Today I got a nice break from my long workday to meet up with an old friend for lunch, Amanda. Amanda and I were friends when I was way into Rainbow Brite, The Little Mermaid and a crazy crazy Girl Scout (we did it together for 7 years). I still never sold enough cookies for that awesome stuffed owl, but it was totally worth it.
Amanda and I went to the Metropolitan on W.6th street. It’s a hop and a skip away from my office, so I’ve been several times and always left pleased. I usually get an incredibly rich meal like the Lobster Pizza (fabulous) or the amazing Bacon Mac n Cheese.
Today, was a different story.
I have exactly one year and a day until I tie the knot with fellow foodie, Steve and if I want to fit into my gorgeous dress…I need to be a good healthy foodie. It doesn’t mean I have to eat boring rabbit food, but alas Mac n Cheese I shall miss you …until I have a Christmastime relapse…we all know that’s coming.
I ordered the Cedar Plank Salmon with fresh summer vegetables. It was absolutely amazing. The salmon was my favorite blend of sweet and fresh and seasoned lovelly with herbs and a citrus glaze.
Amanda ordered the Salmon Cesar Salad and swapped the Cesar dressing for a nice herb vinaigrette. She appeared to enjoy it very much…but honesty we were gabbing away so I never got a chance to ask. Time flies with good conversation.
-Krista
The Metropolitan Cafe on the web: http://www.hydeparkrestaurants.com/metro/index.htm
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Cabin Club
Yay!!!! We are soo pleased to announce our first "guest" foodie review written by FFF friend and favorite, Jennifer. I've enjoyed some lovely dinners and lunch room fun with Jennifer and am confident to post one of her reviews, as she has excellent taste.
Thanks Jennifer, we appreciate all guest foodie reviews! :)
On with the show...
-Krista
Special occasions call for trying new things, so I was excited to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday with his parents at The Cabin Club. The name is quite appropriate, as the interior is indeed all honey-colored wood walls and exposed roof beams, making for a cozy atmosphere. Some might find it a little too cozy—tables are close together, putting you nearly elbow-to-elbow with your dining neighbors, and the room can get a little noisy with conversation.
In other words, this is a great place to go for a special dinner with family, but not my first choice for an intimate date or a hip evening out with girlfriends.
Dinner begins with a choice of salad or soup, and our entire table chose the Cabin Salad. It was a generous portion of mixed greens and salad vegetables, topped with smoked turkey, Swiss, croutons and a lovely honey champagne vinaigrette. Salads were paired with warm bread and butter.
Our table was split between drinking cocktails from the full bar and wine from the by-the-glass selection. Everyone was pleased with their choice.
Although the Cabin Club prides itself on fantastic steaks, I am not a steak eater. Luckily, there is an extensive seafood section of the menu. I chose pan seared sea scallops with wild fennel crust, sweet corn risotto, crispy leeks, and Meyer lemon beurre blanc.
It was a dish of delicate, creamy deliciousness. Four large scallops were the perfect amount, and the very rich risotto had me struggling to enjoy the last luscious bit. The fennel crust was noticeable without overpowering the scallops, and the leeks were like fun miniature onion rings topping my plate.
The rest of the table decided on steaks. The two elders were pleased with their precisely cooked filets and very large loaded baked potatoes. A small roasted tomato made an unusual but tasty side dish.
My boyfriend’s choice was cold-smoked USDA Prime Sirloin, char-grilled, served with crispy fingerlings, fire-roasted creamed corn and tomato chutney. He was very pleased with his correctly cooked medium-rare steak and sides, which was a full plate even for a big eater. Even though the smoke flavor was the first one that registered, it still had a nice, full beefy taste. The creamed corn was rich and tasty with a very identifiable roasted flavor.
Our table was far too full for dessert, and therefore did not even glance at the menu. It was a delicious meal, and everyone left satisfied.
-Jennifer
Cabin Club on the net: http://www.hospitalityrestaurants.com/cabin.php
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Southside
This amazing weather we’ve been enjoying lately has left the foodies in pursuit of the perfect restaurant patio. Many elements come into play while searching for this outstanding outdoor eating experience; menu variety, amazing food, amazing drinks, pleasant environment, and comfy chairs. I am so pleased to report we’ve found it all at SouthSide restaurant in Tremont.
Friday night Steve, Amy, our buddy Elaine and I headed to Southside for a light dinner and some patio time. Southside was definitely hopping Friday night and we patiently waited for our table while enjoying some delicious beverages on the patio.
Once we were seated, I was pleased to discover the menu has something for everyone, including: burgers, salads, sandwiches and sautéed scallops.
Amy and Elaine split the portabella mushroom sandwich and raved about the taste.
Steve enjoyed the fresh spinach cobb salad with the amazingly delicious wasabi cucumber dressing (it was fabulous and I wanted to take a bucket of it home).
I had a very light lunch that day, so my tummy was rumbling by dinnertime. Therefore, I opted for the hearty lobster pasta with fresh herbs, vegetables and a cream sauce. It filled me up and I completely cleaned my plate.
That night, nothing in the world was better than friends, a perfect patio, some fine pino grigio and absolutely delicious lobster pasta.
I went home incredibly happy that night.
-Krista
Southside on the web: http://www.southsidecleveland.com/
Friday night Steve, Amy, our buddy Elaine and I headed to Southside for a light dinner and some patio time. Southside was definitely hopping Friday night and we patiently waited for our table while enjoying some delicious beverages on the patio.
Once we were seated, I was pleased to discover the menu has something for everyone, including: burgers, salads, sandwiches and sautéed scallops.
Amy and Elaine split the portabella mushroom sandwich and raved about the taste.
Steve enjoyed the fresh spinach cobb salad with the amazingly delicious wasabi cucumber dressing (it was fabulous and I wanted to take a bucket of it home).
I had a very light lunch that day, so my tummy was rumbling by dinnertime. Therefore, I opted for the hearty lobster pasta with fresh herbs, vegetables and a cream sauce. It filled me up and I completely cleaned my plate.
That night, nothing in the world was better than friends, a perfect patio, some fine pino grigio and absolutely delicious lobster pasta.
I went home incredibly happy that night.
-Krista
Southside on the web: http://www.southsidecleveland.com/
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Melt Bar and Grilled - Second Helping
They say misery loves company and last week Brittney did a fantastic job of persuading me to drown my sorrows of a little parking garage "mishap" after work in several pints of Strongbow Cider Ale followed by a fantastic Mushroom Melt at Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood. Sitting next to a stranger at the bar who knocks your elbow with theirs with each chug of a beer, stained glass filled with knives and broken beer bottles, constantly checking to see if your purse is still safely hidden under your bar stool every 3 minutes and vultures watching your every bite so they can be the first to grab your coveted seat at the bar the second you reach for your last sip of beer ...what's not to love!
In fact, I love it so much that I threw up no argument when Krista pulled me away from a $160 pair of glistening gold Betsey Johnson shoes at what else "Amy's Shoes" in Rocky River that I was drooling over in favor of filling our growling stomachs. Krista had never been to Melt and immediately starting searching the menu for the infamous Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich that has been featured in many a foodie magazine. I was slightly worried that I was becoming obsessed and addicted to the Mushroom Melt which features giant garlic portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions and provolone cheese and decided to try something new rather than end up in rehab.
And the decision....Krista teetered back and forth between the Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich and the Municipal Stadium Magic which featured a giant bratwurst, napa vodka kraut, grilled peppers and American cheese. Let me tell you that nobody I know enjoys a nice juicy Bratwurst more than Krista, but when in Rome...so the Grilled PB and Banana sandwich it was. I once again drank a pint of my favorite Strongbow Cider Ale and quickly narrowed my decision down to the North Coast Shores crab cake sandwich that I watched Brittney enjoy a few nights before.
Our sandwiches arrived stacked high and looking every bit as promising as we knew they would. The North Coast Shores complete with humongous handmade crab cakes, wilted garlic spinach, roasted red pepper and herbed cream cheese had me pretty darn happy. This sandwich was definitely worth the mess it left all over my face and hands, luckily Krista has seen me in far worse situations. Warning: do not order this on a first date or if you are wearing a white shirt.
Krista's Grilled PB and Banana sandwich however was the real showstopper. This sandwich was rich and delicious, but not nearly as overpowering as I thought it would be. There was a nice taste of banana but it certainly didn't steal the show next to the fresh made peanut butter as I would of expected and the berry preserves it came with added an extra sweet zing to this already sweet sandwich. I also discovered that the berry preserves are quite delicious on french fries...don't ask!
As you can tell the food at Melt is amazing and their beer selection is one of my favorite in the area not to mention the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and quick to suggest a unique pairing to your sandwich. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food, a few bottles of your favorite hard to find beer or some good old fashioned people watching...Melt is the place that will leave you satisfied and wanting more every time!
-Amy
In fact, I love it so much that I threw up no argument when Krista pulled me away from a $160 pair of glistening gold Betsey Johnson shoes at what else "Amy's Shoes" in Rocky River that I was drooling over in favor of filling our growling stomachs. Krista had never been to Melt and immediately starting searching the menu for the infamous Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich that has been featured in many a foodie magazine. I was slightly worried that I was becoming obsessed and addicted to the Mushroom Melt which features giant garlic portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions and provolone cheese and decided to try something new rather than end up in rehab.
And the decision....Krista teetered back and forth between the Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich and the Municipal Stadium Magic which featured a giant bratwurst, napa vodka kraut, grilled peppers and American cheese. Let me tell you that nobody I know enjoys a nice juicy Bratwurst more than Krista, but when in Rome...so the Grilled PB and Banana sandwich it was. I once again drank a pint of my favorite Strongbow Cider Ale and quickly narrowed my decision down to the North Coast Shores crab cake sandwich that I watched Brittney enjoy a few nights before.
Our sandwiches arrived stacked high and looking every bit as promising as we knew they would. The North Coast Shores complete with humongous handmade crab cakes, wilted garlic spinach, roasted red pepper and herbed cream cheese had me pretty darn happy. This sandwich was definitely worth the mess it left all over my face and hands, luckily Krista has seen me in far worse situations. Warning: do not order this on a first date or if you are wearing a white shirt.
Krista's Grilled PB and Banana sandwich however was the real showstopper. This sandwich was rich and delicious, but not nearly as overpowering as I thought it would be. There was a nice taste of banana but it certainly didn't steal the show next to the fresh made peanut butter as I would of expected and the berry preserves it came with added an extra sweet zing to this already sweet sandwich. I also discovered that the berry preserves are quite delicious on french fries...don't ask!
As you can tell the food at Melt is amazing and their beer selection is one of my favorite in the area not to mention the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and quick to suggest a unique pairing to your sandwich. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food, a few bottles of your favorite hard to find beer or some good old fashioned people watching...Melt is the place that will leave you satisfied and wanting more every time!
-Amy
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Melt Bar & Grilled
Have you looked far and wide for a restaurant willing to venture outside the box and be creative with coveted cuisine? Well look no further then Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood. I mean, raise your hand if you love grilled cheese!!!! Those of you awesome enough to raise your hands, belong to a group of Americans whose beloved past time is the oh-so-delicious grilled cheese (alias name: toasted cheese).
Melt has outdone itself by providing a wide selection of grilled cheese sandwiches for the loving child in all of us (and you get to order them off old vinyl record albums, how fun is that).
I visited this quirky and eclectic establishment this past Tuesday night with my fellow foodie Amy for a beer and some comfort food. Not only did we both thoroughly enjoy our sandwich selections, but also were ecstatic about the beer list. I washed my North Coast Shore sandwich (which featured homemade crab cakes, wilted garlic spinach, roasted red peppers and herbed cream cheese) with Agave Wheat Ale made by Breckenridge Brewery in Colorado. Amy enjoyed a Mushroom Melt sandwich that featured fresh garlic portabellas, caramelized onions, melted provolone and washed it down with tasty Strongbow Cider Ale.
The sandwiches are made on thick slices of sourdough bread grilled to perfection then served up with heaping mounds of hand-cut french fries and homemade cole slaw. Yum.
Between the great beer, generous portions and quality ingredients this fun establishment is guaranteed to please. I recommend trying it out on a weeknight (it can get pretty busy on weekends).
Now quit drooling and go get a grilled cheese!!!!!!!!!!
Make sure you eat your crust :)
~Brittney~
Michelangelo's
Last Friday night, my Mom, Brittney and I journeyed to one of Little Italy's youngest restaurants, Michelangelo's. It opened in May 2006 and has been getting steady buzz over the past 2 years. They even received the award for Best Italian Restaurant from Cleveland Scene Magazine in 2006.
Brittney had a gift certificate she wanted to use and my Mom and I didn't want to pass up a chance to check out a new restaurant, so we tagged along.
The first thing we noticed was the cozy little brick building the restaurant was located in. It was like visiting a little cottage in Italy. We were also thrilled that Michelangelo's has its own parking lot (small but for Little Italy a huge plus). The interior was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the look from the warm color schemes in the entrance to the dark and trendy bar- complete with an amusing gentleman strumming his acoustic guitar.
We decided to eat on the deck. It was a very nice night and we felt as if we were dining in some one's backyard-warm and friendly.
And on to the dinner... :)
We had made reservations (recommended) so we were seated immediately and greeted quickly by our helpful waiter. We decided to start out with the Escargot appetizer and a couple of glasses of DaVinci chianti, both delicious.
For our entrees:
Mom ordered one of the specials, Sauteed Scallops-sundried tomatoes, egg noodles, and parmesan reggiano cheese (she opted out of the olive tapenade-she is not a fan). I had a few bites and that was my favorite. Brittney enjoyed the Tagliolini -thin spaghetti, jumbo shrimp, roasted tomato with pinot grigio. The Tagliolini was absolutely fabulous as well. Incidentally, I got yelled at when I tried to steal a few bites. :) I ventured out of my "safety zone" and ordered the Agnello New Zealand lamb shank with port wine lamb sauce. I am a huge lamb fan and have had it several different ways, but was a "first-timer" for the shank. I think that for me, lamb shank is something that I need to develop a taste for (sort of like the first time I enjoyed a beer or an olive). It is a pleasant experience, but I haven't quite figured it out yet.
In conclusion, we enjoyed Michelangelo's very much. I am also looking forward to my next adventure with lamb shank. Perhaps, lamb shank will steadily become a favorite in my foodie future.
Ciao,
Krista
Check out Michelangelo's on the web: http://www.mangelos.com/index.html
Brittney had a gift certificate she wanted to use and my Mom and I didn't want to pass up a chance to check out a new restaurant, so we tagged along.
The first thing we noticed was the cozy little brick building the restaurant was located in. It was like visiting a little cottage in Italy. We were also thrilled that Michelangelo's has its own parking lot (small but for Little Italy a huge plus). The interior was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the look from the warm color schemes in the entrance to the dark and trendy bar- complete with an amusing gentleman strumming his acoustic guitar.
We decided to eat on the deck. It was a very nice night and we felt as if we were dining in some one's backyard-warm and friendly.
And on to the dinner... :)
We had made reservations (recommended) so we were seated immediately and greeted quickly by our helpful waiter. We decided to start out with the Escargot appetizer and a couple of glasses of DaVinci chianti, both delicious.
For our entrees:
Mom ordered one of the specials, Sauteed Scallops-sundried tomatoes, egg noodles, and parmesan reggiano cheese (she opted out of the olive tapenade-she is not a fan). I had a few bites and that was my favorite. Brittney enjoyed the Tagliolini -thin spaghetti, jumbo shrimp, roasted tomato with pinot grigio. The Tagliolini was absolutely fabulous as well. Incidentally, I got yelled at when I tried to steal a few bites. :) I ventured out of my "safety zone" and ordered the Agnello New Zealand lamb shank with port wine lamb sauce. I am a huge lamb fan and have had it several different ways, but was a "first-timer" for the shank. I think that for me, lamb shank is something that I need to develop a taste for (sort of like the first time I enjoyed a beer or an olive). It is a pleasant experience, but I haven't quite figured it out yet.
In conclusion, we enjoyed Michelangelo's very much. I am also looking forward to my next adventure with lamb shank. Perhaps, lamb shank will steadily become a favorite in my foodie future.
Ciao,
Krista
Check out Michelangelo's on the web: http://www.mangelos.com/index.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)