Table 45

Pulling into the Porte cochere of the Intercontinental Hotel, waiting for the valet to come to the car, Michele stated that dining at Table 45 made her feel, “rich.” This is an immediately engaging, stylishly trendy and surprisingly warm and comfortable room. The design of the space and the lighting are perfect complements to the creative foods that come from the kitchen. A mix of Asian, Mediterranean, Indian and middle-eastern cooking, the menu is exciting to read and even better to eat. Sitting in this fabulous space being served wonderful food, should make everyone feel “rich.”

Michele started with the Rustic Gazpacho soup. Different from the typical “red” version, this warm brown mix of vegetable was refreshing and summery, despite the bleak weather outside. Rather than an entrée, she followed that with Caesar salad. Sadly, no anchovies were available, but regardless, their Bangkok-style is very good indeed.

Jeff immediately honed in on the Cumin Braised lamb. Served with lightly minted couscous, the incredibly tender meat was packed with flavor and when mopped up with the tiny beads, the combination was wonderful. A side of coriander chutney and a cauliflower-pea curry mix made this one of the best meals he’s had in this restaurant filled with great food. To begin, the server suggested the ceviche, thin sliced scallops that were elegantly spread along a plate with papaya, lime juice and jalapeño. Our server was right, it was a nice balance for the lamb he was about to enjoy and a perfect combo for the evening.

For desert we shared the chocolate ravioli served with cherry gelato and cherry whipped cream. Warm chocolate oozed from the chocolate pockets and mixed among the cherry gelato for a dish that warranted continuous scrapes and finger dipping. Not what you’d likely do in a restaurant that makes you feel rich, but surely one that cooks such amazing food.

List Status: Existing

http://www.tbl45.com/
9801 Carnegie Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106 216-707-4045

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