When the Baricelli Inn closed, it was a sad moment in Cleveland dining. Some of the finest food served in our city was provided by Paul Minello and his staff. Because of the beauty and stature of the building, it was inevitable that a new place would take over. Because of its location, customers were almost certain to frequent. All that has come true with the opening of Washington Place Bistro & Inn.
The welcoming environment of this handsome old house has been combined with a pleasant and engaging staff. Upon entering, we were immediately made to feel welcome. From the hostess to the bus boy, everyone wanted us to feel at home. The menu likewise reminds you of home. Because it was another blustery winter evening, it was a perfect fit.
Michele started with the Field Green Salad. With citrus vinaigrette and dried cherries, this was a very summery start. Jeff had the Cauliflower Bisque, a more conventional cold-weather option. The addition of crumbled blue cheese was just the spunk the simple vegetable needed. For dinner, Michele enjoyed the Pan Seared Canadian Salmon. Paired with a cauliflower gratin, the fish was perfectly cooked and the dish was nicely balanced. Jeff decided to extend the home-cooking evening and ordered the Veal Meatloaf served with creamy, white cheddar mashed potatoes. Everything was extremely well prepared. For dessert, we could not resist the Presti’s Glazed Donut Bread Pudding. Yes, the unmistakable glazed donut flavor was there and yes, it was good.
During our visit, we were told that many of the ingredients were locally sourced. The ice cream is from Columbus, the bread was locally baked and the cheese is from Paul Minello, the former chef’s popular side-project. At least there is a little piece of the Baricelli remaining in this very cozy, very good new restaurant. We’ll be back. You should consider going.
http://www.washingtonplacelittleitaly.com/ 2203 Cornell Road Cleveland, OH 44106 216-791-6500
January 29, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Yes, we know. The only reason to go to Orlando is to see Mickey. Unfortunately, some of us are required to visit this fabricated city for work. The Orange County Convention Center is one of the largest in America and as such, attracts lots of business. This means a plethora of fast-food and casual dining choices. It also means a TON of steak houses. When a bunch of booth-working businessmen finish work, a steak and a beer is demanded. Consequently, finding good food here can be a challenge. Regardless, with a little digging. Good food can be found almost anywhere and we found K Restaurant as one of the James Beard Award 2010 finalists. We arrived early for our reservation and behind us, the place quickly filled. Apparently, the rest of Orlando cannot subsist on Bennigan’s alone.
First, wow what a wait staff! Our waiter was wonderfully helpful and engaging, but when not around, the rest of the group assured us a team was available to help in whatever way necessary. This is premium quality attention and commensurate gratuity was awarded.
The food was good as well. Michele has the Mahi-mahi prix-fix special. Served with a fava bean-corn succotash it was fresh and tasty. Jeff had the duck breast over risotto with a decadent reduction sauce. Each slice melted in your mouth. Michele started with heirloom tomatoes and manchego cheese while Jeff has the beet salad with goat cheese. We could not have asked for a better way to start a meal in a convention city where hotels warn guests about poor quality delivered pizza.
The good news is that everything we had was perfect. The bad news is that you cannot likely enjoy what we had, the menu changes daily based on availability. After sampling what was available when we visited, we’re sure you can’t miss with a visit to K. Whatever they cook is worth the price and worth eating.
http://www.kwinebar.com 1710 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32804 407-872-2332
January 15, 2011 at 1:27 AM
Washington Place
When the Baricelli Inn closed, it was a sad moment in Cleveland dining. Some of the finest food served in our city was provided by Paul Minello and his staff. Because of the beauty and stature of the building, it was inevitable that a new place would take over. Because of its location, customers were almost certain to frequent. All that has come true with the opening of Washington Place Bistro & Inn.
The welcoming environment of this handsome old house has been combined with a pleasant and engaging staff. Upon entering, we were immediately made to feel welcome. From the hostess to the bus boy, everyone wanted us to feel at home. The menu likewise reminds you of home. Because it was another blustery winter evening, it was a perfect fit.
Michele started with the Field Green Salad. With citrus vinaigrette and dried cherries, this was a very summery start. Jeff had the Cauliflower Bisque, a more conventional cold-weather option. The addition of crumbled blue cheese was just the spunk the simple vegetable needed. For dinner, Michele enjoyed the Pan Seared Canadian Salmon. Paired with a cauliflower gratin, the fish was perfectly cooked and the dish was nicely balanced. Jeff decided to extend the home-cooking evening and ordered the Veal Meatloaf served with creamy, white cheddar mashed potatoes. Everything was extremely well prepared. For dessert, we could not resist the Presti’s Glazed Donut Bread Pudding. Yes, the unmistakable glazed donut flavor was there and yes, it was good.
During our visit, we were told that many of the ingredients were locally sourced. The ice cream is from Columbus, the bread was locally baked and the cheese is from Paul Minello, the former chef’s popular side-project. At least there is a little piece of the Baricelli remaining in this very cozy, very good new restaurant. We’ll be back. You should consider going.
http://www.washingtonplacelittleitaly.com/ 2203 Cornell Road Cleveland, OH 44106 216-791-6500
January 29, 2011 at 11:38 PM Leave a comment