Folks, just because you CAN post something - it doesn't mean that you SHOULD.

 

Where is Downtown 140?

Main St. in Hudson. Hudson has a number of great independent restaurants now.

damn, I miss all the good stuff.

Bon Bon (http://www.bonboncleveland.com/) is a really nice buildout and digging the menu (the burger I'm eating right now is awesome, and the turtle cupcakes I bought look like they're going to be tremendous). AND the pricing is reasonable ... $22 for an upscale burger and 4 pretty swanky cupcakes (at just $2.25 a pop!). Definitely worth a look-see.

Anyone else do some major damage at Great Lakes this weekend with Christmas Ale (I was at the outdoor patio on Friday for 4 hours...Saturday night had to stay inside there since it got a bit chilly). Holy god I'm still feeling it.

I love christmas ales (including GL), but man, don't get drunk on them!  Thirsty Dog's Twelve Dogs of Christmas is the best I've had this year.

I actually had a few of those on Saturday before I went to Ohio City. I've never had it before - definitely a smooth drink, very similar to Christmas Ale in taste too.

Hodgson is going into the Zinc space. Is there parking for this that I dont' know about? He said there would be parking.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2011/11/29/chris-hodgson-and-scott-kuhn-to-take-over-zinc-bistro-space

 

Hodgson is going into the Zinc space. Is there parking for this that I dont' know about? He said there would be parking.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2011/11/29/chris-hodgson-and-scott-kuhn-to-take-over-zinc-bistro-space

 

 

I believe Zinc used the 668 garage under their patio for "complimentary" valet parking.

Also, talked to Mr. Zamborsky over the weekend (owner of Fat Fish Blue), and they are definately closing in December.  Expect to be Fat Fish Blue-less for a while at least. 

 

Likely he will take some time off before considering reopening somewhere.  I did my best to convince that as a Cleveland original and local institution that it needed to be re-opened. 

 

I suggested looking at the old Frank and Pauly's space in 200 Public Square, but indications were that the West Bank of the Flats had been considered.     

I think the old F&P space would be best served by being a lunch-only place. With it's location, it's just too hard to drive any kind of evening traffic.

I think the old F&P space would be best served by being a lunch-only place. With it's location, it's just too hard to drive any kind of evening traffic.

 

The casino could change that.  With it being just across the square, having a place that is not the Tilted Kilt (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit, still can't believe that place exhists) would probably work. 

"just across the square?" Dude, that place is down the block and down a street that looks like it's mainly business/office buildings, and then maybe if you make it all the way to 9th and chester, you'll happen upon seeing the outdoor patio area. I just don't see it as a hopping location for a restaurant unless it's supposed to be a secret speakeasy that only people "in the know" can find.

Huh... Its in the side of the 200 PS building on the square.  I liked that spot, because it is a vital connecting spot for various areas of activity and hotels and needs something that could be a draw... 

OHHHH, my bad, I am thinking of that other __ and ___ place that was in the NCB building! WTF was that place called.

Frank and Tony's?

Nick & Tony's

Also made it to the Joe Crea food column in the Plain Dealer:

 

Food-truck owner Chris Hodgson to open restaurant where Zinc Bistro is closing Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 5:13 PM

By Joe Crea, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

 

It's been rough sledding for Zinc Bistro since opening chef Tom Quick left. Executive chef and general manager Ron Bell tells me Zinc will close by the end of this year, maybe as early as Christmas Eve.

 

But the space won't sit empty for long. By early spring, the lovely spot on Euclid Avenue -- a stone's throw from East Fourth Street's restaurant row -- will be home to a high-profile young chef.

 

Food-truck operator Chris Hodgson, who achieved nationwide recognition when he finished second on "The Great Food Truck Race" on Food Network this year, will open Hodge's, his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, there in late March.

 

"We're going to do fusion comfort food, the more playful sides of what we do on the streets," says Hodgson. "There'll be some mix-and-match and some rustic cuisine."

 

One chef will be preparing food right at the bar, "creating smaller plates -- things like deviled eggs, chicken-liver toasts and other snacks, from $1 to $4," says Hodgson.

 

"We want to have a high-energy interaction between the guests, the bar chef and the servers. Keep it fun."

 

In season, that bar chef will shift his or her show to the restaurant's fabulous 100-seat patio, where the partners are working to install a clean-burning, coal-fired oven.

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2011/11/food-truck_owner_chris_hodgson.html

 

I'm kind of bummed that Zinc never delivered on the concept.  I know it's superficial, but from the moment I saw its cheesy web site, it seemed pretty clear it was never going to be a serious culinary player downtown.  Oh well, hopefully Hodge can do something great with that terrace and the nifty interior.  Some coal fired pizza downtown would be awesome, and hopefully not just "in season"!

I have a question for the experts at UO!  I have only lived here for 5 years so I don't know the answer.  I came across some articles and pictures of a restaurant called "Century" which was a part of the Ritz Carlton.  Can anybody tell me why/when it closed? 

I have a question for the experts at UO!  I have only lived here for 5 years so I don't know the answer.  I came across some articles and pictures of a restaurant called "Century" which was a part of the Ritz Carlton.  Can anybody tell me why/when it closed? 

 

This is about all I could find about it:

 

http://cleveland.about.com/od/downtownrestaurants/gr/century.htm

I think Century was a high priced option for a lot of people, and every time I went the place was near empty. The exception was the bar area which was packed on certain days when they had free sushi happy hours. I always thought it was one of the best restaurants in Cleveland, and I was really sorry to see it go.

Yes, Century was actually a great restaurant, but it was part of a dying breed.  Things had been moving away from "fine dining - formal - high end" to "more casual - and affordable", and Century just didn't fit that. 

 

Marlin Kaplin can vouch for that with his closed One Walnut as well as Paul Millano and his former Baricelli Inn, which when he announced its closing last year stated "fine dining is finished in Cleveland".  They are both operating more casual eateries today.     

Century was super and elegant. We used to go for Saturday lunch - reasonably priced for what it was and delicious. Took our young daughter and they made her feel like a princess. Really nice. Served simple syrup with iced tea vs. just packets of sweenter. Fussy (in a good way) service. They had a great bento box option... really nice. Always sparse crowd though. Crab cake was memorable.

 

It closed, what, 5 years ago - and then was Bice for a year or so - and now has been vacant perhaps 3 years...

And I was one of the ones that loved Bice. They had a great lunch special at the bar for $10 and really good food. I went as often as I could as I knew the wouldnt' be there long.

It's not vacant. It's been doing business as Muse since Bice folded. Muse is very good by the way.

It's not vacant. It's been doing business as Muse since Bice folded.

 

No, Muse is the current Ritz Carlton restaurant off of the hotel lobby floor.  Not the same space. 

I have a question for the experts at UO!  I have only lived here for 5 years so I don't know the answer.  I came across some articles and pictures of a restaurant called "Century" which was a part of the Ritz Carlton.  Can anybody tell me why/when it closed? 

 

This piece at About.com gives some information:

http://cleveland.about.com/od/downtownrestaurants/gr/century.htm

 

Century closed September 3, 2006

Dining room is frequently near empty during the week

 

I don't know much more, but I can tell you where it got its name.....

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Century_Limited

 

The logo of 20th Century Fox movies was based on the logo of the train.

 

And, ironically, the 20th Century Limited did not operate through Cleveland Union Terminal beneath its signature Union Terminal Tower. Instead it ran nonstop through the city along the lakefront tracks and would only make a mail stop at the Collinwood Yards.

I didn't see anything about this posted yet but apparently the Warehouse District is getting a Mexican restaurant called El Guero?  Anyone know where?

 

@CLEWarehouse Warehouse District

We're getting a Mexican restaurant in the Warehouse District... Yes! pic.twitter.com/9BTllsps

 

Next to Brasa I believe.

Where the Phoenix Coffee was. 

 

Willyboy,

 

You are right. I don't know why I always get those two spaces confused.

Fat Fish Blue confirmed on FB today that they are closing Dec 4, and the Titted Kilt, I mean Tilted Kilt will be opening in its space.

I had dinner last night at Crop for the first time at its new Ohio City location (previously only had experienced it 3-4 time for lunch in the Warehouse District).  Definitely give it thumbs up.

 

I have to echo what has been stated previously concerning the noise level.  The place was about 50% full and it hit us the minute we walked in.  Makes sense giving the space and all the hard surfaces.  However, I did not think it was a problem once you were at your table (or at least the table we were at-a two top against a wall).  We were able to converse normally with no problem which is not the case at other restaurant's which have "noise issues" (such as Dantes in my experience).  Maybe it is more of a problem if you have a table in the middle of the room or if it is totally full but again, it was not a problem for us.

 

The food was great.  Two apps, foie gras and a cheese plate and two entrees, short rib and Chipolte ribs were all super...no complaints with anything including sides.  Portions are significant without being "stupid" (I heard the portions were nice sized so I didn't bother with a salad which I usually do).  The  dessert we got (flourless chocolate cake with a spicy ice cream) was just OK.

 

In my opinion, for being a slightly higher end restaurant, service could have been a little more polished.  It was not "bad" but there were minor lapses (from the host stand to the table) which started to add up a bit.  Our server was very friendly...again she could have just been a bit more polished.

 

The wine list is pretty extensive...while I did not study it, I would have liked to seen 7-8 more wines in the $40 price range.  They're are many excellent wines in that range out there.  They do seem to sell a lot of wine.  We had a pretty good Pinot Noir which I had never tried before...unfortunately the server was not very helpful with the selection (again...the polish thing).

 

All in all....will reccommend to all looking for good food.

 

 

Now for my pet peeve rant....and this will of course show my age.  I know dining out has become more casual the past 20 years, even at pricier restaurants.  In my experience, this is not a Cleveland thing, but  the trend nationwide.  I have accepted it despite the fact I don't necessary agree and I go with the flow.  If I am not already in a suit, I will simply wear a nice pair of slacks and dresser shirt at a place like Crop.  I would prefer that there were places where you "dressed up" for dinner, but again those days are long gone.

 

However, while a coat and tie is not the norm anymore, do try a bit.  Now we are sitting in a nice space that is not particularly cheap (our bill for two with tip came to $170.00).  Next to us were clearly two business dinners (2 five tops...all guys) and the guys were wearing suits or jackets without ties.  Throughout the restaurant people were "generally" well dressed.  Even if guys were wearing jeans, they were nice ones with stylish tops.  However at the 2 top behind was "Dexter"...he was wearing a plaid flannel shirt with a thermal undershirt, the arms of the underwear exposed, torn jeans and tennis shoes.  Kinda like the outfit I was wearing earlier in the day when I was cleaning out my gutters.  A couple of backwards baseball caps at the bar did not add to the atmosphere either. 

 

I am glad my dad made an effort in the "old days" to teach me what was appropriate to wear at certain times and places.  I don't know if those lessons are being taught these days.  Okay, end of rant from the old guy.

Thanks for the good review and detail about what you got. I completely agree with you about the dress and all I can tell you is those men don't have a good woman or man at home who cares about them because most women won't let their man go out like that, plus you indicated he was alone, so there ya go. There's a reason the singles bars are full of guys in long, baggy shorts (even in the winter), ballcaps and the like, it's why they are single.

Cleveland's Fat Fish Blue restaurant to close for good Sunday

Published: Friday, December 02, 2011, 2:24 PM    Updated: Friday, December 02, 2011, 4:18 PM

By Joe Crea, The Plain Dealer

 

 

Turns out, all those rumors and premature news reports were true. At 9 p.m. Sunday, Fat Fish Blue will laissez les bon temps roulez for the last time.

 

The good times will stop rolling permanently after the post-game football crowd clears out of downtown Cleveland, says the New Orleans-themed restaurant's founder, Steve Zamborsky.

 

"The economy is what it is, and we've been running out of steam here, so we're turning over the keys," Zamborsky said.

 

The space, at 21 Prospect Ave. at Ontario Street, will be transformed into the Tilted Kilt, a Celtic-themed sports bars. Burgers, beer and female servers -- "Kilt Girls," clad in short, snug plaid skirts and cropped tops -- are the big attractions at the rapidly growing chain of restaurants, founded in Las Vegas in 2003. The location is directly adjacent to the upcoming Horseshoe Casino.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2011/12/clevelands_fat_fish_blue_resta.html

Fat Fish Blue sure was lively tonight when I went by. I assume that if it were always that lively, they wouldn't be shutting down. Noodlecat, on the other hand, was only about 1/3 full at 7 pm when we left tonight (Sat)... even less full for half our visit - though nice to see a number of families and larger groups there.  Liked it much better on 2nd visit (with tweaked menu) than on first back in August.  Hopefully, the casino's proximity will change its fortunes, if other things don't first.

Sounds like they were outbid, not underbized.

Fat Fish Blue sure was lively tonight when I went by. I assume that if it were always that lively, they wouldn't be shutting down. Noodlecat, on the other hand, was only about 1/3 full at 7 pm when we left tonight (Sat)... even less full for half our visit - though nice to see a number of families and larger groups there.  Liked it much better on 2nd visit (with tweaked menu) than on first back in August.  Hopefully, the casino's proximity will change its fortunes, if other things don't first.

 

7PM is too early for the noodlecat crowd.  Its a noodlebar, people tend to start fillin it up after 8

Sounds like they were outbid, not underbized.

 

Actually, I thought the article indicated that they were going out of business mainly because they weren't doing well.

 

"The economy is what it is, and we've been running out of steam here, so we're turning over the keys," Zamborsky said.

 

Previous reports did indicate that they were simply outbid, though, so who knows.

14 years is a significant amount of time in the restaurant business, especially an independent.  Pure speculation on my part but maybe it was not the restaurant "running out of steam" (especially with the casino opening in two months) but the owner himself "running out of steam".  It can get old after a while if you don't have a great support staff.

14 years is a significant amount of time in the restaurant business, especially an independent.  Pure speculation on my part but maybe it was not the restaurant "running out of steam" (especially with the casino opening in two months) but the owner himself "running out of steam".  It can get old after a while if you don't have a great support staff.

 

They have other locations that are staying open, correct?

 

Also, I believe the other locations are all super suburban.

As I already stated thay arent closing because they werent doing well.  If that was the case, likley they would have found a way to stay put until the casino opened. 

 

Also, you are right, again as I already stated after talking to the owner, he has run out of steam, which is why even if they do reopen it likely wont be anytime soon.

Anyone know what is happening with the La Boca space in Detroit Shoreway?

Yes, its posted a page or two back.  Catering business moving their operations there and opening restaurant. 

Thanks. I wish them luck although I don't know about another bar type place in the area. I would like to se a good Italian restaurant with a great bakery (think cannoli Corbo's style) in the area.

It's going to be a full service restaurant and by a catering company that does VERY good food. Not just another bar. I'm excited for their opening!

Glad to hear that. I am excited too. I still want a good Italian restaurant in the hood too!

^Spice of Life?  I was wondering where they were going.  glad to hear it.

 

Yay for Toast and a Pickle!!

(And yay for Akron!)

 

Dante's Next Step

The Tremont chef-restaurateur reaches into Akron

 

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