To all of you "mature" UO members, can you describe the Cleveland food scene 10+/- years ago b/c it seems like the past 5 years have seen a huge increase in the diversity/selection of restaurants in the city!  Thanks!

 

I don't like the fact that I qualify for this description, but I can tell you that the biggest difference (to me) is that you could find some great food 10+ years ago. But I usually found it at bars. You know -- the little neighborhood joint run by the ethnic family that had been there for 50-75-100 years and served fantastic food.

 

Melt in Lakewood is along the same lines. Tick Tock Tavern is like that but they've slipped lately.

Esquire magazine called three Cleveland sandwiches "Best Sandwiches in America" (Trailer Park Monte Cristo at Beachland Ballroom, Corned Beef at Slyman's and Polish Boy at Freddie's Rib House). Not bad!

http://www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/sandwiches

 

Ok, so I went back to Freddie's today and got the Polish boy.  Just my opinion of course but this is not something I'd go back for and definitely what I'd consider one of the best sandwiches in Cleveland. 

 

For those who haven't been, it's really a tiny, dirty hole in the wall type of place with a broken TV and a few dog-eared booths, but mostly the (few) people who came in ordered take-out.  I had hoped the atmosphere had improved since I was there last since it was several years ago, but it hasn't.

 

The sausage itself wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, but the sauce on it so covered everything that the bread was drenched before you even opened it.  Cole slaw was not really discernible other than seeing some tiny bits of it, and I didn't care for the sauce.  The french fries were hard and not very fresh.  Very, very sloppy with a smell that's hard to get off of your hands.  Interesting for a culinary experiment, but not a place I'd return to.

Hilarious. Ever thought about going into food critiquing? :)

I write reviews (along with other rants) on my blog.  PM me if you want the address.

Well it seems to be the cool thing to do these days, so I hit the Tremont Tap House last night with about 8 friends. Who would've thought there'd be two other large groups taking up all the tables in back on a Sunday evening? It wasn't a problem though, we just congregated around the bar for about an hour until one of the groups left. I kind of feel like the grinch for saying this but I guess I'm a stickler for good service and thought it was a bit lacking (maybe because it was Sunday?). The owner was tending bar and he was fairly slow (but a nice guy). There was another guy there that got a little weird when we switched to the tables; it wasn't a huge deal but enough for us to pause and say "wtf was that about?". They were out at least 2 beer selections we tried to make, which I guess speaks to their success.  Finally a couple people not familiar with the area had trouble finding it due to lack of a sign (I think there's a slow scrolling LED sign out front, hmm). But these were all minor details and everyone was really happy with the food, beer and space. It will definitely go on the rotation list for us.

 

well I hope you shared your concerns with the owner.

my guess with Freddie's is the people that go in are seriously wasted. Then it taste a lot better. did they have any other items of interest?

I don't even think it would be a place you'd want to go wasted.  You guys go and see for yourself.  Given that this is my 3rd trip there and I've not enjoyed anything about any of those visits, it will be my last.  But to each his own. 

 

They did have an interesting menu and 2 newbies came in while we were there eating. They were "out" of almost everything the guy asked about.  But the menu listed a variety of things from pork shoulder to greens (out) to mac & cheese (out) to pigs feet (not sure if they were out, he didn't ask about those).

Need a Few suggestions for a non-pretentious place somewhere near downtown but not downtown. (i.e. Ohio City, Tremont, etc.), but withing a quick hop and skip from downtown.

 

You don't need to give a write-up, just say, "Restaurant X" is good for lunch. Total Individual Bill goal <$20-25

 

Also, I'm going on a Monday, so don't know if that affects any recommendations.

I'd say Fat Cats in Tremont: http://www.coolplacestoeat.com/fatcats.html

 

or The South Side in Tremont: http://www.southsidecleveland.com

Leolai bakery, W 25th.  Cuban sandwich and macaroon = best in town.  Cost?  Less than $9.

 

I also really like the sandwiches at La Bodega on Jefferson in Tremont.

 

Both places informal and inexpensive.  For a little more upscale, I 2nd the rec. for Fat Cat's.

I love South Side's website.

 

For a less expensive meal at a place that's still very nice...Snicker's has some great sandwiches under $10.

Wasn't sure where to post this, so ...

 

Table 45, Zach Bruell, Michael Symon and Momocho in the spotlight

by Joe Crea / The Plain Dealer

Tuesday February 19, 2008, 7:27 PM

 

Once again the national spotlight is shining on area eateries. Two Cleveland restaurants are on the preliminary list of nominees for James Beard Foundation Awards, and Momocho restaurant has earned a nice nod in a major food magazine.

 

Table 45, the fine dining destination at the InterContinental Hotel and Conference Center Cleveland, and Lola Bistro are each up for Beard Foundation's prestigious restaurant and chef awards in two categories.

 

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

I really don't think they should have done an article on this, but that's just my opinion.  The "preview"/preliminary list is NOT the james beard award nominees list and someone could get cut in the next step of the process.  I know it's briefly mentioned in the article but the whole of the article sounds like those places named ARE nominees, when they're really not officially nominees yet, they're just under consideration to be nominated.  Obviously I hope all the contenders in Cleveland become formal nominees and then go on to win in their categories, but I think the article is misleading.

rockandroller, beat me too it.

 

However, I'm glad Table 45, (my current favorite) is getting some love.

Momocho looks like an amazing place. I'll have to check it out sometime.

 

I just had lunch and I'm hungry again.

^ Be sure to get a michelada style beer. I think that's what it's called. Kind of like a bloody mary with beer. <3

^ Be sure to get a michelada style beer. I think that's what it's called. Kind of like a bloody mary with beer. <3

 

I wonder if this drink is endorsed by Mother Jefferson?

^ Be sure to get a michelada style beer. I think that's what it's called. Kind of like a bloody mary with beer. <3

 

But for the love of god, don't buy the prepackaged stuff currently in stores from Budweiser.

 

http://benelling.wordpress.com/2008/02/03/chelada/

^ Be sure to get a michelada style beer. I think that's what it's called. Kind of like a bloody mary with beer. <3

 

But for the love of god, don't buy the prepackaged stuff currently in stores from Budweiser.

 

http://benelling.wordpress.com/2008/02/03/chelada/

 

Pope what is up with that blog??  "stuff that white people like"??  that blog is mad ill.

One of these days, you'll find the PM button.......

my guess with Freddie's is the people that go in are seriously wasted. Then it taste a lot better. did they have any other items of interest?

 

The best Polish Boys ever belonged to Coventry Beverage and Pizza, before it made way for the (admittedly much needed) parking deck there.

 

As long as one didn't get the cole slaw, that was.  We got them on my floor at Case one time, mine was the only one without cole slaw and I was the only person who didn't get sick.

As far as Little Italy restaurants go, I ate at Guarino's the other day and loved it.  If you like pasta (as I do), there's is IMO the best on Mayfield Rd.  I also like the atmosphere and it's reasonably priced, which cannot be said for many of the restaurants there.

Has anyone tried Gentile's bakery on Broadview Road in Old Brooklyn? 

 

I've heard some great things about it, but because of the hours, haven't been able to make it over there after work.  I heard that it makes desserts for a lot of local restaurants, including Great Lakes Brewing Company.

Stopped in at Saigon on East 4th for some take-out.

 

The good:

1. Beautiful space

 

2. The food is fricking deeelish! (The Pho tái nam - beef and brisket noodle soup):

 

3. Food came out within 5 minutes.

 

The not bad, but just a suggestion:

Offer a half-order of limited styles of pho with a spring roll for a lunch option for $7-$8. As it is, the pho is in one undertow-included size for $9.00 and most apps are $5.00. It's a LOT of pho for one person and though tasty and well worth it - I can get a lunch express at Lola for $2.00 more. Entree prices for most other items (vermicelli, etc.) are $10.00 or less. :-)

Has anyone tried Gentile's bakery on Broadview Road in Old Brooklyn? 

 

I've heard some great things about it, but because of the hours, haven't been able to make it over there after work.  I heard that it makes desserts for a lot of local restaurants, including Great Lakes Brewing Company.

 

My father in law loves that place and often gets desserts and baked good from them.  It is really good stuff.  Great cakes.  There is an Italian place next door (not sure if its owned by the same people or not) that is also very good.  We got a tray of lasagna from there for a party...probably one of the best lasagnas I've ever had. 

 

Both are definitely worth a try.

I'd say Fat Cats in Tremont: http://www.coolplacestoeat.com/fatcats.html

 

or The South Side in Tremont: http://www.southsidecleveland.com

 

Ended up at fat cats, very pleased with the service, price, atmosphere and food. Yum to my burger.

The not bad, but just a suggestion:

Offer a half-order of limited styles of pho with a spring roll for a lunch option for $7-$8. As it is, the pho is in one undertow-included size for $9.00 and most apps are $5.00. It's a LOT of pho for one person and though tasty and well worth it - I can get a lunch express at Lola for $2.00 more. Entree prices for most other items (vermicelli, etc.) are $10.00 or less. :-)

 

their prices at the other location are somewhat less and offer 2 sizes - small and large.  was this menu significantly different than the other location?

It looked pretty standardized (same prices for lunch and dinner) - so it might make for a pricier lunch (see above) but a perfectly reasonable dinner. 

Mayday,

 

Blinker and I just missed you. We stopped in today to look at the menu sometime in the noon hour.

Looks really nice and yummy! 

Looks like a big space from the photo- is it?

For anyone interested I scanned and uploaded a Saigon menu (I'm really bored this afternoon).

 

You can download the PDF file HERE

Thanks Jax.

Looks like a big space from the photo- is it?

 

I don't think so - I was sitting in the front window area in the southwestern corner, so you have an idea of how wide it is. I'm not sure how far back it goes but it didn't seem too large, which is fine because it's a nice cozy spot that won't look empty if only a handful of tables are occupied.

^Gotcha, thanks.  I like cozy- this place sounds awesome.  It's great to see some of the category holes in downtown dining start filling in; I'm sure the residents sure enjoy it too.

I am thrilled about having Saigon DT. I think it is fine the lunch and dinner prices are the same. It is not out of range for a DT lunch in a well appointed place. As far as dinner--it is bargain. And it will help it succeed until the population is greater.  Water Street only fills that hole so much. Most people around here are always looking for a nice affordable carry out or quick bite. 

OK, with a lot of news in various threads about crappy restaurant service, I wanted to throw this out there.  Last night I went to SAIGON as a party of 6 before heading out to catch wicked.  The restaurant was not packed but probably a solid half full (which is pretty d*mn good seeing as it was a Tuesday night with a "wicked" ice storm going on outside).  Our reservations were for 6:30 but I was the only one there at that time.  Due to the weather the rest of the people couldn't get there until just after 7.  I mentioned to the staff that I knew there probably wasn't much that could be done but that we were trying to make a show that started in less than an hour.  In addition to the food being outrageously good (I had the Bun Ga - rice vermacelli with grilled chicken), these people had drinks, appatizers, and entrees out to us within 10 minutes.  We were out of the restaurant start to finish in a half hour.  Even the manager (possibly owner) was helping out.  It was a herculean effort... and in addtion to earning a pretty obnoxious tip, I am emploring everyone to check this place out because the food and staff are fantastic.

 

PS... I just went over their new signage in design review, it is hitting landmarks next Thursday... and it is pretty top notch, just like the restaurant.

mc, that's great to hear. Thanks for the report.

 

PS... I just went over their new signage in design review, it is hitting landmarks next Thursday... and it is pretty top notch, just like the restaurant.

 

Hmm, now E.4 restaurants are deciding to go through design review. I heard that Zocalo and Maron skipped that step.

I agree with McCleveland -- I had a fantastic experience last week at Saigon both service and damn tastiness perspectives.

 

Oh and it was my first experience with bubble tea. Holy crap, does anywhere else have this stuff? I'm addicted already and have been researching the various flavors. Supposedly "red bean" is fantastic (no joke) but they don't have it. I'll just have to slug my way through all their others I guess.

they have it at their other locations but I'm not sure if anyone else in town has it.

I saw a write up (I think sometime last year) about a place in China Town that has it, but I cant remember the name.  I think it was a rather young guy that had opened it though. 

Siam Cafe has bubble tea, as does Koko Bakery.

Mint Cafe has it.

This isnt the article I saw but mentions some places in China Town that have it.

 

http://www.greatabout.net/specific.html?rowid=3

Siam Cafe has bubble tea, as does Koko Bakery.

 

Koko Bakery has the best bubble tea ever! Run, don't walk (drive if you must). Payne and E. 37th.

Favorite flavors: Thai Tea, Papaya, Watermelon; or Kumquat if you want something non-milky

Stopped in at Saigon again - went with the crisy rolls w/vermicelli - deeee-lish! I spoke with the host and suggested smaller sizes of soup for lunch and he said they've been getting a lot of input along those lines and it'll be part of their upcoming meeting :-)

Does anyone know what the deal is with Royal Saffron, the Indian restaurant on E. 9th just south of Euclid? It never looks open, yet all the tables inside are set as if they are still doing business.

 

I know about, and love, the Indian place inside Colonial Marketplace but had been wanting to try Royal Saffron sometime.

^Royal Saffron has been closed for quite some time...