of the beloved patriarch there is mucho gossip about how the son is doing at the helm. They have a menu on line but my half a$$'d search to link it for you is coming up empty.

83 Degrees Caribbean Cuisine, known for its wrap sandwiches and other tasty tropical fare, has closed after two years on Memphis Avenue in Old Brooklyn. Not to worry. "We were looking for a bigger place," said owner Vincente Sanchez, who expects to reopen later this month or early next in the Biddulph Plaza on Biddulph Road in Brooklyn. His vision: a hoppin' Copacabana-style spot, with live entertainment, dancing and, of course, food.

 

I finally went into the Monastery on W. 25th (north of Bridge) today on my way home.  There were two tables occupied and I checked out their tea list for some loose leaf teas to go.  I was pleased to find a list of what appeared to be more than 60 teas, from pu-erhs, to rooiboses, to greens, whites, blacks, organics, and so on.  I asked about a couple and the owner (?) was very responsive and and knowledgeable and even insisted that I sample one that he highly recommended.  The list of what they stock is also apparently going to grow.

 

He also mentioned that they are planning to have tea tastings and other events that will help people understand tea.  He's appeared very excited about the whole thing, which was nice to see!

 

I grabbed a few ounces of tea for a reasonable price and will certainly be heading back for a sit-down.  Anyone else been yet?

Another sports bar in Gateway.....Cleats opens monday on east 2nd just south of Prospect. They have a couple of suburban locations in Westlake and Mayfield (I think).

^^So is it just tea, or is it food too? If food, what's the menu like?

si, i have been to the monastery.  some truly amazing teas!  also, much of the food is flavored with teas, which apparently is a recent english cooking trend.  regardless, some really interesting selections on the menu -  presentations and tastes that are very different and some very good.

 

will def go back!

i see now why its almost impossible to get into Melt ....went there with the girlfriend sunday and was thoroughly pleased...the lake erie monster is exactly that.

R.I.P. Hoggy's at Cracker Park

 

I never thought this was a good fit with Cracker Park - Hoggy's usual locations are barn-like structures rather than upscale barbecue joints in lifestyle centers.  Reportedly it will be replaced by Cold Stone Creamery (although the space seems gigantic for an ice cream shop!)

^Crocker Park is already going the way of Westgate. Time to build a new lifestyle center out in Sheffield!!

^Crocker Park is already going the way of Westgate. Time to build a new lifestyle center out in Sheffield!!

 

Oh god...please no!  The people at those lifestyles center have no lives or sense of fashion.  I mean, hasn't the westside suffered enough?  Haven't us eastsiders been punished enough, by having to look at all those horrible fashion mistakes born (the clothing ensembles) on the westside?

 

Lets not build anymore and just say we did.  deal?!

Haven't us eastsiders been punished enough, by having to look at all those horrible fashion mistakes born on the westside?

 

When was Legacy Village moved to the West Side?

Anyway, that surprises me about Hoggy's, but I agree about it being kind of strange and from what I could tell it wasn't the preferred restaurant at Crocker Park. Hoggy's seemed to only provide overflow from Champ's.

 

I have no comment on the remarks made about westsiders. They don't dignify a response.

"Haven't us eastsiders been punished enough, by having to look at all those horrible fashion mistakes born (the clothing ensembles) on the westside?"

 

How 50s of you. The next comment like that gets you a day off.

 

 

 

"Haven't us eastsiders been punished enough, by having to look at all those horrible fashion mistakes born (the clothing ensembles) on the westside?"

 

How 50s of you. The next comment like that gets you a day off.

 

 

 

 

I kiiid  I kiiid....geezzzzzzzzz

Just curious, how do you know Hoggy's is done @ Crocker Park? Is it gone already?

 

PS, hit Flying Fig for the first time last weekend when GLBC had a 1.5+ wait (btw, why can't they just take reservations?). It was pretty tasty, my ribeye was done medium rare to perfection (something that's more difficult to find than it should be). But MAN could they use an air lock on that door. Every entrance/exit resulted in a hell of a breeze throughout the whole place.

Yeah, they closed last week and put a sign up for Cold Stone.  I agree that it will be the biggest ice cream store ever if they take the whole space.

 

My wife works near there, and she said she heard rumors a year ago from the wait staff at champps that hoggy's was in trouble.  They never did nearly as much business as champs or brio.

On the occasion that I'm out that way - I explained to my friends that in no way, shape or form will I ever set foot in some establishment named "Hoggys". Besides, the Aladdins at Crocker has Dortmunder Gold so I'd much rather go there.

 

...in no way, shape or form will I ever set foot in some establishment named "Hoggys".

 

 

My wife says the exact same thing. That and anything with "buffet" in the name.

 

^oh come on, you can't go wrong with "three little piggies"

 

(waiting for Colday to respond)

I don't go anywhere with the name "Crocker" or "Legacy" in the name if at all possible...

^oh come on, you can't go wrong with "three little piggies"

 

(waiting for Colday to respond)

 

I don't think there is a need for response.  MayDay prefers overpriced "fu-fu" mac n' cheese.  I prefer "bang for your buck" collard greens and ribs.  Difference in taste, I suppose.