August 29, 2012
Bloody Mary with Dr. Katz’s Pickle at Fire Food and Drink in Shaker Square Same heat, but less horseradish, please. Still really good, though.

Bloody Mary with Dr. Katz’s Pickle at Fire Food and Drink in Shaker Square

Same heat, but less horseradish, please. Still really good, though.

11:34pm
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Food Drinks Alcohol Tomatoes Bloody Mary Cleveland Shaker Heights Shaker Square Out To Eat 
August 20, 2012
Panzanella Salad Day-old bread from Jimmy John’s, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Garlic, Parsley, and Basil; tossed in Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar I highly suggest using Jimmy John’s day-old bread for any recipe that calls for French bread. It’s just the best - and it’s 45 cents/loaf. I mean, come on.

Panzanella Salad

Day-old bread from Jimmy John’s, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Garlic, Parsley, and Basil; tossed in Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar

I highly suggest using Jimmy John’s day-old bread for any recipe that calls for French bread. It’s just the best - and it’s 45 cents/loaf. I mean, come on.

10:59pm
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: Basil Food Italian Italian Food Onions Panzanella Salad Tomatoes Jimmy John's 
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 
April 29, 2012
Bucatini con Salsa di Agnello at DC Pasta Company in Strongsville, Ohio Tomato-braised Lamb and Mint This, as well as everything else we ordered, was fantastic. The Cozze con Salsicca (Mussels with Spicy Sausage) are a must-have. Overall, I couldn’t agree more with the Cleveland Scene review (“Pasta Perfect”) for this place.

Bucatini con Salsa di Agnello at DC Pasta Company in Strongsville, Ohio

Tomato-braised Lamb and Mint

This, as well as everything else we ordered, was fantastic. The Cozze con Salsicca (Mussels with Spicy Sausage) are a must-have.

Overall, I couldn’t agree more with the Cleveland Scene review (“Pasta Perfect”) for this place.

1:09am
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Pasta Food Italian Lamb Strongsville Cleveland Tomatoes Out To Eat 
March 19, 2012
Van Helsing Bloody Mary at Casa Nueva in Athens, Ohio Garlic & Black Peppercorn (in-house) infused vodka, house-made Bloody Mary Mix. One last Athens-related post, since we made it to the Sweet 16 and all last night. GO BOBCATS!!! BEAT UNC (ha)!!!

Van Helsing Bloody Mary at Casa Nueva in Athens, Ohio

Garlic & Black Peppercorn (in-house) infused vodka, house-made Bloody Mary Mix.

One last Athens-related post, since we made it to the Sweet 16 and all last night.

GO BOBCATS!!! BEAT UNC (ha)!!!

11:07am
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: Bloody Mary Athens Food Drinks Out To Eat Ohio University Garlic Tomatoes Alcohol Pepper 
February 12, 2012
Bloody Caesar at Southside in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio Stoli Vodka with Clamato Juice; served with an Oyster in a Celery Salt-rimmed glass. Sunday brunch here is now penciled in every week from here to infinity. Chicken and Waffles (served with Siracha), Steak and Eggs (6oz Tenderloin), and a Smoked Salmon platter (extremely similar to this one I enjoyed in DC) highlight the (surprisingly affordable) brunch menu. Here’s my picture of their Bloody Mary Menu.

Bloody Caesar at Southside in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio

Stoli Vodka with Clamato Juice; served with an Oyster in a Celery Salt-rimmed glass.

Sunday brunch here is now penciled in every week from here to infinity. Chicken and Waffles (served with Siracha), Steak and Eggs (6oz Tenderloin), and a Smoked Salmon platter (extremely similar to this one I enjoyed in DC) highlight the (surprisingly affordable) brunch menu. Here’s my picture of their Bloody Mary Menu.

6:02pm
(Notes: 6)
  
Filed under: Food Drinks Alcohol Tomatoes Oyster Bloody Mary 
February 10, 2012
The 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon BLT Melt at Melt Bar & Grilled in Independence, Ohio. Hickory Smoked Bacon, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Black Pepper Crusted Slab Bacon, Italian Pancetta, Sweet Candied Bacon, House-made bacon infused mayonnaise, Herb Cream Cheese with crisp bacon bits mixed in, Sharp Cheddar, Fresh romaine lettuce and tomato It’s a special for this week only (2/8-2/14), so if you’re gonna get this - you have to go soon. And it’s probably for that reason only that I got this. Because, even for me, this is a little over the top. This was also the first time I tried out their “South” outpost, having only ever tried the Lakewood original. A lot more room, but the same huge sandwiches.

The 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon BLT Melt at Melt Bar & Grilled in Independence, Ohio.

Hickory Smoked Bacon, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Black Pepper Crusted Slab Bacon, Italian Pancetta, Sweet Candied Bacon, House-made bacon infused mayonnaise, Herb Cream Cheese with crisp bacon bits mixed in, Sharp Cheddar, Fresh romaine lettuce and tomato

It’s a special for this week only (2/8-2/14), so if you’re gonna get this - you have to go soon. And it’s probably for that reason only that I got this. Because, even for me, this is a little over the top.

This was also the first time I tried out their “South” outpost, having only ever tried the Lakewood original. A lot more room, but the same huge sandwiches.

4:14pm
(Notes: 9)
  
Filed under: Food Sandwich Cleveland Independence Lakewood Melt Bar And Grilled Cheese Tomatoes Bacon 
January 15, 2012
Lola Combo with Spicy Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro in Cleveland, Ohio I finally made the trek down to the East 4th neighborhood (here’s a picture of what it looks like at night) of downtown to my city’s best restaurant. But being a broke college grad who just signed up to pay his student loans - I went during lunch. First and foremost, the service is amazing. They have people roaming the room just to fill up water glasses. Take a sip, get a pour - basically. Next time I go, I plan on tallying the number of trips they make to the table. Secondly, the food. In addition to getting to try what Food & Wine magazine dubbed one of the best grilled cheeses in America, the soup was also amazing. And even though I was sitting among businessmen in suits and ties, you better believe I was dipping one in the other before long. There’s a reason it’s a classic combo. Not pictured: the Eggnog Panna Cotta with Whiskey Whipped Cream. Sounds like an alcoholic’s Christmas miracle. It was. Huge flavor. Pretty small in size, though. I played it safe on this trip, but next time I’m throwing caution (and my wallet) to the wind and getting a lot more food. I just have to find something to celebrate, first.

Lola Combo with Spicy Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro in Cleveland, Ohio

I finally made the trek down to the East 4th neighborhood (here’s a picture of what it looks like at night) of downtown to my city’s best restaurant. But being a broke college grad who just signed up to pay his student loans - I went during lunch.

First and foremost, the service is amazing. They have people roaming the room just to fill up water glasses. Take a sip, get a pour - basically. Next time I go, I plan on tallying the number of trips they make to the table.

Secondly, the food. In addition to getting to try what Food & Wine magazine dubbed one of the best grilled cheeses in America, the soup was also amazing. And even though I was sitting among businessmen in suits and ties, you better believe I was dipping one in the other before long. There’s a reason it’s a classic combo.

Not pictured: the Eggnog Panna Cotta with Whiskey Whipped Cream. Sounds like an alcoholic’s Christmas miracle. It was. Huge flavor. Pretty small in size, though.

I played it safe on this trip, but next time I’m throwing caution (and my wallet) to the wind and getting a lot more food. I just have to find something to celebrate, first.

12:28pm
(Notes: 6)
  
Filed under: Food Cheese Tomatoes Soup Cleveland Michael Symon Downtown Cleveland Out To Eat 
December 19, 2011
Cheeseburger with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Sauteed Onions and Mushrooms from Five Guys Burgers and Fries in North Olmsted, Ohio Somehow, Five Guys had eluded me until this point. But last week I was in the area and needed something quick - so I pulled the stereotypical American move and went for a burger. Five Guys has gone huge, nationally, and is often put on close-to-equal footing with Shake Shack and In-N-Out. However, I still prefer Brown Bag Burgers because 1) lower price, 2) more (free) options for add-ons (bacon, guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo to name a few), and 3) it’s local - there’s only one of them. And hell - the burgers are just better. There, I said it. Now I guess I really have to do a post there.

Cheeseburger with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Sauteed Onions and Mushrooms from Five Guys Burgers and Fries in North Olmsted, Ohio

Somehow, Five Guys had eluded me until this point. But last week I was in the area and needed something quick - so I pulled the stereotypical American move and went for a burger.

Five Guys has gone huge, nationally, and is often put on close-to-equal footing with Shake Shack and In-N-Out. However, I still prefer Brown Bag Burgers because 1) lower price, 2) more (free) options for add-ons (bacon, guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo to name a few), and 3) it’s local - there’s only one of them.

And hell - the burgers are just better. There, I said it. Now I guess I really have to do a post there.

1:47am
(Notes: 17)
  
Filed under: Burger Beef Cheese Onions Lettuce Tomatoes Mushrooms Five Guys Five Guys Burgers and Fries North Olmsted Cleveland Food 
December 4, 2011
Seafood Cioppino at Eddie’s Pizzeria Cerino in Seven Hills, Ohio I’ve already posted about this place, and I try not to double-post; but I’ve been wanting to do a Cioppino post forever. Whenever I see this tomato-y bowl of seafood and pasta on the menu, I have to get it. I ordered it during my last trip to Vegas, but the picture was so dark I didn’t end up posting it. So here you go. This was on special, though, and I’m not sure how long they’re going to have it as a featured item. If you’re a seafood person like me, you just have to get this. So good.

Seafood Cioppino at Eddie’s Pizzeria Cerino in Seven Hills, Ohio

I’ve already posted about this place, and I try not to double-post; but I’ve been wanting to do a Cioppino post forever.

Whenever I see this tomato-y bowl of seafood and pasta on the menu, I have to get it. I ordered it during my last trip to Vegas, but the picture was so dark I didn’t end up posting it. So here you go. This was on special, though, and I’m not sure how long they’re going to have it as a featured item.

If you’re a seafood person like me, you just have to get this. So good.

11:11pm
(Notes: 20)
  
Filed under: Seafood Italian Mussels Cleveland Seven Hills Pasta Tomatoes Shrimp Clams Food Out To Eat 
November 27, 2011
Homemade Pasta tossed in Olive Oil, Garlic, and Parmesan Cheese; topped with Cherry Tomatoes. Must remember next time: 1) less eggs, 2) more kneading, 3) roll thinner.

Homemade Pasta tossed in Olive Oil, Garlic, and Parmesan Cheese; topped with Cherry Tomatoes.

Must remember next time: 1) less eggs, 2) more kneading, 3) roll thinner.

10:18pm
(Notes: 17)
  
Filed under: Pasta Tomatoes Italian Home Cooking Food 
November 13, 2011

Dinner tonight: Pot Roast made in my shiny new Dutch Oven.

Served with a Gnarly Head 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel. Really good for a $10 bottle (note: I don’t really know anything about wine; I stole that from a review I read. But I did think it went really well with the pot roast, and I’d definitely drink it again - whatever that’s worth).

8:09pm
(Notes: 71)
  
Filed under: Beef Meat Pot Roast Sunday Roast Potatoes Tomatoes Carrots Home Cooking Food 
November 11, 2011
Joycey’s Combo Sandwich at Joe’s Deli in Rocky River, Ohio Corned Beef, Pastrami, and Swiss served on Rye bread with Lettuce and Tomato.

Joycey’s Combo Sandwich at Joe’s Deli in Rocky River, Ohio

Corned Beef, Pastrami, and Swiss served on Rye bread with Lettuce and Tomato.

Joe's Deli on Urbanspoon

4:55pm
(Notes: 10)
  
Filed under: Beef Pastrami Sandwich Deli Rocky River Cleveland Food Out To Eat Tomatoes 
November 7, 2011
“The Original” Flatbread at The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen in Chicago, Illinois Basil Pesto, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Whole Milk Mozzarella topped Fresh Basil. I really loved everything about this place. If I ever open a bar or restaurant, I’d definitely take some cues from this place. Good food, long drink list, and just an overall cool vibe. I wish we found this place on night one, instead of going to the South Loop Club, which also served food til 2am. Wouldn’t have made up for losing my favorite hoodie, but it would have counted for something.

“The Original” Flatbread at The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen in Chicago, Illinois

Basil Pesto, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Whole Milk Mozzarella topped Fresh Basil.

I really loved everything about this place. If I ever open a bar or restaurant, I’d definitely take some cues from this place. Good food, long drink list, and just an overall cool vibe.

I wish we found this place on night one, instead of going to the South Loop Club, which also served food til 2am. Wouldn’t have made up for losing my favorite hoodie, but it would have counted for something.

9:40pm
(Notes: 8)
  
Filed under: Chicago South Loop Food Pizza Tomatoes Mozzarella Out To Eat Italian 
November 1, 2011
Pastrami Smoked Salmon Platter at Boulevard Woodgrill in Clarendon, Virginia Spiced Smoked Salmon served with a toasted Bagel, Cream Cheese, Capers, Red Onion, Tomato, a Hard Boiled Egg and topped with a Dill Crème Fraîche I’ve always lived in a neighborhood with a low Jewish population, and an even lower deli population (one, I think, and it’s just over a year old). So all of the old classics like Pastrami, Corned Beef, and Smoked Salmon are relatively new to me. That said, I’m catching on quickly. I’ve already dubbed Pastrami Hash as my favorite brunch dish. Well as it turns out, this may have even been better. The smoked Salmon melted in my mouth. Cream Cheese and Bagels - an amazing combo; Capers and (raw) Onions - a briney and sharpness (respectively) that complemented the fish perfectly. So so good, and I wasn’t even hungover - as is normally the case on Sunday mornings in DC. Now I’m just looking for a place closer to my home base in Ohio that can bring me this exact plate. Then they win. I’d be there every weekend.

Pastrami Smoked Salmon Platter at Boulevard Woodgrill in Clarendon, Virginia

Spiced Smoked Salmon served with a toasted Bagel, Cream Cheese, Capers, Red Onion, Tomato, a Hard Boiled Egg and topped with a Dill Crème Fraîche

I’ve always lived in a neighborhood with a low Jewish population, and an even lower deli population (one, I think, and it’s just over a year old). So all of the old classics like Pastrami, Corned Beef, and Smoked Salmon are relatively new to me. That said, I’m catching on quickly.

I’ve already dubbed Pastrami Hash as my favorite brunch dish. Well as it turns out, this may have even been better. The smoked Salmon melted in my mouth. Cream Cheese and Bagels - an amazing combo; Capers and (raw) Onions - a briney and sharpness (respectively) that complemented the fish perfectly. So so good, and I wasn’t even hungover - as is normally the case on Sunday mornings in DC.

Now I’m just looking for a place closer to my home base in Ohio that can bring me this exact plate. Then they win. I’d be there every weekend.

11:13pm
(Notes: 75)
  
Filed under: Salmon Seafood Food Bagels Cream Cheese Washington DC Clarendon Virginia Onions Tomatoes Eggs Out To Eat 
Liked posts on Tumblr: More liked posts »