April 19, 201213 yr On the Fast Track SoHo Kitchen celebrates Kentucky Derby Day by Douglas Trattner If there's a holiday somewhere, chances are that Clevelanders will celebrate it. Take Kentucky Derby Day. At SoHo Kitchen & Bar, plans for the big bash are already under way. "We're hoping to turn Derby Day into an annual thing," says chef-owner Nolan Konkoski. "We want it to be a big deal — a big party with free food, lots of booze, funny outfits, and the horse race." http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/on-the-fast-track/Content?oid=2949135 The Kentucky Derby is an excellent sporting event to celebrate. People get to pick a horse with a colorful name. Betting is outright encouraged. Mint juleps, flamboyant hats, singing My Old Kentucky Home, you only really have to pay attention for 15 minutes. It's a big deal in my family. I especially enjoy it because of my fond memories of my step brother's wedding. We told his then fiance over a year in advance that having their wedding on Derby Day was going to be a problem, and then her getting upset as we all stormed to the hotel bar during the reception. Thank God for video walls!
April 19, 201213 yr I've been to SOHO twice - and so wish them well. They are now 5 or so months in - so shoudl be humming... But sort of like the Hodge's thoughts above, they're not quite there yet... My takeaway is that the space is nice and they have really good, personable and attentive service - nice people/family spirit in running the place. But the food is simply lacking. No way around it. Food temp (including should-be-hot biscuits) way off on everything I've tried. Tepid. Not appealing. Very controlled portions on the (all $17) entrees - would prefer they charge more and give a more OR amp up the flavor/seasonings to give them a bolder presence - and add a more substantial side to entree. (Bar Cento, across the street, gives a $5 side with similarly priced entree vs extra at SOHO....) Was expecting/hoping for over-the-top Southern tastes - and these are way too understated for my tastes. With that said, the cocktails are super, that Edwards Bros ham is to die for (on the really good Fixins appetizer) and the sugary pecan pie I had is about the best ever.
April 20, 201213 yr ClevelandFoodie posted a rumor in last week that FlipSide - the Hudson/Easton/FEB burger place - might be opening in the old Joey's space in Chagrin Falls... Don't know that space is the one (likely is... but there are no fewer than 5 prime spots open in downtown Chagrin all of a sudden) -- but found the incorporation docs online for Chagrin Falls FlipSide LLC - so appears it's happening. Good news for this guy who lives 2 blocks away... http://www2.sos.state.oh.us/pls/bsqry/f?p=100:7:375136667774151::NO:7:P7_CHARTER_NUM:2093600
April 20, 201213 yr Black Dog Kitchen & Bar is starting work in the old Machu Pichu space. Here's a pic and facebook page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjames0408/7096893127/# http://www.facebook.com/BlackDogKitchenandBar
April 22, 201213 yr Went to Hodge's tonight... In short, no service issues and really, really good food all around - with lots of little twists to the food. Very pleasantly surprised... Can't wait to go back... Meals started with a quick amuse (loaded baked potato tater tots with chive sour cream dipping sauce...) - and the bread service is a nearly sugar cookie-like skillet cornbread... Wow! Ended with a memorably good "Fluffer Nutter" dessert - sort of a stuffed crunchy peanut butter & marshmallow French toast w/banana ice cream. In between were a meatabll appetizer, two uniqely tasty chopped salads (one entree, one side) and a good, if not very inspired, pork chop (which I would not get again...) Eager if not polished server - but surely competent. Several manager stops at table - with genuine, not fake, interaction. Only hitches were 3 - count 'em - 3 items they "86d" during our meal - a beer, an appetizer and a side.. - No fun when they run out of that many things you've ordered/want... Also, on this mostly full Saturday night, my wife and I were seated in what looks like an overflow room towards the Prospect side of restaurant (though it did have glass atrium ceiling that added some atmosphere). Felt a little dead until some more groups filled it. Ended up being OK - but was much more tame than the rest of restaurant - a bit dark - and would always request the main space or balcony overlooking bar when I go again. Note: $7 valet parking inches from their not-as-far-off-Euclid-as-I'd-feared front door... I'll use it next time...
April 22, 201213 yr Black Dog Kitchen & Bar is starting work in the old Machu Pichu space. Here's a pic and facebook page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjames0408/7096893127/# http://www.facebook.com/BlackDogKitchenandBar a shame mp couldnt make a go of it, they tried sigh -- anyway, sounds like bd is a better fit for that interesting and tucked away in plain sight space. as long as they have a good bar the menu looks fine -- tacos and salads and more. a perfect example of a downtown lunch, after work and late night business. not sure if bd will have it, but when all these real neighborhoody types of places offer regular weekend brunch we'll know downtown residential has arrived!
April 22, 201213 yr Ken Stewart's will be making a venture into the Cleveland market with a similar in style Ken Stewart's Grille as an anchor in the Flats Aloft project. I also heard that Chris DiLisi, who left Flour a little while back, will be opening a sandwich shop concept there. Not sure if it is moving forward though. couple pieces already posted in building development: Market Garden Brewery's Sam McNulty to take over Garage Bar on West 25th Street in Cleveland Published: Friday, April 20, 2012, 3:11 PM Updated: Saturday, April 21, 2012, 3:41 AM Sam McNulty, operator of Market Garden Brewery, Bier Markt and Bar Cento in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood has signed a lease on the former Garage Bar, 1859 West 25th St. The entrepreneurial restaurateur intends to build on the success he and his partners, including brewmaster Andy Tveekrem, have achieved in Market Garden's full-scale brewing facilities. http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/04/market_garden_brewerys_sam_mcn.html Mike Nowak Snags Dragonfly, Reveals Plans for New Restaurant Posted by Douglas Trattner on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 at 3:30 PM Chef Mike Nowak, along with his wife Karrie, will open Black Pig (1865 W. 25th St.) by early summer. The chef, who since 2007 has been at Bar Cento and later Market Garden Brewery, has been looking for a space of his own for a couple years, he says. That search has taken him to Tremont, Duck Island, Detroit Shoreway, and Lakewood. But ultimately, he landed right down the block. http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/04/20/mike-nowak-snags-dragonfly-reveals-plans-for-new-restaurant
April 25, 201213 yr Shame that Noodlecat has to reside in a space with one of those mandatory way-too-big refrigerated cases like every other food vendor at the WSM - rather than being allowed to create its own restaurant space, use it's own sign/logo, etc... That's one WSM issue I've got. Restaurants and other business should be allowed to add their own personality, counters, seating, etc.. that are more conducive to the type of business they do. They don't need huge display cases taking up space, making it hard to see over, order, etc... Reading Terminal Market in Philly gets it right...
April 25, 201213 yr ^I definitely see your point, but part of me kind of likes the retro-utilitarian-municipal look of the forced uniformity. That strictness probably also prevents a large evolution of the market into more of a giant food court, which would kill off a lot of the city's remaining ethnic butchers. Might be good to see some kind of compromise though, maybe reconfiguring one area of the market or something to allow for bar stools and bar dining.
April 25, 201213 yr I hate when prepared food stands open in the market spaces. Each one changes the character of the market a little bit, turning it away from what gives the market its earthy charm. Except for the brat stands, those can stay.
April 25, 201213 yr I was hoping that Noodlecat was opening in one of the restaurant(ish) / snack areas. Im also not a fan of more grocers turning into restaurants.
April 25, 201213 yr ^I definitely see your point, but part of me kind of likes the retro-utilitarian-municipal look of the forced uniformity. That strictness probably also prevents a large evolution of the market into more of a giant food court, which would kill off a lot of the city's remaining ethnic butchers. Might be good to see some kind of compromise though, maybe reconfiguring one area of the market or something to allow for bar stools and bar dining. I agree. As much as I like Reading Terminal, I wouldnt compare it to the West Side Market at all. Its so random and un-uniform, almost reminds me of a flea market, which is fine for there, but I wouldnt want to see the WSM that way though... Also agree with Bumsquare.
April 25, 201213 yr with regards to WSM - I'm on the other side of fence.. I like the Farmer's Market LA, REading TErminal Mkt, etc.. I'd prefer more spots to actually eat - since there are already of dozens and dozens and dozens of places to buy raw/fresh... I think those places would only add character, for the better. This isn't 1912 anymore... If it means carving out a space and having some restauratns/counters, so be it..
April 25, 201213 yr with regards to WSM - I'm on the other side of fence.. I like the Farmer's Market LA, REading TErminal Mkt, etc.. I'd prefer more spots to actually eat - since there are already of dozens and dozens and dozens of places to buy raw/fresh... I think those places would only add character, for the better. This isn't 1912 anymore... If it means carving out a space and having some restauratns/counters, so be it.. I'll say it. The Market should expand. It's getting too crowded. (ready to dodge a barrage of spoiled fruit).
April 25, 201213 yr I'll step in the line of that spoiled fruit and say that we should take one teeny-tiny section of surface parking and convert it into mixed-use new construction. Fronting either W. 24th Pl or W 24th St, between the market and the Ohio City Farm, you could really start to densify one of the most glaringly large surface lots in any of the city's up-and-coming neighborhoods. And because the buildings on West 25th aren't all that tall, you could preserve form at a 3- or 4-story effort. Ground-level cafe, grocers, etc., second floor office, one or two floors of apartments. It's a relatively short block (roughly the same linear feet as one side of the Uptown development) ... Judging from the costs of Uptown and Campus Village, I'm guessing you're looking at $15 million, presumably with the city already owning the land? And then that can fit into a larger 20-year plan for incrementally building out most of the West Side Market surface lot and building out Market Ave across the surface lots between 26th and 28th and filling in the gaps along 25th south of Lorain. A boy can dream :)
April 27, 201213 yr I had a chance to try Gutherie's at Steelyard Commons (it replaced the Starbucks next to Chipotle). I now understand why I have never heard of Gutherie's; the level of flavoring makes KFC look bold and exotic. Unseasoned chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, and cole slaw from a 5 gallon bucket for $6? No thanks.
April 27, 201213 yr A dumpster and workers were outside the former Melange location at La Place in Beachwood today... First activity I've seen since restaurant closed at end of year. The owners who closed it - and who'd let liquor license lapse - originally said they were going to think about a new spot - maybe diner-like. I certainly doubt it - hope it's either another operator - or retail (Hey Tiffany - think about the visibility of this location - perfect size!) - but will hopefully be fun to see... Goes unsaid, if anybody knows anything...
April 27, 201213 yr Only worked a half day today so after leaving Uinversity Circle I was able to try a sandwich and slaw at the Cleveland Pickle. Very good! Will return gladly.
April 27, 201213 yr Have been meaning to get up there all week but it's been a bad work week and no go. Thanks for the report.
April 28, 201213 yr I had a chance to try Gutherie's at Steelyard Commons (it replaced the Starbucks next to Chipotle). I now understand why I have never heard of Gutherie's; the level of flavoring makes KFC look bold and exotic. Unseasoned chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, and cole slaw from a 5 gallon bucket for $6? No thanks. I STRONGLY disagree with this.. I went to Guthrie's - twice now, to make sure it wasn't a spoof- and I thought it was AMAZING. The Guthrie sauce and the honey mustard are some of the best sauces I've ever had. The chicken itself is very good, the breading is great. The crinkle cut fries taste like actual fries, not like fast food fries. Guthrie's is amazing and I'm glad it is finally in Cleveland.
April 28, 201213 yr ^ I have to agree to disagree then; their 'sauce' was merely fry sauce with coarsely ground pepper added and the honey mustard tasted nearly as good as the stuff they sell in the salad in a bag section of a grocery store. When I went there on a Tuesday at 1:30 pm, there were four people in Gutherie's. Chipotle was fully seated and had 30 people in line. What makes me mad is I had never heard of Gutherie's before and I was somewhat looking forward to it beforehand.
April 29, 201213 yr The BottleHouse in Cleveland Heights finally opens next week...can't wait to try some of their brews! http://thebottlehousebrewingcompany.com/
April 30, 201213 yr Work seems to be progressing at a good pace at the downtown Potbelly. It appears drywalling is done, there were several shades of paint samples (blue) on the wall and tile was getting rolled in off the truck as I walked by :)
May 2, 201213 yr Mcnultys on Coventry closed for good this weekend. According to their twitter it was not due to money, they decided to not renew the lease. Sam is putting all his chips on w. 25th for real now.
May 2, 201213 yr Was that actually affiliated with Sam? I was never sure, but I actually thought it may not have been.
May 2, 201213 yr You seems to be right. Some strategic googling led me to find the owner as of 2010 is shawn heineman who's wife is nika McNulty, who's is probably related to Sam.
May 3, 201213 yr Chardon BrewWorks undergoes makeover Chardon BrewWorks & Eatery in Chardon has received a substantial makeover. The brewpub has added a 36-foot bar to the main floor. Previously, the main floor was reserved for dining and a small bar was located on a loft in the back of the restaurant. Owners Mike and Donna Nedrow worked with Chardon Tomorrow to design and build the bar. Also new are embossed plaques featuring some of the regular patrons. "From the time I took possession of the space at 205 Main Street, I have envisioned a bar on the main floor," owner and brewmaster Mike Nedrow said in a prepared statement. "I felt it was absolutely essential to our existance as a brewpub to have a bar on display, front and center. It has totally changed the feel of the space from restaurant into brewpub just as I had planned." http://the330.com/uncategorized/chardon-brewworks-undergoes-makeover/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+the330+%28The330+Main+Feed%29
May 3, 201213 yr there need to be about three more bars on the square. The new restaurants there seem to be pretty successful. I don't think people knew what they were missing until some good eats got there.
May 4, 201213 yr I drove past the tilted kilt on Wednesday, and wow it was packed. But I was shocked with how trashy it was. The girls were dressed in worse outfits than hooters. I cannot believe this is what tourists going to the casino will be looking at as they enter or exit the casino. You couldn’t put a more classLESS restaurant/bar near the casino than this. I am embarrassed that out of towers will be subjected to this as one of the first restaurants that they will see when visiting the casino. You want to put this out in the suburbs, fine. But don’t put it where your trying to make a good impression of first time visitors coming to an above average casino. I am a 23 year old guy and I enjoy pretty girls but honestly, I would not want to eat here. While all the girls had big chests they were not exactly model material. I have a feeling I would lose my appetite Does no one value class anymore?
May 4, 201213 yr ^I've heard the same comments from someone I know that went on opening day for lunch. He was shocked at how little they were wearing and he's a 26 year old guy. In all honesty though, it's unrealistic to not expect at least one of these types of places be open downtown. We'll just have to deal with it, but it's really a shame that this is what displaced a really well respected and established restaurant.
May 4, 201213 yr Yes Houlihan's isn't local. The TK fits right in that's probably why they are there. Sure won't see any of that at the casino? See video: http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/04/horseshoe_casino_unveils_the_s.html
May 4, 201213 yr Well concerning that girl in the pic on the cleveland.com article is most likely a cocktail server. Not really someone who will be in the buffet area.
May 4, 201213 yr ...and in other beer news Indigo Imp opens tasting room Indigo Imp Brewery in Cleveland has opened a tasting room. Owner and brewer Matt Chappel built a small wooden bar with four seats. There’s also a small couch area. The tasting room is open from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fridays only. If there’s more demand, the hours and days may expand, Chappel said. You can sample all of the Indigo Imp beers and also special cask ales. Indigo Imp plans to have two casks available all the time. It’s definitely interesting to sample the regular beer and then the cask version side by side. "We’re excited to serve cask beer," Chappel said. http://the330.com/uncategorized/indigo-imp-opens-tasting-room/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+the330+%28The330+Main+Feed%29
May 4, 201213 yr This was moved from the casino thread. As you will note, certain messages were deleted from it. If you have a problem with someone's action, take it up with them via PM or report it to a moderator. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 4, 201213 yr I've been to the tilted kilt in columbus and the one in belden village a couple of times. I cannot recall those areas raising a ruckus in puritanical Ohio about the lack of clothing. Since it is a new location they over-hire and also bring girls in from the Canton location until things calm down. If the employees are not offended neither am I. Since the OP drove by and didn't go in how does he know it was classless? The girls that i have talked have really sweet personalities. They aren't trying to hustle you for something. I will not have a problem taking a date there and/or out of town friends. I really don't get the ambivalence. I recall seeing a tilted kilt on the free shuttle in downtown Denver too. I wonder if people howled out there about it when they opened.
May 5, 201213 yr I stopped in to TK last weekend. It's a bar with a Shtick; but just a bar, and a rather large one, at that. I miss Fat Fish Blue, and TK is a step down imho, but it was packed and that's a good thing to see... As for the outfits, I'm not bent out of shape about them; yes, it's a T&A joint much like Hooters... I guess if you want to take away something, it's that the male waiters/bartenders have got to wear the ridiculous-looking kilts as well; so it's a bit of an equal-opportunity demean-er on some level, unlike Hooters --- NOTE: no offense meant to the proud Scottish culture where kilt wearing is a tradition, but clearly this joint, an American bar, has no real connection with Scottish culture and is only paying homage to the American tradition of providing horny, sports-addicted, beer-swilling men scantily-clad, pretty girls to look at... I do like that the joint has flat screens all over the place; even over the urinals in the men's room; pretty cool.
May 8, 201213 yr Sorry I couldnt resist snapping a couple pics of this...Everyone remember Captain Chicken where scenes for the movie "Fun Size" were filmed last summer (on Euclid Ave near CCF)? The empty space is finally getting filled...
May 9, 201213 yr Whoa, very cool improvement! Anyone know what's happening with the Burger King a couple blocks closer to the Clinic?? It seems to be under construction/renovation right now too.
May 9, 201213 yr Whoa, very cool improvement! Anyone know what's happening with the Burger King a couple blocks closer to the Clinic?? It seems to be under construction/renovation right now too. I saw that too. Probably just updating it.
May 9, 201213 yr Looks like a "Burgers-n-Beer" is moving into the old Coventry McNulty's space in Cleveland Heights. Not going to lie, I'm kind of going to miss McNulty's even though there was nothing particularly special about the place and I haven't been there in a few years...just had some good times there in my early post-college years back here in Cleveland. http://clevelandheights.patch.com/articles/mcnulty-s-moves-out-burgers-n-beer-to-move-in
May 9, 201213 yr It was a good place for college debauchery. I used to get those massive dollar pizza slices there until they upped the price.
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