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
February 2, 2010 at 11:43 PM
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
February 2, 2010 at 11:43 PM Leave a comment