Toast is a great new place in Gordon Square, right across the street from the Capitol Theater and so great shops. While I have had drinks and appetizers and dinner here before, I had never tried the happy hour. The food and drinks can be pricey, but happy hour is a great way to experience this new gem!
To start with, the drinks are normally $11 each. They are all handcrafted and full of quality ingredients. For happy hour though, they offer discounted beer and a house red/Wine for $5 and this time a mulled cider for $5. These drinks are frugal worthy, the others are for indulgence!
The food...my favorite part of any blog. The food is delicious and sourced locally (another favorite of this frugal lady). We ordered and shared the fun. To start we have the corn dogs- hush puppies with a large slice of kielbasa inside topped with a drizzle of honey. yum! We also had an order of the trio of tapenade. This is $1 less then normal menu price. This time the trio included eggplant, smoked white trout, and beef. The toast were perfectly sliced and toasted and the tapenade was the perfect ratio. Now onto the main course- we had the burger and the grilled cheese. Sounds boring right? WRONG! The burger was made from brisket, served on a home baked brioche roll with egg, cheddar and BBQ sauce. The grilled cheese was beautiful Middlefield cheese and grilled to perfect with a special type of bacon and homemade peach preserves. The food was delicious, fresh and filling. The prices very reasonable for the quality received.
This was a special night out so we did order some specialty cocktails. They were also delicious and well made. I would put some of their hand crafted cocktails at $11 a piece against anything from Velvet Tango room at $20 a piece. These are well worth the money and just as good. To make the atmosphere even better, the bartenders are friendly and accommodating and knowledgeable of what they are serving and the drinks they are crafting.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Don's Lighthouse- Fabulous Happy Hours and specials
Don's Lighthouse is right down the street. For years I have enjoyed a meal there and a few times I have been there for restaurant week. But for some reason I never went to happy hour- my mistake! To begin with Skyy Vodka martini's are only $5. The choices for happy hour are extensive and cheap! Definitely go with a friends.
I was on my own this night so I ordered the sampler- one crab cake, 2 shrimp, 3 bruschetta all for 6.50. The crab cake was all crab to the point where it sort of fell apart. It was topped with corn and a fresh cream sauce- very tasty. The shrimp were jump plain shrimp cocktail with delicious cocktail sauce with horseradish. The bruschetta were long thin pieces of bread grilled and topped with tomato and balsamic. I did see a neighbor at the bar who ordered the mussels ($5) and the mini burgers (4.50). Both were large. The mussels were served with a wine and tomato broth, the mini burgers were four nice size burgers on beautiful fluffy rolls. IF you are with a group also order the artichoke/spinach dip at $3.88 it is well worth it and perfect to share. Also on the menu escargot ($4.50) and order of Bruschetta ($6.75) and Crab cakes.
There are also great specials almost every night. Tuesday night is $15 lobster tail served over mashed potatoes with drawn butter. Sunday is $10 off steak and lobster dinner. One night is burger night as well.
The crowd is a bit older, but the food is really good. Young foodies definitely should tyr this place out.
I was on my own this night so I ordered the sampler- one crab cake, 2 shrimp, 3 bruschetta all for 6.50. The crab cake was all crab to the point where it sort of fell apart. It was topped with corn and a fresh cream sauce- very tasty. The shrimp were jump plain shrimp cocktail with delicious cocktail sauce with horseradish. The bruschetta were long thin pieces of bread grilled and topped with tomato and balsamic. I did see a neighbor at the bar who ordered the mussels ($5) and the mini burgers (4.50). Both were large. The mussels were served with a wine and tomato broth, the mini burgers were four nice size burgers on beautiful fluffy rolls. IF you are with a group also order the artichoke/spinach dip at $3.88 it is well worth it and perfect to share. Also on the menu escargot ($4.50) and order of Bruschetta ($6.75) and Crab cakes.
There are also great specials almost every night. Tuesday night is $15 lobster tail served over mashed potatoes with drawn butter. Sunday is $10 off steak and lobster dinner. One night is burger night as well.
The crowd is a bit older, but the food is really good. Young foodies definitely should tyr this place out.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Cleveland independent restaurant week
So it is restaurant week and this is my favorite time of the year. While most places are awesome, I want to point out the most interesting.
A few offer pairings with wine. My two favorites are tartine bistro and pier w. Pier w always has the best food offerings. This year is the same. The most interesting choices include the braised baby root vegetables in coconut milk, sweet basil, and Thai chili's; blackened gulf shrimp with chorizo, cornbread stuffing, and tomato and baby squash fondue; Bavarian chocolate smore baked Alaska. All $30 and can add wine pairing for an extra $15.
Tartine offers the meal for $33 with a glass of wine. The choices include any salad, coq au vin, and tarte tatin.
Bac offers a "fourth" course of either dessert or a drink. Most interesting choices green papaya salad, coconut milk crepe, and any of their big plates.
A new restaurant to Cleveland independents is Toast in Gordon Square. There most interesting items include beef tartar, pumpkin oats with sage, risotto, walnut, farm egg, and pumpkin; chocolate Bavarian with black tea, plum and almond.
On the east side and where I am hoping to go...Paladar. best choices tilapia and avocado crevice; jalapeno spiced lamb stew; pineapple rum,upside down cake.
And a few oldies but goodies....
Dons Lighthouse with mussels, lobster tail, creme brulee. GREAT value. Players include grilled portabelli with caramelized onions, Sun dried tomato, chevre, spinach and calamita; Mediterranean salad, mustard seed glazed Berkshire pork chop with butternut squash pierogies, apple's sage and walnuts.
Most interesting dessert...Flour. for dinner try fried olives with goat cheese, calabrian salmon with salsa Verde and polenta croutons and dessert...nutella and popcorn ice cream bar.
Now these are just my suggestions and a few of them direct you to the restaurant website for the menu. Check out Grovewood and new this year Townhall on their site.
Happy eating!
A few offer pairings with wine. My two favorites are tartine bistro and pier w. Pier w always has the best food offerings. This year is the same. The most interesting choices include the braised baby root vegetables in coconut milk, sweet basil, and Thai chili's; blackened gulf shrimp with chorizo, cornbread stuffing, and tomato and baby squash fondue; Bavarian chocolate smore baked Alaska. All $30 and can add wine pairing for an extra $15.
Tartine offers the meal for $33 with a glass of wine. The choices include any salad, coq au vin, and tarte tatin.
Bac offers a "fourth" course of either dessert or a drink. Most interesting choices green papaya salad, coconut milk crepe, and any of their big plates.
A new restaurant to Cleveland independents is Toast in Gordon Square. There most interesting items include beef tartar, pumpkin oats with sage, risotto, walnut, farm egg, and pumpkin; chocolate Bavarian with black tea, plum and almond.
On the east side and where I am hoping to go...Paladar. best choices tilapia and avocado crevice; jalapeno spiced lamb stew; pineapple rum,upside down cake.
And a few oldies but goodies....
Dons Lighthouse with mussels, lobster tail, creme brulee. GREAT value. Players include grilled portabelli with caramelized onions, Sun dried tomato, chevre, spinach and calamita; Mediterranean salad, mustard seed glazed Berkshire pork chop with butternut squash pierogies, apple's sage and walnuts.
Most interesting dessert...Flour. for dinner try fried olives with goat cheese, calabrian salmon with salsa Verde and polenta croutons and dessert...nutella and popcorn ice cream bar.
Now these are just my suggestions and a few of them direct you to the restaurant website for the menu. Check out Grovewood and new this year Townhall on their site.
Happy eating!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Sweet Melissa's Sweet Happy Hour
I have found a cheaper happy hour than Fat Cats and it is not as crowded. I actually take concern in writing this blog for fear of this place becoming over crowded for that wonderful happy hour. Happy hour prices are only good at the bar of the two tables in the bar area. Sit anywhere else and no such luck on pricing. Trust me, sit in the bar area!!!!!!
To start with there are select beers for $3 and wines for $5. But then we get to the food. Order any two items and it makes a dinner. Most items are only $3. The $5 items are crab cakes and burger. Feel free to pass, these are boring items compared to the $3 menu. So at our table we ordered a fish taco which had a large piece of fish and was packed with Mexican goodness including beans, sprouts, and avocado. Another member of the table ordered the mussel that were sitting in a chili lemongrass broth that you could eat like a soup. It came with about a dozen mussels for $3. Personally I had the chicken taco. It was perfectly cooked chicken, black beans, cheese, avocado, sprouts, and deliciousness in a flour tortilla. On the side we split the orders between fried brussel sprouts and fried green tomatoes that were topped with a crisp apple compote. The green tomatoes needed some salt, but other than that they were fried perfectly and tasted delicious. You received 4 in an order...again for $3.
I have seen many reviews on line regarding Sweet Melissa's most stating how bad the service is there or panning the food. While I can understand some people may not like the slower service, the food has never disappointed. I have gone for years for lunch, dinner, brunch and now happy hour. The food quality is well worth the price- especially when you are paying $3 for a plate of mussels. And for those who are Gluten Free they do offer some options!
My friends an I enjoyed the experience and look forward to returning soon to try some of the other items on the menu. They also serve calamari and house cut fries for $3 each. It is a great meal for a glass of wine, 2 plates, tax and tip is $15 out the door! Now shhh...keep this little secret between us!
To start with there are select beers for $3 and wines for $5. But then we get to the food. Order any two items and it makes a dinner. Most items are only $3. The $5 items are crab cakes and burger. Feel free to pass, these are boring items compared to the $3 menu. So at our table we ordered a fish taco which had a large piece of fish and was packed with Mexican goodness including beans, sprouts, and avocado. Another member of the table ordered the mussel that were sitting in a chili lemongrass broth that you could eat like a soup. It came with about a dozen mussels for $3. Personally I had the chicken taco. It was perfectly cooked chicken, black beans, cheese, avocado, sprouts, and deliciousness in a flour tortilla. On the side we split the orders between fried brussel sprouts and fried green tomatoes that were topped with a crisp apple compote. The green tomatoes needed some salt, but other than that they were fried perfectly and tasted delicious. You received 4 in an order...again for $3.
I have seen many reviews on line regarding Sweet Melissa's most stating how bad the service is there or panning the food. While I can understand some people may not like the slower service, the food has never disappointed. I have gone for years for lunch, dinner, brunch and now happy hour. The food quality is well worth the price- especially when you are paying $3 for a plate of mussels. And for those who are Gluten Free they do offer some options!
My friends an I enjoyed the experience and look forward to returning soon to try some of the other items on the menu. They also serve calamari and house cut fries for $3 each. It is a great meal for a glass of wine, 2 plates, tax and tip is $15 out the door! Now shhh...keep this little secret between us!
Weekend Brunch Johnny Mangos
A few weeks ago, after an early morning game of touch football, several members of the team were looking for somewhere to have breakfast. We decided to go to Johnny Manos. While we had all been there before for lunch or dinner, brunch was a new experience for us and it did not disappoint.
To start with I ordered the margarita of the day- jalapeno and cucumber. It was delicious! One of my other companions orders a mimosa- this was not a one glass of champagne mimosa it was a full pint size glass. But we were there for breakfast so let's move on. We had a young child with us and he was happy with his happy beans and snagging some corn bread and other items from the rest of us. I indulged in the smoked salmon scramble with the side of corn bread and home fries. I loaded all of it with the green hot sauce, my favorite, and for under $8 it was a healthy and satisfying breakfast. They have old staples live Huevos Rancheros and eggs and cornbread as well as various types of whole wheat waffles. For those slightly more daring for breakfast they have a Vietnamese Rice Crepe folded over shrimp, mushrooms & sprouts; sweet and sour dipping sauce. And as always they have their regular menu available during brunch.
Johnny Mango's never disappoints. They have great food, great prices, and the quantity matches the quality. It is always changing and unique, yet you could order the same thing each time and be completely satisfied. I actually want to go back and try a different flavor margarita and maybe some pineapple granola whole wheat waffles.
I have some Gluten Free friends and this is a Gluten Free Friendly Restaurant.
To start with I ordered the margarita of the day- jalapeno and cucumber. It was delicious! One of my other companions orders a mimosa- this was not a one glass of champagne mimosa it was a full pint size glass. But we were there for breakfast so let's move on. We had a young child with us and he was happy with his happy beans and snagging some corn bread and other items from the rest of us. I indulged in the smoked salmon scramble with the side of corn bread and home fries. I loaded all of it with the green hot sauce, my favorite, and for under $8 it was a healthy and satisfying breakfast. They have old staples live Huevos Rancheros and eggs and cornbread as well as various types of whole wheat waffles. For those slightly more daring for breakfast they have a Vietnamese Rice Crepe folded over shrimp, mushrooms & sprouts; sweet and sour dipping sauce. And as always they have their regular menu available during brunch.
Johnny Mango's never disappoints. They have great food, great prices, and the quantity matches the quality. It is always changing and unique, yet you could order the same thing each time and be completely satisfied. I actually want to go back and try a different flavor margarita and maybe some pineapple granola whole wheat waffles.
I have some Gluten Free friends and this is a Gluten Free Friendly Restaurant.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Lava Lounge
So another adventure in Tremont. I love Fat Cats happy hour so decided to check out their sister restaurant on the other side if Tremont, Lava Lounge. The happy hour is not as good but there are still some solid deals.
They have multiple items for $3-7 each. I was with a friend and we ordered the wings, burger and goat cheese. The wings had 5 in an order and with a spicy Asian inspired sauce. They were a good size and cooked well. The burger was just ok. We ordered it medium and it was well done and not juicy. The meat tasted a little old as well. I would not order it again. The goat cheese was delicious. Nice herbs and crust with a spicy chopped tomato garnish and perfect crostini. I would order 3 of these next time.
The drinks were ok. Creative but nothing special. The bartender was friendly and attentive. For two drinks each and enough to call it dinner our bill was about $25 each including tax and tip. It was an affordable enjoyable night.
The last plus is their happy hour goes until 8 so no need to rush out of work.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
bacon and Fahernheit
I FINALLY got to enjoy happy hour at Fahrenheit. I have always loved their food. But I never was able to find the right time or day to enjoy their happy hour...it was well worth the wait. I want to start with the best bar snacks around, bacon. They literally serve cones of bacon for patron to grab like a bar snack. It is very yummy and just starts the meal off right.
The drinks at happy hour are very reasonably priced as well. Wine is $4 and a specialty cocktail is $5. The specialty cocktail that evening was a tea vodka with lemonade. It was a little sweet for me, but good.
There are plenty of choices on the happy hour menu as well. I chose the burger with goat cheese and sweet pickles. Those who know me, know I do not like sweet pickles. These were nicely cured sliced of cucumber and were not overly sweet but very fresh. The burger was perfect with a toasted bun and a side of stone ground mustard or ketchup. It was big enough for a meal (especially when you have 2 pieces of bacon as the bar snack). My companions who joined me decided to order the pizza. It had three cheeses and a drizzle of honey. It was large enough for 3 people to split, each getting 2 pieces. Also on the menu was a new item- a philly cheesesteak for $6. I cannot lie, it sounds great and I may get it next time.
The best thing about Fahrenheit is that you are not sacrificing any quality for the price. Their happy hour is cheap and filling, but of the same quality you would expect of any of their menu items. While yes there is a burger, wings, pizza and sliders...typical for a happy hour menu...it is not typical. The toppings are delicious and fresh and the food is cooked to perfection. The bar is definitely hopping and there are some tables around the side as well to sit at while enjoying a few drinks and food.
This is a great stop before an art walk in Tremont and after dinner, you can walk across the street to scoops for some ice cream or a chocolate covered slice of cheesecake. Yum!
The drinks at happy hour are very reasonably priced as well. Wine is $4 and a specialty cocktail is $5. The specialty cocktail that evening was a tea vodka with lemonade. It was a little sweet for me, but good.
There are plenty of choices on the happy hour menu as well. I chose the burger with goat cheese and sweet pickles. Those who know me, know I do not like sweet pickles. These were nicely cured sliced of cucumber and were not overly sweet but very fresh. The burger was perfect with a toasted bun and a side of stone ground mustard or ketchup. It was big enough for a meal (especially when you have 2 pieces of bacon as the bar snack). My companions who joined me decided to order the pizza. It had three cheeses and a drizzle of honey. It was large enough for 3 people to split, each getting 2 pieces. Also on the menu was a new item- a philly cheesesteak for $6. I cannot lie, it sounds great and I may get it next time.
The best thing about Fahrenheit is that you are not sacrificing any quality for the price. Their happy hour is cheap and filling, but of the same quality you would expect of any of their menu items. While yes there is a burger, wings, pizza and sliders...typical for a happy hour menu...it is not typical. The toppings are delicious and fresh and the food is cooked to perfection. The bar is definitely hopping and there are some tables around the side as well to sit at while enjoying a few drinks and food.
This is a great stop before an art walk in Tremont and after dinner, you can walk across the street to scoops for some ice cream or a chocolate covered slice of cheesecake. Yum!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Luxe Again
So it has been about a year since I wrote a review of Luxe's happy hour and since that review it has changed. There are still wonderful drinks for $5.5, including the Bloom- my favorite. (See prior post for all the great information on it).
Last night we orders the Margherita Pizza and a plain traditional with pepperoni. All were half off during happy hour on the porch. The Margherita had thin slices of tomato, cheese, and was crisp and light. The plain pizza was also light and crisp with the right amount of sauce to topping ratio. The best part is, the pizza's are 8 slices and can easily be shared with a group.
We also ordered their Fritto misto. It was fried, not breaded, brussel sprouts, green beans and sweet potatoes. The brussel sprouts were golden and sweet and crunchy. The green beans had a little char and were crisp to bite but still well cooked. The sweet potato was crunchy on the outside and literally fell apart on the inside as you cut into it. IT was served with a curry sauce that was not too spicy but had a punch of flavor.
The best part about Luxe is their patio. If you go on a Wednesday night they have free live entertainment. The entertainment is great, not too loud but wonderful background music. The outdoor patio is fun and lively and can be hard to get a seat.
Luxe has always been one of my favorite spots in Gordon Square. It offers great food quality at a great price. They have ever changing specials every night which makes the dining experience different all the time. They also have a parking lot in the back which is another plus of Gordon Square!
Last night we orders the Margherita Pizza and a plain traditional with pepperoni. All were half off during happy hour on the porch. The Margherita had thin slices of tomato, cheese, and was crisp and light. The plain pizza was also light and crisp with the right amount of sauce to topping ratio. The best part is, the pizza's are 8 slices and can easily be shared with a group.
We also ordered their Fritto misto. It was fried, not breaded, brussel sprouts, green beans and sweet potatoes. The brussel sprouts were golden and sweet and crunchy. The green beans had a little char and were crisp to bite but still well cooked. The sweet potato was crunchy on the outside and literally fell apart on the inside as you cut into it. IT was served with a curry sauce that was not too spicy but had a punch of flavor.
The best part about Luxe is their patio. If you go on a Wednesday night they have free live entertainment. The entertainment is great, not too loud but wonderful background music. The outdoor patio is fun and lively and can be hard to get a seat.
Luxe has always been one of my favorite spots in Gordon Square. It offers great food quality at a great price. They have ever changing specials every night which makes the dining experience different all the time. They also have a parking lot in the back which is another plus of Gordon Square!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Lago for Lunch
I almost never get to enjoy lunch out during the week, but on this rare occasion I decided to treat myself and try the new Lago East Bank. Lago East Bank begins where Lago Tremont left off...expect the same great service and amazing food.
My dining companion and I went for lunch. We ordered two sandwiches and shared. It was a brilliant idea to try their great menu. Lago also offers half portions of their pastas and for lunch this provides a right size portion of their amazing pasta. Before I get in to the food, I want to discuss the service. Our waiter was someone you would expect to find in a 5 star stuffy white table cloth restaurant. He was attentive, friendly, answered questions, told us about happy hour and the use of the patio. It was a cool day for summer but still warm. We sat in the restaurant near the open doors to the patio. He brought me a glass of ice because my ice tea ice had melted- I never asked, he just noticed and did it. My companion would finish his diet coke and have a new one within seconds without asking. The last time I remember service like this was out with my parents as a child in some fancy super expensive restaurant. This alone sets Lago apart from anywhere else I have been in Cleveland.
Ok...now the important stuff...the food. As I said we chose the sandwiches which were served with rosemary chips that were sliced super thin and perfectly fried. I ordered the Salami Panini that included salami, sopressata, cappicola, sun dried tomato, olive tapenade, provolone cheese served on a thin crusty bread. It was amazing. It made me think of my father and how he would love a sandwich like this for lunch, but it was much more refined than he would make. It as crunchy and salty and just a perfect idea in my mind of a salami Panini. The hamburger was ordered medium and cooked perfectly. It was topped with an aioli, grilled onions, cheese, lettuce tomato, and salami. It also was a perfect combination of flavors, nothing over powered anything else. The flavors were all distinct but well married together. Both things ordered sound ordinary, but they are made to be memorable and not like anything served in any other restaurant around. Out total cost- as we split the bill- was around $17 for the sandwich, drink, and tax. As the frugally classy girl always looks at quality compared to price...Lago is at the top of my life. The quality far outweighs the price!
I am excited to try happy hour sometime soon and blog about how it fits in to the frugally classy idea of amazing quality food at an amazing price.
My dining companion and I went for lunch. We ordered two sandwiches and shared. It was a brilliant idea to try their great menu. Lago also offers half portions of their pastas and for lunch this provides a right size portion of their amazing pasta. Before I get in to the food, I want to discuss the service. Our waiter was someone you would expect to find in a 5 star stuffy white table cloth restaurant. He was attentive, friendly, answered questions, told us about happy hour and the use of the patio. It was a cool day for summer but still warm. We sat in the restaurant near the open doors to the patio. He brought me a glass of ice because my ice tea ice had melted- I never asked, he just noticed and did it. My companion would finish his diet coke and have a new one within seconds without asking. The last time I remember service like this was out with my parents as a child in some fancy super expensive restaurant. This alone sets Lago apart from anywhere else I have been in Cleveland.
Ok...now the important stuff...the food. As I said we chose the sandwiches which were served with rosemary chips that were sliced super thin and perfectly fried. I ordered the Salami Panini that included salami, sopressata, cappicola, sun dried tomato, olive tapenade, provolone cheese served on a thin crusty bread. It was amazing. It made me think of my father and how he would love a sandwich like this for lunch, but it was much more refined than he would make. It as crunchy and salty and just a perfect idea in my mind of a salami Panini. The hamburger was ordered medium and cooked perfectly. It was topped with an aioli, grilled onions, cheese, lettuce tomato, and salami. It also was a perfect combination of flavors, nothing over powered anything else. The flavors were all distinct but well married together. Both things ordered sound ordinary, but they are made to be memorable and not like anything served in any other restaurant around. Out total cost- as we split the bill- was around $17 for the sandwich, drink, and tax. As the frugally classy girl always looks at quality compared to price...Lago is at the top of my life. The quality far outweighs the price!
I am excited to try happy hour sometime soon and blog about how it fits in to the frugally classy idea of amazing quality food at an amazing price.
Tartine Bistro
I have been dying to try Tartine Bistro in Rocky River for a long time, finally I got to experience this quaint restaurant and happy hour was a great time. We walked in and decided to sit at the bar. The restaurant is small and there is a nice patio in front. The door and windows were all open creating a great outdoor feel even inside. We decided to go with the happy hour menu and it was well worth every penny.
For two people we ordered 4 happy hour items and decided to try one of the pizza's as well. We started with the cheese platter and it is a chef's choice of three cheese, lavender honey, and nuts served with crackers. My dining companion is pregnant so we asked the chef to keep that in mind while picking the cheeses. He chose a tellagio which was salty and sharp, the prima donna which was sweet and creamy and
For two people we ordered 4 happy hour items and decided to try one of the pizza's as well. We started with the cheese platter and it is a chef's choice of three cheese, lavender honey, and nuts served with crackers. My dining companion is pregnant so we asked the chef to keep that in mind while picking the cheeses. He chose a tellagio which was salty and sharp, the prima donna which was sweet and creamy and
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Brothers and sushi
Sailing was cancelled again...so what is a girl to do? Sushi at Brothers Lounge on Detroit. All drinks are a dollar off during happy hour. So my vine martini with white wine and vodka is only $6.50. It is quite tasty.
The beauty of tonight is the sushi. Reasonably prices and only served on Tuesday. I ordered the 6 piece dynamite roll with spice tuna, salmon and avocado for $5.5 and then splurged on the 8 piece futo maki roll with spicy tuna, salmon, crab, avocado and siracha. It is $11, but a huge portion.
The rolls were beautiful and fresh. Nice and light for a humid Tuesday night. The dynamite roll was spicy and perfect with the wasabi and soy. The pickled ginger was sweet with a kick. The futo maku roll really was huge with lots of fish inside and spicy siracha and a hoy mayo drizzled on top. There was way too much food for just one person, but of course I finished it all. Three rolls between 2 people would he perfect.
It's a nice contrast to the regular menu. Something special for a Tuesday night.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Flying fig lunch
An employee of mine was retiring so we decided to go to flying Fig for for lunch. It was the perfect spot for the special occasion. Well the lunch prices are extremely reasonable the food is phenomenal. At the end of the meal the total cost per person for a shared appetizer 3 meals 3 desserts and 3 ice teas was only $25 a person and that included tax and tip.
Now on to the important part... the food. We started with what is one of the best shared appetizer on the menu, the tempura battered green beans. They are light crispy and very fresh. They are served with a sword ginger sauce and a sweet thicker Asian sauce.
For the main course I had vegan and so workers had the eggs sandwich with the bread on the side. The vegan had beautifully homemade hummus grilled eggplant pickled onions roasted red peppers arugula and a balsamic dressing between ciabatta bread. It was a perfect combination and the sandwich was large. My coworkers grilled eggplant sandwich was just as beautiful. There was a beautiful pile of arugula with thinly sliced marinated eggplant, a roasted red pepper/sundried tomato paste, and according to my dining companions a pickled fennel. They serve the bread on the side as requested and it was a delicious homemade onion focaccia.
However well the meal was wonderful desert stole the show. I had a banana rum bacon brittle ice cream that is made in house. It was made with wonderfully wholesome ingredients. My coworkers each ordered the butterscotch budino with salted caramel and a hazelnut cookie. They both wanted to scrape the mason jar for more.
The meal was very special and right next door is a little shop also filled with fresh ingredients to take home. The meal was memorable and delicious.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Morton's
So lots of happy hours have cheap food and drinks, but not all have amazing quality...Morton's has both! First of all, it is Morton's so the service level is higher than normal and the bartenders get to know who you are and your likes in hopes that if you come back in the future they can impress you with this skill. Better than anything...the food and matched with the pricing...this may take over from Pier W as the best happy hour. Although I guess i could say Morton's has the best Happy Hour in Cleveland and Pier W the best in Lakewood.
So...what wonderful delectable bites did we try that just set me over the edge? Well there were three of us for dinner/happy hour and so we ordered aq variety of items. We started with the wedge salad bits. It is just that, a wedge salad in a few bites on a plate. Each bite has crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes and fragrant blue cheese. This cost for this happiness $6. Next we ordered the mini cheeseburgers (2), crab cakes, and trio of filet. Each of these items is $7. This emans the total cost of our happy hour full dinner was less than $10 a person for crab, fliet, burgers, and salad. For the cost, the quality was just amazing.
Crab cakes- these are not some little item of breading and egg with some shreds of crab. No these are crab pieces with just enough breading to hold them together. Mini cheeseburgers- each one comes on a delicious bun with tomato and onion and cheddar cheese. There is no need to use ketchup, mustard or mayo on these burgers. All that would do is cover up the taste of the meat that just melts in your mouth. Lastly, the filet trio. Each piece of filet comes on top of a small crostini. One has bernaise, one a wine sauce, the last a horseradish sauce. Each one...amazing and fork cutting goodness. We were able to split each piece into three and have a decent size portion.
During Happy Hour they also have martini's and specialty drinks for $8 a person and wines for $7. On this night I was blessed to be with a friend who has a wine locker and her wine selction was amazing!
Morton's officially has my top spot for happy hour. Where shall I try next to try and drop it out of contention? The fugally classy look at cost and quality not just cost.
Toddles until I find my next fun place to dine!
So...what wonderful delectable bites did we try that just set me over the edge? Well there were three of us for dinner/happy hour and so we ordered aq variety of items. We started with the wedge salad bits. It is just that, a wedge salad in a few bites on a plate. Each bite has crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes and fragrant blue cheese. This cost for this happiness $6. Next we ordered the mini cheeseburgers (2), crab cakes, and trio of filet. Each of these items is $7. This emans the total cost of our happy hour full dinner was less than $10 a person for crab, fliet, burgers, and salad. For the cost, the quality was just amazing.
Crab cakes- these are not some little item of breading and egg with some shreds of crab. No these are crab pieces with just enough breading to hold them together. Mini cheeseburgers- each one comes on a delicious bun with tomato and onion and cheddar cheese. There is no need to use ketchup, mustard or mayo on these burgers. All that would do is cover up the taste of the meat that just melts in your mouth. Lastly, the filet trio. Each piece of filet comes on top of a small crostini. One has bernaise, one a wine sauce, the last a horseradish sauce. Each one...amazing and fork cutting goodness. We were able to split each piece into three and have a decent size portion.
During Happy Hour they also have martini's and specialty drinks for $8 a person and wines for $7. On this night I was blessed to be with a friend who has a wine locker and her wine selction was amazing!
Morton's officially has my top spot for happy hour. Where shall I try next to try and drop it out of contention? The fugally classy look at cost and quality not just cost.
Toddles until I find my next fun place to dine!
Monday, June 10, 2013
TOAST
One of the newest places in Gordon Square is Toast. It is a farm to table type place with all kinds of variables to its menu each night. I like variables...so I went in for the fun.
I started with the "bartender's choice" for my drink. You tell the bartender the spirit and if you want sweet or not and then let them create! I went for non-sweet vodka. I got a refreshing minty drink that was perfect for a warmish summer night. My dinner companion asked for a wine that would pair well with chocolate- she was ordering the hand made chocolate truffle with almond. The bartender gave her a glass of wine that was from a bottle left over from a wine tasting. It was full bodied and smelled amazing.
For my food choices...I went with the trio of toast, brocoli beer cheese soup and a sweet pea cake. The trio of taost changes daily. On Saturday it was a halibut confit, rabbit, and a vegetable with fresh pea shoots. All three were amazing. The toast was perfect. A lot of times you order these items and the toast is so crunchy it falls apart, or soggy in the middle from the toppings. This was crunchy, not soggy and it did not fall apart as you bit down. The brocoli beer cheese soup was different. Normally you expect thick cheesy broth with some piece of brocoli and a flavor of beer. This soup was finely chopped brocoli, in an actual broth that was scented heavily with beer. The chese was on top and the bacon piece were perfect. LAstly, the sweet pea cake. Ok...so some people think pea cake gross. But it was really good. My complaint was more with the frosting that was almost like thick slabs of butter instead of frosting. It was not too sweet, which is my preference, but the texture was slightly off.
I am looking forward to another meal at Toast in the near future. This time I may actually order something substantial.
I started with the "bartender's choice" for my drink. You tell the bartender the spirit and if you want sweet or not and then let them create! I went for non-sweet vodka. I got a refreshing minty drink that was perfect for a warmish summer night. My dinner companion asked for a wine that would pair well with chocolate- she was ordering the hand made chocolate truffle with almond. The bartender gave her a glass of wine that was from a bottle left over from a wine tasting. It was full bodied and smelled amazing.
For my food choices...I went with the trio of toast, brocoli beer cheese soup and a sweet pea cake. The trio of taost changes daily. On Saturday it was a halibut confit, rabbit, and a vegetable with fresh pea shoots. All three were amazing. The toast was perfect. A lot of times you order these items and the toast is so crunchy it falls apart, or soggy in the middle from the toppings. This was crunchy, not soggy and it did not fall apart as you bit down. The brocoli beer cheese soup was different. Normally you expect thick cheesy broth with some piece of brocoli and a flavor of beer. This soup was finely chopped brocoli, in an actual broth that was scented heavily with beer. The chese was on top and the bacon piece were perfect. LAstly, the sweet pea cake. Ok...so some people think pea cake gross. But it was really good. My complaint was more with the frosting that was almost like thick slabs of butter instead of frosting. It was not too sweet, which is my preference, but the texture was slightly off.
I am looking forward to another meal at Toast in the near future. This time I may actually order something substantial.
Press Wine Bar
I got a pleasant surprise yesterday when a few friends stop by in the morning from out of town. They were hungry and I wanted to find someplace new. So we decided to try Press Wine Bar for brunch. GREAT choice.
The food was reasonably priced for brunch and it was delicious. I started with an $8 Bloody Mary that could have been a meal itself. It came with a spicy bloody mary mix, salty spiciness on the rim, and smoked bacon and a deviled egg on top. It was well worth the $8 and never lost flavor, even as the ice melted.
For Breakfast I had a mexi skillet with eggs, potato hash, poblanos, fried tortilla, and salsa verde. It was a great blend of egg and flavor. It had a little spice to it and they did bring me a side of hot sauce...always a must with egg dishes. My two favorite dining companions egg had an omelet. One had prosciutto, onion and cheese and the other had wild mushroom, provolone and argula. They both came with a side of toast and potato hash. The toast had very light butter, which I think is better then sopping bread. The meals were a proper size and each cost under $10 for a Sunday brunch meal.
I would love to go back and try their entrees and dinner menu as well as the wine on tap. But for now...it is a solid brunch place for future endeavors!
The food was reasonably priced for brunch and it was delicious. I started with an $8 Bloody Mary that could have been a meal itself. It came with a spicy bloody mary mix, salty spiciness on the rim, and smoked bacon and a deviled egg on top. It was well worth the $8 and never lost flavor, even as the ice melted.
For Breakfast I had a mexi skillet with eggs, potato hash, poblanos, fried tortilla, and salsa verde. It was a great blend of egg and flavor. It had a little spice to it and they did bring me a side of hot sauce...always a must with egg dishes. My two favorite dining companions egg had an omelet. One had prosciutto, onion and cheese and the other had wild mushroom, provolone and argula. They both came with a side of toast and potato hash. The toast had very light butter, which I think is better then sopping bread. The meals were a proper size and each cost under $10 for a Sunday brunch meal.
I would love to go back and try their entrees and dinner menu as well as the wine on tap. But for now...it is a solid brunch place for future endeavors!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Wine Tasting
Those of you who know me have at least somewhat of an idea as to how much I love wine. Vodka is good for a few drinks but wine is the wonderful fermented fruit that you can have with dinner, with friends, sitting around a fire, watching tv, pretty much any situation you can imagine!
My new love...10 for $10 tastings at Battery Park Wine Bar. This is an unpretentious wine tasting that you go through at your own pace. It starts at 7pm the last Wednesday of the month and the $10 is added to your bill. You do need to make reservations for the night. So you come in, grab a glass and start your journey through the wine. Order a cheese plate and for 2 people the total cost is only $18 for the night.
On my most recent trip with my dining companion we were tasting local Ohio Wine from Laurello in Geneva. We started with the whites, moved to the reds, and finished with the sweet Ohio wines. When we walked in we were given a sheet with all of the wines and the descriptions. It was great as we went through each one to see if we could taste the hint of white peach or pineapple. The wines were delicious and for $10 the tasting was well worth it. I do not typically write about alcohol cheap eats and usually my suggestion is to avoid the alcohol to save on the overall cost. But this is well worth a frugally classy endorsement.
Since I love writing about the food...I will touch on the cheese plate. It is a $16 cheese plate with 3 domestic/imported cheeses. On Wednesday the cheeses were a brie, Merlot soaked Parmesan, and a Camembert. Along with the cheeses were french bread, a date tapenade, herbed oil, grapes, strawberries and walnuts. The cheeses were excellent. The wine soaked cheese had a hint of wine flavor and paired well with the cheeses. We did not want to leave any cheese on the plate! I have written before about the quality of the food at the wine bar and the simple cheese plate did not disappoint!
I hate to give away this secret, but it is a great tasting at a great price and so relaxed that you can really enjoy the wines and company of those at the table.
My new love...10 for $10 tastings at Battery Park Wine Bar. This is an unpretentious wine tasting that you go through at your own pace. It starts at 7pm the last Wednesday of the month and the $10 is added to your bill. You do need to make reservations for the night. So you come in, grab a glass and start your journey through the wine. Order a cheese plate and for 2 people the total cost is only $18 for the night.
On my most recent trip with my dining companion we were tasting local Ohio Wine from Laurello in Geneva. We started with the whites, moved to the reds, and finished with the sweet Ohio wines. When we walked in we were given a sheet with all of the wines and the descriptions. It was great as we went through each one to see if we could taste the hint of white peach or pineapple. The wines were delicious and for $10 the tasting was well worth it. I do not typically write about alcohol cheap eats and usually my suggestion is to avoid the alcohol to save on the overall cost. But this is well worth a frugally classy endorsement.
Since I love writing about the food...I will touch on the cheese plate. It is a $16 cheese plate with 3 domestic/imported cheeses. On Wednesday the cheeses were a brie, Merlot soaked Parmesan, and a Camembert. Along with the cheeses were french bread, a date tapenade, herbed oil, grapes, strawberries and walnuts. The cheeses were excellent. The wine soaked cheese had a hint of wine flavor and paired well with the cheeses. We did not want to leave any cheese on the plate! I have written before about the quality of the food at the wine bar and the simple cheese plate did not disappoint!
I hate to give away this secret, but it is a great tasting at a great price and so relaxed that you can really enjoy the wines and company of those at the table.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Dante Happy Hour
Tremont is one of my favorite spots in Cleveland, second only to Gordon Square. It is a mecca of foods from hole in the wall bar to upscale Japanese. There is a little something for everyone and last night I tried the Godzilla Happy Hour at Dante. The restaurant is quaint and small but the vibe is great. We sat at the bar and were able to order from the happy hour or regular menu. In true frugal fashion...I went for the happy hour menu.
As is typical, my drinks cost more than the food. This is really where they get you on the happy hour. But the cocktails were well worth it...fresh and delicious. I had two martini's at $5 a piece. The first was a passion martini with passion fruit puree, vodka and proscecco. The second martini was a blood orange martini with vodka and blood orange puree. They also offer many beers for $2 and wines for $5. But on to the food...my favorite part of the meal.
The prices for happy hour vary from $3 to $6 a plate. A few people at the table ordered the fried with a Japanese seasoning. They were crispy with a side sauce that was very creamy and tomato based. I chose one of the toban yaki dishes. They cost between $4-6 and include vegetarian, beef, pork belly, and salmon. The salmon was delicious. It was approximately 2-3 oz of fish grilled and then placed in a clay pot to steak with greens and soy. It was a small plate but perfect for dinner. Next time I would try the beef. they also have miso mussels and a sushi "pop". For under $10 you could create a filling, healthy and flavorful meal.
I am excited to go back again soon to try another one of the toban yaki dishes or the sushi "pop". There was really nothing Italian on the happy hour menu, but the regular menu does offer tasting portions of pasta, rissotto and other items for around $5 each. Dante's fits the frugally classy lifestyle and is a great choice for afterwork.
As is typical, my drinks cost more than the food. This is really where they get you on the happy hour. But the cocktails were well worth it...fresh and delicious. I had two martini's at $5 a piece. The first was a passion martini with passion fruit puree, vodka and proscecco. The second martini was a blood orange martini with vodka and blood orange puree. They also offer many beers for $2 and wines for $5. But on to the food...my favorite part of the meal.
The prices for happy hour vary from $3 to $6 a plate. A few people at the table ordered the fried with a Japanese seasoning. They were crispy with a side sauce that was very creamy and tomato based. I chose one of the toban yaki dishes. They cost between $4-6 and include vegetarian, beef, pork belly, and salmon. The salmon was delicious. It was approximately 2-3 oz of fish grilled and then placed in a clay pot to steak with greens and soy. It was a small plate but perfect for dinner. Next time I would try the beef. they also have miso mussels and a sushi "pop". For under $10 you could create a filling, healthy and flavorful meal.
I am excited to go back again soon to try another one of the toban yaki dishes or the sushi "pop". There was really nothing Italian on the happy hour menu, but the regular menu does offer tasting portions of pasta, rissotto and other items for around $5 each. Dante's fits the frugally classy lifestyle and is a great choice for afterwork.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Wing Playoff
So many of you know I was a judge for the Plain Dealer wings Playoff on Saturday March 30th. It was a fun event and I met some really cool people. They all love wings and they all have a good palate...I think almost all of us agreed on what was the best wing. So it started and we have no idea what wings were from which places. The place chose their best wing to serve us. I do not know the overall winner, it will be announced this Friday in Friday Magazine. Because we do not know the winners, I will try to describe the wings without a lot of my own judgment.
The first round had what I think was a honey mustard with a little chili wing and a dry rub. The honey mustard wing had very subtle flavor. The dry rub was a crispy wing and the rub actually fell off the wing as you were eating it. It was slightly peppery, salty and spicy. A winner was chosen from that round to go to the final.
The second round had a crispy wing with Parmesan cheese on top and a sticky crispy honey wing with a 911 sauce to accompany it. the second wing definitely had two different flavors between the wing without and with the 911 sauce. Ok...I will give some commentary here. The 911 sauce was awesome! I could eat it straight, but it was not what I would describe as 911. the winner was chosen from that round.
The two winners then went head to head for a final tasting and voting was complete. Check out the PD Friday magazine for the overall winner. My one comment on the quality of wings...people...do not vote based on where you live. Try to vote based on the actually quality of the product. There were 2 wings that I not only did not like at all, but that I cannot believe anyone who likes wings would ever order.
Happy Dyngus Day all...I will be down there trying some yummy Polish food all afternoon!
The first round had what I think was a honey mustard with a little chili wing and a dry rub. The honey mustard wing had very subtle flavor. The dry rub was a crispy wing and the rub actually fell off the wing as you were eating it. It was slightly peppery, salty and spicy. A winner was chosen from that round to go to the final.
The second round had a crispy wing with Parmesan cheese on top and a sticky crispy honey wing with a 911 sauce to accompany it. the second wing definitely had two different flavors between the wing without and with the 911 sauce. Ok...I will give some commentary here. The 911 sauce was awesome! I could eat it straight, but it was not what I would describe as 911. the winner was chosen from that round.
The two winners then went head to head for a final tasting and voting was complete. Check out the PD Friday magazine for the overall winner. My one comment on the quality of wings...people...do not vote based on where you live. Try to vote based on the actually quality of the product. There were 2 wings that I not only did not like at all, but that I cannot believe anyone who likes wings would ever order.
Happy Dyngus Day all...I will be down there trying some yummy Polish food all afternoon!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Latitude 41 Yum
Latitude 41 has a new menu, some new specials but the same great prices that make them one of my favorite stops for a good fresh meal. Every time you walk in the staff is friendly and inviting. You order at the counter and then they bring the food to your table. The place has great maps all over and hot sauce on every table! As a bonus, they are part of Cleveland Independents and have a card in the deck. My biggest problem is if by myself or even with one other person it is hard to get to $30 to be able to use the gift card.
Last night was Friday and I was craving a fish fry like none other! So I decided to try it at Latitude. I ordered the one piece fish fry for $6.50! That is cheaper then any of the local churches fish frys. For $6.50 you get one large piece of hot fried fish, a dish of cole slaw, potato and sweet potato fries and fresh tarter sauce. The fish was flaky and perfectly fried. I added a little hot sauce and used a little bit of the tarter sauce on it. The tarter sauce was delicious and also great a great dip for the fries. The cole slaw was slightly sweet and delicious. I do not even like cole slaw because of the mayonnaise, but this was well balanced. For a fish fry, this was an amazing deal and you cannot get this much food that cheap almost anywhere!
During the week are other specials including: Wednesday night choice of 7 burgers for $6.50 and domestic beer for $2, Thursday choice of 8 chicken sandwiches (grilled or fried) for $6.50, and the famous breakfast Menage a Trois for $4.95. the sandwiches include choice of cole slaw or fries and the Menage includes 2 eggs, 2 bacon, a homemade sausage, potatoes and toast. It is an amazing deal in a clean fresh cooking environment.
The new menu has some of the old favorites...like the amazing pizzas and Latitude Attitudes. They have added some salads, meatball and meatless balls, and pasta dishes with things like mussels and chicken Parmesan. What they, sadly as it was my favorite, got rid of were the pasta bakes. Hopefully they will bring them back as specials once in a while.
This is a great place to like on Facebook as they will put out specials for Facebook users during the week that is not on the menu. Some days they will do a pizza special or a soup and sandwich special that is only posted in Facebook. In addition to the menu are fresh specials every day. Last night they also had a beautiful pasta with seafood on the menu. I was set on a fish fry, but may consider that on another night if they have it again. They serve wine and beer and desserts. This is an old favorite and it is a great value for the quality of the food!
Last night was Friday and I was craving a fish fry like none other! So I decided to try it at Latitude. I ordered the one piece fish fry for $6.50! That is cheaper then any of the local churches fish frys. For $6.50 you get one large piece of hot fried fish, a dish of cole slaw, potato and sweet potato fries and fresh tarter sauce. The fish was flaky and perfectly fried. I added a little hot sauce and used a little bit of the tarter sauce on it. The tarter sauce was delicious and also great a great dip for the fries. The cole slaw was slightly sweet and delicious. I do not even like cole slaw because of the mayonnaise, but this was well balanced. For a fish fry, this was an amazing deal and you cannot get this much food that cheap almost anywhere!
During the week are other specials including: Wednesday night choice of 7 burgers for $6.50 and domestic beer for $2, Thursday choice of 8 chicken sandwiches (grilled or fried) for $6.50, and the famous breakfast Menage a Trois for $4.95. the sandwiches include choice of cole slaw or fries and the Menage includes 2 eggs, 2 bacon, a homemade sausage, potatoes and toast. It is an amazing deal in a clean fresh cooking environment.
The new menu has some of the old favorites...like the amazing pizzas and Latitude Attitudes. They have added some salads, meatball and meatless balls, and pasta dishes with things like mussels and chicken Parmesan. What they, sadly as it was my favorite, got rid of were the pasta bakes. Hopefully they will bring them back as specials once in a while.
This is a great place to like on Facebook as they will put out specials for Facebook users during the week that is not on the menu. Some days they will do a pizza special or a soup and sandwich special that is only posted in Facebook. In addition to the menu are fresh specials every day. Last night they also had a beautiful pasta with seafood on the menu. I was set on a fish fry, but may consider that on another night if they have it again. They serve wine and beer and desserts. This is an old favorite and it is a great value for the quality of the food!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Cleveland Independents Restaurant Week
Another week...another prix fixe menu...this time for the 2 restaurant week of the year from Cleveland Independents. This one is a bit more open as the restaurants are all over the city and they are all part of my favorite consortium of restaurants. As per my usual plan of attack...I reviewed menus and put together what I think are the best menus for the value. I also tried to look at places I have not been before. the deal for Cleveland independents is $33 for three courses.
The first place is Cowell and Hubbard. I have to admit I picked this purely for the apps and dessert. The appetisers include a fresh roasted tomato soup with grilled cheese or a salmon tartar with avocado and chimichurri sauce. There is absolutely nothing that I do not love about both of these items. For dinner he is offering a chicken panzenella or a shrimp and polenta cake. But dessert...desert includes baked apple or peanut butter and jelly cheesecake...YUM!
My second choice is another place I have never been...but Flour has an amazing menu for restaurant week. The appetiser includes a duck and prosciutto meatball with marscapone and red wine. Dinner includes
The first place is Cowell and Hubbard. I have to admit I picked this purely for the apps and dessert. The appetisers include a fresh roasted tomato soup with grilled cheese or a salmon tartar with avocado and chimichurri sauce. There is absolutely nothing that I do not love about both of these items. For dinner he is offering a chicken panzenella or a shrimp and polenta cake. But dessert...desert includes baked apple or peanut butter and jelly cheesecake...YUM!
My second choice is another place I have never been...but Flour has an amazing menu for restaurant week. The appetiser includes a duck and prosciutto meatball with marscapone and red wine. Dinner includes
Strozzapreti Castelvetrano Olives, Arugula, White Anchovies, Caper-Butter and a beef short rib with wild mushroom risotto. Dessert just sounds amazing...nutella and banana ice cream bar with peanut butter powder.
A favorite restaurant of mine is Pier W and they do not disappoint for restaurant week either. Apps include a truffle diver scallop or a wild boar pate en crute. There are four dinner choices including a pesto crusted cod with lobster mashed potatoes or for meat lovers beef medallions or roasted duck. Dessert is not so exciting with either a peppermint cheesecake or a selection of sorbet.
My last choice was between Hyde Park and Flying Fig. I went with Flying Fig purely based on the unique menu. The appetiser includes polenta with greens and mushrooms. Dinner includes
Posole with Confit Ohio Pork Shoulder Hominy, Lime and Smoked Chile or a Seafood Stew Shrimp, Scallops, Whitefish and Mussels in Coconut Curry Broth with Jasmine Rice. Dessert also is not so exciting with a brownie parfait or apple crisp.
another couple of my favorites...which i always frequent during restaurant week so I am avoiding them this time...Players and Grovewood Tavern.
So there are my best menus. I hope everyone will go out and support these fine establishments which promote local food and culture.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week
Its that time of year again...all the Restaurant weeks start to pop up getting us ready for the spring! I am very excited to see that this year there are some new places downtown and they are creating some fun menus for restaurant week. This year there is a "theme"...pierogies. I mean...it is Cleveland anything that resembles a pasta like item stuffed with something yummy...we love!
So there are winners and losers and a ton in between. The top winner...again for best menu...Mallorca. They are offering things like Spanish sausage as a an appetizer and a 16 oz steak or stuffed tilapia for dinner. All of this includes potatoes, vegetables, and rice. For $30...this is a great deal. However, I have been to Mallorca so many times for restaurant week that I am trying someplace new. But for those who have not tried it before...GO!!!!
Ok...let's start with the losers...so anyone who tries to push off soup/salad as an appetizer, pasta as a main course and ice cream for dessert...you LOSE in restaurant week. This is supposed to be a time to showcase your great food and bring someone downtown who may not try your restaurant otherwise because for the price they want to be sure they are getting a good meal. Trust me...give me a good meal for $30...i will return and try your regular menu for $60 one day. Give me a boring menu for restaurant week...i forget you even exist. The first one...Pura Vida- I understand your menu is determined daily...but give some kind of teaser when all I see if Soup, Salad, or appetiser and dinner says meat, fish or vegetarian it does not make me want to try your place. Give me some more. And Flannery's...i will stick to just drinking with you. You are a bar...with bar food...but you want me to pay $30 for fried mozzarella, fish and chips and a dessert? At least many of the other bars were smart and did $30 for 2 dinners even sharing the appetizer and dessert. This is no deal when you are competing with Chinato right across the street...
Now the winners...I will admit that I am picking some places that the menu may not be the most unique...but it is a new restaurant so let's try it (they are also only $30 for 2 diners)! The first is Tomo- a Hibachi place downtown. They are offering 2 dinners for $30 and it includes steamed dumplings with shrimp as a appetiser, chicken and Salmon or a chicken tempura dinner and fried cheesecake or fried banana for dessert. This is a great deal for only $15 a person. Another new place (and where I am going to try this week) is Charkra Indian. It also is a $30 menu for 2 diners and offers a Samosa or paneer pakora(fried cheese), chicken tikka masal and saag panneer or goat curry and navaratn Korma, ending with dessert. All meals include Naan bread and rice. Anyone who has eaten Indian food knows that to get all these courses and Naan for $30 is a bargain for 2 diners.
In the more upscale division...Morton's is a huge winner. I mean first of all, when did anyone get our of Morton's for $30 for even just one entree. They are offering a great menu and a bargain! Yes the first course is a salad or soup...but it is a Morton Cesar salad or a 5 onion baked soup. Dinner is a chicken Bianco or a steak burger or honey chili glazed salmon. Dessert--double chocolate mouse. YUM! Another big winner is Chinato, again one my favorites anytime. Appetisers include salmon tartar or sweetbreads, dinner includes market fish or beef al barolo, and dessert pistachio cheesecake or chocolate hazelnut mouse cake. This is creative, fun and well worth the money.
Some honorable mentions...Hodge's...he is offering a truffle pierogy, Zocala with a chipotle java rubbed filet medallion, and San Souci is offering a braised lamb with rosemary polenta.
I hope everyone enjoy my take on restaurant week...I promise a short update from my dinner at Charkra!
http://www.downtowncleveland.com/events/restaurant-week/participating-restaurants.aspx
So there are winners and losers and a ton in between. The top winner...again for best menu...Mallorca. They are offering things like Spanish sausage as a an appetizer and a 16 oz steak or stuffed tilapia for dinner. All of this includes potatoes, vegetables, and rice. For $30...this is a great deal. However, I have been to Mallorca so many times for restaurant week that I am trying someplace new. But for those who have not tried it before...GO!!!!
Ok...let's start with the losers...so anyone who tries to push off soup/salad as an appetizer, pasta as a main course and ice cream for dessert...you LOSE in restaurant week. This is supposed to be a time to showcase your great food and bring someone downtown who may not try your restaurant otherwise because for the price they want to be sure they are getting a good meal. Trust me...give me a good meal for $30...i will return and try your regular menu for $60 one day. Give me a boring menu for restaurant week...i forget you even exist. The first one...Pura Vida- I understand your menu is determined daily...but give some kind of teaser when all I see if Soup, Salad, or appetiser and dinner says meat, fish or vegetarian it does not make me want to try your place. Give me some more. And Flannery's...i will stick to just drinking with you. You are a bar...with bar food...but you want me to pay $30 for fried mozzarella, fish and chips and a dessert? At least many of the other bars were smart and did $30 for 2 dinners even sharing the appetizer and dessert. This is no deal when you are competing with Chinato right across the street...
Now the winners...I will admit that I am picking some places that the menu may not be the most unique...but it is a new restaurant so let's try it (they are also only $30 for 2 diners)! The first is Tomo- a Hibachi place downtown. They are offering 2 dinners for $30 and it includes steamed dumplings with shrimp as a appetiser, chicken and Salmon or a chicken tempura dinner and fried cheesecake or fried banana for dessert. This is a great deal for only $15 a person. Another new place (and where I am going to try this week) is Charkra Indian. It also is a $30 menu for 2 diners and offers a Samosa or paneer pakora(fried cheese), chicken tikka masal and saag panneer or goat curry and navaratn Korma, ending with dessert. All meals include Naan bread and rice. Anyone who has eaten Indian food knows that to get all these courses and Naan for $30 is a bargain for 2 diners.
In the more upscale division...Morton's is a huge winner. I mean first of all, when did anyone get our of Morton's for $30 for even just one entree. They are offering a great menu and a bargain! Yes the first course is a salad or soup...but it is a Morton Cesar salad or a 5 onion baked soup. Dinner is a chicken Bianco or a steak burger or honey chili glazed salmon. Dessert--double chocolate mouse. YUM! Another big winner is Chinato, again one my favorites anytime. Appetisers include salmon tartar or sweetbreads, dinner includes market fish or beef al barolo, and dessert pistachio cheesecake or chocolate hazelnut mouse cake. This is creative, fun and well worth the money.
Some honorable mentions...Hodge's...he is offering a truffle pierogy, Zocala with a chipotle java rubbed filet medallion, and San Souci is offering a braised lamb with rosemary polenta.
I hope everyone enjoy my take on restaurant week...I promise a short update from my dinner at Charkra!
http://www.downtowncleveland.com/events/restaurant-week/participating-restaurants.aspx
Fat Cats
I will stand by this statement all day...Best Happy Hour in Cleveland- Fat Cats!
Fat Cats is located at the East End of Tremont and is sort of tucked away- which is great for parking purposes. While I do not want to give away my secret because the place already is constantly packed this is my favorite happy hour spot. To begin with the place is so inviting and bustling that you feel as though you are part of the action in some swanky joint. You sit at the bar, where the happy hour menu is already sitting at each open spot waiting for the customers to arrive and partake. While the drinks are still expensive- they are all well crafted and delicious. On this particular occasion I met two friends and we shared alot of our bites...and some we kept for ourselves. Nothing disappointed.
What is fun about happy hour here is that you can order a few bites...sit...eat...drink...order some more. So we started with the fried zucchini($3) and calamari ($5). Nothing is greasy, just crispy perfection with flavorful sauces on the side. The calamari includes some crispy tentacles as well. Personally, i do not like calamari. it tends to be chewy and the texture just throws me. Fat Cats is the one place I will eat it. The fried calamari just melts as you chew it, no weird texture. After that we moved to the next set of plates, pumpkin risotto ($3), BLT ($4), Burger ($5) and Mac-n-cheese ($4). The pumpkin risotto was creamy and sweet but still savory. (One friend actually ordered one for himself after this course). I did not try the other three items, but they came out looking beautiful and my dining companions loved the food. As I had really only eaten at this point the risotto and fried items I decided to go with the melted cheese ($5). All I can say is wow! This was better then any wanna be grilled cheese sandwich you could find at any other restaurant- even one promoting grilled cheese. The bread was thick and crispy but still soft in the middle. The cheese was a white cheddar and there were grilled zucchini slices inside that helped to cut the heavy cheese. It was a perfect balance of cheese and bread with some cheese parts oozing out that became crispy on the griddle.
The meal was amazing. They do offer domestic beers for only $2, but I do not really drink beer so I went with the $6 Moscow Mule. It was gingery and spicy and well made.
There are so many other wonderful items I want to try next time including...spicy ribs, seafood, taco, and pizza with grape jam and gorgonzola.
If you do not make happy hour...do not fret...while their normal meals are slightly higher in price they never disappoint. but be sure to get a reservation for dinner. They are the happening spot to be on a Friday night.
Fat Cats is located at the East End of Tremont and is sort of tucked away- which is great for parking purposes. While I do not want to give away my secret because the place already is constantly packed this is my favorite happy hour spot. To begin with the place is so inviting and bustling that you feel as though you are part of the action in some swanky joint. You sit at the bar, where the happy hour menu is already sitting at each open spot waiting for the customers to arrive and partake. While the drinks are still expensive- they are all well crafted and delicious. On this particular occasion I met two friends and we shared alot of our bites...and some we kept for ourselves. Nothing disappointed.
What is fun about happy hour here is that you can order a few bites...sit...eat...drink...order some more. So we started with the fried zucchini($3) and calamari ($5). Nothing is greasy, just crispy perfection with flavorful sauces on the side. The calamari includes some crispy tentacles as well. Personally, i do not like calamari. it tends to be chewy and the texture just throws me. Fat Cats is the one place I will eat it. The fried calamari just melts as you chew it, no weird texture. After that we moved to the next set of plates, pumpkin risotto ($3), BLT ($4), Burger ($5) and Mac-n-cheese ($4). The pumpkin risotto was creamy and sweet but still savory. (One friend actually ordered one for himself after this course). I did not try the other three items, but they came out looking beautiful and my dining companions loved the food. As I had really only eaten at this point the risotto and fried items I decided to go with the melted cheese ($5). All I can say is wow! This was better then any wanna be grilled cheese sandwich you could find at any other restaurant- even one promoting grilled cheese. The bread was thick and crispy but still soft in the middle. The cheese was a white cheddar and there were grilled zucchini slices inside that helped to cut the heavy cheese. It was a perfect balance of cheese and bread with some cheese parts oozing out that became crispy on the griddle.
The meal was amazing. They do offer domestic beers for only $2, but I do not really drink beer so I went with the $6 Moscow Mule. It was gingery and spicy and well made.
There are so many other wonderful items I want to try next time including...spicy ribs, seafood, taco, and pizza with grape jam and gorgonzola.
If you do not make happy hour...do not fret...while their normal meals are slightly higher in price they never disappoint. but be sure to get a reservation for dinner. They are the happening spot to be on a Friday night.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Stone Mad in Gordon Square
This is a great little spot hidden down 65th in the Detroit Shoreway. This place is great for drinks at the bar or in the nice months out on stone patio. The bartenders are gregarious and chatty in good ways. While I was there, I met George and Patrick. They were knowledgeable about the specials, the drinks and willing to answer questions. The interactions with some of the regulars was great to see.
So the happy hour...not the best not the worst...but good. The offer $4 glasses of select white or red wines, $3 cocktails made with Three Olives, Bacardi, or tanguray and a variety of beer specials. The food selection was limited, but very tasty! You have your choice of Mussels, Cheese Pizza, Pub Sliders, or Wings for $5 each. I went with the sliders and the wings and I am thrilled with my choices!
The pub sliders are 2 thick beef patties with Irish cheddar and a Guinness BBQ sauce. They are serve on little toasted buns and are the perfect ratio of meat the bread. They were hot and delicious and perfectly cooked. The wings are baked (healthy right?) and served with this amazing cole slaw. I usually do not like the taste of cole slaw it is vinegar and mayo and just usually not well balanced. This tasted amazing! It was creamy and the cabbage and fennel and apples just paired so well together with the El Diablo seasoned wings.
While I was there a friend and her husband met up and then I ran into another friend. It felt comfortable sitting at the bar and just hanging out. Some other people ordered off the regular menu and the food all looked amazing. I had been to Stone Mad to eat years ago when it first opened and was not impressed. After last night, I am looking forward to going there and trying something off the regular menu.
Night out for a full dinner, 2 drinks, tax and tip...under $20! That is a score!
So the happy hour...not the best not the worst...but good. The offer $4 glasses of select white or red wines, $3 cocktails made with Three Olives, Bacardi, or tanguray and a variety of beer specials. The food selection was limited, but very tasty! You have your choice of Mussels, Cheese Pizza, Pub Sliders, or Wings for $5 each. I went with the sliders and the wings and I am thrilled with my choices!
The pub sliders are 2 thick beef patties with Irish cheddar and a Guinness BBQ sauce. They are serve on little toasted buns and are the perfect ratio of meat the bread. They were hot and delicious and perfectly cooked. The wings are baked (healthy right?) and served with this amazing cole slaw. I usually do not like the taste of cole slaw it is vinegar and mayo and just usually not well balanced. This tasted amazing! It was creamy and the cabbage and fennel and apples just paired so well together with the El Diablo seasoned wings.
While I was there a friend and her husband met up and then I ran into another friend. It felt comfortable sitting at the bar and just hanging out. Some other people ordered off the regular menu and the food all looked amazing. I had been to Stone Mad to eat years ago when it first opened and was not impressed. After last night, I am looking forward to going there and trying something off the regular menu.
Night out for a full dinner, 2 drinks, tax and tip...under $20! That is a score!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Battery Park Wine Bar Happy Hour
The Battery Park Wine Bar is easy to forget about sometimes...it is nice and tucked away at the bottom of a street away from the busy streets. It is one of my favorite places to go and just get some yummy treats. I finally made time to try the happy hour. There is a select menu of items at a reduced price and it is a diverse list with something for anyone.
Let's start with the drinks- this is what always adds to the bill- but here they have a select red or white wine for $4. On Friday night the red was a Portuguese wine. It had good flavor and paired well with what I knew I wanted to get for my meal.
The Happy Hour menu does have a choice for everyone from salads to fish and many shareable items if with a group. I actually chose on this visit one item from the happy hour menu and one from the regular menu that Ihad been wanting to try. The food here is always fresh, well prepared and I full of flavor. This night however I was slightly disappointed. The Happy Hour item that I ordered was a crab cake ($6). It had a lot of crab, great flavor, perfectly crispy with a delicious roasted red pepper sauce. The carpaccio($11) though was very disappointing. The meat was dry and the salad overdressed. It was actually more like a salad with a few pieces of beef on top. The balsamic syrup was good and complimented the peccorino cheese well. It was just very disappointing since I expected the beef to be the star of the plate and it was more like dried beef thrown on a salad.
On other days when I have been here the food as been nothing but stellar. The BBQ Beef Shortrib sliders were amazing last time. The meat was falling apart and infused with great flavors and spices. The sweet potato fries were perfectly cooked, not greasy and served with an ancho aioli that was amazing. In the past I have also had their flat breads that have a nice crisp crust and the correct ratio of toppings to crust. The toppings are interesting and many of the combinations unique, such as the argula pesto, Camembert, roasted grape with balsamic glaze flatbread.
Overall...the happy hour prices are great- most items are under $6 and the wine is a great deal for $4 a glass. The atmosphere is fun yet classy. Get together with a few friends or just go alone and sit at the bar. It makes for a fun night out, and parking is very convenient with a lot right in front.
Let's start with the drinks- this is what always adds to the bill- but here they have a select red or white wine for $4. On Friday night the red was a Portuguese wine. It had good flavor and paired well with what I knew I wanted to get for my meal.
The Happy Hour menu does have a choice for everyone from salads to fish and many shareable items if with a group. I actually chose on this visit one item from the happy hour menu and one from the regular menu that Ihad been wanting to try. The food here is always fresh, well prepared and I full of flavor. This night however I was slightly disappointed. The Happy Hour item that I ordered was a crab cake ($6). It had a lot of crab, great flavor, perfectly crispy with a delicious roasted red pepper sauce. The carpaccio($11) though was very disappointing. The meat was dry and the salad overdressed. It was actually more like a salad with a few pieces of beef on top. The balsamic syrup was good and complimented the peccorino cheese well. It was just very disappointing since I expected the beef to be the star of the plate and it was more like dried beef thrown on a salad.
On other days when I have been here the food as been nothing but stellar. The BBQ Beef Shortrib sliders were amazing last time. The meat was falling apart and infused with great flavors and spices. The sweet potato fries were perfectly cooked, not greasy and served with an ancho aioli that was amazing. In the past I have also had their flat breads that have a nice crisp crust and the correct ratio of toppings to crust. The toppings are interesting and many of the combinations unique, such as the argula pesto, Camembert, roasted grape with balsamic glaze flatbread.
Overall...the happy hour prices are great- most items are under $6 and the wine is a great deal for $4 a glass. The atmosphere is fun yet classy. Get together with a few friends or just go alone and sit at the bar. It makes for a fun night out, and parking is very convenient with a lot right in front.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Time to get serious
This year it is time for the frugally classy lady to get serious with this food blog thing. I want to find all the best deals in town to share with my friends. I am going to let everyone in on all my favorite places and the deals they offer. I will admit though...sometimes you just need a good meal no matter what the cost. I am also going to add in some cheap places to drink.
so the first Frugally Classy post is about the quality meal from Crop Bistro in Ohio City. It is not cheap, but the quality, service and atmosphere is worth every penny spent.
My friend and I decided to do the appetizer dinner. This is something my mom always used to do and with the great choices at Crop it is worth it to try. We started with splitting the Waldorf Salad- Pears, Fennel, Celery Root, Arugula, Candied Walnuts, Raisins, Vanilla Balsamic for only $9. We then enjoyed the meal with the famous balsamic popcorn (recipe is on their website) ($6) and the Cherry Bomb ($10). If you have never had the cherry bomb, it is unique to Crop. It is a roma tomato stuffed with chorizo and jack cheese covered and fried in a won ton. It is set atop a bed of pureed sweet corn and basil and pepper sauce. Our last item to top off the meal was the cheese plate ($12) with a maytag blue, truffle soft cheese, and a three way cheese. The cheese were complimented with apples, grapes, fig paste, almonds and truffle honey. The maytag Blue had beautiful deep blue veins. The truffle cheese was cold but so soft it was melting on the plate. The three way cheese was a goat, cow, and sheep milk cheese. It was soft and hard and the flavors were amazing To Finish the meal we had the Pretzel Unlogic ($8)for dessert- Chocolate Custard, Pretzel Crust, Malted Whip, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Dipped Pretzel
Our total meal was $45. This would totally fit the frugally classy way. However, we were out for a fun night so we added to the meal a glass each of Prosecco and salted carmel cappuccino. This put our total cost for the meal without tip to around $75. Alcohol and beverages almost always will kill any budget, but some nights it just worth it!
Crop has always been one of my favorites. It is affordable to order an entree as well. Most are in the low $20 range and the quality and freshness of the food is well worth it. If you are looking for a cheaper version...the offer Thursday Happy Hour. From 5 to 7 p.m. “Get Cropped” at Happy with select $5 cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass, and small plates for $5 including the cherry bomb, steak and cheese flatbread, or lamb sliders. Crop offers local products which to this blogger is an added plus for any restuarant.
http://cropbistro.com/
so the first Frugally Classy post is about the quality meal from Crop Bistro in Ohio City. It is not cheap, but the quality, service and atmosphere is worth every penny spent.
My friend and I decided to do the appetizer dinner. This is something my mom always used to do and with the great choices at Crop it is worth it to try. We started with splitting the Waldorf Salad- Pears, Fennel, Celery Root, Arugula, Candied Walnuts, Raisins, Vanilla Balsamic for only $9. We then enjoyed the meal with the famous balsamic popcorn (recipe is on their website) ($6) and the Cherry Bomb ($10). If you have never had the cherry bomb, it is unique to Crop. It is a roma tomato stuffed with chorizo and jack cheese covered and fried in a won ton. It is set atop a bed of pureed sweet corn and basil and pepper sauce. Our last item to top off the meal was the cheese plate ($12) with a maytag blue, truffle soft cheese, and a three way cheese. The cheese were complimented with apples, grapes, fig paste, almonds and truffle honey. The maytag Blue had beautiful deep blue veins. The truffle cheese was cold but so soft it was melting on the plate. The three way cheese was a goat, cow, and sheep milk cheese. It was soft and hard and the flavors were amazing To Finish the meal we had the Pretzel Unlogic ($8)for dessert- Chocolate Custard, Pretzel Crust, Malted Whip, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Dipped Pretzel
Our total meal was $45. This would totally fit the frugally classy way. However, we were out for a fun night so we added to the meal a glass each of Prosecco and salted carmel cappuccino. This put our total cost for the meal without tip to around $75. Alcohol and beverages almost always will kill any budget, but some nights it just worth it!
Crop has always been one of my favorites. It is affordable to order an entree as well. Most are in the low $20 range and the quality and freshness of the food is well worth it. If you are looking for a cheaper version...the offer Thursday Happy Hour. From 5 to 7 p.m. “Get Cropped” at Happy with select $5 cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass, and small plates for $5 including the cherry bomb, steak and cheese flatbread, or lamb sliders. Crop offers local products which to this blogger is an added plus for any restuarant.
http://cropbistro.com/
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