From the moment a co-worker recalled her first date with a promising new love interest at a fabulous restaurant in Lakewood called, Three Birds, I knew I must make a reservation and go at the soonest available special occasion.
Well, two years later I finally found a special occasion...dinner on a Friday evening with my mother who was being "kicked out" of the house while my dad hosted a poker party for some of his old timer friends. As appealing as I'm sure a giant sub sandwich from Convenient is to men chugging Miller lite and throwing chips on a table, I told my mom I was going to take her somewhere that would offer a much wider selection of protein.
First off, you MUST make a reservation at Three Birds in advance if you hope to sit at one of the cozy tables and sip wine on a weekend otherwise you'll find yourself walking right back through the beautiful garden, through the gate and over to India Garden for Tandoori chicken.
Second, you must clear your schedule so that you have plenty of time to enjoy every moment of happiness that you'll experience from the time you're seated at your table. From the soft bread, to the crisp salads to the amazing entrees, you'll won't want to shovel this cuisine in your mouth just to rush off to the local pub.
For starters, my mother and I shared the Field Greens salad and by share I mean I asked her to taste one bite which lead to me attacking the entire plate filled with assorted citrus, greens, toasted cashews, grilled pineapple and a mint grapefruit coriander vinaigrette! Honestly, I've never drooled from a salad but this was worthy of carrying a tissue just in case.
After the unbelievable salad experience, my mother and I could hardly wait for our entree of pan seared sea scallops, roasted curried cauliflower, coriander spiced carrot puree and chili hollandaise sauce to arrive. Our entrees arrived in a beautiful triangular presentation showing off a beautiful color explosion of bright orange carrot puree. I decided to savor every bite of the three sea scallops on my plate as I was absolutely starving and was afraid I would still be hungry afterwards; however, by the last bite I found that I was quite stuffed. The cauliflower was roasted wonderfully and mixed incredibly well with the carrot puree. Although it looks quite like baby food, there is nothing juvenile about this mix. I never thought I'd find myself scraping every last bit of mashed carrots off my plate at any restaurant, but hey I'm not above it! My mom by the way was equally impressed with the entire meal and asked if it was inappropriate to sop the remainder of carrot puree off her plate with bread when no one was looking.
Three Birds is a fantastic way to spend any night of the week, anytime of the year, but I am now very eager to go back once the weather warms up and sample some Roasted Duck Breast with Foie Gras in their beautifully landscaped garden. There's nothing I enjoy more than sitting outdoors at dusk on a breezy summer evening, slightly slouched back in my chair sipping wine with the FFF!
-Amy
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Players on Madison
To some people the holy grail of food and beverage is the coveted beer and pizza. While I may have skipped out on the beer, to save calories or to justify my heart healthy glass of red wine, the pizza at Players on Madison was no disappointment. Steve and I ordered a large pizza with arabiatta sauce, a slightly spicier version of traditional red pizza sauce, with fresh basil, mozzarella, tomatoes and lobster (yes, you can put lobster on your pizza there). Any restaurant where you can combine fresh ingredients, including the chopped basil and huge pieces of lump lobster meat, and slap them on a perfectly crunchy, not too thick crust is worth the reservation.
In addition to the fabulous pizza at Players on Madison, we satisfied our palates with another traditional snack with a new twist, Lobster Nachos. While this item was a special the night we embarked on Players, it was so unique and novel that it had to be mentioned. The dish was prepared with homemade tortilla chips, with a hint of lime and topped with spicy black beans, fresh sweet corn, chopped tomatoes, avacado, and a light sour cream sauce with large pieces of lobster. It must have been stuck under the broiler for a few seconds because the cheese on the nachos was melted perfectly and the tortillas had a nice hint of crunch that doesn’t come standard with your out of the bag chips.
All and all I though the restaurant and atmosphere were a fresh and creative take on the old neighborhood and offered a variety of flavors and price ranges to satisfy both the palate and billfold. A bonus was the friendly and enthusiastic staff, which made the evening very pleasant.
Enjoy,
Brittney
In addition to the fabulous pizza at Players on Madison, we satisfied our palates with another traditional snack with a new twist, Lobster Nachos. While this item was a special the night we embarked on Players, it was so unique and novel that it had to be mentioned. The dish was prepared with homemade tortilla chips, with a hint of lime and topped with spicy black beans, fresh sweet corn, chopped tomatoes, avacado, and a light sour cream sauce with large pieces of lobster. It must have been stuck under the broiler for a few seconds because the cheese on the nachos was melted perfectly and the tortillas had a nice hint of crunch that doesn’t come standard with your out of the bag chips.
All and all I though the restaurant and atmosphere were a fresh and creative take on the old neighborhood and offered a variety of flavors and price ranges to satisfy both the palate and billfold. A bonus was the friendly and enthusiastic staff, which made the evening very pleasant.
Enjoy,
Brittney
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Flying Fig
When Steve's Aunt and Uncle (who own a catering business and are quite amazing foodies themselves), suggest a restaurant to us...we always take their advice.
We've been to the Flying Fig several times and it has become a FFF hot spot. My personal favorite part about the "Fig" is ordering the trio of small plates aka the "Savory Smalls" off the menu. This way, for the same price as an entree you can try 3 different culinary triumphs in one sitting. And, if you have friends with you, and you each order the trio of savory smalls, you can try more. The FFF's are huge fans of sharing food, and the Fig is a great place to do it.
As far as the entrees go, we've never been disappointed. I love love love the Seared Duck Breast & Roasted Duck Leg with Butternut Squash Puree & Brussel Sprouts,Pecans and Sour Cherry Reduction! It was amazing! It is also so much fun to sample the specials and chef Karen Small is always coming out with fun exciting specials.
We will continue to flock to the Fig as long as it remains fabulous!
-Krista
Flying Fig on the web: http://www.theflyingfig.com/
We've been to the Flying Fig several times and it has become a FFF hot spot. My personal favorite part about the "Fig" is ordering the trio of small plates aka the "Savory Smalls" off the menu. This way, for the same price as an entree you can try 3 different culinary triumphs in one sitting. And, if you have friends with you, and you each order the trio of savory smalls, you can try more. The FFF's are huge fans of sharing food, and the Fig is a great place to do it.
As far as the entrees go, we've never been disappointed. I love love love the Seared Duck Breast & Roasted Duck Leg with Butternut Squash Puree & Brussel Sprouts,Pecans and Sour Cherry Reduction! It was amazing! It is also so much fun to sample the specials and chef Karen Small is always coming out with fun exciting specials.
We will continue to flock to the Fig as long as it remains fabulous!
-Krista
Flying Fig on the web: http://www.theflyingfig.com/
Great Lakes Brewing Company
I am a fan of Cleveland and a fan of Beer, and when it comes to Cleveland and Beer it does not get any better than Great Lakes. I knew that Great Lakes could do beer but it was not until last night that I found out that they can do food as well. While I greatly enjoy getting dressed up and going out for a fine dining experience my passion is for the meat and potatoes (or in this case the burgers and beers). While every dive, pub and bar can serve up a greasy burger and soggy fries it is to easy to lump all food at these establishments together. These places have traded in their sommelier for bouncers and as far as "bar food", it is only one step above meals that require someone to ask "do you want fries with that".
Well it is not quite that simple, and I am very grateful, the quality of grub in casual bars and taverns has slowly clawed its way up to stand with fine dinning. It was with this outlook that I went to the Great Lakes Brewing Co. for dinner, and I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was inviting, full but not crowded, with a table waiting just for us. We started with a round of beer, and it was a hard decision, with all the classic staples I have enjoyed for years and the new flavors only available on tap at the brewery,I did the only thing I could, I tried them all. The beer sampler, a sample of all ten beers on tap is a good way to have your favorites and try something new at the same time. I was tentative of some of the new flavors, not being a fan of IPAs, but any and all hesitation left with the first sip of The Lake Erie Monster, an imperial India pale ale. It was well balanced and smooth while maintaining a full hoppy flavor which did not overpower the brew, which it can all to easily do.
I knew we were not getting your grandfather's bar food when our appetizer arrived, Brewer's Barley Pretzels, Two fresh baked brewer’s barley pretzels with radishes and Liptauer dip. They were warm, soft and matched well with the accompanying mustards. I followed it up with Dee Jay's Pulled Pork Sandwich, the bun was soft the meat was "fall apart tender" and it had the perfect amount of BBQ sauce. I want to add here that sauce is an art form not a science, you need enough to keep the meat moist and to soak slightly into the bun, but without letting it get soggy and dripping onto the plate or your shirt, enough flavor is needed to compliment the meat but it should be mild enough to let the flavor of the meat through, an art, and at the brewing company I tasted a Monet. These people know how to make a sandwich.
Krista had the Bratwurst & Pirogi. One Dortmunder bratwurst and three potato and cheese pirogi with braised red cabbage, sour cream and Dijon mustard. She loved it and the horseradish mustard that went amazing with the pirogi. She washed it down with Elliot Ness...she kept raving about how much she loved Elliot Ness, I do not think she knows there are a few bottles left in the back of the fridge or her new found love of this beer will have me on a new found trip to buy some more.
Cheers,
Steve
Well it is not quite that simple, and I am very grateful, the quality of grub in casual bars and taverns has slowly clawed its way up to stand with fine dinning. It was with this outlook that I went to the Great Lakes Brewing Co. for dinner, and I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was inviting, full but not crowded, with a table waiting just for us. We started with a round of beer, and it was a hard decision, with all the classic staples I have enjoyed for years and the new flavors only available on tap at the brewery,I did the only thing I could, I tried them all. The beer sampler, a sample of all ten beers on tap is a good way to have your favorites and try something new at the same time. I was tentative of some of the new flavors, not being a fan of IPAs, but any and all hesitation left with the first sip of The Lake Erie Monster, an imperial India pale ale. It was well balanced and smooth while maintaining a full hoppy flavor which did not overpower the brew, which it can all to easily do.
I knew we were not getting your grandfather's bar food when our appetizer arrived, Brewer's Barley Pretzels, Two fresh baked brewer’s barley pretzels with radishes and Liptauer dip. They were warm, soft and matched well with the accompanying mustards. I followed it up with Dee Jay's Pulled Pork Sandwich, the bun was soft the meat was "fall apart tender" and it had the perfect amount of BBQ sauce. I want to add here that sauce is an art form not a science, you need enough to keep the meat moist and to soak slightly into the bun, but without letting it get soggy and dripping onto the plate or your shirt, enough flavor is needed to compliment the meat but it should be mild enough to let the flavor of the meat through, an art, and at the brewing company I tasted a Monet. These people know how to make a sandwich.
Krista had the Bratwurst & Pirogi. One Dortmunder bratwurst and three potato and cheese pirogi with braised red cabbage, sour cream and Dijon mustard. She loved it and the horseradish mustard that went amazing with the pirogi. She washed it down with Elliot Ness...she kept raving about how much she loved Elliot Ness, I do not think she knows there are a few bottles left in the back of the fridge or her new found love of this beer will have me on a new found trip to buy some more.
Cheers,
Steve
Momocho
Me gusta Momocho!!!!!
Momocho is one of the FFF staple favorites. We've been several times and not once, have we been disappointed. If you are looking for the city's best margaritas and gourmet Mexican food...look no further, Momocho is the # 1 choice.
I first discovered Momocho 2 years ago. We had our work Holiday party there. Steve and I were suddenly, obsessed. We've even taken both sets of parents, and they also left with huge smiles and happy tummys.
I have to say that I am not the world's biggest "spicy food fan" I constantly hear the phrase, "Oh Krista that is not spicy at all!" (mostly hearing this from FFF, Brittney). But, at Momocho it doesn't matter. The seasonings/sauces on my two favorite entrees are a bit spicy, but nothing I can't handle.
I get so excited just thinking about the seared sea scallops with hominy croqueta and jalapeno creamed corn. It is really hard not to order this every time we go. I am a huge seafood fan and the scallops are perfectly tender and seasoned every time!
I also adore... the adobo lamb chops with jalapeno mustard crema, goat cheese mashed avocado and spinach (usually with pumpkin seeds). The lamb is perfect as long as you order it medium to medium-rare, but lamb lovers out there should know that is the only way to eat it. This even inspired me to cook fresh spinach more often at home. It makes a great side dish if you just steam it in a pan with olive oil and lemon juice..mmmmmm
Steve has to order the Margarita flight every time we go. There is no way around it, but can you blame him? :) My favorite is the Catus Flower margarita, but seriously, they are ALL amazing! They even have special flavors from time-to-time.
The guacamole is a crowd pleaser as well. I am not usually a fan, but at Momocho I make an exception to the goat cheese,tomato and chile guacamole.
If your in the mood for an adventurous dessert, try the cream cheese flan with blackberry + chile pasilla syrup. It really is one of the things I can't wait to have again. I mean, how often can you enjoy a spicy flan?
Su amiga,
Krista
Momocho on the web: http://www.momocho.com/
Momocho is one of the FFF staple favorites. We've been several times and not once, have we been disappointed. If you are looking for the city's best margaritas and gourmet Mexican food...look no further, Momocho is the # 1 choice.
I first discovered Momocho 2 years ago. We had our work Holiday party there. Steve and I were suddenly, obsessed. We've even taken both sets of parents, and they also left with huge smiles and happy tummys.
I have to say that I am not the world's biggest "spicy food fan" I constantly hear the phrase, "Oh Krista that is not spicy at all!" (mostly hearing this from FFF, Brittney). But, at Momocho it doesn't matter. The seasonings/sauces on my two favorite entrees are a bit spicy, but nothing I can't handle.
I get so excited just thinking about the seared sea scallops with hominy croqueta and jalapeno creamed corn. It is really hard not to order this every time we go. I am a huge seafood fan and the scallops are perfectly tender and seasoned every time!
I also adore... the adobo lamb chops with jalapeno mustard crema, goat cheese mashed avocado and spinach (usually with pumpkin seeds). The lamb is perfect as long as you order it medium to medium-rare, but lamb lovers out there should know that is the only way to eat it. This even inspired me to cook fresh spinach more often at home. It makes a great side dish if you just steam it in a pan with olive oil and lemon juice..mmmmmm
Steve has to order the Margarita flight every time we go. There is no way around it, but can you blame him? :) My favorite is the Catus Flower margarita, but seriously, they are ALL amazing! They even have special flavors from time-to-time.
The guacamole is a crowd pleaser as well. I am not usually a fan, but at Momocho I make an exception to the goat cheese,tomato and chile guacamole.
If your in the mood for an adventurous dessert, try the cream cheese flan with blackberry + chile pasilla syrup. It really is one of the things I can't wait to have again. I mean, how often can you enjoy a spicy flan?
Su amiga,
Krista
Momocho on the web: http://www.momocho.com/
Special Event-Flavors of Northeast Ohio
Had to mention this, because it sounds absolutely...well...fabulous!
Flavors of Northeast Ohio brings together a brilliant assortment of the area's top chefs who offer their visionary cuisine to a limited number of guests in an intimate and exclusive setting.
Monday May 12th, 2008
Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center
9801 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland
Cocktails at 6pm
Signature dinners served at 7pm
$150 per ticket on a first come first serve basis (Only 200 tickets available)
To register or for more information:
Call the American Liver Foundation Ohio Chapter 216-635-2780 or email ohio@liverfoundation.org
***All proceeds benefit the American Liver Foundation Ohio Chapter
Featured Chefs:
Matthew Barnes- Saucy Bistro
Ben Bebenroth- Spice of Life Catering Co.
Dante Boccuzzi- Dante
Robert Cabrales- Paladar
Richard Carson- Vue
James Foreman-Chefs for Hire
Michael Herschman-The Cabin
Doug Katz- Fine food and drink
John Kolar- Thyme the Restaurant
Robert Ledzianowski- Table 45
Matthew Mathlage- Light Bistro
Matthew Mytro- Boulevard Blue
Scott Popovic- Certified Angus Beef
Jonathan Sawyer-Bar Centro
Steve Schimoler- Crop Bistro
Karen Small- Flying Fig
Rocco Whalen- Farenheight
This sounds like an amazing event and we are hoping to report back after attending. Plus, the best part is.. ..it is all to the benefit the American Liver Foundation!!
How could you not feel fabulous about that?
-Krista
Flavors of Northeast Ohio brings together a brilliant assortment of the area's top chefs who offer their visionary cuisine to a limited number of guests in an intimate and exclusive setting.
Monday May 12th, 2008
Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center
9801 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland
Cocktails at 6pm
Signature dinners served at 7pm
$150 per ticket on a first come first serve basis (Only 200 tickets available)
To register or for more information:
Call the American Liver Foundation Ohio Chapter 216-635-2780 or email ohio@liverfoundation.org
***All proceeds benefit the American Liver Foundation Ohio Chapter
Featured Chefs:
Matthew Barnes- Saucy Bistro
Ben Bebenroth- Spice of Life Catering Co.
Dante Boccuzzi- Dante
Robert Cabrales- Paladar
Richard Carson- Vue
James Foreman-Chefs for Hire
Michael Herschman-The Cabin
Doug Katz- Fine food and drink
John Kolar- Thyme the Restaurant
Robert Ledzianowski- Table 45
Matthew Mathlage- Light Bistro
Matthew Mytro- Boulevard Blue
Scott Popovic- Certified Angus Beef
Jonathan Sawyer-Bar Centro
Steve Schimoler- Crop Bistro
Karen Small- Flying Fig
Rocco Whalen- Farenheight
This sounds like an amazing event and we are hoping to report back after attending. Plus, the best part is.. ..it is all to the benefit the American Liver Foundation!!
How could you not feel fabulous about that?
-Krista
Friday, April 11, 2008
Pickwick & Frolic - Restaurant and Club
Who doesn't love walking down E. 4th Street on a sunny afternoon. It's impossible not to "people watch" as the outdoor patios fill with Clevelanders flocking to enjoy every possible second of the "here today - gone tomorrow" warmth and sunshine.
This past sunny Monday, 3 co-workers and I started the chain of emails around 10am about where to have lunch. I have been to Kevin's Martin Bar located in Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club several times, but until recently it never dawned on me to sample something other than the Crazy Cran Cosmo martini. Honestly, I would still probably not have thought of Pickwick as a dining option until one of my co-worker's discovered "Mondays Suck".
Apparently, Pickwick offers an array of delicious items off their lunch menu for only $6 every Monday! Who can pass that up? Well, I did. Unfortunately, the $6 menu was not very waistline friendly for me so I gave the Wood Grilled Salmon Bistro a try instead. It may have cost me more than the daily specials, but oh so worth it! The salmon was just enough to tide me over through the rest of the workday and perfectly cooked so that it flaked away into bite size pieces as soon as my fork hit the pink flesh. I nixed the roasted red peppers, but the mix of greens, feta cheese, grilled onion and kalamata olives couldn't have been more pleasing...oh wait, yes it could...just add the lemon herb vinaigrette. The salad is so delicious I found I only needed a drop of the dressing to add a little extra delight.
I was so impressed with Pickwick's comfy chairs, ballroom chandeliers and overall classy yet not uptight atmosphere that I suggested it as a lunch meeting spot two days later with my boss and insurance brokers. Neither my boss or the brokers had ever dined at Pickwick although they also admitted walking by it all the time. Surprise, surprise I yet again ordered the Wood Grilled Salmon Bistro and two of the others in our party did the same. Everyone raved how delicious the choice was and my boss was especially happy that he was able to dine out without having to tack 30 extra minutes onto the treadmill that evening.
All in all, Pickwick offers a great atmosphere for lunch or dinner and the food seems to be great! On top of that, you can enjoy a Martini Bar, Champagne Room, Comedy Club and Gift Shop without even leaving the building. Did I also mention they serve brunch on Sundays? There's no better way to end a long weekend then to enjoy some Prime Rib alongside a made to order omelet!
Needless to say, Pickwick is great for entertaining so keep it in mind next time you are in charge of picking the lunch spot, putting together an entertaining evening for friends downtown or need a new brunch spot to kill that Sunday morning hangover.
-Amy
Check it out - http://www.pickwickandfrolic.com/index.htm.
This past sunny Monday, 3 co-workers and I started the chain of emails around 10am about where to have lunch. I have been to Kevin's Martin Bar located in Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club several times, but until recently it never dawned on me to sample something other than the Crazy Cran Cosmo martini. Honestly, I would still probably not have thought of Pickwick as a dining option until one of my co-worker's discovered "Mondays Suck".
Apparently, Pickwick offers an array of delicious items off their lunch menu for only $6 every Monday! Who can pass that up? Well, I did. Unfortunately, the $6 menu was not very waistline friendly for me so I gave the Wood Grilled Salmon Bistro a try instead. It may have cost me more than the daily specials, but oh so worth it! The salmon was just enough to tide me over through the rest of the workday and perfectly cooked so that it flaked away into bite size pieces as soon as my fork hit the pink flesh. I nixed the roasted red peppers, but the mix of greens, feta cheese, grilled onion and kalamata olives couldn't have been more pleasing...oh wait, yes it could...just add the lemon herb vinaigrette. The salad is so delicious I found I only needed a drop of the dressing to add a little extra delight.
I was so impressed with Pickwick's comfy chairs, ballroom chandeliers and overall classy yet not uptight atmosphere that I suggested it as a lunch meeting spot two days later with my boss and insurance brokers. Neither my boss or the brokers had ever dined at Pickwick although they also admitted walking by it all the time. Surprise, surprise I yet again ordered the Wood Grilled Salmon Bistro and two of the others in our party did the same. Everyone raved how delicious the choice was and my boss was especially happy that he was able to dine out without having to tack 30 extra minutes onto the treadmill that evening.
All in all, Pickwick offers a great atmosphere for lunch or dinner and the food seems to be great! On top of that, you can enjoy a Martini Bar, Champagne Room, Comedy Club and Gift Shop without even leaving the building. Did I also mention they serve brunch on Sundays? There's no better way to end a long weekend then to enjoy some Prime Rib alongside a made to order omelet!
Needless to say, Pickwick is great for entertaining so keep it in mind next time you are in charge of picking the lunch spot, putting together an entertaining evening for friends downtown or need a new brunch spot to kill that Sunday morning hangover.
-Amy
Check it out - http://www.pickwickandfrolic.com/index.htm.
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