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L’Albatros Brasserie + Bar

Posted on by clevelandchow

We were really looking forward to having an amazing meal.  After all, it had been a rough night.

It started innocently enough as an impromptu attempt at a romantic evening.  Mikey had to work late on a Friday, so Al got the great idea to take an Uber to meet him after work.  The plan was to rendezvous at the fountain at Tower City, then we would would steal away to a quiet dinner downtown.

But as luck would have it, Mikey got stuck in an elevator in the M. K. Ferguson building, and a security guard escorted Al away from the fountain (“you can’t stay here, ma’am — the mall is closed”).  So instead of enjoying a carefree start to the evening, Al conspicuously circled the Tower City food court in her floor-length gown while Mikey sweat it out waiting for his rescue by the fire department.

Ninety minutes later, we were finally on the road to L’Albatros, a wildly popular upscale restaurant on Cleveland’s east side.

[Incidentally, the French l’albatros translates simply to “the albatross.”  Renowned restaurateur Zack Bruell reportedly chose this name as a homage to his love of golf (an albatross is another name for a double eagle, or three under par), but for us on this particular night, the sea bird’s nod to a burden or a curse seemed fitting.  Ah, the irony.  Read on.]

After we arrived, and our hostess directed us to a separate menu for “aggressively-priced wines” (her words, not ours), we feasted our eyes on the long-awaited prize: the dinner menu.  The menu at L’Albatros, characterized as French contemporary or French fusion, feels a bit confused.  Certainly, a French influence abounds.  Escargots and pates, confit preparations, and (happily!) a classic croque monsieur are enticing and decidedly French options that diners will undoubtedly enjoy.  The confusion comes with the “fusion” portion, which covers more than half of the menu page: an assortment of pizzas, multiple entrees paired with spatzle or sauerkraut, and the award-winning crown jewel of the menu (drum roll please)… a burger?  We were shook.

In an attempt to stay true to our French dining expectations, we finally settled on the charcuterie platter appetizer (pictured), which paired classically-prepared pates and delightfully meaty mousses with pickled vegetables,  herbed croutons, and a smoky whole grain Dijon mustard.  It was a good start.

This was followed by the potage du jour — on this night, a chilled watermelon beet soup topped with crème fraiche and onion chive.  A gorgeous presentation of deep red broth shining from its bowl, the surprisingly delicate soup was incredibly well balanced, with subtle notes of each flavor complimenting the other.  Unfortunately, the cold soup was served in an enormous portion that mismatched its delicacy and long outlived its novelty.

It went downhill from there.  For a main course, Al ordered the ineptly named “Chicken Breast” entrée, which promised roast chicken paired with caramelized fennel, potato mousseline, and goat cheese.  Instead, it could have been named “Goat Cheese and Some Other Stuff You Won’t Taste,” because the entire presentation was drowning in a heavy goat cheese sauce that completely overpowered the dish.  Mikey ordered the duck confit with braised cabbage, substituting crispy breaded cauliflower for the usual sweet potato puree.  As it turned out, the cauliflower was a good choice, because it was the only thing on his plate that was up to par.  The duck was so dry that it rivaled Cousin Catherine’s turkey from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  On further inspection, the bottom quarter-inch of the meat, hidden amongst the cabbage in a cassoulet dish, was burnt black.  But we were hungry, so we ate.

The experience wasn’t all bad.  We have to acknowledge the fantastic staff at L’Albatros.  The hostess was more than happy to accommodate our repeated changes to the reservation throughout the night, and she greeted us with a cheerful “so happy you made it out of the elevator!” when we finally arrived.  Our waiter was attentive and pleasant, despite the very late hour and our presence in an otherwise vacant dining room.  He recognized the disaster that was the duck confit without our prompt or complaint.  He apologized profusely, and he took it upon himself to refund the entrée without question.

Situated in a quaint, historic carriage house on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, the restaurant itself is a bit of a contradiction.  The exterior suggests welcoming coziness nestled amongst the otherwise imposing stone-faced and stoic buildings of the University Circle neighborhood.  Step inside, and this welcoming façade is juxtaposed with stark white furnishings, minimalist table settings, and ultra-modern décor.

So… overall, it was not the vibe we had expected, and we didn’t get our amazing meal.  We were very disappointed, to say the least.  But based on the popularity of the place, we have to hope that — like us — L’Albatros was simply having a rough night.

The verdict?  Mikey no likey.

#CLEchow rating: 2.50/5.00

L’Albatros Brasserie + Bar / 11401 Bellflower Road / Cleveland, OH 44106 / (216) 791-7880 / albatrosbrasserie.com
Nearby:  Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Cultural Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, Lakeview Cemetery, Severance Hall, Western Reserve Historical Society

 

Sokolowski’s University Inn

Posted on by clevelandchow

Sadly, there are people out there who don’t know the joy that is a pierogi.  If you are one of those people, odds are you are not from Cleveland.  Bless your heart. *Tsk.*

If you are a native Clevelander, you know — and need — good Polish food.  Enter Sokolowski’s University Inn, a legendary establishment serving up Eastern European cuisine in Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood since 1923.

Food lovers, this place!  With décor reminiscent of your grandpa’s den, Sokolowski’s is more comfortable than a favorite cardigan.  While you wait in line for the cafeteria-style food service (yes, there will be a line, and yes, it’s worth it), you can pass the time browsing the countless baseball photos, bobbleheads, and other artifacts that adorn the restaurant walls.  A picture window — papered with the day’s photo-copied menus — frames Progressive Field in the distance.  Don’t feel like braving the line just yet?  Belly up to the full-service bar, and you’ll feel as welcome as Norm at Cheers.

Once you make your way to the counter, grab a tray and brace yourself for the food-filled awesomeness that is to come.  The cafeteria line (brilliantly!) begins with dessert, where you get your pick of a broad array of home-style pies and cakes by the slice.  Next up, grab a drink from the self-serve soda fountain, or wax nostalgic over an iced bucket of bottled pop that takes you back to your elementary school days.  Move further down the line, and there they are: the entrées.

You thought you knew what you wanted to eat before you arrived at this spot.  You were wrong.  One look at the feast that lays behind the glass, and you will most certainly experience simultaneous salivation and horrific indecision, because Everything. Looks. So. Good.  Do not panic.  Promise yourself you will come back again.  And whatever you do, do not forget to order pierogi.

The potato and cheese pierogi, a Sokolowski’s menu standard, is Polish perfection seasoned with heavy doses of garlic, butter, and outright love.  Order a dozen (a dozen pierogi!) as an entrée, or choose three as a side dish — either way, they will be the best pierogi you have ever eaten.  The gigantic stuffed cabbage is home-cooked heaven on a plate, simmered to tender, meaty magnificence and topped with a classic tomato sauce.  The chicken paprikash, featuring a generous baked chicken breast paired with dumplings and a rich gravy, is sure to please.  And you can’t go wrong with the traditional Polish kielbasa and a side of sauerkraut. Smacznego!

Collect your food and your tray and make your way to the cashier.  Once you’ve settled your bill, the last thing standing between you and your meal is finding a seat in the busy dining area, but don’t worry — the friendly and fast wait staff have you covered.  In a pinch, they’ll even seat you at the table marked “reserved” for pianist Tom Ballog’s friends (Tom frequently plays tunes like “Moon River” and other Sinatra-era classics for hours at the restaurant’s love-worn piano).  Rest assured: even if you are a stranger to Tom — or any of the staff at Sokolowski’s — you will leave as a friend.

The verdict?  Mikey likes it!

#CLEchow rating: 4.25/5.00

Sokolowski’s University Inn / 1201 University Road / Cleveland, OH 44113 / (216) 771-9236 / sokolowskis.com
Nearby: Tremont, Lincoln Park, West Side Market, West 25th Street, The Flats, Quicken Loans Arena, Progressive Field

Crop Bistro & Bar

Posted on by clevelandchow

If you are looking for an awe-inspiring dining experience, Crop Bistro & Bar is the place to be in Cleveland.  Located in Ohio City’s historic United Bank Building, the restaurant floor at Crop boasts grand marble columns, soaring decorated ceilings, and unbelievable mural artistry — all beautifully restored from the building’s Jazz Age origins.  The place itself is a feast for hungry eyes.

The breathtaking grandeur of this backdrop is tough to beat, but happily Crop’s menu options are just as impressive.  Hearty, earthy dishes are served with enough tradition to match the setting — and with more than enough flair to woo today’s food lovers.

The menu at Crop changes frequently to match local and regional food sources, so diners can expect to choose from only the freshest seasonal pairings for seafood, steaks, lamb, and chicken entrees.  At our most recent visit we went the meat-and-potatoes route, and the traditional dishes were prepared in a way that we can only describe as ultimate 1950s housewife love.  The fork-tender prime short ribs, paired with wild mushroom demi glace and whipped garlic potatoes, were a melt-in-your-mouth delight.  And the ribeye steak — so enormous that it eclipsed the edges of the plate — was chargrilled perfection paired with duck-fat-fried potatoes and a side of creamed spinach that we wanted to swim in, it was so good.  Needless to say, we were more happy and satisfied than Ward Cleaver coming home to a meal that June had lovingly prepared for the table.

We will say that the entrees are the absolute stars of Crop’s menu.  We expected a bit more from the appetizers — for instance, the strong, competing flavors of chorizo and black bean featured in the cherry bomb appetizer (pictured) completely overpowered the dish’s namesake: a delicate, wonton-wrapped cherry tomato.  While the dish was gorgeous in its presentation, the tomato could have been absent and we would not have noticed.  And after sampling both the pistachio cheesecake and the featured chocolate Crop Cake, we felt the desserts were little more than freezer-box ordinary.  Our advice: enjoy an appetizer or two, but skip dessert and indulge in the main courses.

If you and your party are giant food nerds (we are!), then you must request to be seated at the Chef’s Table.  Patrons perched at the marble counter will enjoy watching the controlled chaos of the kitchen as plate after delectable plate makes its way to the pass.  And for a special food lovers’ experience, weeknight patrons can opt for a 4-, 6-, or 11-course food tasting experience with optional wine pairing.

Finally, brunch… my goodness, Crop brunch.  The weekend morning buffet serves up towers of fresh fruit, impressive platters of crab legs and other seafood options, a meat carving station, and vegetarian dishes in addition to traditional breakfast fare (hello, made-to-order omelets).   While it may feel a bit pricey if you’re not a drinker — the all-you-can-eat ticket includes a choice of one mimosa or Bloody Mary per adult — just make sure you arrive hungry.  The dazzling presentation and broad selection of high-quality, tasty eats will not disappoint.

The verdict?  Mikey likes it!

#CLEchow rating: 4.75/5.00

Crop Bistro & Bar / 2537 Lorain Avenue / Cleveland, OH 44113 / (216) 696-2767 / cropbistro.com
Nearby: West Side Market, West 25th Street, The Flats, Quicken Loans Arena, Progressive Field

 

 

Luxe Kitchen & Lounge

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First, we at Cleveland Chow would like to acknowledge that it’s been a hot minute since we’ve blogged.  For that, we apologize.  But after taking a break for the holidays, we are excited to dive back in to the Cleveland food scene in 2018.

And we are absolutely loving Luxe.

We’ve promised a review of Luxe for some time now, and since then we’ve taken in all that this treasure of a restaurant has to offer (three times, to be exact!).  We simply can’t stay away from this place.  The Mediterranean-Italian bistro, situated in the heart of the Gordon Square Arts district, offers outstanding food paired with a welcoming, enthusiastic, and down-to-earth vibe.  Luxe is popular with Clevelanders for a reason: it is something special.

What makes it so special?  My goodness, the food.  Luxe offers a wide variety of options for all tastes and desires, including traditional, seafood, and vegan cuisines.  For an appetizer, we highly recommend the roasted cauliflower gratin; its perfectly al dente cauliflower florets baked in a garlic- and bacon-infused parmesean cheese sauce are certain to light up your taste buds.  Recurring menu favorites like the ricotta gnocci — which features melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs atop delicate, handmade gnocci in a creamy and well-balanced gorgonzola and mushroom sauce — will keep food lovers coming back for more.  The smoked gouda mac and cheese, topped with buttermilk-fried boneless chicken, is comfort food at its finest.  And if you’re craving a burger, the bison is sure to please; served on a warm brioche bun and topped with cappicola, smoked cheddar, garlic aioli, and a fried egg, this burger is nothing short of perfection.

But the biggest draw for food lovers is the rotating, seasonal menu.  Every visit brought us new options from Luxe’s hand-chalked “specials” board, including a beautiful bone-in pork chop with apple chutney and roasted peaches (pictured) and a generous portion of perfectly-cooked scallops over creamy corn polenta.  Even my dad — a staunch meat and potatoes man — was right at home with a seasonal special: an enormous ribeye steak with apple slaw, served over smashed garlic potatoes and roasted carrots.

For Luxe, quality food and outstanding service are clearly the focus.  The friendly and enthusiastic staffers outright hustle for their patrons — from the hostess to the table bussers and everyone in between, the team has only their diners’ best experience in mind.  Food lovers will also enjoy the eclectic, casual, and unpretentious sensibility that Luxe has to offer.  From its mismatched, flea market flatware and vintage sevice items to the  building’s original tin ceilings and bank-vault-made-wine-storage, Luxe proudly displays its shabby chic spirit of recycle-reuse-repurpose.  What’s not to love?

Dinner with the ‘rents, date night, or a larger party?  Luxe fits the bill.  Primarly a walk-in restaurant, Luxe only accepts reservations for parties of six or more, so expect a reasonable wait for a table on a busy weekend night.  But no worries — they’ll call you when your table is ready.  In the meantime, take full advantage of the neighborhood and explore the unique boutiques and shops along Detroit, or test your skills at Superelectric Pinball Parlor up the block while you wait.

The verdict?  Mikey likes it!

#CLEchow rating:  4.75/5.00

Luxe Kitchen & Lounge / 6605 Detroit Avenue / Cleveland, OH 44102 / (216) 920-0600 / luxecleveland.com
Nearby: Gordon Square Arts District, Cleveland Public Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Near West Theatre, Blank Canvas Theatre, 78th Street Studios, Superelectric Pinball Parlor

Corleone’s Ristorante & Bar

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Food lovers, if you are looking for an amazing Italian meal, look no further than Corleone’s Ristorante and Bar.  The Parma establishment — a shining jewel situated in an otherwise modest shopping plaza — offers a a rare and refreshing fine dining experience in an area dominated by chain restaurants and fast food.   Great for happy hour (calling all employees of Rockside Road!) or for any special occasion, Corleone’s serves up excellent, authentic Italian eats from the antipasto to the dolce.

For antipasti starters, we highly recommend the stuffed peppers, a spicy trio of enormous banana peppers overflowing with savory sausage and topped with fontina and marinara.  Seafood lovers will also enjoy the scallops, perfectly seared and beautifully plated with roasted zucchini and a fresh tomato bruschetta relish.  Diners could easily make their meals from one or two of Corleone’s generous antipasti plates — but why stop there?

Bursting with traditional Italian flavor and paired with rich sauces and bright, house-made marinara, the entrees at Corleone’s are not to be ignored.  In addition to its pasta specialties, Corelone’s features a number of  delicious seafood, veal, chicken, and even vegan options.  The veal Trivisonno (pictured) matches generous cuts of perfectly-tender breaded veal medallions with salty prosciutto and creamy mozzarella.  The dish is topped with portobello mushrooms in a sherry cream sauce.  The chicken Luciano stars lightly-floured and delicately-fried artichokes and costars tomatoes, spinach, and capers in a rich, roasted red pepper sauce.  The vegan portobello steak, drizzled with a traditional balsalmic reduction, features a huge portobello cap atop a generous bed of garlicky tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, and squash.  And for classic Italian fare, no one in the Greater Cleveland area beats Corleone’s eggplant rollatini, a flavorful, endlessly-layered, three-cheese masterpiece of a dish.

Corelone’s main dining room, with cushy booth spaces and small, candlelit tabletops, offers the perfect backdrop for an intimate date night meal.  Larger parties can gather in either the private dining room or in the dine-in bar, a space dominated by gorgeous floor-to-ceiling wine storage and chic chandeliers.  And the patio at Corelone’s — one of the most beautiful in the area — is a lush oasis of countless flowering plants, large-scale artwork, and overhead garden lighting.

The verdict?  Mikey likes it!

#CLEchow rating:  4.25/5.00

Corleone’s Ristorante & Bar / 5669 Broadview Road / Parma, OH 44134 / (216) 741-0220 / corleonescleveland.com
Nearby: The Cassidy Theatre, Club Impulse, Cinemark at Valley View

Graffiti: A Social Kitchen

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Cleveland Chow update: sadly, Graffiti closed its doors on Sunday, October 15, 2017, but diners can snag similar fare at the owners’ suburban restaurant, Cork & Cleaver, located in Broadview Heights.

You might know what to expect when you order a Monte Cristo.  For most food lovers, the thought of Monte Cristo evokes a classic, fried ham-and-cheese sandwich on French toast.  Simple enough, right?

You are woefully wrong.

Graffiti’s Monte Cristo is unlike any you have eaten before.  Its beautifully-deconstructed presentation features maple-brined pork tenderloin, cooked medium-rare and paired with an inches-thick slice of melt-in-your-mouth French toast.  The dish is brought to life with the delightfully sweet, tart taste of a fresh raspberry mostada topping.  This sweetness is balanced with a generous spread of mornay crema — a paradox of weightlessly-light, heavenly cream that reveals its blend of aged cheeses with a lingering finish.  Every bite of this surprising twist on the classic dish is absolute perfection.

This surprise factor seems to permeate the entire dining experience at at Graffiti, a casual-elegant restaurant nestled in Cleveland’s Battery Park neighborhood.  Graffiti’s menu spins fine-dining flair for just about every “comfort food” that a heart could desire.

The onion ring starter is a generous portion of huge, hand-battered onions, fried to a fluffy crunch and topped with bacon, scallion, and a zesty ranch sauce.  The shepherd’s pie (not a pie at all) boasts a generous cut of braised lamb and includes parsnips in its mix of traditional vegetables; savory lamb gravy and colorful carrot sauce finish the dish.  The Graffiti burger is a juicy, certified angus beef monster topped with goat cheese (!), fried green tomato (!!), and banana catsup (!!!), a delicious sauce spun from fresh banana peppers.

Food lovers, if you have a sweet tooth, do not pass up Graffiti’s Fat Kid 2.5.  This must-eat treat features a log of country-fried, black forest cookie dough (let me say that again: country-fried cookie dough) tucked into a sundae boat with ice cream and caramel.  If that isn’t enough to please, unexpected bursts of fruit flavor (there’s a sprinkling of Nerds candy atop the whipped cream!) will be sure to bring a smile to your inner fat kid’s face.

Graffiti’s unassuming restaurant frontage blends seamlessly with nearby residential properties (use your GPS, or you could miss it!), but once inside food lovers are offered a variety of dining experiences.  The bar in the historic west-side building pays homage to its old speakeasy days, boasting exposed brick and dark, carved wood.  The upstairs dining room can accommodate either intimate, candlelit dinners for two or large parties (reservations recommended). And the pet-friendly patio, lush with trees and vining plants, offers a beautiful view with a backyard party vibe.  Wear what makes you comfortable — cat sweatshirt or suit jacket, everyone is welcome here! — but make sure to bring your appetite.  You won’t be disappointed.

The verdict: Mikey likes it!

#CLEchow rating: 4.75/5.00

Graffiti: A Social Kitchen / 1261 W. 76th Street / Cleveland, OH 44102 / (216) 651-6969 / www.graffitisocialkitchen.com
Nearby: Gordon Square Arts District, Cleveland Public Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Near West Theatre, Blank Canvas Theatre, 78th Street Studios

Red, the Steakhouse – Cleveland

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Red, the Steakhouse has earned rave reviews, so naturally we wanted to investigate the hype for ourselves.  Turns out, the hype is well-deserved.  The perfect backdrop for a special celebration or a night on the town, Red serves up near-perfect cuisine in its modern, bustling urban restaurant.

We say “near-perfect” because our meal got off to a disappointing start with the Maryland lump crab cakes, an appetizer that did not deliver.  Yes, the dish had visual appeal — the cakes were garnished with colorful tomatoes, scallion, pickled red onion, and roasted corn that played in nice contrast to the cast-iron service.  (Aside from the added color, however, there’s absolutely no reason to serve corn kernels with crab cakes.  Enough said.)  Sadly, the garnish added most of the much-needed flavor to the dish, as the tomato aioli had little to offer.  The crab cakes themselves were overpowered with bread filler, and they failed to hold together on the fork.

Thankfully, the rest of the meal rose to the occasion.  The beautiful tomato and mozzarella salad was full of flavor, featuring locally-sourced yellow heirloom tomatoes stacked end-to-end with thick slices of fresh cheese.  The filet mignon was a thick, quality cut that was cooked and seasoned with care.  And the lobster tail — a special on the night of our visit — was 16 ounces of melt-in-your mouth delight.   (Sixteen ounces, people!  It was as big as Mikey’s forearm!)

Food lovers, it’s time to get serious: if you dine at Red, you must order the cauliflower gratin.  Featuring roasted cauliflower baked with prosciutto and cheddar cheese, this family-style signature side dish was the highlight of our meal.  From the perfect al dente crunch of the vegetable to the buttery bread crumb topping, every bite is a burst of pure joy.  Even the wait staff raved that they can’t get enough of the stuff.

Since we were celebrating Mikey’s birthday on the night of our visit, the highly-engaged staff at Red presented us with a plate of their house-made donut holes (despite our protests – we were full!).  The warm, inviting confection was paired with a trio of made-from-scratch sauces: raspberry, chocolate, and salted caramel.  (We made room — they were fantastic.)

The restaurant floor is a wide-open room with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.  The adjacent bar is a sexy space that buzzes with downtown vibe.  Plan to flaunt your little black dress — but be sure to make your reservation in advance.  And expect to spend some money for this upscale dining experience.

Don’t feel like braving the downtown crowds?  Check out Red’s flagship location in Beachwood, located about 15 miles outside of the city on Cleveland’s east side.

The verdict?  Mikey likes it!

#CLEchow Rating: 4.50/5.00

Red, the Steakhouse / 417 Prospect Avenue / Cleveland, OH 44115 / (216) 664-0941 / www.redthesteakhouse.com
Nearby:  Jack Casino, Progressive Field, Quicken Loans Arena, House of Blues Cleveland, Hilarities 4th Street Theatre

Tinkers Creek Tavern

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Check out that side of mac and cheese.  Yes, I said side.  If the generous portion isn’t enough to entice you, then this should do the trick: it’s laced with bacon.

Tinkers Creek Tavern serves up flavorful American fare in an easy-going, casual setting that is off the beaten path.  Every delicious dish is served with upscale flair, yet diners can feel right at home in flip-flops and T-shirts — a perfect combination for a relaxing summer evening.

Folks, the food at Tinkers Creek Tavern is fantastic.  The Reuben (pictured) is a fistful of melt-in-your-mouth joy.  The Tavern’s “build a burger” feature lets diners customize their juicy, grilled-to-order Angus patties.  The mahi-mahi sandwich packs some punch with its mango habanero aioli.  And everything from the Tavern’s on-site smokehouse — including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs — is divine.

If you dine in, you’ve got pretty good odds of being seated near the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer views of (you guessed it!) Tinkers Creek, a babbling brook that winds through the lush, woodsy outdoors.  The cobbled stone patio, popular in summer and fall, features seating overlooking the creek and a cozy fire pit for chilly evenings.

The full bar features standard suds and specialty drinks, and the service at this family-owned restaurant is friendly and fast.

The verdict?  Mikey likes it!

#CLEchow Rating: 4.00/5.00

Tinkers Creek Tavern / 14000 Tinkers Creek Road / Walton Hills, OH 44146 / (216) 642-3900 / http://tinkerstavern.com/
Nearby: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Hard Rock Rocksino