another quality addition to lakewood :clap:

I'm 99% certain that College Station in Little Italy (Murray Hill across from greek life housing for Case) is closed.  Windows are papered up, the sign is down, and there's absolutely no sign of life.....

 

not that it's any different from when it was open, hah!

 

University Circle & Little Italy can do much better - it had bad prices, irregular hours, and downright atrocious service.

 

Gosh, I want to say that's like the third or fourth place I've seen cruise through there in my years in cleveland.

anyone know anything about this new restaurant?

 

 

Cyrus The Restaurant

2000 Sycamore West Bank Flats

Cleveland, OH 44113

 

 

the address is for the powerhouse....a wanted listing on cleveland.com list it as contemporary american cuisine

I will try and  investigate this week. I am wondering if the "Dock" formally Riverwalk Cafe, formally Friday's at one point, went under? I am not a big fan of "Contemporary American" cuisine, but I'll check it out for the team.  As it happens, this evening there were only about a dozen cars in the powerhouse lot so nothing much must be going on yet.

Speaking of Little Italy, Il Bacio has a website with a menu posted: http://ilbaciorestaurant.com/default.aspx

This is the new restaurant that went in across Murray Hill Ave from Baricelli Inn, where Tutto Giorno and before that Salvatore's used to be.

Does anyone know the story behind Halite being for sale? Is just the building selling? or is it a package deal?  It think a funky, casual bistro such as Halite (or the new Halite itself!) would go real well in the Stonebridge space. It is nice that Ponte Vecchio is in the other building, but it not a cozy, couple days a week kind of place.

I think that the entire package is for sale.

The PD reports that the asking price for Halite is $275,000-business plus building.  $100,000 for business only.

We went to Table 45 in the Intercontinental at The Cleveland Clinic last night. In a nutshell, terrific, great ethnic tastes many UO's love. I am guessing it might be pricy, but they had no menus out, so not sure.

 

Here is the long drawn out review I posted on Cleveland.com (which is TMI for OU probably!)

 

 

I had the great honor to go to the Table 45 media party thanks to the kindness and generosity of a few friends. I was extremely impressed! The layout of the party was small- plated  entrees and appetizers as well as wine (an excellent shiraz by the glass) and well stocked bar  J.  I think this place is going to be a hit.  The decor was lovely.  Very clean, but warmed by chocolate brown chairs and low sofas with blond wood tables. The bar area is huge, over looking a courtyard with a sculpture and gardens.  The chefs table was very cool. A half moon right in the kitchen (I thing it was an 8 or 10 top) facing the  line, but with a glass wall presumably to keep the kitchen clattering noise out. Service great. I found the flavors quite different than Parallax- where the Chef is the hales-Zach Bruell.

There were only a few unfussy items that reminding me of Parallax. The majority of the dishes were inspired by Spain, southern France and, Italy and Morocco.  Lots of bold flavors and spice.  There was  interesting mixes of raw seafood, fruit and chilies.  A few Asian inspired dishes popped up as well. There is a Tandori oven which this evening only turned out Naan and spreads, I understand they will be fully utilizing the oven upon opening. The rare duck on risotto was my favorite. I also think every dessert from the flourless chocolate cake to the mouse (with gold leaf) was terrific.  The espresso martinis made the night.  The service was friendly and warm. I am thrilled such a great restaurant is in a hotel (Intercontinental at Cleveland Clinic) that will have visitors from around the world. I can’t wait to return when it is officially open, as we must have tried about 15 dishes and I think  I know what I want!. What I didn’t know is how the dishes will turn up on the regular menu-- as starters or entrees. Since the bar is huge, I think people will be able to come in and sample w/o a reservation. . …

 

From the Morning Journal:

 

83 Degrees (North) on Memphis Avenue is, sadly, out of business.  This was a former Taco Bell transformed into a colorful site for Caribbean and Puerto Rican fusion repasts, featuring delicious chorizo, Jamaican jerk preparations, and plantains.  It will be missed.

 

But a new place in North Olmsted hopes to warm you up in a big way.  Layalena, at 24101 Lorain Road, is a converted tanning salon that now serves food from the Middle East.  Expect helpings of hummus, kibbee, seven varieties of kebabs and spices.  Layalena is open for lunch and dinner Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to midnight, Sundays from noon to 10 pm, and Mondays through Thursdays from 11 am to 10 pm.  Phone 440-779-1770.

 

As for chef Parker Bosley, he's not taking retirement lying down.  In addition to helping promote independently owned Ohio farms and produce, the legendary chef will be an occasional guest instructor at Vermilion's Laurel Run Cooking School, 2600 North Ridge Road, where Marcia dePalma has been giving classes on cooking, food culture, and healthy lifestyle for a decade now.  You can call the school at 440-984-5727 or check out the full schedule at www.laurelruncookingschool.com

darn it, I heard 83 degrees was just closed to find a new location-in fact I think the owner wanted to add some late night music/dancing. I never made it there, but was always meaning to try it. When I finally did get around to it last summer, it was closed. 

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.

 

Does anyone know what is going on with Vincenza's on Prospect?  The entire sidewalk in front of the restaurant is blocked and covered with a tent. 

Does anyone know what is going on with Vincenza's on Prospect?  The entire sidewalk in front of the restaurant is blocked and covered with a tent. 

 

 

i stopped in today and asked them.  i was hoping that they were putting in a patio.  apparently it is just a vault/sidewalk project to fix the sidewalk area.  no patio in the future.  they didn't seem to happy about the work, so i don't know why it is being done (building owners i assume) and the crazy part is that the enclosure is very elaborate - they have sealed the whole area in plastic. 

That's a shame.  I was hoping for a patio when I saw the work underway.

As previously mentioned, College Station in Little Italy has closed but another business has already stepped in: Tea House Noodles from downtown

 

http://www.eatteahousenoodles.com/

 

They have a sign up saying coming soon, but I haven't walked by during work hours to see if anyone is doing any work on the inside.  From their web site, I would be willing to say they have a chance, but you never know with the high turnover in that spot.  Anyone from downtown go there for lunch?

Wow, that's great. I hope they can survive in this less-than-high-profile location.

"Anyone from downtown go there for lunch?"

 

At least once a week, and I think it should do well with the college kids.

 

Has anyone yet been to Wu's Shanghai on Rockwell, just east of the PD building?  The FreeTimes recently wrote it up and while their preparation of Chinese staples is very good, house specials are what really shine!  We've dined there (take-out) the last three Sundays (open till 8:30) and have had a chance to get to know the hostess who has subsequently introduced us to a number of Taiwanese dishes that are not on the menu, but are outstanding.

I highly recommend it - organic brown rice served with every meal!

http://www.wuscuisineshanghai.com

I am tortured that I cannot read what the spicy selections are. I like that they are open to going of the grid so to speak, that is often the best stuff.  Taiwanese is kind of spicy no?  I like Shanghanese soup dumplings. I wonder if they have those? 

wow, Teahouse Noodles is fantastic!  Even though this spot is a little out of the way for the Circle workforce (what, they couldn't afford the old Commodore space?), I think they should do quite well on Murray Hill.

Is this the first non-Italian-themed restaurant on Murray Hill?

Well College Station was there beforehand & it was far from Italian-themed...and being good...

 

And there is a new bar too on Murray Hill - what used to be 'the old man store' as known to students in the area, it is now Lounge Leo - between Cornell & Mayfield.  I walked in but haven't had anything yet.  Small, but relatively nice looking with couches & everything.  I'll report back...

If Lounge Leo is what I think it is (incredibly narrow storefront with large glass windows, kinda red interior), it's about the cutest bar I've seen in Cleveland. It's really tiny, and the fact that the windows are not frosted or tinted means that you're literally staring at bar patrons as you walk by, and they're staring back. Can't wait to check it out.

Well College Station was there beforehand & it was far from Italian-themed...and being good...

 

And there is a new bar too on Murray Hill - what used to be 'the old man store' as known to students in the area, it is now Lounge Leo - between Cornell & Mayfield.  I walked in but haven't had anything yet.  Small, but relatively nice looking with couches & everything.  I'll report back...

 

old man store, where saying you are 21 suffices!

2 QUESTIONS

 

 

1.does anyone have any info. on the fantasyone club/restaurant on e.9 across from winking lizard???

 

everytime i walk by i see no progress, and it would help bring a little more life to that part of of e.9???

 

2.when did cooperstown get switched. i was down there the weekend of the womens final 4 and i noticed. it kind of made me mad because cooperstown attracts people just because of it's name.

2 QUESTIONS

 

 

1.does anyone have any info. on the fantasyone club/restaurant on e.9 across from winking lizard???

 

everytime i walk by i see no progress, and it would help bring a little more life to that part of of e.9???

 

2.when did cooperstown get switched. i was down there the weekend of the womens final 4 and i noticed. it kind of made me mad because cooperstown attracts people just because of it's name.

 

I believe that Cooperstown got switched sometime last fall.

 

Phantasy One is no longer going to happen. That's been dead since last summer.

 

I did notice some work going on at the Bar One site on Superion near the Arcade. Maybe that one will finally open its doors soon.

is anyone going to take over phantasy one ?? because i tried looking in there and there seemed to be some work going on there

Unless its new work, they stopped mid-project last summer. I really looked like they had just walked off the job midday.

no new news on fantasy one.  ran out of money and couldn't get more financing was my understanding, so they literally stopped in the middle - with all the concrete cut for windows, metal studs installed, etc.  now just sitting.  the building has much more potential with the windows cut in, but i'm not really sure on the ownership of the building.  it has been vacant for a long time. 

 

cooperstown changed ownership in the fall or early 2007 i believe, but they just changed the signage and name in the past few weeks to home town local heros. 

 

i ate at table 45 this weekend (in intercontinental, old classics space).  i was quite impressed.  very different than classics in both food and atmosphere, but the prices were reasonable ($15-28 for main courses, apps and salads between $7-15). 

I ate at table 45 this weekend (in intercontinental, old classics space).  i was quite impressed.  very different than classics in both food and atmosphere, but the prices were reasonable ($15-28 for main courses, apps and salads between $7-15). 

 

table 45 is awesome.  It has a downtown young hip feeling in the middle of the clinic.

I was in town and at Cooperstown (Home Town Heros) the Saturday of the Final Four, to watch the Ohio State game, and we were puzzeled as to when this happened.  The bartender said they just officially changed names the day before. 

 

BTW, Heros and the other sports bars downtown were packed, mostly with hefty looking woman....

 

Also, had my birthday meal at Lola's.... Was a wonderful experience, everything was perfect.

From the Free Times today.....  About Velocity Grill (in my uncles cursed building)

 

If all goes as planned, Velocity American Bistro (10427 Clifton Blvd., 866.860.4766), the restaurant that suffered a debilitating fire last summer just weeks after it opened, should be back in business by the end of this month. The restaurant, which is run by chef Gregg Korney, opened to brisk business and positive reviews.

 

 

 

 

from the PD

 

Le Oui Oui Cafe, a French creperie in Ohio City that has changed hands several times, has been sold again. The new owners are Tom and Joy Harlor, of Take a Bite Market & Delicatessen in Tremont, who take possession Tuesday, April 17.

 

Cosmetic changes are in store for Le Oui Oui, which will remain open and a French bistro, but not exclusively a creperie.

 

More at cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com

From the Free Times today.....  About Velocity Grill (in my uncles cursed building)

 

If all goes as planned, Velocity American Bistro (10427 Clifton Blvd., 866.860.4766), the restaurant that suffered a debilitating fire last summer just weeks after it opened, should be back in business by the end of this month. The restaurant, which is run by chef Gregg Korney, opened to brisk business and positive reviews.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just drove by there yesterday morning and there is a huge help wanted sign in the window

^^ Yikes ... big changes at Le Oui Oui AND Take a Bite?! Kids menu at perhaps the gayest restaurant in Cleveland?! Where's my Xanax?!  :-o

^hey I am not for kids over running restaurants, but anything to make the neighborhood more diverse (in this case kids eating french food) I am all for. As long as they don't dumb down the grown up menu! Plus the hotdog factor will be mitigated by micro brews and booze.  Maybe gay couples can bring their kids there?

^Sure, let me bring my step-pugs, they love microbrews! :lol:

^ now thats an idea....a doggie cafe.

^Sure, let me bring my step-pugs, they love microbrews! :lol:

 

I thought you didn't want kids?  lol

UrbanClevelanders, help me out with some suggestions please.

 

My in-laws are in town to see my child again and we need a place to eat tonight. A pub was suggested. Does anyone have some good suggestions for non-pricey places in Tremont that serve alcohol?

 

Off the top of my head, I'm thinking of the Treehouse. Are there any places that have good views of the city or are unique in some way?

Edison's is a nice little place.  Inexpensive, good sandwiches/pizzas/bar food.  They may have live music going (I don't know their schedule), but they also have a back room that should be quiet enough for conversation.  They're just south of the Treehouse.

Would Treehouse be pretty loud at 6pm on a Friday?

Since tonight is Art Walk, most Tremont places will be busier than usual but I think 6pm is early enough to avoid the Mongol hordes. I like Treehouse, but it's more of a drinking pub than a food spot - and if you go, be very very careful if you order the Stoli-Doli (vodka martini garnished with a vodka-soaked pineapple).

 

My personal recommendations are either South Side http://www.southsidecleveland.com or Prosperity Social Club http://www.pluggedincleveland.com/restaurants/538+prosperity+social+club.html If you get at either around 6pm, you'll have about an hour or two of happy hour prices :-D

I have to second Prosperity Social Club all the way. Great atmosphere and pub food. I like Lincoln Park Pub  (may be too divey for in laws though, plus limited menu) and South Side (even though the food is good, I think people are too busy seeing and being seen on a Fri though...). It would be hard to beat Prosperity - they have happy hour food and drink specials too if you are going early.  Now I am wondering why I have not been in so long.

I'll say this much - Prosperity is what you would have if you took a blue-collar spot and added:

 

1. A cool art-deco bar with nifty lucite lights

2.  Good microbrews on tap

3. A lot of old-school signage (the old Zombie Club at West 3rd and St. Clair, spinning Strohs globes, an old menu board advertising "Sardines.... 15¢")

4. A jukebox with a great selection

5. An old-school bowling machine.

6. An eclectic crowd of hipsters, aged hipsters, blue-collars, bluehairs, etc.

7. Good, affordable food that's a comfy notch up from the usual deep-fried whatever.

Prosperity it is! Thank you very much!

Le Oui Oui is considered one of Cleveland's gayest restaurants? lol! I didn't think anyone considered that place anything, except myself!  I love that place!  If architecture/etc. falls through for me, I'm opening up a French patisserie/boulangerie!

I visited our inner ring burbs today for 2 different  meals. We were out in Cleveland Heights today around lunchtime so we went to Mr. Brisket for sandwiches. This is a longtime butcher who started selling sandwiches out of the shop in the last year.  it is located on S. Taylor just S. of Cedar. Long story short - BEST cornbeef (had a Reuben) and Romanian pastrami I've had in Cleveland. We compared the pastrami to Katz's in the Lower East Side in NYC...real close.  We had a nice talk with the owner his wife and staff-theres no seating so we stood at the counter and shot the breeze.  We  saw a chef from Table 45 come in to place an order...all a good sign. If you are in the heights I'd check it out!

 

2nd up was dinner with friends at the Buckeye Beer Engine in Lakewood. Ok yes I think I ate 4000 calories today, what's it to you? Anyway when I heard this place was opening a few months ago I was actually consumed with bitterness that this was out in the burbs and not in my backyard like many other great neighborhood places. I had mixed feelings about our experience. It was packed (Sat PM) and the service was very friendly but poor.  Every round was forgotten by who ever took the order and beer glasses went dry for a long time. We had a west side burger which was good and a schnitzel which was below average. Everything was real salty. The beer selection is great atmosphere is pretty much further west side Cleveland-draw your own conclusion. ( hint -loud 80's music and guys with ball caps and sports jerseys and well I am starting to sound catty).  I would definitely go again (maybe a weeknight or a happy hour), but spouse was giving a thumbs down since we have so many great places right in the area-why get in car and drive 6 miles? No matter-great addition to the micro brew scene and I am glad they are there. If I lived in Lakewood area-I'd be all over it.