Congratulations to Cleveland's own Michael Symon! He will be the new host of Food Network's Dinner Impossible.
For more info:
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2008/04/michael_symon_taking_over_food.html
Monday, July 14, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
87 West 2 Wine Bar
My good buddy, Stacey surprised me last night by meeting me at Crocker Park. Stacey lives in Akron, so anytime she journeys to my neck of the woods, I jump at the chance to hang with her. I was in Westlake getting my bridesmaid dress fitted by the lovely ladies at A Brides Design (they are super nice there...check them out), and when I heard from Stacey, it was the perfect excuse to meet for dinner. On an impulse, we decided to head over to the 87 West 2 wine bar located right in Crocker Park. I have to confess, I’ve been dying to head there ever since Amy told me that it was fabulous (she was lucky enough to go to the soft opening a few months ago).
The exterior of the building is just as gorgeous as the interior. Walking up to the bar I caught the strong smell of cedar (which has always been a favorite scent of mine) from the cedar panels covering the building.
Since it was Tuesday night, there was a decent crowd, but we definitely had plenty of space, so we sat down right away. Our server immediately presented us with some ice water containing cucumber slices; a nice change from the old lemon or lime typically seen in ice water. Stacey ordered the margarita (Tuesday nights is margarita and sangria night $6 a piece. There are specials all nights of the week) and I ordered the house white wine. Both drinks were presented nicely and tasted delicious. Once we opened the menu, Stacey and I knew we were going to have a tough time. There were sooo many good looking items it was so hard to choose. Stacey chose the Crab cake Trio and the Crispy Fair Fries. I ordered the Chorizo and Chevre “Hanky Pankys” and the Poached Pear & Walnut Crusted Chevre Salad. I have a thing for Chevre….
When the food came out, all of it was presented beautifully. I loved the salad it was awesome! However, Stacey looked a little confused. The server brought Stacey the Sweep Lump Crabmeat Tacos instead of the Crab cakes. Once we let her know, she replaced the tacos with the Crab cakes incredibly quickly. I was lucky enough to try a bite of Stacey’s Crab cakes. I was instantly jealous that I didn’t order them. They were some of the best Crab cakes I’ve ever had. *Background info on “Krista’s thing with Crab cakes”…I don’t usually like Crab cakes because they are typically not made with the leg meat…so instead of enjoying the delicious sweet taste I adore in crab legs they are a bit too fishy for me. The Crab cakes at 87 West 2 are so sweet they reminded me of scallops. Yay! Stacey was very happy with them. I adored my Poached Pear Salad, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the “Hanky Pankys”. I think that they would make an amazing late night snack (after a lot of drinking), but they were way to heavy and rich for me last night. I decided to also order some Vietnamese Battered Calamari, and it was great, the perfect amount of spicy, sweet and crunchy.
Right around my second glass of wine, Stacey and I got a nice surprise visit from fellow foodie, Amy. We couldn’t temp her into ordering anything (the girl has amazing willpower), but we had a great time rounding off the evening with her.
All in all, I really enjoyed 87 West 2 wine bar and I will definitely be back.
Check them out on the web:
http://www.87west2.com/
Cheers,
Krista
The exterior of the building is just as gorgeous as the interior. Walking up to the bar I caught the strong smell of cedar (which has always been a favorite scent of mine) from the cedar panels covering the building.
Since it was Tuesday night, there was a decent crowd, but we definitely had plenty of space, so we sat down right away. Our server immediately presented us with some ice water containing cucumber slices; a nice change from the old lemon or lime typically seen in ice water. Stacey ordered the margarita (Tuesday nights is margarita and sangria night $6 a piece. There are specials all nights of the week) and I ordered the house white wine. Both drinks were presented nicely and tasted delicious. Once we opened the menu, Stacey and I knew we were going to have a tough time. There were sooo many good looking items it was so hard to choose. Stacey chose the Crab cake Trio and the Crispy Fair Fries. I ordered the Chorizo and Chevre “Hanky Pankys” and the Poached Pear & Walnut Crusted Chevre Salad. I have a thing for Chevre….
When the food came out, all of it was presented beautifully. I loved the salad it was awesome! However, Stacey looked a little confused. The server brought Stacey the Sweep Lump Crabmeat Tacos instead of the Crab cakes. Once we let her know, she replaced the tacos with the Crab cakes incredibly quickly. I was lucky enough to try a bite of Stacey’s Crab cakes. I was instantly jealous that I didn’t order them. They were some of the best Crab cakes I’ve ever had. *Background info on “Krista’s thing with Crab cakes”…I don’t usually like Crab cakes because they are typically not made with the leg meat…so instead of enjoying the delicious sweet taste I adore in crab legs they are a bit too fishy for me. The Crab cakes at 87 West 2 are so sweet they reminded me of scallops. Yay! Stacey was very happy with them. I adored my Poached Pear Salad, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the “Hanky Pankys”. I think that they would make an amazing late night snack (after a lot of drinking), but they were way to heavy and rich for me last night. I decided to also order some Vietnamese Battered Calamari, and it was great, the perfect amount of spicy, sweet and crunchy.
Right around my second glass of wine, Stacey and I got a nice surprise visit from fellow foodie, Amy. We couldn’t temp her into ordering anything (the girl has amazing willpower), but we had a great time rounding off the evening with her.
All in all, I really enjoyed 87 West 2 wine bar and I will definitely be back.
Check them out on the web:
http://www.87west2.com/
Cheers,
Krista
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Sweet Melissa's Part Deux
A few weekends ago I decided to take a much needed study break from a professional certification exam I was preparing for so who do I call? My mom of course! What my mom didn't know when she agreed to make the drive to Rocky River for lunch is that in a die hard effort to conserve gas I've been taking the bus to work and walking or biking anywhere else my legs can physically take me. This day was no different and because we would be walking, what better local place to go then Sweet Melissa's. You may recall Krista, Steve and I had given Sweet Mel's a try when they first opened so I was eager to go back and try some of their other menu items.
When we got to Sweet Melissa's it was bustling with couples, children and old folks of all types enjoying a beautiful summer's day lunch. We began by quenching our worked up thirst with the mango iced tea which was absolutely refreshing without being overpowering. We also sampled some of the day's fresh baked banana nut muffins and chocolate chip, coconut scones. My mom and I both love scones, but I must say that the perfectly moist sugar coated banana nut muffins were the pastry of choice that really tested my will power.
As delicious as the scones and muffins were I was starving and ready to get down to business. I had decided my third hour into studying that morning that there would be absolutely no fru-fru grilled chicken and vegetables or salad for me today. I was going to indulge in a delicious (yet still nutritious) Roasted Veggie Burger. Hillary's Roasted Veggie Burger to be exact complete with baby arugula, red onion vinaigrette and sharp white cheddar on multi-grain. For anyone who thinks veggie burgers are rabbit food, think again! This veggie burger resembled more of a giant crab cake both in appearance and consistency and was clearly more than going to fill my growling stomach. The flavor of the burger was so amazing I could have easily eaten it without all the trimmings and been satisfied, but the addition of tomatoes, pickles, arugula, white cheddar etc. made this far superior to any beef, turkey or veggie burger I've ever feasted on. Not to mention the warm chips they serve atop the sandwich add a nice little crunch since I'm one of those weird people who puts chips on my sandwiches from time to time just to see what will happen.
My mom went for Jen's BLT which arrived stacked sky high on Italian white with thick pieces of applewood smoked bacon, roasted tomato, lettuce and avocado. It was pretty apparent she enjoyed her sandwich plus it was amusing to see if she could actually get her mouth open wide enough to take bite after bite without her jaw locking up.
Needless to say we really enjoyed our lunch at Sweet Melissa's and it's always nice to have great local places close to home to grab a last minute bite to eat or entertain friends and family.
Smell ya later!
Amy
When we got to Sweet Melissa's it was bustling with couples, children and old folks of all types enjoying a beautiful summer's day lunch. We began by quenching our worked up thirst with the mango iced tea which was absolutely refreshing without being overpowering. We also sampled some of the day's fresh baked banana nut muffins and chocolate chip, coconut scones. My mom and I both love scones, but I must say that the perfectly moist sugar coated banana nut muffins were the pastry of choice that really tested my will power.
As delicious as the scones and muffins were I was starving and ready to get down to business. I had decided my third hour into studying that morning that there would be absolutely no fru-fru grilled chicken and vegetables or salad for me today. I was going to indulge in a delicious (yet still nutritious) Roasted Veggie Burger. Hillary's Roasted Veggie Burger to be exact complete with baby arugula, red onion vinaigrette and sharp white cheddar on multi-grain. For anyone who thinks veggie burgers are rabbit food, think again! This veggie burger resembled more of a giant crab cake both in appearance and consistency and was clearly more than going to fill my growling stomach. The flavor of the burger was so amazing I could have easily eaten it without all the trimmings and been satisfied, but the addition of tomatoes, pickles, arugula, white cheddar etc. made this far superior to any beef, turkey or veggie burger I've ever feasted on. Not to mention the warm chips they serve atop the sandwich add a nice little crunch since I'm one of those weird people who puts chips on my sandwiches from time to time just to see what will happen.
My mom went for Jen's BLT which arrived stacked sky high on Italian white with thick pieces of applewood smoked bacon, roasted tomato, lettuce and avocado. It was pretty apparent she enjoyed her sandwich plus it was amusing to see if she could actually get her mouth open wide enough to take bite after bite without her jaw locking up.
Needless to say we really enjoyed our lunch at Sweet Melissa's and it's always nice to have great local places close to home to grab a last minute bite to eat or entertain friends and family.
Smell ya later!
Amy
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Juniper Grille
Last week a co-worker and I decided to venture away from our section of town and up to Juniper Grille on Carnegie for lunch. Juniper Grille is quite the downtown breakfast and lunch hot spot known for it's moderate prices and delicious food. With items like Spanish Chorizo Bake, Chicken and Brie Wrap and Agnolotti Pasta, there is sure to be a menu item to please every palate.
On this particular sunny afternoon, I decided to stick with a classic lunch staple, the BBQ Grilled Chicken Salad. This salad was a perfect lunch size portion and came with delicious Ranch dressing. The BBQ chicken was extremely moist and appeared to look just liked BBQ pulled pork and was atop a bed of crispy greens.
My co-worker enjoyed the Chicken and Brie Wrap which consists of roasted chicken, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes and brie cheese served with pesto mayo and sweet potato fries.
I very much enjoyed my experience at Juniper Grille and would love to gather the foodies to meet for Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, Banana Pecan Pancakes or a traditional omelet some weekend morning soon!
My only warning about Juniper Grille is go early as the adjoining parking lot fills up very fast and you'll find yourself paying extra to park in the lot if you don't score the first come first serve available space.
Smell ya later-
Amy
On this particular sunny afternoon, I decided to stick with a classic lunch staple, the BBQ Grilled Chicken Salad. This salad was a perfect lunch size portion and came with delicious Ranch dressing. The BBQ chicken was extremely moist and appeared to look just liked BBQ pulled pork and was atop a bed of crispy greens.
My co-worker enjoyed the Chicken and Brie Wrap which consists of roasted chicken, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes and brie cheese served with pesto mayo and sweet potato fries.
I very much enjoyed my experience at Juniper Grille and would love to gather the foodies to meet for Cinnamon Raisin French Toast, Banana Pecan Pancakes or a traditional omelet some weekend morning soon!
My only warning about Juniper Grille is go early as the adjoining parking lot fills up very fast and you'll find yourself paying extra to park in the lot if you don't score the first come first serve available space.
Smell ya later-
Amy
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Metropolitan Cafe
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
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
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/
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