Thanks to my fabulous boss, Diana (thanks D!) Steve and I were able to attend the Fabulous Food Show yesterday! I love heading to the Food Show for browsing the booths, but mostly I get excited for the chef demonstrations. We were able to watch White Flower Cake Shoppe do a fondant demonstration. I was bouncing up and down with excitement as I am an avid baker. Steve wasn’t nuts for the fondant, but his face lit up when we watched Michael Symon’s demonstration. It was the best demonstration I’ve ever seen at the Food Show (we’ve been going for a few years). He was very educational, hilarious and engaging. Watching him cook his Pasta Bolognese and Fried Brussels Sprouts Salad led me to beg Steve to head to Bar Symon for dinner. I have to admit, it was pretty awesome to watch Michael cook food and then get to go eat it….yeah Cleveland!
We were very lucky that there was no wait at about 5:30 for two people. They were busy and it took a while for our server to get to us, but honestly, the food made up for it. We started off with a “snack” and an appetizer. The snack menu only has a few items, but they are all under $5. We were thrilled to enjoy some popcorn with feta and chili for only $3.
We also ordered the Roasted Bone Marrow off the appetizer menu ($8). I feel that the reason you should go to Michael’s restaurants is to try the unique foods you can’t get anywhere else. Of course his steaks and burgers are fantastic, but let’s be adventurous people! I’ve tried the Cured Venison at Lola and the Fried Chicken Livers at Lolita, and although the Venison wasn’t for me, I am proud to have tried it. The Bone Marrow was a completely new flavor for me. I expected it to taste a bit like foie gras (which the texture was), but the flavor was not like foie gras. The closest thing I can compare it to is hamburger fat. The first few bites, I enjoyed but I wasn’t really sure if I loved it. Steve went gaga for the marrow and I am sure he went to bed last night dreaming about it. The more I ate, the more I liked it. And this morning, I found myself craving it (maybe I needed a little time?). The Bone Marrow was served with grilled baguettes and topped with scallions. To eat it, you scoop the bone marrow out of the bone and spread it on the baguettes. It is not for the un-adventurous eater, but if you like your steak with lots of gristle this may be for you!
Moving on to the entrees: Steve ordered the Burger and Fries and I ordered the Mac N Cheese with a side of the fried brussels sprouts. I tried to talk Steve into something besides the burger, but that man loves his burgers. I almost had him at the Fried Chicken, but alas no dice. He is a very habitual eater (i.e. always orders General Tso’s Chicken at Chinese restaurants). I wanted some serious comfort food as I had a long Saturday night full of dancing with my girlfriends. There is nothing better than Sunday comfort food after a big night out. The Mac N Cheese was amazing! It was the best Mac N Cheese that I've ever had! It was incredibly simple: goat cheese, rosemary and chicken, but fantastic! The goat cheese wasn’t too rich or overwhelming in flavor-it was perfect. The chicken was mostly dark meat and reminded me of hearty turkey and the rosemary….ah well I just love fresh rosemary!
And now for the brussels sprouts: they are one of Michael Symons’ signature dishes. There was a special on the Food Network called, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate-Fried Foods edition” where these Brussels Sprouts made the list. They were amazing and worth the trip to Lolita or Bar Symon alone (on both menus)! They are deep fried and then topped with his signature dressing. The server could not tell me what was it in (Symon Secret), but I think soy, capers, anchovy paste? Whatever it is (and I don’t care), it is delicious and I will be craving them until we head to Lollta or Bar Symon again.
Steve’s burger disappeared before I could even try a bite. When I popped my head up to ask for one, he giggled awkwardly and pointed at his empty plate. I need a date who shares more! :) I am pretty sure it is the same burger served at Lolita, which is amazing. A simple burger topped with bacon, a fried egg and pickled onions on an English muffin. No condiments are needed (I don’t think they have them). The fries that come with the burger are also great. They are skinny, crispy and deep fried in lard; topped with sea salt and rosemary. And, as Michael said in his presentation, “Yes lard! It isn’t like they are healthy people! They are French Fries!” I am on the same page as you Symon. If I am going to eat unhealthy, I just don’t care about the lard. I will supplement eating naughty with eating healthy Monday through Friday and heading to the gym.
All in all, it was one amazing meal and I can’t wait to go back and try more delights! Next time, we will spring for dessert. That bacon-apple bread pudding looked very appetizing and very Michael Symon.
I heart Bacon.
Krista
P.S. Our bill only came to $47. This is one great budget-friendly place! :) Proving that you can spend the same amount of money on fantastic food at Bar Symon, as you would at Applebees. I choose Bar Symon.
