WHD..  I believe where Liquid is (if its still called that)

When I was living in Scottsdale, Arizona the Tilted Kilt was a good place to watch football games on Sundays.  Heck I even found a few fellow Browns fans to commiserate with.  I didn't even realize it was a chain, but regardless, I didn't think there was anything terrible about the place.  Certainly nothing special, but terrible?  That's a bit of a stretch IMO.  I understand why people wouldn't want to see any chain go into that space, though.

Personally I feel it's a tacky hooters, with an Irish twist.  Something independent and local should be there.  Am I happy the space, on a prominent corner, will not be vacant?  Yes?  Am I happy with what is filling the vacancy, no!  Looks like they strictly took the place due to its proximity to the Casino.  That is the casino's target market.

 

You may be right.  I just never felt like the Tilted Kilt (at least the one in Scottsdale) was even comparable to Hooters beyond the fact that the waitresses/bartenders were scantily-clad (and I didn't even realize that was the "theme," I just thought it was weather-related attire).  I've only been to Hooters less than a handful of times in my life and the place always felt dirty.  Tilted Kilt not so much in my opinion.

 

But again, I'm not saying that there shouldn't be something else there.  I just think that the Tilted Kilt, in my opinion, is a step or two "above" Hooters, for whatever that's worth.  :drunk:

When in Wisconsin at company HQ some co-workers took me to Tilted Kilt.... A step up or two from Hooter's - as note d- but same idea - though the plaid-skirted schoolgirl types waiting tables are so scantily (sexily) clad  it really was hard to even look up.

 

Debate whether you personally like chains or not - but having chains interested in downtown - and the draw they can have - is important in bringing folks in and satisfying all types of customers.

what a shame to see that respected and long running joint go --- anyone know if the other FFB's in toledo, kc and orlando will remain open?

 

tilted kilt? what the hell is that??! looks like a...hooters:

http://www.tiltedkilt.com/

 

the FFB site is not a bad spot for them to be in tho, between the casino and sports venues. it was a pretty smart grab. yeah the upside is its good chains are aware and looking at downtown actively. outside of the changeover, the FFB site will not sit empty at all, which is amazingly good news. more of that kind of thing to come as downtown's residential population continues to grow!

 

Just saw this on Cudell Snippets. This place is located on Clifton at West 116th....

 

Papa Nick's Pizza & Pasta Celebrating 30 Years!

 

When you stop by Papa Nick's for that mouth watering pizza and pasta, make sure to extend congratulations to Phil and familly on their 30 years of business in the neighborhood.

 

I've only been to Hooters less than a handful of times in my life and the place always felt dirty.  Tilted Kilt not so much in my opinion.

 

 

I'd bet you've been to Hooters "more than a handful" of times Clevelander17.

 

Hey-oh!

I am really disappointed to see Fat Fish Blue close. It's not only a restaurant but  a great club to hear Blues music at with a reasonable cover. Also, you can take the Rapid and not have to walk far in the freezing cold or rain. I love the food also. It is always a happy place and I'm surprised they are closing.  They also have a location in Toledo but it is out at a suburban mall. Does anyone know if they plan to reopen somewhere else?  If so, I hope they keep their downtown presence.

 

As far as the Twisted Kilt does, it sounds absolutely disgusting, the type of place that appeals to the worst common denominator.  The casinos haven't helped Detroit and I doubt they will help Cleveland.

I am really disappointed to see Fat Fish Blue close. It's not only a restaurant but  a great club to hear Blues music at with a reasonable cover. Also, you can take the Rapid and not have to walk far in the freezing cold or rain. I love the food also. It is always a happy place and I'm surprised they are closing.  They also have a location in Toledo but it is out at a suburban mall. Does anyone know if they plan to reopen somewhere else?  If so, I hope they keep their downtown presence.

 

As far as the Twisted Kilt does, it sounds absolutely disgusting, the type of place that appeals to the worst common denominator.  The casinos haven't helped Detroit and I doubt they will help Cleveland.

 

Then don't go.  Why is everyone judging the place already?  It's not THAT bad. 

Then don't go.

 

Of course someone is going to voice displeasure when an establishment they don't like pushes out one they did like.

I'm shocked and highly disappointed to hear of the impending closure of FFB.  I don't hear how much better this chain called Titled Kilt is than Hooters (and it doesn't sound like it's much better), it's not going to replace a great place like Fat Fish.  FFB was more than a Cajun-themed restaurant, it was a happening -- a great place for blues bands and, yes, the Louisiana  cuisine was awesome.  The place was always buzzing with activity and, on many weeknights, packed.  And for the Rock 'n Roll city, the live blues venue fit right it... I noted the rationale for closing now; still, I'm surprised FFB would shutter just before the dawn of the casino and the prospect of greatly increased traffic.  Because it was right in the heart of downtown, it was a major place I'd take out-of-towners... This is really bad news.

I'm shocked and highly disappointed to hear of the impending closure of FFB.  I don't hear how much better this chain called Titled Kilt is than Hooters (and it doesn't sound like it's much better), it's not going to replace a great place like Fat Fish.  FFB was more than a Cajun-themed restaurant, it was a happening -- a great place for blues bands and, yes, the Louisiana  cuisine was awesome.  The place was always buzzing with activity and, on many weeknights, packed.  And for the Rock 'n Roll city, the live blues venue fit right it... I noted the rationale for closing now; still, I'm surprised FFB would shutter just before the dawn of the casino and the prospect of greatly increased traffic.  Because it was right in the heart of downtown, it was a major place I'd take out-of-towners... This is really bad news.

 

Emotionally, I agree with you.  However, we don't know their financials.  We only see one side of this.  Let hope they find a new space.

WHOA!!!!!!

Channel 3 news just stated the owner of Fat Fish Blue called them directly and said that they are NOT closing. Their lease is up in 2012, but there is no plans to close after that.

 

Fat Fish Blue update: on tonight's 11 WKYC news, Ramona reported that owner of Fat Fish Blue had called the station to say they were "staying put" and that their lease is up in 2012 but had no plans to go anywhere...

From their FaceBook

 

Fat Fish Blue (Cleveland)

If FAT FISH BLUE is closing, we haven’t gotten the memo yet.

Yeah, Tilted Kilt has been looking up our skirt for a couple of months, but we weren’t aware that they liked what they saw. Our lease is up in 2012, so they haven’t been the only ones looking. In fact, we’ve been doing a bit of market research ourselves…

In the meantime, just in case SCENE knows more than we do: better get off the couch..., call your friends, and COME ON DOWN while you can!  Christmas Ale is on tap, and our kitchen just brought back some marvelous autumn favorites: Alabama Shrimp & Grits, Louisiana Chicken Pie, Fat Fish Fettuccini and Zambo’s Bourbon Pecan Pie. (They also figured out that when you add Blackened Shrimp to Sister Mofo’s Mac’n’Cheese something marvelous happens in your mouth!)

Great music line up this weekend & next. And the Public Square Lighting Ceremony is coming right up on Saturday November 26, just half a block from our front door – with FFB half-price parking. Happy Thanksgiving to all. We are most THANKFUL for our wonderful Staff & Vendors – and, of course, our Loyal Fans!

 

Like · Comment · 9 hours ago ·

This is great news. I love Fat Fish Blue and hope Twisted Kilt goes to Strongsville. I'll always remember talking up Robert Lockwood there. The place is a Cleveland institution.

 

I'll stop by later today 4 sure.

 

Boo. Fat Fish Blue is closing. It once anchored a buddinng Warehouse District years ago and then moved to Lwr Prospect. Must've given Steve Zamborsky a pretty penny since that is a prime corner now with the Casino coming.

The Tilted Kilt? omg.

 

Gone Fishin'  Downtown stalwart Fat Fish Blue to close by year's end

 

For nearly two decades, Fat Fish Blue has been downtown's place to be for Mardi Gras, New Year's Eve — heck, even a regular Tuesday-night happy hour

 

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/bites/Content?category=1520384

 

 

 

Since you started this and got all our collective pressure up, you are officially banned from posting here on UO for the next three years!

Not to be too much of a downer, but 2012 is just a few weeks away, so it's not as though FFB's survival downtown is assured for very long, even if the Tilted Kilt news was premature...  But man oh man I hope they are able to renew and stick around for years to come.

Not to be too much of a downer, but 2012 is just a few weeks away, so it's not as though FFB's survival downtown is assured for very long, even if the Tilted Kilt news was premature...  But man oh man I hope they are able to renew and stick around for years to come.

 

Big clue right here

From their FaceBook

 

Fat Fish Blue (Cleveland)

If FAT FISH BLUE is closing, we haven’t gotten the memo yet.

Yeah, Tilted Kilt has been looking up our skirt for a couple of months, but we weren’t aware that they liked what they saw. Our lease is up in 2012, so they haven’t been the only ones looking. In fact, we’ve been doing a bit of market research ourselves…

In the meantime, just in case SCENE knows more than we do: better get off the couch..., call your friends, and COME ON DOWN while you can!  Christmas Ale is on tap, and our kitchen just brought back some marvelous autumn favorites: Alabama Shrimp & Grits, Louisiana Chicken Pie, Fat Fish Fettuccini and Zambo’s Bourbon Pecan Pie. (They also figured out that when you add Blackened Shrimp to Sister Mofo’s Mac’n’Cheese something marvelous happens in your mouth!)

Great music line up this weekend & next. And the Public Square Lighting Ceremony is coming right up on Saturday November 26, just half a block from our front door – with FFB half-price parking. Happy Thanksgiving to all. We are most THANKFUL for our wonderful Staff & Vendors – and, of course, our Loyal Fans!

 

Like · Comment · 9 hours ago ·

Wake me when everything gets sorted out.

SCENE jumping the gun again!

"Ramona reported that owner of Fat Fish Blue had called the station to say they were "staying put" and that their lease is up in 2012 but had no plans to go anywhere..."

 

Fine, but if/when *Wilma* reports the same - then I'll believe it!

 

SCENE jumping the gun again!

 

Let's hope so...even though they've been a more responsible newspaper/citizen in the past year or so.

So staying or going or are we all guessing?

Sounds as if it's likely that the Tilted Kilt will be taking over that space and Fat Fish Blue will stay in business but head elsewhere.  That's the way I'm interpreting everything that's come out in the past few days.

Eh, this Tilted Kilt sounds like "subtraction by addition" for the neighborhood.

Any chance FFB is going to move, again?

 

Tilted kilt is an example of careful what you wish for.  While I am still pro-casino (anti-"welcome center") I fear a lot of quality local places will be muscled out by sub-par corporate joints.

 

 

EDIT:  Just saw the facebook post

Such is life when we allow casino king pins to dictate the agenda here. So yeah, be careful what you wish for.

 

If FFB Moves...where would they go? Also, what is a "tilted kilt?" Is this a clone zone chain gang franchise thing?

Such is life when we allow casino king pins to dictate the agenda here. So yeah, be careful what you wish for.

 

If FFB Moves...where would they go? Also, what is a "tilted kilt?" Is this a clone zone chain gang franchise thing?

 

We were driving in a chainy junky part of san diego yesterday and I saw one! So this will not be something special. But the sad reality is in most areas that draw tourists, chains and corporate owned places are popular. In San Diego the gaslamp neighborhood draws a ton of tourist in w.6th/E.4th type places (just on a much, much larger scale). If you get into the SD neighborhoods around Balboa Park-S.Park, N.Park, Hillcrest, Banker's Hill, the farm to table places and other indies reign supreme. Too bad chainy downtown is all people bother to explore when they visit SD. If this casino actually brings people into Cleveland, I hope the customers explore the non corporate places, but not feeling hopeful.

Any chance FFB is going to move, again?

 

Tilted kilt is an example of careful what you wish for.  While I am still pro-casino (anti-"welcome center") I fear a lot of quality local places will be muscled out by sub-par corporate joints.

 

 

EDIT:  Just saw the facebook post

 

Muscled out?  How do we know they were "muscled" out?  No offense, but based, on that comment like that, you come across  no better than scene.  We don't know FFB finances, and if they are doing market research, is it possible they decided not to renew their lease and look elsewhere?

Muscled out meaning that when thier lease is up, the owners will raise the lease rates an astronomical amount, something a corporation can absorb.  Especially if the corp went to the buildings owner with the promise of more money and used connections to circulate stories in local media that the present tenant was going out of business.

 

Im sure in worthless "cities" like Houston or Atlanta the latter tactic works, but it will probably backfire here a bit. 

 

 

In Crain's Forty under 40 edition today, Jonathon Sawyer notes that he may open a "hipster donut shop" downtown... That sounds pretty great.

i passed him in Columbus this weekend, i mentioned it on twitter but he didn't tweet me back. the bastard

In Crain's Forty under 40 edition today, Jonathon Sawyer notes that he may open a "hipster donut shop" downtown... That sounds pretty great.

 

Sounds promising.

 

What are people's take on Noodlecat?  There was lots of buzz in this thread when it opened, but not sure I've heard any reviews yet.  FWIW, many of the the Yelp reviews sound kind of disappointed.

Noodlecat - must admit that on first and only try, I liked it but didn't love it as much as I'd hoped based on noodle bar trips in London, etc.. - which I've craved. Also, they were out of some things and it was a slow August night... and (despite the Noodlecat folks getting defensive about this online) - an objective observer might suggest the meats/fish/toppings were a bit on the skimpy side. Not for the price so much as for the appetite... charge more but give me more...  I'd argue the menu could be made a bit more accessible to appeal to more here in the formerly noodle-free zone, though the restaurant has every right to serve as it chooses.

 

With that said, menu has been overhauled quite a bit since then and looks quite different now and, frankly, pretty darned tasty. Steam buns, formerly just a happy hour item, are now on daily menu - though there's a rumor that one popular item (served with broth on the side and noodles in main bowl) - was taken off the menu because folks weren't eating it correctly.. (pouring entire bowl of broth into noodles...)  Hope that is not the real story - I'd doubt most of us know how to properly eat the noodles.. Give us a break.

 

Their daily specials, posted on Facebook, look great. Would love to go back soon - but am totally low carbing it right now, so noodles are not in the cards.  The restaurant is making the case that yelp is taking all the goods reviews off thinking they are written by partial reviewers. Don't know about that.

 

Restaurant is a few storefronts away from E. 4th - where it would probably do quite a bit better - though once casino opens, I think the whole restaurant scene will be re-set - and these places nearer Public Square positioned beautifully for that - being the closest non-casino restaurants.

Why can't it just be a normal donut shop? As for Noodlecat, I love that there is a place to get quality noodles, and am willing to pay for the privilege. It's delicious, but I don't think the majority of diners are willing to pay $10-$20 "just for noodles". I think it definitely fills a niche though, since no Chinatown restaurants really specialize in noodles, or even make their own noodles.

^If they get any kind of following like Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, more power to them but it sounds a little gimmicky. Wait and see, I guess.

Muscled out meaning that when thier lease is up, the owners will raise the lease rates an astronomical amount, something a corporation can absorb.  Especially if the corp went to the buildings owner with the promise of more money and used connections to circulate stories in local media that the present tenant was going out of business.

 

Im sure in worthless "cities" like Houston or Atlanta the latter tactic works, but it will probably backfire here a bit. 

 

 

I'm asking you to look at both sides of the situation.  Do you know the building owners finances?  Do you know FFB finances?  Is it possible that FFB can no long afford the space due to their own financial situation?  How do you know that FFB isn't the party that initiated this, by intentionally not renewing their lease?    Most likely the landlord and FFB know something we dont.  Instead of assuming/speculating the worse or that something is fishy, why not wait and find out instead of fanning the rumor flames?

im a little skeptical of sawyer, actually.  i haven't tried noodlecat yet, but i found the food at greenhouse to be a little bit salty for my taste.  It wasn't bad, but i just wouldn't put him as a can't miss like a bruell

I am a Noodlecat regular but find I have a few faves and it's best not to stray from them, at least for me. I really like their ramen noodle best. The udon and soba are way too thick for me to enjoy. You can sub out different types of noodles but on at least one visit there, that wasn't done even when requested. I like to get the combo a lot where you get a salad or steam bun and a noodle dish, but it's $13 which is pretty steep for downtown cleveland lunch. I find that I like getting takeout there a lot more. The sting of the prices doesn't hurt as bad when you don't have to tip on top of it, and the noodles in the restaurant are served in a big, wide bowl that makes them cool off really quickly, which i think is a mistake, whereas the takeout containers are more vertical and really keep the food hot, even on a windy walk back to my desk. Plus their takeout containers are eco-friendly, which I appreciate. I got the special noodle of the day in a combo one time and there was a $5 upcharge, which I wasn't told about before, and nobody offered to take it off the bill when I complained about the surprise. This kind of thing really irks me, along with the noodle sub not being done on another visit.

 

I am honestly not one of those chicks that is all about salad, but their "super salad" is honestly one of the best I have had. I could eat it every day, and it's very, very nutritious, with lots of super foods in it. It's kale based (raw kale) and has avocado and dried blueberries and some other good for you stuff, in an asian dressing that's very, very good. Most often, I get the college ramen and super salad as a combo. I've tried about 3 other noodles and didn't like any of them as much as the college, though the special noodle of the day I got once with chicken meatballs was really good.

 

I agree that GHT food is very, very salty, but it depends on what you get. I got a vegan soup there a couple of weeks ago that was honestly like one of the best dishes of soup I've had in my LIFE. Am going to try to replicate it at home. And it was very subtly seasoned. But like the fries and wings? Totally oversalted to me. But everyone's palate is different.

 

I love Noodlecat a lot but at $13 per, it's just too much for more than once every couple of weeks. I can actually eat at Lola for lunch for less than that, which is saying something.

^I am a fan of Bruell's restaurants in general, but I have come to the conclusion, after many tries and discussions with others, that there is a salt issue in many of his dishes as well

^ but his Octopus Salad is to die for

Muscled out meaning that when thier lease is up, the owners will raise the lease rates an astronomical amount, something a corporation can absorb.  Especially if the corp went to the buildings owner with the promise of more money and used connections to circulate stories in local media that the present tenant was going out of business.

 

Im sure in worthless "cities" like Houston or Atlanta the latter tactic works, but it will probably backfire here a bit. 

 

 

I'm asking you to look at both sides of the situation.  Do you know the building owners finances?  Do you know FFB finances?  Is it possible that FFB can no long afford the space due to their own financial situation?  How do you know that FFB isn't the party that initiated this, by intentionally not renewing their lease?    Most likely the landlord and FFB know something we dont.  Instead of assuming/speculating the worse or that something is fishy, why not wait and find out instead of fanning the rumor flames?

 

Lets not get in the weeds on this one. When an area becomes popular, chain/corporate places more in.  That is not a rumor, that is not fanning flames, that's America.

 

I have been in F&B for over 20 years and I have been involved with high stakes lease negotiations where a large company wanted to open shop where a local sole propriotor had a business.  I have been on both sides of that, actually 3 sides, sole proprietors, larger restaurant groups, and property owners who leased space to restaurants.

Since leases are negotiations, generally the guy with the deepest pockets wins.  Sometimes the property owner seeks out new tenants, sometimes the corporation seeks out the property owner.  Sometimes even local governments team up with corporations to "redevelop" entire sections of town, i.e. Campus Partners in Columbus.  In my experience, it is the sole proprietor that generally is the one that moves on.

 

 

So, repeating my original statement: 

 

While I am still pro-casino (anti-"welcome center") I fear a lot of quality local places will be muscled out by sub-par corporate joints

 

 

^I think most of us understand what you mean, P.P.

 

Thanks for the Noodlecat feedback everyone!  I'm definitely psyched to try it out and hope it sorts itself out and does well.  I can't think of a place I'd rather have in my neighborhood for late dinners during Cleveland's Nov-March weather.

 

Why can't it just be a normal donut shop?

 

Hopefully "hipster" just means it will be a lot more than just a Dunkin or Amy Joy, perhaps with a retro counter, good coffee and attention to donut technique.  Lake Erie Coffee Co is OK, but even for my limited visits home I'd be pretty happy to see another good breakfast option.

Melange is going to close "for awhile." They've somehow managed to lose or not renew their liquor license and have announced they're going to retool and reopen in a few months.

Melange - is/was mediocre and odd... and taking up a highly visible spot at the corner of one of the busiest intersections in town. Hopefully, something much better will end up there and sooner than later. With the Border's gone, it will be interesting to see what shakes out at La Place, overall...

Chez Francois leads Zagat pack: Restaurant Row

Ten Cleveland area restaurants earned top rankings in the recently published Zagat Guide's "America's Top Restaurants 2012." Chez Francois leads the list of locals, garnering 29 points. (In Zagat parlance, a restaurant earning 26-30 points means its average dining experience is deemed "extraordinary to perfection."

Johnny's Bar, Parallax, Lola, Downtown 140 and Red the Steakhouse each received 28 points. Rounding out the list, each with 27 points: Dante, Flying Fig, L'Albatros and Momocho.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/taste/index.ssf/2011/11/chez_francois_leads_zagat_pack.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chez Francois leads Zagat pack: Restaurant Row

Ten Cleveland area restaurants earned top rankings in the recently published Zagat Guide's "America's Top Restaurants 2012." Chez Francois leads the list of locals, garnering 29 points. (In Zagat parlance, a restaurant earning 26-30 points means its average dining experience is deemed "extraordinary to perfection."

Johnny's Bar, Parallax, Lola, Downtown 140 and Red the Steakhouse each received 28 points. Rounding out the list, each with 27 points: Dante, Flying Fig, L'Albatros and Momocho.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/taste/index.ssf/2011/11/chez_francois_leads_zagat_pack.html

 

 

Does anybody know if you have to pay to have them review your establishment? How did Greenhouse not make the top tier? Downtown 140 is good, but how about the former chef's new place, One Red Door. Not many places doing a menu like that in Ohio.

Where is Downtown 140?

Where is Downtown 140?

 

Twinsnsburgh, hudson or somewhere over there.

Does anybody know if you have to pay to have them review your establishment? How did Greenhouse not make the top tier? Downtown 140 is good, but how about the former chef's new place, One Red Door. Not many places doing a menu like that in Ohio.

 

I don't think they do the reviewing.  Assuming this is just the normal Zagat format, it's really just a compilation of user reviews.  So more like Yelp than Michelin.