Pier W

There is probably no better restaurant view in Cleveland than at Pier W. For years, this place slide by on those “looks.” The food was marginally adequate, but droves arrived to sit by the window and admire the lake. A few years ago, the owners realized the jewel they possessed and did an upgrade and overhaul commensurate with the scenery. Now, the food is as much a reason to visit this place as the remarkable vista.

Tuesday afternoon was a clear, crisp day. The sky was a flawless blue and the lake had a bit of a chop. We were seated at a large banquette table with a panoramic view of Lake Erie. This was a perfect setting to celebrate Michele’s birthday.

Occasionally, we comment on the bread. Michele really enjoys bread before a meal, sometimes so much so that she is forced to take some of her food home. The bread at Pier W was flavorful, crunchy and served with butter and a smooth, delicious hummus. This was a nice preamble from such a simple culinary element.

We both had a salad first. Michele enjoyed her Caesar with fresh slices of crispy romaine and a spunky dressing. Jeff truly enjoyed the wood roasted heirloom beets with blue goat cheese and marinated watermelon. For our lunch entrees, Michele ordered the Pistachio-Almond crusted tilapia. Flavored with lavender honey butter, there was a touch of unexpected sweetness to this light white fish. Simple mashed Yukons accompanied. Jeff ordered the seared scallops served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a fabulous spinach-sun dried tomatoes mix. We were both extremely pleased. To finish, the chocolate wrapped lemon cake with raspberry drizzle was flawless. All that was missing was a candle to celebrate. A quiet “Happy Birthday” sufficed.

After many years, it is nice to find a place continuing the quality that it established upon reinventing itself. It sure makes enjoyment of the view that much better.

List Status: Existing

http://www.selectrestaurants.com/pier/index.php 12700 Lake Avenue Lakewood, OH 441 216-228-2250

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