Dante

When we go to the theatre, we typically attend a matinee performance. For years, a visit to Lola was derigueur. Lola was opened at 4:00PM, a full hour before most other places. This earlier hour fit perfectly into our schedule and the restaurant was empty, the wait staff was attentive and each meal was perfect. Alas, Lola was enticed onto East 4^th, the 4:00 start time was abandoned and we now find ourselves searching for an after-theatre place after each show. The afternoon performance of “Billy Elliot” ended at 4:45, so as we rolled down the parking garage ramp, Michele called Lolita, perhaps out of memory for the former location. A 5:15 opening was not available. We started going down the list for an alternate. “Dante!” A table there was open.

We have been reluctant to dine at Dante. We went to the Independence version a few times. While it was good, it was clearly over-priced. The oblique location also made it a poor choice for “East-Siders” like us. We assumed another good, but wildly over-priced menu. We were wrong. This was a comparably-price dinner, but that would make little difference had the meal been substandard. Luckily, we had a wonderful meal.

Michele started with the Truffled Miso Chicken Soup, a gentle broth with rich flavors. For her entrée she enjoyed the Ruby Red Trout, so much, no leftovers went home! Two flaky fillets sandwiched mashed potato and onions. Jeff started with the rich and creamy polenta with perfectly grilled wild mushrooms and a dollop of goat cheese. This was a reminder of the thing we did like about Dante 1. There is great skill here creating RICH decedent flavors. Dinner was Lamb Chops, mustard crusted and served with grilled brussel sprouts. They were accompanied by pear fritters and pearl onions. It could not have been more perfect. We finished with a “lovely to look at” Citrus and Mango Napoleon. A woven patty was topped with julienne orange curd, citrus ice cream and another patty. Yummy!

We made a mistake based on preconceived notions. This was a big error in judgement. Because of this flaw, we missed-out on eating some very good food. Don’t do the same thing. Expand your culinary horizons. Save your money…buy good food!

http://restaurantdante.us 2247 Professor Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113 216-274-1200