Saffron's been closed a loooong time. I think it was one of those overnight "see ya!" things - like the Diamondback/Waterhouse Grill next to Boneyard.

I had Royal Saffron for dinner once before they went dark. It was actually quite good, I'd be really happy if they ever came back.

Saffron's been closed a loooong time. I think it was one of those overnight "see ya!" things - like the Diamondback/Waterhouse Grill next to Boneyard.

 

And the Orange Julius in Tower city!

Does anyone know if Saigon has a website? I cannot even find a number. I am wondering if they are open Sunday afternoons.I would hate to see the Tower City food court be my only dining option before a film.  My computer won't let let me open the pdf Jax posted

No site that I know of - found a number though: 216-344-2020

I have their menu here, and it says 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. on Sundays.

I will hit them this week sometime as we have 3 more films to see for the fest. We made the mistake of going to Zolcolo  (sp?) again. If you sit at the bar  and order a speciality (not premixed)  margarita, they are passable if  not pretty good. Despite the service complaints of others, once again the service was just fine for us (same Bartender as other visit), but the food well below average. It like a Chi Chi's.  I just can't give them another pass. Drinks, chips and salsa only if I ever go again.

Not sure of their hours, but if you're looking just to grab a bite to eat with drinks, I have to say I've had good luck with Wonder Bar - food was decent to really good (and not pricey if you split a bunch of apps), and service was fine (not amazing, but certainly good enough I'd go back).

I will hit them this week sometime as we have 3 more films to see for the fest. We made the mistake of going to Zolcolo  (sp?) again. If you sit at the bar  and order a speciality (not premixed)  margarita, they are passable if  not pretty good. Despite the service complaints of others, once again the service was just fine for us (same Bartender as other visit), but the food well below average. It like a Chi Chi's.  I just can't give them another pass. Drinks, chips and salsa only if I ever go again.

 

It's kind of a bummer that the mexican option on E 4th is a corporate formula place instead of the product of a local entrepreneur- not just for the sake of localism, but for quality too.  Would have been nice to see a swanker branch of Luchitas or something.  I think that's why Saigan has me more excited than most places on E4th.  Upscale corporate fomula mexican can be good (NYC is full of them), but man can it be bad.

^ I know, the corporate places around there ie Fat Fish Blue etc are not the greatest we have to offer. My guess is the rent is big $ around there, so it is harder for the independents.

Fat Fish Blue is a Cleveland Independent (born and bred).  But Hullihans is a corporate place.

FFF-seriously? I really thought they were. I have no idea why. Maybe it is so themey.

It started out in the Warehouse District, I believe where Liquid is. 

It does have corporate feel to it though, and they did open an outpost in Cincinatti that I believe didnt make it.

I hadn't heard that Zocalo's was a chain either, though I could be wrong.

I do not think it is a chain, but corporate owned. Corporate owned places often end up looking and feeling chain like- meaning I feel like a sheep in one.

^Exactly (see below).  Nothing wrong with a bunch of white Californian men in suits, but not sure they can be trusted to turn out the best Mexican food in Cleveland.  Even if they include a "nationally recognized expert in Mexican concepts and cuisine".

 

"Zocalo Cantina, another new dining concept to call East 4th Street home, brings a wide variety of tequilas and pan-Mexican fare, including guacamole made table side. Zocalo, which translates to “town square,” will occupy approximately 4,500 square feet in the historic Graves Building. Mike Auger of Los Angeles-based Trifecta Management Group and his partners will develop this concept. Mr. Auger will serve as lead on this project and is a nationally recognized expert in Mexican concepts and cuisine."

 

From www.east4thstreet.com/media/assets/MRN_New_Restaurants_2006.pdf

Generally the problem with chains and corporate owned places is that there is someone out there who basically does nothing (OK maybe the put some money up  :wink: ), that wants a cut of the profits. So they cut corners in quality somewhere. Unlike the independent where the owner probably works there everyday. Plus they they are our friends and neighbors, we see them at the market, on the street etc. They have accountability, credibility and most important the need for self respect. So we all benefit.  In this case the suits in California are not putting their profits back into OH-they are spending money on whatever people do in Calif- I don't know, Botox, fossil fuels?  Who knows. It's not after work drinks at the Happy Dog, I know that.

Just an fyi - and I imagine those who are eligible already know but Saigon offers a 15% discount to those living on East 4th - you MUST have the official "East 4th" card, though.

Just stopped at Indies in the Colonial Arcade - mint split-pea soup: sounded odd, LOOKS odd, but it's oh so good! :-)

Jimmy Daddona's in Solon is delicious, as is their new restaurant in Westlake, Daddona's. HUGE portions of the most delicious Italian food you will ever have. Sorry if this was only for downtown restaurants... these are both in the area.  Another great Italian place is Mama Santa's.

 

A note about Tommy's: I do find their food bland, but their milkshakes redeem all their other faults. Delicious.  :-D

Sorry if this was only for downtown restaurants... these are both in the area.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Cleveland does not equal downtown.

 

And if you're talking about good italian food, you really didn't hit the tip of the iceburg when it comes to the best food in Cleveland.  Personally, I would rank Mama Santa's about 7th or 8th best in Little Italy alone (and that's mostly because of their affordibility).  My top 6 for Little Italy:

 

1)  Angelo's Nido Italia (huge portions, best marsala/seafood/and steaks in the neighborhood)

2)  Gusto! (a little pricy, but worth it)

3)  Valerio's (most sicilian style)

4)  Il Bacio (also, extremely sicilian)

5)  La Dolce Vita (most people's favorite, Terry Tarantino's place)

6)  Michaelangelo's (off the beaten path, but good all around)

 

Jimmy Daddona's in Solon is good stuff.  Didn't know that they opened one up in Westlake.

^Yep.  After 18 years in Solon they opened up a second location in Westlake at the intersection of Crocker and Center Ridge Rd.  Just called "Daddona's" not "Jimmy Daddona's", but same menu.

 

Jimmy Dadonna's ranks up there with Olive Garden in my book.  WAY too much garlic (and I love garlic) in their red sauce.  The salad dressing was not very good.  The restaurant itself is about as bland as it gets, and in an even more bland location.

 

MurrayHill, I agree with some of your assessments, except I would have Guarino's up there.  I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have ever eaten there, their sauce is second to none, and the price is right.  Also, Valerio's is excellent, but not Sicilian-style.  It's mostly northern Italian cuisine.  Also, did you see at Valerio's La Gelateria they are making stone-oven pizzas now?

Although it's about bars...fits well enough. From the PD:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Cleveland's best 5 bars -- from an out-of-towner's point of view: After Dark

by John Petkovic, Plain Dealer Reporter

Wednesday April 16, 2008, 2:36 PM

 

Sometimes you need an out-of-towner to remind you of how great you have it in town. A friend of mine from Chicago -- let's call him Lee, since that's his name -- came to Cleveland last weekend for a whirlwind tour. You know: Tribe game, Cavs game, West Side Market.

 

More at

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2008/04/after_dark_outoftowner_d.html

Nice article!

 

The Happy Dog sounds ...um interesting.  I've never been there.

that's odd no places in Crocker park make the list? I am suer they will get complaints for doing just city places.  I adore Steves. It really is like that late at night-and not much different during the day. I was watching an old episode of the Drew Carey show and they had the real counter lady in the opener. She still works there and is amazing.

Nice article!

 

The Happy Dog sounds ...um interesting.  I've never been there.

 

Oddly enough, I just went to the Happy Dog on April 15 for the first time. Very impressed. It is my new favorite. 

I think John Pet is right on here. Happy Dog, Prosperity and Beachland especially.

 

So many other places he could've added too.

that's odd no places in Crocker park make the list? I am suer they will get complaints for doing just city places.  I adore Steves. It really is like that late at night-and not much different during the day. I was watching an old episode of the Drew Carey show and they had the real counter lady in the opener. She still works there and is amazing.

 

I would hope that it's common knowledge that when people come into town from elsewhere, it's the city, not the suburbs, that anyone with a brain would be interested in checking out for the most part.  Unfortunately I know I'm wrong on that assumption.

Steve's is the greatest invention ever.  And Virginia, the slaw dog slanging late night waitress, takes no shite.  If you step out of line, expect a half drunken Officer Dooly to escort you out onto Lorain Avenue.

Cleveland at it's best for sure.

Went to Ohio City's Momocho (www.momocho.com) for the first time in over a year and was very pleased with their updated menu and the charming second floor dining area.  I'd never been up there, but I really appreciated the 3rd option for diners, the first two being the 1st floor bar area & booths and the 2nd being the outdoor patio.  All three are great, but the quieter, roomier, second floor was just what we were looking for!  We have a baby, by the way...

 

There are no more vegetarian dishes to choose from and the guacamole was great as always!

glad to hear this, we went to momocho last year and loved it.

 

where is the outdoor seating, out back or in front? also, if you know do they still have their happy hour that includes margaritas & if so what are the hours for that? thx.

 

glad to hear this, we went to momocho last year and loved it.

 

where is the outdoor seating, out back or in front? also, if you know do they still have their happy hour that includes margaritas & if so what are the hours for that? thx.

 

 

The outdoor seating is on the north side of the building.

glad to hear this, we went to momocho last year and loved it.

 

where is the outdoor seating, out back or in front? also, if you know do they still have their happy hour that includes margaritas & if so what are the hours for that? thx.

 

 

The outdoor seating is on the north side of the building.

  Love Momocho and just tried Brothers Lounge this weekend -- terrific!

Crop Bistro & Bar, Dante, Table 45 among Cleveland-area restaurants in latest Zagat Survey: Restaurant Row

 

by Joe Crea / The Plain Dealer

Tuesday October 28, 2008, 2:26 PM

 

Cleveland area restaurants get some good play in "America's Top Restaurants 2009," the Zagat Survey's latest publication. This year's new additions? Crop Bistro & Bar, Dante and Table 45 join stalwarts such as the Baricelli Inn, Blue Point Grille, Fire, Flying Fig and Giovanni's. In all, 20 Northeast Ohio restaurants populate the pages.

 

Cleveland's Top Five Food Rankings are Chez Francois (Vermilion), Downtown 140 (Hudson), Three Birds (Lakewood), Johnny's Bar (Cleveland) and Lola (Cleveland).

 

More at http://www.cleveland.com/goingout/index.ssf/2008/10/clevelandarea_restaurants_get.html

Table 45    Yeah!!!!!  I gave one hell of a write up for that joint!

Folks I need some help.  The anniversary is coming up next week and the wife really wants a good authentic cannoli.  We were thinking of heading to Little Italy, but I have never been there (Moved to Cleveland 4 years ago, and live on the west side; I haven't had a chance to get out there and she probably hasn't since she was a teenager).  I'm looking for recommendations, we both are pretty adventurous and a good wine list is a must. 

Folks I need some help.  The anniversary is coming up next week and the wife really wants a good authentic cannoli.  We were thinking of heading to Little Italy, but I have never been there (Moved to Cleveland 4 years ago, and live on the west side; I haven't had a chance to get out there and she probably hasn't since she was a teenager).  I'm looking for recommendations, we both are pretty adventurous and a good wine list is a must. 

 

I know you want Italian, but Table 45 is a great "special occasion" restaurant.

Folks I need some help.  The anniversary is coming up next week and the wife really wants a good authentic cannoli.  We were thinking of heading to Little Italy, but I have never been there (Moved to Cleveland 4 years ago, and live on the west side; I haven't had a chance to get out there and she probably hasn't since she was a teenager).  I'm looking for recommendations, we both are pretty adventurous and a good wine list is a must. 

 

I have always like Bruno's on 41st and Clark, but never tried their Cannoli.  As far as little italy goes, I like Tratorria (sp).

Folks I need some help.  The anniversary is coming up next week and the wife really wants a good authentic cannoli.  We were thinking of heading to Little Italy, but I have never been there (Moved to Cleveland 4 years ago, and live on the west side; I haven't had a chance to get out there and she probably hasn't since she was a teenager).  I'm looking for recommendations, we both are pretty adventurous and a good wine list is a must. 

 

I know you want Italian, but Table 45 is a great "special occasion" restaurant.

 

If the girl want's Italian, she want's Italian end of story.  If he listens to you, he'll be eating angel food cake with Reddi Whip alone next year. 

Folks I need some help.  The anniversary is coming up next week and the wife really wants a good authentic cannoli.  We were thinking of heading to Little Italy, but I have never been there (Moved to Cleveland 4 years ago, and live on the west side; I haven't had a chance to get out there and she probably hasn't since she was a teenager).  I'm looking for recommendations, we both are pretty adventurous and a good wine list is a must. 

 

I know you want Italian, but Table 45 is a great "special occasion" restaurant.

 

If the girl want's Italian, she want's Italian end of story.  If he listens to you, he'll be eating angel food cake with Reddi Whip alone next year. 

 

(Clutch my pearls & Gasp)  How dare you.

Good wine list: Corleone's in Broadview Heights: corleonescleveland.com

Great, great food, very intimate and casual/family style atmosphere: 2 places - Stino Da Napoli in Rocky River (www.stinodanapoli.com) or La Campagna (no website but http://www.westlake-ohio.com/lacampagna/ is a good overview).  La Campagna is great, they do not have a set menu, they make whatever they want for each day. Very tiny, reservations are a must.

Although I totally trust RockandRollers recommendations, little Italy would have more of a special ambiance for a special occasion than anything in “Westlake”,. although Stino's is very good.....

 

MichaelAngelo’s in little Italy is great  http://www.mangelos.com/

2198 Murray Hill Rd  •  Cleveland, OH 44106

 

And of course they have canolli, but you can also, certainly do the window shopping/street walk after word and get Canolli or Italian Ice at one of the bakeries.

 

We're kind of quirky, so we find a place like La Campagna to have it's own special ambience, even though it is in the burbs.  And the food just can't be beat.  2 sisters own it; one cooks with some other family members, the other waits on the tables with her daughter. Sometimes she'll break into some type of song for a customer.  It's odd and very sweet.

OK RandR now I will try La Campagna next time I'm back in town.  Fortunately the region has many great italian restaurants. 

We're kind of quirky, so we find a place like La Campagna to have it's own special ambience, even though it is in the burbs.  And the food just can't be beat.  2 sisters own it; one cooks with some other family members, the other waits on the tables with her daughter. Sometimes she'll break into some type of song for a customer.  It's odd and very sweet.

 

That does sound cute!  Very family.

They are the type of place that you can call up a few days in advance and say hey, I would really love some of your (insert favorite dish here), can you make it for me?  And they will. 

 

They don't have a liquor license but have gotten around it in terms of wine by having a "tasting" license.  Basically, bottles are willy-nilly all over the small storefront they occupy and you wander around til you find one you want and then you are given small tasting glasses, I think they are a 2 oz pour, which they will refill for you as many times as you want.  I forget how it works out, price-wise, but it's comparable to what you'd normally pay.We usually just check out what bottle is open already and have a taste of that to go with our meal.

 

They also do gift baskets so all around the sides of the tiny dining area are all kinds of stuff you'd put in baskets, from imported italian foods to stuffed animals.  Yeah, it's unique.  And a trip to the bathroom is not to be missed, as you have to go into the kitchen, which is about as big as a broom closet.  I'm always like Jesus, how can they be turning out such great food out of a tiny space. Seriously, it's a kitchen the size of a NY apartment kitchen.

 

edited to add: one word of caution - it is NOT a speedy meal. With such a small staff, all meals are truly made to order and take awhile to get to the table.  We usually reserve 2 hours for a full meal.

For the best Italian I strongly recommend Osteria.  It is located in the Warehouse District on St. Clair Ave. between W. 6th and W. 4th.  It may be difficult to find the first time because you have to walk down a few steps from the sidewalk and they do not have a big sign.  It is truly a "Big City" restaurant both in decor and style.  They come from a family that also has a great restaurant in Little Italy.

 

The food is absolutely fantastic, but can be very pricey.  For an intimate evening I would avoid Thursdays because they have live entertainment and it can be very loud, especially given that the restaurant is small.  It is a great place, check it out.  Definitely call for reservations.

 

 

Outside of Little Italy, there are two Italian places that get my recommendation:

 

1) Geraci's in University Hts on Warrensville Center Rd.  Most east siders can attest to their food, especially their pizza. 

 

2) Alfredo's in Mayfield on Beta Dr.  Not a lot of people know about this one.  It is on the ground floor of the Holiday Inn off of Wilson Mills just east of I-271.  Great food.  A nice wrap around patio that overlooks the hotel's courtyard.