Clyde’s Bistro & Barroom

When it first opened, the diners on Lee Road were extremely popular and the food was very good. Unfortunately, the financing method apparently used to find, transport and remodel the two diner cars would never have sustained the business, even if there were lines at the door from noon to midnight. Inevitably and regretfully, the diners closed. It has been a long cold road since. Follow-up owners, Chris & Jimmy couldn’t cook and this second generation inevitably closed. A kosher version opened for a few months after C&J shuttered was destine to fail, especially when closed for the obligatory Sabbath observation at the crest of the weekend. After an extended period of closure, Clyde’s Bistro & Barroom has been born.

While the original diner cars were a treat, the new owners (apparently veterans of the food services industry) realized they needed to try something else. The charm of the slender rooms has been maintained, but the restriction of the parade of booths has been replaced with tables and chairs. The space is now warm and charming, despite the walls of windows and stainless steel. None of this would really mater if the food wasn’t good and the food is good.

Michele started with the Caesar salad. Anchovies were included and the dressing has the right amount of parmesan, lemon, garlic and yes, anchovies. The lettuce was crisp and bite size and the portion was much larger than expected for a starter. Jeff had the soup of the day, a potato, corn chowder with rich creamy base and freshly cut corn kernels. Very good and a perfect anecdote for the blustery weather outside. Dinner was equally good. Jeff’s Puff Poulette (Chicken Pot Pie) featured slightly dry chicken breast pieces, but the sauce was creamy and the puff pastry was flaky and tasty. Michele enjoyed the Coq Au Vin, with two nice pieces of slow roasted chicken, red wine sauce and a rich mashed potato side, this country French classic prepared her for the cold outdoor temperatures. For desert, we decided to split Al’s Pecan Pie, al a mode. The warm piece allowed the fresh ice cream to melt over the slice and into our mouths.

We have already scoped out a couple of things on the menu for follow-up visits. Michele hasn’t had good Fish Tacos since Amigo’s (on Mayfield Road) closed and Jeff hasn’t had good Chicken and Waffles since Phil the Fire (Shaker Square) closed, both years ago. Michele was also eyeing the Eggplant Parmigiana and Jeff thought the Chicken and Wild Mushroom Lasagna sounded good. Rest assured, we’ll be back to this place. It sounds like now, with seasoned restaurateurs in charge, the place might actually be open for a follow-up visit! Let’s hope so. The new place is a keeper!

List Status: Added

1975 Lee Road Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 216-321-7100

Americano

The first time we visited Americano, we were blown away. The food was remarkable, the room was a throwback to a more elegant 1970’s clubroom and the price was amazingly low. What could be better? Visit number two was the polar opposite. Michele could not wait to again enjoy the salmon, at that time prepared three different ways. She was horribly disappointed when the second time was not as satisfying as the original. The encore was dry and the plate presentation did not have the same finesse. To top it off, the concern of the staff was minimal. After this experience, we told ourselves we’d give the place “one more try” but secretly, we knew that there are tons of great places in Cleveland. We really don’t need to risk another bad meal.

Fast forward six months. With one success and one failure and a ton of positive press, we felt we needed a tie-breaker. Happily, we are now 2 to 1 in favor of well made food.

Jeff had the veal chop special and it was tender, flavorful and perfectly seared and prepared. Michele ordered the second special, trout almandine that consisted of two huge filets, both moist and flavorful. As a starter, we shared the menu’s Crispy Calamari. The rings and tentacles were wonderfully tender with no trace of fishiness. Spread corner to corner on a square plate, two dipping sauces were included on either side. It was hard to say if the tomato coulis or the lemon-orange habanero was better. Desert settled the argument, we’d be back.

Sometimes, it is difficult to decide whether or not to give a restaurant a second chance. Occasionally, a place is bad to the core and you know nothing will help. That happens to us often. We knew immediately when “Chris & Jimmy” took over the diners on Lee Road (the 1st time) they were in trouble. Sometimes, it’s more complicated. Our first visit to Batutto’s in Little Italy was great and the second stop, about a week later was a train wreck. The core quality of Batutto’s, like Americano shines through and convinces you that a second chance is the only right decision.

List Status: Existing

http://www.americanocleveland.com/ One Bratenhal Place Bratenhal, OH 44106 216-541-3900

Amp 150

We first visited this restaurant in the fall, when five finalists from last season of Hell’s Kitchen each cooked a course at the grand opening. The Hell’s Kitchen event was fun and we immediately wanted to return to see what the regular place is like. That occurred last weekend on our way home from the airport.

This is a creative menu with very fair prices in an attractive setting, just off the main lobby of the W150th Street Marriott. Fighting the odds of hotel food and the Westside location, the place quickly filled-up as the evening aged. Clearly, people have heard about the place.

Jeff enjoyed the cream infused, Mushroom soup that was whipped into froth. Save the aggressive cracked peppercorn seasoning, this was a nice variation on a familiar theme. Michele started with a Caesar Salad and was pleased to find anchovies were included, a sadly missing ingredient at some restaurants. Dinner for Michele was a nicely prepared Cod that disappeared almost as quickly as it was served. Jeff devoured the Braised Rabbit (it is so nice to see rabbit on a menu!) Cavatelli. The milkshake panna cotta desert ended a nice evening.

Prior to ordering, we had both laid out at least two future visits worth of meals. After finishing this one, we promised to make good on the plans.

List Status: Added

http://amp150.com/ 4277 West 150^th Street Cleveland, OH 216-706-8787

B Spot

We tried three times to get into this crowded and popular new restaurant. Each time, an overflow of humans suggested we “try again.” Finally, on trip number four, we were quickly seated, menus were presented and a meal was eminent.

The room is comfortable and fun. A wall of empty beer cans (much like the early 70’s basement of Jeff’s buddy) is arranged so the gang of red aluminum forms a “B” in a sea of white/lighter color containers. Low tables, stool-high tables and an indoor patio of seats stretching into the walkway of Eaton Collection Mall make this more a reception hall than a restaurant. The timbre of the place almost insures an enjoyable time. With such a fun place, it is easy to miss that the “emperor has no pants.”

The assorted Michael Symon restaurants are wonderful places for delightful food. Some believe, the best this city has to offer. Unfortunately, we do not believe this is one of them. The burgers were good, but there are scores of places across America that make killer burgers. The salads were good, but again, more the result of carefully chosen raw ingredients. The great beer selection is in various price ranges from all over America and Europe. Again, this is the byproduct of an educated palette and only the skill of a well drawn draft.

A popular place that makes people happy and adds smiles to faces isn’t all bad. Just don’t expect to go there for the greatest food in Cuyahoga County. For that, check our list and some of the other blog entries.

List Status: Not Added

http://www.bspotburgers.com/ 28699 Chagrin Boulevard Woodmere, OH 44122 216-292-5567

Flavors on the Avenue

Every time we pass Flavors on the Avenue, the restaurant is packed. Like bugs to a flame and humans to an auto accident, we could not resist. We had to try this place. Like watching TMZ, we should have stopped there.

This packed restaurant is the epitome of “trucker influence.” They used to say, if truckers ate at a restaurant, it must be good. That might be the case with “Flavors”. This is cheap plentiful food. We left full, but not satiated. Nothing about this restaurant should attract customers except the price. Food is marginally better than fast foods and in some case poorer. Avoid the animal instinct to gravitate toward the marginal foodstuffs and find a better place.

Save your money, buy good food!

List Status: NOT added

30133 Euclid Avenue Wickliffe, OH 44092 404-347-0174

La Boca

Michele always enjoyed Krazy Mac’s and when they decided to close the restaurant on Detroit Avenue, we were upset. It was a nice cozy place with cozy comfortable food. The tears have dried. La Boca has taken its place and we couldn’t be happier.

We wandered over to the Westside to attend the Bizarre Bazaar at the W78th Street gallery in the new Gordon Square Arts District. It was a very exciting collection of artists/craftspeople selling handmade goods. We of course loaded up on jewelry, cards, soap and handmade candies. We stopped at La Boca for a late lunch/early dinner, a very typical eating time for us on the weekends. This restaurant is perfect for our particular eating pattern as they have only one menu throughout the whole day. Our waiter told us the calamari and the Mussels were both very popular, but we decided to share the new appetizer, Crab & Shrimp Fritters. They were good, a little light in the seafood and heavy on the filler, but an enjoyable introduction to the new place. Dinner was a wholehearted success. Michele had the Grilled Salmon. It was served with paprika potatoes and a white wine, capers and tomatillo sauce. At $13, this bargain did not last long. No doggie bag tonight! Jeff had the pork tenderloin with plantain and rice. Each of the chunks of pork were seared perfectly so they were soft with just the right amount of crunch on the outside. The apple, walnut, raisin and rum sauce was a perfect complement and not a drop went to waste, either embracing the pork or the rice. Dessert was flan. This is one of Michele’s favorites and when it is this dense, rich and creamy, Jeff’s too!

About halfway through eating at a new restaurant, one of us inevitably asks the other, “So, are we coming back?” Neither of us can remember who asked this time, but both of us remember the answer, “Yes!” We hope to see you there!

List Status: Added

http://www.labocabarrio.com/ 5800 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, OH 44102 216-981-5800

Cedro Rustico Osteria (Whole Foods UH)

Who needs fast food when your local Whole Foods grocery store has a fabulous dinner counter serving freshly made food in a cheerful environment?

We live near the University Heights Whole Foods store. Tucked at the edge of the wine department and next to the cheese section is a counter with a number of stool-high chairs. Behind the counter is a small kitchen. A menu rests at each place setting with plenty of low-cost appetizers, entrées and drinks. There are also a series of daily specials. With a number of appetizers in the $3 to $4 range and a few entrées in the single digits, you would be right to worry about quality. That is the surprise. The food is good. It is the perfect antidote to burgers and fries.

The menu changes a lot, but there is always a number of interesting options that usually include a chicken dish, a few pasta plates, a daily risotto, at least one vegetarian offering, some salads and other creative options. We usually have an appetizer and entrée, but this time decided on entrée and dessert instead. Jeff had the pasta special, Carbonara with Ohio City lemon pepper linguini and apple wood smoked bacon. While we sat there, the day’s allotment was exhausted three hours before closing. Michele had the maple-glazed salmon served over creamed sweet potato and vegetables. We finished the meal with a shared piece of toasted almond cream cake.

Two entrées, one dessert, one glass of wine, one cup of tea, a plate of bread with olive oil balsamic and a great show watching the chef prepare plate after plate and only $30, no tip necessary. Can you do better than that? It is unlikely, especially based on this quality.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cleveland/downloads/osteria.pdf 13998 Cedar Road University Heights, OH 216-371-5320

Paladar

We like Paladar and try to eat there whenever we’re close. After an afternoon movie (Fantastic Mr. Fox – and it was fantastic) we decided to have a late lunch/early dinner. Sometimes we start with guacamole, sometimes the crab and mango fritters, sometimes just chips and salsa. This time, it was cold outside and we both decided on soup. Jeff had their version of black bean soup. Paladar’s black bean is not as thick as most and not as spicy as some. It also has a few veggies not typically found in this soup. If you’re a purist, you may not like it, but if you don’t let the name influence you, this is good soup. Michele had the Smoked Butternut Squash Soup – think tortilla soup with a butternut based stock instead of chicken broth. The smoky sweet taste was a nice balance with the tortilla chips. As always, a successful first course.

Michele really likes the Slow Cooked Chicken; Jeff is typically drawn in by the Rum Glazed Pork Cubano or the Brazilian Lamp Stew. Because it was “officially” a lunch menu and the chicken is not available, Michele ordered the Chipotle Chicken BBQ Quesadilla. The dish was spunky, but not too spicy for her. She finished all four segments of the quesadilla. Jeff opted for El Cubano traditional Cuban sandwich, theirs being a very good version. The plantain side was perfect. A second clean plate and satisfied customer. Mom would be proud.

As a reward, we ordered the Coconut and Caramel Flan, a particularly thick and rich, dense version. We’ve had a few other dessert offerings, but usually fall back on flan, because of the nice way it caps these sometimes complex meals.

As always, good food in a nice space capped a good afternoon on a cold day. What could be better?

List Status: Existing

http://www.paladarlatinkitchen.com/ 28601 Chagrin Boulevard Woodmere, OH 44122 216-896-9020

The Greenhouse Tavern

Prior to opening The Greenhouse Tavern, Chef Jonathon Sawyer ran Bar Cento, a great little bar that served some of the best meals, bar food and snacks in Cleveland. Jeff loved the place and Michele was lukewarm. It wasn’t the food. She always loved the fabulous moist and tender roast chicken. The problem was the limited selection. While Jeff tried almost everything on the menu, she had roast chicken every time we went because nothing else appealed to her. Fast forward to The Greenhouse Tavern.

Michele usually orders hot tea with her meal. The Greenhouse Tavern serves a pungent green leaf in a French Press. Jeff remembers the type as a “worker’s tea” popular in China. She didn’t like it and quickly ordered a diet cola while Jeff finished the tea. The cola was a natural brand named Cricket that Michele never had before and she really enjoyed it. For lunch, unfortunately, finding nothing else to her liking, she ordered the chicken pallards salad. Jeff ordered the French Dip sandwich and the beef vegetable bean soup. Like Bar Cento before it, this was great food. The sandwich was flavorful; the gruyère a perfect complement to the dip’s braised beef, the chicken was tender and the soup hearty. The chocolate dessert was a perfect end cap. Based on the experience, Jeff was eager to try some additional menu items. Michele was hard-pressed to imagine the next visit not consisting of chicken.

On our way out of the restaurant, we asked to see a dinner menu. Jeff looked it over with anticipation. Michele noted that with the exception of the daily fish special, the Coq au Vin looked good! While this place serves wonderful food, we are unlikely to return very often. The limited menu will appease only half of us and when a pair of eaters doesn’t find common group at an eatery, dinner hour is not satisfactory.

One additional note. If you decide to visit, be warned that every time the front door is opened, a cold wind whips through the room. We were seated ¾ of the way back and even at this point, felt a cold shot. Don’t forget your muffler!

List Status: Existing, recommended, but not used very often

http://thegreenhousetavern.com/ 2038 East 4^th Street Cleveland, OH 44115 216-443-0511

Mario Fazio’s

Mario Fazio’s is probably the friendliest Italian restaurant in the Cleveland area. Don’t get us wrong, we like the food here, but every time we visit, we are treated like an old family friend that just stopped over while Mama was finishing preparation on a big bowl of Sunday spaghetti sauce, “So sit, eat, unbuckle your belt a notch, enjoy!”

Beyond the smiling faces of the gang, there are a lot of things that bring us back to Mario Fazio’s. Shortly after sitting down, a bowl of garlic bread and salsa is served. The chunky tomato-based sauce is a great complement to the fresh bread. The wine pours are generous and inexpensive and each meal is capped with a small slice (the perfect size!) of cassata cake. For us this is also an odd dining experience. Michele, the usual lover of a pre-dinner salad has the complementary Italian Wedding soup. Jeff, not a huge fan of traditional salads eagerly orders their version. It is packed with the things he likes and she hates, julienne beets, garbanzo beans, shaved carrots and fresh peas over lettuce. A snappy house made balsamic vinaigrette makes this one of his favorite salads and we haven’t even ordered dinner yet!

Michele flies all over this menu. She like’s Bert’s Ravioli, the traditional lasagna and the eggplant, but probably most asks them to prepare her favorite dish, one that appears only on the lunch menu, Chicken Alioto, a chicken parmesan with ricotta, roasted peppers and pasta. Jeff has honed in on a favorite, Beef Braciole and usually orders it, primarily because it is not on any other menu in town. A thin flip steak is lined with pepperoni, breadcrumbs and hard boiled egg, them rolled and topped with provolone cheese and served on a bed of cavatelli. This is one of the few places Jeff needs a takeout box.

Looking for a place that serves food  just like your Italian grandmother used to cook, even if you don’t have any Italian blood in you? Stop by Mario Fazio’s. They’ll make you feel like you’re home…and don’t wear a belt.

List Status: Existing

http://www.mariofazios.com/ 34400 Chardon Road Willoughby Hills. OH 44094 440-585-3883