^Good advice.  It's the one place on earth I eagerly overcome my veal squeamishness.  But the lecso there is outstanding too.  Man do I miss that place.

 

Although I'm a cheerleader for my neighborhood, this is one restaurant I don't frequent.  I will say that the onion rings are off the chain!

I love Balaton.

 

Dim and Den Sum and Hodge Podge's Chris Hodgson is announcing his restaurant location this week I believe, and it sounds like he hinted at more than 1 location.

 

There is a small lunch cafe I really like run by a very nice woman named Anna Houvaris, it's in the IMG building and is called Good to Go Cafe (good spot to grab a bite if you are downtown, note that they are cash only), she buys a lot of locally sourced stuff. She is also hinting at an announcement tomorrow and I wonder if it's that she's getting her own space? She was part of the Emerging Chefs thing recently at Progressive Field.

I've eaten at the Good to Go Cafe on several occasions and the sandwiches are very tasty. I hope she does get her own space. It's a little cramped where she is located.

Seems like there is a bit of an independent food renaissance going on in Cleveland Heights these days. 

Seems like there is a bit of an independent food renaissance going on in Cleveland Heights these days. 

 

Details?  (Not that I disagree, just wondering what prompted that.)

Seems like there is a bit of an independent food renaissance going on in Cleveland Heights these days. 

 

Details?  (Not that I disagree, just wondering what prompted that.)

 

I was just going to ask the same thing.

I've rarely had an on-time and 100% correct delivery from them, and they have very, very few restaurants in my neighborhood. I've used them 3 times and the average delivery time is probably around 75-80 minutes. That's a long-ass time for a restaurant that's usually no more than 10 or 15 minutes' drive time away. And before you get up in my kitchen about why don't I drive there, it's because my kid is sleeping and when I am home alone and don't feel like cooking, it would be nice to get delivery. Every other larger city seems to do better with delivery than we do. It's disappointing. I keep wanting to like and use them, but it just takes forever and often my order is incomplete or incorrect. They keep giving me discounts on future orders to account for the screw ups, and then the same thing happens again.

 

I've been ordering from them once or twice a month for a few years now and I've had the chance to chat with the owner before, too.  I think they do a pretty good job and when the orders aren't correct or the wait time is long, I think it's usually the restaurant's fault*.  Also the company has always gone out of its way to rectify any issues with my orders when the need arises, which is good.  My understanding is that they have to work out contracts with these restaurants which is why their selection may be limited in some areas.  They've got pretty good coverage of east suburban restaurants though.

 

 

*Generally-speaking my worst experiences have been with the bar&grille type places that they've got.

Seems like there is a bit of an independent food renaissance going on in Cleveland Heights these days. 

 

Details?  (Not that I disagree, just wondering what prompted that.)

 

I was just going to ask the same thing.

 

I guess I say that based on just seeing all of these places like Sweetie Fry's, Myxx, Belly Backer's, Rockefeller's, and Luna Bakery all popping up in the past few months.

I guess I say that based on just seeing all of these places like Sweetie Fry's, Myxx, Belly Backer's, Rockefeller's, and Luna Bakery all popping up in the past few months.

 

I'm glad I asked.  You reminded me that I need to get up to Sweetie Fry.  Also, have you been to Myxx?  It looks nearly empty every time I go by there, even on weekend nights.

 

Luna is great.  I am there constantly.  I don't know anything about Rockefeller's or Belly Backers other than what I've read online.

^I agree with you about Myxx.  Every time I drive by, even on the weekend, it looks practically empty (easy to see with all the windows).  However, this past Saturday I drove by about 11:15 pm and it was packed.

Belly Backer's probably isn't anything special, but that corner has been empty for so long that it's great to see a tenant move in and take a shot.  I'm going to give it a try sometime.

 

I haven't been to Myxx.  It seems like more of a bar type place and quite honestly I haven't been out for drinks in several months.  I wonder what their menu is like?

I noticed that Myxx (formerly Jillian's) is a huge space. It really seems that it's approx. 3x the size of the other establishments in the building (e.g. Aladdin's). Either way, it's an awesome place and nice to have a 3rd upscale bar/restaurant in that district. I wish in my lifetime I'll get to see Cedar-Fairmount grow, as there has not been any new construction besides the contemporary flats in the past 40 or so years. That area is thriving and needs to take advantage of the synergy from all the students and professionals in the area. A parking garage (a real one and not a crappy one) should go up to open some land behind the Medical Building for development. That parking garage behind Starbucks is horrible and would be better used for more restaurants.

^Go hungry, and go for the schnitzel.

 

Sorry for the delay in providing my food review, but I went to Balaton with five friends/associates from Chicago who are all foodies. They absolutely loved the food, the family-owned atmosphere and, of course, the neighborhood! I had the chicken paprikash with dumplings that was very tasty and tender. In fact all remarked at how fall-off-the-bone-tender their chicken, beef or pork entrees were. And the family tried out new desserts on us -- the chocolate/moca mousse. It was pretty damned awesome!

 

I was a bit disappointed it wasn't busier on a Friday night. I highly recommend Balaton. Support family-run Cleveland restaurants!

^Go hungry, and go for the schnitzel.

 

Sorry for the delay in providing my food review, but I went to Balaton with five friends/associates from Chicago who are all foodies. They absolutely loved the food, the family-owned atmosphere and, of course, the neighborhood! I had the chicken paprikash with dumplings that was very tasty and tender. In fact all remarked at how fall-off-the-bone-tender their chicken, beef or pork entrees were. And the family tried out new desserts on us -- the chocolate/moca mousse. It was pretty damned awesome!

 

I was a bit disappointed it wasn't busier on a Friday night. I highly recommend Balaton. Support family-run Cleveland restaurants!

 

YEAH!!!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

A 20-something-year-old girl from Chicago remarked, "I could see myself living here if I lived in Cleveland."

 

Of course, that was before she visited downtown and she never did get to see University Circle, Tremont, Ohio City, Asiatown, etc. etc. :-D

Another positive review on Cleveland's food & restaurant scene.

 

ruth reichl pens a love note to cleveland following recent visit

 

Ruth Reichl, the former editor of Gourmet magazine and restaurant critic for The New York Times, was recently in town to take part in the Cleveland Public Library's Writers & Readers series. She spoke to a packed house this past Saturday.

 

Once safely home, Reichl blogged of her recent experience in Cleveland -- and she admits it far exceeded her expectations.

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/inthenews/ruthreichlcleveland110311.aspx?utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=ruth+reichl+pens+a+love+note+to+cleveland+following+recent+visit&utm_content=%7bEmail_Address%7d&utm_campaign=Live.+Here.+Now.

 

http://www.ruthreichl.com/2011/11/cleveland.html#tp

 

I heard she was here. Bourdain is in town as well. Woo!

Wow, that is a really awesome reaction  from Ruth Reichl.  I'm pretty sure I take East 4th a bit too much granted now.  It really is a great set of establishments in an awesome setting.

I went to Crop last weekend. First and formost, the food was very good. I only had two apps, the deviled eggs and the scallops, but both were great. My neighbor at the bar offered me a fig that was ordered by accident. I didn't really like that, I think it was roasted leaving the skin tough and chewy and not much flavor.

Onto the space. I personally have never liked the space at Dante and the same now goes for Crop. They put a ton of money into restoring the ceiling and walls, which look great, but this is not the proper space for a restaurant. The ceiling is at least 30 feet high, for the whole space, and there is no lighting or anything to bring the feeling of this height down.

The main space has marble floors. What this does is create an ocean in the middle of the space that has no intimacy. I hope you like your neighbors because you will be hearing everyone around you as there are no soft treatments to absorb the sound, everything bounces. Again, the lighting; the whole space is dark, they have a good bit of lighting pointed at the ceiling to accent it. Again, nice, but not good for a restaurant, I like to see what I'm eating.

All in all, I would go back for the food and that alone.

^Go hungry, and go for the schnitzel.

 

Sorry for the delay in providing my food review, but I went to Balaton with five friends/associates from Chicago who are all foodies. They absolutely loved the food, the family-owned atmosphere and, of course, the neighborhood! I had the chicken paprikash with dumplings that was very tasty and tender. In fact all remarked at how fall-off-the-bone-tender their chicken, beef or pork entrees were. And the family tried out new desserts on us -- the chocolate/moca mousse. It was pretty damned awesome!

 

I was a bit disappointed it wasn't busier on a Friday night. I highly recommend Balaton. Support family-run Cleveland restaurants!

 

Dittos.  I believe I've hyped Balaton's before.  The paprikash is first rate and the crepes are the best I've ever had.

 

I'm assuming you are talking about Shaker Square.  I have heard they are considering brqanching out.

^^Thanks for the report yanni_g.  I had kind of a similar reaction to Dante my only time there, and wondered how that enormous new space for Crop would work.  I'm certainly excited by the new Crop though, even if I don't end up loving it myself.

I have heard a lot of people say they love the space. It does look a little behemoth to me in the pix I've seen, but hopefully it will work. Their food is really good.

I was a bit disappointed it wasn't busier on a Friday night. I highly recommend Balaton. Support family-run Cleveland restaurants!

 

I agree.  I love Balaton, but it seems that it's rarely busy.

 

Also, RE: Crop, I felt exactly the same way when I ate there.  The food was very good.  The space was cool, but not a very welcoming feeling for a restaurant.

 

Before this message board's posters start to pile on Crop Bistro's space too bad, I would like to say that my dining experienxe there was great.

All of our food was superb.

We sat in the raised section and I had both a great view of the restaurant and also the great view outside the tall windows at dusk. I can only think how nice that view outside Lorain Ave's tall windows will be next summer when Market Sq Park is completed, the rooftop patio is open at MGB in the distance and the activity on the street gets turned up a notch...which naturally comes with warmer weather.

I enjoyed the expansiveness of the restaurant.

It is also a fabulous setting just to sit in the bar area and have drinks.

I haven't been there yet, but will very soon. I think the feeling of openness is an awesome feeling, as it is with Dante. If one does not like that openness then they should ask to sit in the smaller areas set aside (just like they have at Dante).

Can't wait to go there.

 

The main space has marble floors. What this does is create an ocean in the middle of the space that has no intimacy. I hope you like your neighbors because you will be hearing everyone around you as there are no soft treatments to absorb the sound, everything bounces.

 

I hate that. That's why I will only eat on the patio at Stone Mad and not inside again. It is WAY too loud in there. Some carpeting, tapestries and curtains would go a long way to absorb the sound.

 

the rooftop patio is open at MGB

 

 

Where did you see this and when is it supposed to open?

 

 

The rooftop patio has been discussed various places...excuse me while I enjoy my carry-out babaganoush and Moonlight Honey smoothie from Taza on W.6th...chomp chomp, slurp slurp...God I have waited years to have Lebanese in walking distance...chomp, slurp.

 

Sorry, but as i was saying it's been discussed. For instance, here:

Cleveland Magazine September 2011

is the mgb roofgarden new? it wasnt open when i was there is august. anyway very cool!

^ no it will be open next summer.  It is not currently open.

Looks like Hodge is looking at some spaces downtown with Mr Kuhn from Washington Place Bistro.  He had hinted towards multiple locations, however.  I would like to see some of his funk on the near west side OC or Gordon Square.  Kinda bummed that this Mr. Kuhn is putting a brewery in Chagrin Falls...would like more in the city.

I'm not 100% sure... but I believe it will be in the old caddyshack. or at least that was the rumor I heard a while back.

Maybe he can resurrect the golf machines!  (I know, I know...that's not going to happen.)

University Circle/Little Italy/Murray Hill rd featured today:

 

ALGEBRA TEAHOUSE (on of my favorite places btw):

 

http://www.fox8.com/lifestyle/newdaycleveland/

 

The guy interviewing Ayman is terrible!!!!  Where the hell does he live, Highland Hts??

^Algebra Teahouse looks really cool, and I also checked out the video for Club Isabella on the Fox page.  I must say, Club Isabella looks amazing.  Great design.  Has anyone been there yet?  And yes, the interviewer is like a clueless, doddering old man.

Kinda bummed that this Mr. Kuhn is putting a brewery in Chagrin Falls...would like more in the city

 

The Chagrin Falls brewery project - while obviously not in Cleveland proper - really is kind of interesting - renovating an old factory/mill into a falls-adjacent restaurant/office complex:

 

http://www.cfspillway.com/

 

we here in Chagrin, at least, are pretty excited...

I haven't been there yet, but will very soon. I think the feeling of openness is an awesome feeling, as it is with Dante. If one does not like that openness then they should ask to sit in the smaller areas set aside (just like they have at Dante).

Can't wait to go there.

 

There are no smaller areas, its one giant room. Like I said, the food is good though.

may be late notice, but we're having a Groundbreaking Celebration for Portside Distillery. Come on down, great drinks and entertainment and all profits go to Old Stone Education Center. Tell the Ladies at the door you know Dan, and they will let you in for free.

 

http://myneighborhoodcle.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/portside-distillery-to-host-vine-and-dine-an-intimate-cooking-cocktail-demo-with-hayden-wood-sharone-hakman/

 

http://www.cleveland.com/foodplayoffs/index.ssf/2011/11/angelos_of_lakewood_wins_pizza.html

 

I put Angelo's and Farinacci's on my personal second tier, pretty much alone.  The only place I like better is Teresa's original location in Maple Heights. 

 

Angelo's only problem is parking....it's almost non-existent.  For all you transit buffs, I just don't see taking a fresh Angelo's Pizza onto an RTA bus as being an option....LOL. 

I haven't been there yet, but will very soon. I think the feeling of openness is an awesome feeling, as it is with Dante. If one does not like that openness then they should ask to sit in the smaller areas set aside (just like they have at Dante).

Can't wait to go there.

 

There are no smaller areas, its one giant room. Like I said, the food is good though.

 

I believe you are mistaken.

From their FB page:

 

I could be wrong, but I believe thats one of their spaces in the basement along with the test kitchens etc. which would be used for special events and such.  Wouldnt be for regular dining. 

I could be wrong, but I believe thats one of their spaces in the basement along with the test kitchens etc. which would be used for special events and such.  Wouldnt be for regular dining. 

 

^ Correct

That room is actually inside the bank vault.

I see. So one couldn't ask for that room while making reservations, correct?

I like them, but sometimes their pizza is greasy... and their sausage gives me heartburn.

I see. So one couldn't ask for that room while making reservations, correct?

 

No, the employee that gave us the tour said they are not using the space in that fashion now but could in the future. Currently it is used for private parties with the space outside of the vault as a cocktail area and the vault being the main dining area. The space outside of the vault (opposite the cocktail area) in used as the prep kitchen.

There was that little incident at the end of October that nearly wiped out Angelos.  So Musky, dont you have a relative working there? (maybe thats why your pizzas may be greasy and the sausage give you heartburn)

 

"He had to have been going 45 (mph) at least," said Nicole Muscatello, who was working at Angelo's when it happened.

http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/car-crash-nearly-takes-out-angelo-s-pizza

 

 

I like them, but sometimes their pizza is greasy... and their sausage gives me heartburn.

 

A matter of taste I guess.  I've heard the same things said about Farinacci's and Teresa's, especially the latter.

I have never had Angelo's, but my friend at work who lives in Lakewood thinks it's often greasy as well.

 

ERocc, have you had Valentino's.  That is IMO the best pizza in Cleveland (both red and white).

Keeping in mind I haven't ordered Teresa's in over a decade and I was ordering from their Aurora location ... they were the worst when it comes to pools of grease.  I honestly don't know how they managed to keep so much grease on the pizza during transport.  It must be the crust acting as a dam or something.

 

 

I have never had Angelo's, but my friend at work who lives in Lakewood thinks it's often greasy as well.

 

ERocc, have you had Valentino's.  That is IMO the best pizza in Cleveland (both red and white).

 

Yep, they were my favorites during my college days, except for Teresa's Maple.  Very different, but nearly as good.