Plum Cafe and Kitchen

The building in which Plum Café and Kitchen is housed is old. Based on the brick size and placement (and even the surrounding neighborhood) we suspect it to be over 100 years old. So, why does this place look so fresh and clean?

Two doors, side by side lead into a single space. No doubt, a wall originally separated two original businesses. That wall is gone, as is the ceiling/second floor in the rear. Also gone are the original plaster walls and everything else covering up the yeoman-like vintage architecture. One hundred years of grim, sweat and use have been exfoliated to reveal a new life, a new beginning, a new chapter in a building on the edge of a neighborhood in transition. A transition that is bringing people back to an urban environment; exactly where people are supposed to thrive.

Jeff was immediately enchanted with the architecture, Michele was unquestionably connected to the interior cleanliness, both of us found the fare inviting.

We joined the Plum for a late Saturday lunch. A handful of folks were at the bar, another pile of people were in the dining area. A single server effortlessly manned the room. The stark contemporary furniture (it must have been made locally!) and the warm vintage brick invited relaxation. Sit back. Michele, enjoy this Apple-Cured Turkey sandwich on a crunchy baguette with grilled cheese. Jeff, try the Prosciutto and Mortadella sandwich with the secret ingredient, Nduja, a spreadable pork salume mixed with red peppers. Both of you, share the Curried Cauliflower & Potato Salad. You have nowhere to go, so relax.

A few weeks later we met some family for an early dinner with the same results. House salads and the Cioppino was well received. The wonderfully named, Bone, Slug & Hominy featured escargot and sausage in a beef broth with hominy and marrow. What a unique treat! It begs the question, what can they do with, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” and “Notorious Thugs?” We see a future marrow appetizer and a sea urchin entrée in their future!

We liked this place. The lunch sandwiches had the creativity one would expect from a seasoned professional. We almost immediately planned the follow-up visit for dinner. Perhaps the spirit of the building has touched this young business with the wisdom of the ages and informed the occupants of timeless hospitality. With such strong bones, provenance is easy to comprehend. In today’s world, we should quickly take advantage of this blend of new and old. It is a recipe for success that cannot be questioned.

http://www.theplumcafeandkitchen.com/ 4133 Lorain Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113 216-938-8711