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

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.