February 9, 2013
Korean BBQ-inspired Chicken Tenderloins Soy, Sesame Oil, Brown Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Fresh Ginger, Siracha, Sesame Seeds, Green Onion

Korean BBQ-inspired Chicken Tenderloins


Soy, Sesame Oil, Brown Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Fresh Ginger, Siracha, Sesame Seeds, Green Onion

4:33pm
Filed under: Food Home Cooking Chicken Korean BBQ 
December 8, 2012
Seared Chicken Thighs, Braised Onions and Kale, Sauteed Zucchini, and Roasted Potatoes topped with Green Onions All of this for under $10. I feel like Melissa d’Arabian in this bitch.

Seared Chicken Thighs, Braised Onions and Kale, Sauteed Zucchini, and Roasted Potatoes topped with Green Onions

All of this for under $10. I feel like Melissa d’Arabian in this bitch.

6:02pm
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Chicken Food Home Cooking Potatoes Kale 
December 4, 2012
Beef and Chicken Tacos from Fired Up Taco Truck in Cleveland, Ohio The beef (up top) was good… but the combo of the chipotle aioli, a corn/green chili salsa, and the crispy fried onions on the chicken taco (on the bottom) were out of this world. Pretty much a dream taco for me. They park weekly at the Mini Mart in Lakewood for Taco Tuesday, and make other stops around the city on a regular basis. Check out their Twitter feed for upcoming locations.

Beef and Chicken Tacos from Fired Up Taco Truck in Cleveland, Ohio

The beef (up top) was good… but the combo of the chipotle aioli, a corn/green chili salsa, and the crispy fried onions on the chicken taco (on the bottom) were out of this world. Pretty much a dream taco for me.

They park weekly at the Mini Mart in Lakewood for Taco Tuesday, and make other stops around the city on a regular basis. Check out their Twitter feed for upcoming locations.

6:06pm
Filed under: Food Cleveland Food Trucks Tacos Fired Up Taco Truck Mexican Mexican Food Chicken Beef Onions Corn Chipotle 
November 1, 2012
Clambake from a few weeks ago at my Italian club, complete with homemade wine in a styrofoam cup (the guy says they make 200 gallons/year, which is impressive). One of the reasons why I love fall (along with baseball finally ending, football finally starting, and it being time to break out the hoodies again).

Clambake from a few weeks ago at my Italian club, complete with homemade wine in a styrofoam cup (the guy says they make 200 gallons/year, which is impressive).

One of the reasons why I love fall (along with baseball finally ending, football finally starting, and it being time to break out the hoodies again).

10:00pm
Filed under: Food Clams Clambake Wine Chicken Italian Cleveland 
July 29, 2012
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce at Bac Asian Bistro in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio Additionally, the Avocado Green Curry here is the best curry I’ve ever had; but pictures just can’t do it justice.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce at Bac Asian Bistro in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio

Additionally, the Avocado Green Curry here is the best curry I’ve ever had; but pictures just can’t do it justice.

Bac Asian American Bistro on Urbanspoon

2:17pm
Filed under: Chicken Food Out To Eat Cleveland Tremont Asian Peanuts 
July 3, 2012
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta at Pickwick and Frolic on East 4th Street in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio Cavatappi Pasta, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Rotisserie Chicken tossed in a Basil Pesto Cream Sauce and topped with Asiago Cheese On a bit of a summer-fueled pesto kick at the moment…

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta at Pickwick and Frolic on East 4th Street in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio

Cavatappi Pasta, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Rotisserie Chicken tossed in a Basil Pesto Cream Sauce and topped with Asiago Cheese

On a bit of a summer-fueled pesto kick at the moment…

11:45pm
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Pasta Chicken Pesto Mushrooms Tomatoes Basil Cheese Out To Eat East 4th Cleveland Downtown Cleveland Food 
March 18, 2012
Fried Chicken at Miller’s Chicken in Athens, Ohio This was the place I demanded we go while visiting our alma mater. Sure, I would have ideally liked to hit up O’Betty’s (which we did), Kiser’s BBQ, and Salaam (neither of which we made it to). But this place was an absolute necessity. [Previously: Chicken and Pasta Salad]

Fried Chicken at Miller’s Chicken in Athens, Ohio

This was the place I demanded we go while visiting our alma mater. Sure, I would have ideally liked to hit up O’Betty’s (which we did), Kiser’s BBQ, and Salaam (neither of which we made it to). But this place was an absolute necessity.

[Previously: Chicken and Pasta Salad]

10:35am
(Notes: 3)
  
Filed under: Food Chicken Fried Chicken Athens Ohio University Out To Eat 
January 19, 2012
Pretzel Chicken at Great Lakes Brewing Company BrewPub in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio Gerber’s chicken encrusted with Pretzel served with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and a Burning River Pale Ale Mustard sauce I’m convinced that 1) GLBC can do no wrong, and that 2) if they bottled their mustard sauce, they could make just money as much as they do on beer. It was incredible. Next time, though, I’m getting the Pulled Pork. Not only is that a staple of mine when I go out, but it’s slathered in a BBQ sauce made with one of my favorite beers of all time, the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. [Previously: Dortmunder Gold]

Pretzel Chicken at Great Lakes Brewing Company BrewPub in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio

Gerber’s chicken encrusted with Pretzel served with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and a Burning River Pale Ale Mustard sauce

I’m convinced that 1) GLBC can do no wrong, and that 2) if they bottled their mustard sauce, they could make just money as much as they do on beer. It was incredible.

Next time, though, I’m getting the Pulled Pork. Not only is that a staple of mine when I go out, but it’s slathered in a BBQ sauce made with one of my favorite beers of all time, the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter.

[Previously: Dortmunder Gold]

Great Lakes Brewing Company on Urbanspoon

4:17pm
(Notes: 50)
  
Filed under: Chicken Potatoes Vegetables Mustard Cleveand Ohio City Food Great Lakes Brewing Company Pale Ale Out To Eat 
January 10, 2012
(Clockwise from bottom right) Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Plain Naan, Garlic Naan, Chicken Curry Vindaloo at Jaipur Junction in North Royalton, Ohio Service: average, at best. Decor/Environment: Minimal - like, plastic plate level minimal. The food: out of left field amazing. Completely unexpected, and I guess that’s all it takes to get me in the door. Everything tasted bright and fresh, was sizzling hot, and had all the spices you’d expect out of Indian dishes. And that Garlic Naan… incredible!! Not overwhelming, but took the traditional Naan (which was good in its own right) to another level. I can’t help but to think what an aggressive owner, a marketing campaign, and an interior designer could turn this place into. If food’s all you’re after - this is your place. So what if it kind of feels like you’re at a picnic? The food’ll answer all of your questions.

(Clockwise from bottom right) Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Plain Naan, Garlic Naan, Chicken Curry Vindaloo at Jaipur Junction in North Royalton, Ohio

Service: average, at best. Decor/Environment: Minimal - like, plastic plate level minimal. The food: out of left field amazing. Completely unexpected, and I guess that’s all it takes to get me in the door. Everything tasted bright and fresh, was sizzling hot, and had all the spices you’d expect out of Indian dishes. And that Garlic Naan… incredible!! Not overwhelming, but took the traditional Naan (which was good in its own right) to another level.

I can’t help but to think what an aggressive owner, a marketing campaign, and an interior designer could turn this place into.

If food’s all you’re after - this is your place. So what if it kind of feels like you’re at a picnic? The food’ll answer all of your questions.

Jaipur Junction on Urbanspoon

10:48pm
(Notes: 14)
  
Filed under: Chicken Onions Vegetables Curry North Royalton Cleveland Ohio Out To Eat Food Naan Indian Food 
November 19, 2011
Smoked Cornish Hen on top of Potato Hash

Smoked Cornish Hen on top of Potato Hash

5:03pm
(Notes: 111)
  
Filed under: Meat Chicken Potatoes Onions Food Home Cooking 
October 25, 2011
Chicken Bowl at ShopHouse in Washington, DC Rice Noodles topped with Grilled Chicken, spicy Charred Corn, Mild Curry, pickled Vegetables, Herbs (Cilantro, Mint, Thai Basil), and crispy Rice, Garlic, and Peanuts On this quick low-key trip to The District, I was most excited for this meal. Why? ShopHouse is Chipotle’s Asian spinoff whose name comes from the buildings (or row of buildings) that have restaurants in the bottom floor and living quarters up top. “Asia’s version of fast food.” I was impressed. It was really good. Not the portions of its big brother yet; but I was still full after it all. The chicken was great, the spicy corn was the best thing in the bowl, and the sauces and garnishes all added something. I just wish I got the spicier curry. Small misstep. Oh, and the noodles. They were cold - but apparently that’s on purpose. Haven’t caught on to that one yet. Maybe it’ll grow on me. Will it be the next big thing? It’s hard to say. I mean, I doubt it. Americans are a lot less familiar/comfortable with Southeast Asian food right now than they were with Mexican before Chipotle arrived about 10 years ago. However, I could definitely see Steve Ells propping a few of these up in the major cities. It’s not like he needs to make a ton of money with these; he’s already made enough for 10 or 12 lifetimes on the backs of overstuffed burritos and amazing guacamole. But we’ll see. I hope I’m wrong.

Chicken Bowl at ShopHouse in Washington, DC

Rice Noodles topped with Grilled Chicken, spicy Charred Corn, Mild Curry, pickled Vegetables, Herbs (Cilantro, Mint, Thai Basil), and crispy Rice, Garlic, and Peanuts

On this quick low-key trip to The District, I was most excited for this meal. Why? ShopHouse is Chipotle’s Asian spinoff whose name comes from the buildings (or row of buildings) that have restaurants in the bottom floor and living quarters up top. “Asia’s version of fast food.”

I was impressed. It was really good. Not the portions of its big brother yet; but I was still full after it all. The chicken was great, the spicy corn was the best thing in the bowl, and the sauces and garnishes all added something. I just wish I got the spicier curry. Small misstep. Oh, and the noodles. They were cold - but apparently that’s on purpose. Haven’t caught on to that one yet. Maybe it’ll grow on me.

Will it be the next big thing? It’s hard to say. I mean, I doubt it. Americans are a lot less familiar/comfortable with Southeast Asian food right now than they were with Mexican before Chipotle arrived about 10 years ago. However, I could definitely see Steve Ells propping a few of these up in the major cities. It’s not like he needs to make a ton of money with these; he’s already made enough for 10 or 12 lifetimes on the backs of overstuffed burritos and amazing guacamole. But we’ll see. I hope I’m wrong.

ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen on Urbanspoon

10:54pm
(Notes: 47)
  
Filed under: Asian Chicken Corn Food Garlic Noodles Peanuts Rice ShopHouse Washington DC Out To Eat 
October 10, 2011
Chicken Shawarma Hummus Plate at Sittoo’s in Parma, Ohio The wonderful Miss Truhan - as her first and second grade students call her - found out about this place because of her nearby summer job, and it’s because of her that I know about it at all. She hadn’t been there in a long time, and I had never been; so we made the short drive with the windows down in this amazing fall weather we’ve had recently. The food itself was awesome. Fresh, bright, bold - everything you’d want out of Middle Eastern food. The same family that started the chain of Aladdin’s has figured out a way to bring that same style of food in a cheaper form. Nothing on the menu tops $8, and all of the wraps (from Falaffel, to Kafta, to Shawarma) are under $5. The quality doesn’t suffer one bit, and definitely made me want to go back as soon as possible. You absolutely have to get the fries. And you have to dip them in hummus. It puts drive-thru fries dipped in ketchup to shame. 100% on Urbanspoon with more than 25 50 votes is also insane. Not sure I’ve ever seen that before. This place is just amazing.

Chicken Shawarma Hummus Plate at Sittoo’s in Parma, Ohio

The wonderful Miss Truhan - as her first and second grade students call her - found out about this place because of her nearby summer job, and it’s because of her that I know about it at all. She hadn’t been there in a long time, and I had never been; so we made the short drive with the windows down in this amazing fall weather we’ve had recently.

The food itself was awesome. Fresh, bright, bold - everything you’d want out of Middle Eastern food. The same family that started the chain of Aladdin’s has figured out a way to bring that same style of food in a cheaper form. Nothing on the menu tops $8, and all of the wraps (from Falaffel, to Kafta, to Shawarma) are under $5. The quality doesn’t suffer one bit, and definitely made me want to go back as soon as possible.

You absolutely have to get the fries. And you have to dip them in hummus. It puts drive-thru fries dipped in ketchup to shame.

100% on Urbanspoon with more than 25 50 votes is also insane. Not sure I’ve ever seen that before. This place is just amazing.

Sittoos on Urbanspoon

7:26pm
(Notes: 7)
  
Filed under: Food Chicken Hummus middle eastern food Out To Eat Parma Cleveland fries 
September 26, 2011
Honey Chipotle Chicken Taco with Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado Inspiration drawn from Parkview Nite Club’s tacos (seen here). Now that I’m back in the country, and settled in Berea for the foreseeable future, I should be back to posting as usual.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Taco with Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado

Inspiration drawn from Parkview Nite Club’s tacos (seen here).

Now that I’m back in the country, and settled in Berea for the foreseeable future, I should be back to posting as usual.

7:56pm
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Tacos Mexican Chicken Cheese Tomatoes Avocado Food Home Cooking 
September 12, 2011
Fried Chicken and Waffles at Market Garden Brewery in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio Boneless Fried Chicken, Creamed Collards, Sausage, and Spicy Honey; all on top of pillow-y Waffle My cousin works at this place and does everything from being the first person you see when you walk in the door to being the guy that cleans your table after you leave. But all nepotism aside, I really liked this place. First, I love the “Market District” they’re building around the West Side Market. Tons of great restaurants and urban farms, as well as parks and a bunch of other ways to spend an afternoon. The kitchen must have finally worked out some of the kinks people had complained about, because everything we had was delicious. I told the waitress that any time I see Chicken & Waffles on a menu, I have to get it. After completely devouring everything on my plate, I realized that I much preferred this to The Sugar Factory’s version. The collards added a savory bite that balanced out the sometimes overwhelming sweetness; with the only real problem being that the waffle got soggy by the end. Still a really, really good brunch. I can’t wait to go back with some friends and have a few too many beers. This place is just awesome.

Fried Chicken and Waffles at Market Garden Brewery in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio

Boneless Fried Chicken, Creamed Collards, Sausage, and Spicy Honey; all on top of pillow-y Waffle

My cousin works at this place and does everything from being the first person you see when you walk in the door to being the guy that cleans your table after you leave. But all nepotism aside, I really liked this place. First, I love the “Market District” they’re building around the West Side Market. Tons of great restaurants and urban farms, as well as parks and a bunch of other ways to spend an afternoon.

The kitchen must have finally worked out some of the kinks people had complained about, because everything we had was delicious. I told the waitress that any time I see Chicken & Waffles on a menu, I have to get it. After completely devouring everything on my plate, I realized that I much preferred this to The Sugar Factory’s version. The collards added a savory bite that balanced out the sometimes overwhelming sweetness; with the only real problem being that the waffle got soggy by the end.

Still a really, really good brunch. I can’t wait to go back with some friends and have a few too many beers. This place is just awesome.

The Market Garden Brewery & Distillery on Urbanspoon

9:31pm
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Brunch Food Chicken Waffles Cleveland Ohio City Fried Fried Chicken Out To Eat 
August 28, 2011
Chicken Salad Sandwich Homemade Mayonnaise, Grilled Chicken Breasts, Celery, Vidalia Onion, Dijon Mustard, Red Wine Vinegar, Salt, Pepper, and Celery Seed; Tomato; French Bread. Coworkers eating Doritos out of the machine as their lunch were not nearly as happy as I was. I’m thinking that my next mayo experiment is gonna include a chipotle pepper or two.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Homemade Mayonnaise, Grilled Chicken Breasts, Celery, Vidalia Onion, Dijon Mustard, Red Wine Vinegar, Salt, Pepper, and Celery Seed; Tomato; French Bread.

Coworkers eating Doritos out of the machine as their lunch were not nearly as happy as I was.

I’m thinking that my next mayo experiment is gonna include a chipotle pepper or two.

9:52pm
(Notes: 13)
  
Filed under: Chicken Onion Tomatoes Sandwich Home Cooking Food 
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