So as the self proclaimed queen of frugality....here is my assessment of the best restaurants for Cleveland Independents Restaurant week (November 1-13). My assessment is going to be divided in to 2 categories...less than $30 per person meal and the $30 per person meal. What I looked at for the over $30 meal was the creativity of the menu and the value. so here are my picks!
$30 per person Meal
Sarava- Sarava is normally an amazing restaurant and their choice for the prix fixe menu is interesting and fun. My choice start with the Crispy Duck Ravioli with the plum aioli; move on to the Pistachio Crusted Trout served with artichoke pilaf, asperagus, and cilantro butter; finish it off with the Coconut Butter Cake. They do offer 3-4 choices under each course but these to me sound amazing and are well worht the $30!
Pier W. Pier W always provides a solid meal and the choices for restuarant week will not disappoint. What really turns me on to this menu is the Baby Spinach Salad with 3 minute egg, raspberry and herb parmesan dressing (for those who love fish they also have a Lemon Fried Oyster with pickled vegetables and ginger cream); second course includes a Grilled Miuso Glazed Cobia with tempura vegetables, and sticky rice; desert includes a pumpkin cheesecake.
Hyde Park. This is another favorite of mine, especially for happy hour. This menu may be the one with the greatest value that still is a little interesting. For starters you have the option of Lobster Bisque or their Signature Salad; the main course includes Atlantic Salmon with a tropical salsa and blood orange sauce or, for the meat lovers, Bacon Wrapped Twin Filet Mignon with whipped potatoes; for dessert try the amazing double layer chocolate cake- it will not disappoint.
Grovewood Tavern Grovewood is one of my favorite palces to go for upsale wonderful comfort food. For Restaurant week you need to check out their website as their menu is constantly changing. The one I checked out today does not disappoint. You can start with a handmade Salmon Empanada; continue to the main course with Zinfandel Shirt Ribs with cranberries and whipped potatoes; finish it off with lava cake. At Grovewood you can add wine pairing for each course for only $14 more.
Under $30 per person
Creekside This one has an amazing choice for lunch., For only $10 you get Lobster Bisque, the choice of one entree and one side. Thi sis a full meal at lunch for a low low price. Creekside has wonderfully prepared food and a great atmosphere.
Tremont Tap House. There prix fixe menu is only $25 (and personally I think it is better than some of the other $30 menus). You can start out with Miso R amen Bowl with a poached egg and bamboo shoots; move onto a mail course of Braised boneless beef shortribs with red wine cabbage and smoked celery root; finish it off with Pot de Creme with a Lambic shooter and Grand Marnier whipped cream.
There are some that are honorable mentions, meaning the menu is interesting but not as great value wise as the others listed or a great value but the menu is not interesting. So for honorable mention we have Luxe, Red, Parallax, and Light Bistro.
I hope this guide helps in choosing your place for Cleveland Independents Restaurant week!
