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

 

 

Graffiti: A Social Kitchen

Posted on by clevelandchow

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

Posted on by clevelandchow

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

Posted on by clevelandchow

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