tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90715063596721233472024-03-21T16:54:42.826-07:00You 8 Where?Do you like to eat out? What is your favorite restaurant? I want to know, because I want to know where to go next!!! I want to spread the word about the food scene that Cleveland has waiting for us. We have some of the most exciting places to eat and some very well known chefs right in our backyards. I am lucky enough to eat at these places and I want to share my experiences and thoughts with the world. So the question is, You 8 where??Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-49993160726640685212012-04-03T20:04:00.003-07:002012-04-03T20:08:26.129-07:00NoodlecatOur new favorite activity, afternoon vacations...<br />
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Hannah and I decided to try this new concept for the first time last week and Noodlecat was the restaurant of choice!<br />
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Hannah had been dying to go here for a while now, so she was super excited. I was excited but I ate here for the first time during the Winterfest this year, where I was lucky enough to meet Jonathan Sawyer as he passed out spiced ciders outside. He was super sweet and of course adorable.<br />
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This time we were able to take advantage of the Happy Hour, which apparently was voted Best Happy Hour in Cleveland by scene magazine. They also made the list for Best New Restaurant.<br />
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The happy hour was for sure one of the best I have been to. Our entire meal came out to like $23 bucks a person and that included two drinks each and all the yummy food we ate, and after you read on you will be thrilled as well.<br />
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We started with the drink special of gin and ginger beer, which I must say might be my new favorite drink, it went down so very smooth. We shared the large size of the "Super Salad" Yes that was what it is called but it really is Super. It is by far the best salad I have ever had, I am craving it writing about it right now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkt5HYOTgkGeQ-KRJ_hycVwacaRhRs6ThAxQSHsxGVp21IxukYWWu90uU4fqx_NgsLqB0ONeEfTH_VUPhTr4yapiOflLQZnvisvgteReuVYf7DV9vh7RBjowBimeUu8LSVcjOdo8TzTCf/s1600/20120329173744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkt5HYOTgkGeQ-KRJ_hycVwacaRhRs6ThAxQSHsxGVp21IxukYWWu90uU4fqx_NgsLqB0ONeEfTH_VUPhTr4yapiOflLQZnvisvgteReuVYf7DV9vh7RBjowBimeUu8LSVcjOdo8TzTCf/s320/20120329173744.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was a salad of Kale, topped with adzuki beans, dry blueberries, green tea granola and ancient grains, garnished with mandarin oranges and avocado. The dressing was light and full of flavor, sort of citricy. It was sweet and salty, it was satisfying without being over dressed and it was filled with equal amounts of the all the ingredients which made it possible to enjoy all the flavors in every bite. I was tempted to order another just to take home! A must try at any first time visit.<br />
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Next we both ordered a Steam Bun, which is a special on the happy hour menu. There are two that I can eat as a vegetarian. We both tried the Tsukemono Pickle one. My picture did not come out but it was super yummy. The bun is a fluffy white flour bread that almost has a not all the way cooked texture but is so tasty. It was stuffed with cucumbers, miso, mayo and sprouts. A perfect bar food for us vegetarians at happy hour.<br />
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For our main dishes I went with the Tempura Veggie Plate.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTtgsFxpmnGbn0RDDPYRenCyGiYny0IQfGmi84c3KYqe7g9fnRn4gYVgKm9qq5bNZlase48yu1P7s-eqodXZ6kWnyN3T_2SujHrw40yPc06oOBJIFLRns74d1ZRZEST27pVbPFw5BnvG3/s1600/20120329175724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTtgsFxpmnGbn0RDDPYRenCyGiYny0IQfGmi84c3KYqe7g9fnRn4gYVgKm9qq5bNZlase48yu1P7s-eqodXZ6kWnyN3T_2SujHrw40yPc06oOBJIFLRns74d1ZRZEST27pVbPFw5BnvG3/s320/20120329175724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another winning dish. It seems simple or overdone, but this was done just right. It was tempura fried snap peas, mushrooms and veggie cakes. I could have ordered two of these because it was so good. The veggie cakes, not something I had before were crunchy on the outside and stuffed with veggies, like zucchini. It reminded me of a potato pancake but sweeter with all the veggies. I have also never had fried peas and they were delicious and the mushrooms were also a hit. The dip also paired perfectly, it was very spicy but I just could not stop eating it. Winning dish to share.<br />
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Hannah went with a small order of the Ohio Beef Brisket and Matzo Ramen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54zZS5NG4hpFIa3xs-__RaZcGpZEfFuofJkPLU2nbQWVJIij4GkixdoSNJuDGTrQ6ZRGVNo6WNtme18BGTXy-mvFM0rzIssn5bzKFkflFYFoVcEldy-OpBGDA6WHvgMX4V9EzK_6TPMHo/s1600/20120329175740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54zZS5NG4hpFIa3xs-__RaZcGpZEfFuofJkPLU2nbQWVJIij4GkixdoSNJuDGTrQ6ZRGVNo6WNtme18BGTXy-mvFM0rzIssn5bzKFkflFYFoVcEldy-OpBGDA6WHvgMX4V9EzK_6TPMHo/s320/20120329175740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Hannah enjoyed the dish. It was chicken broth,brisket, a matzo ball, dill, carrots and surrounded by ramen noodles.<br />
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Hannah finished by enjoying a milk stout that the waitress recommended as a good choice for those people that don't quite enjoy stouts but are adventurous. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgqsGQJw2gtZK9USd3wHpUWR9TUVKxKj6sahiwtsHTFfrHuPwZjgvcGc686g4qVVje7sMSFwlUTQJGOPh77186rxAwdwc2rpxC64xsq-we0KcufwGsPmkdVFJNXcUMgrw31tEBHWJRbBW/s1600/20120329183003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgqsGQJw2gtZK9USd3wHpUWR9TUVKxKj6sahiwtsHTFfrHuPwZjgvcGc686g4qVVje7sMSFwlUTQJGOPh77186rxAwdwc2rpxC64xsq-we0KcufwGsPmkdVFJNXcUMgrw31tEBHWJRbBW/s320/20120329183003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>She did not hate it, but I am not sure she believed it was far off from the stouts she knows she does not enjoy. I am more of a stout lover and enjoyed the taste of this beer. It was not nearly as heavy as a typical stout but did still have the bitter taste that may not be desired by some. <br />
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I ended my meal with another gin and ginger beer and tried the dessert version of their Steam Buns.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lJuW3J2QIb-GrZUp8LuyK4RIbIulv8Ro6B61si1-O1b5M8f_ys87cYbURg92saHSFfYKg-oXTKJE5So4FcKToiK7fqwVne5KZzTlQ2ijew1DrfW0yE_OckiNsMYPWSqwkZ6exWuKpE7e/s1600/20120329182441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lJuW3J2QIb-GrZUp8LuyK4RIbIulv8Ro6B61si1-O1b5M8f_ys87cYbURg92saHSFfYKg-oXTKJE5So4FcKToiK7fqwVne5KZzTlQ2ijew1DrfW0yE_OckiNsMYPWSqwkZ6exWuKpE7e/s320/20120329182441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A very creative dessert. It was a chocolate peanut butter banana steam bun. My favorite part of this dish was the shot of milk. I am not a milk drinker but found it to really make the dish whimsical. This was a perfect size dessert. Large enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and small enough to not weigh you down. Highly recommended!<br />
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Bottom line, Jonathan Sawyer got it right again. Greenhouse is my favorite restaurant and Noodlecat is a close second.<br />
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Don't forget to stop by the Cleveland Clothing Company while here though and pick up something to show your support for our city, we did!Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-83801975523427121332012-03-21T20:13:00.001-07:002012-03-21T20:15:48.646-07:00Sans SouciMy first St. Patrick's Day downtown was a blast. Erin, Alex and I were able to stay in Erin's family's hotel room at the end of the long day. We stayed at the Renaissance. When we began the day, we discussed hoping to end the evening with a night cap in the extravagant bar downstairs. Sadly, this did not happen but luckily we were able to enjoy the amenities of the hotel by eating brunch in the restaurant the next morning.<br />
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The restaurant was decorated in a traditional European like style. Big picture windows overlook downtown. We sat all the way at the end of the restaurant in a little den area with a wooden fireplace. The staff was friendly and attentive and something about the whole experience made me really feel like I was vacationing. It didn't feel like the morning after brunch rather a preparation brunch for a site seeing adventure.<br />
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The menu was small but perfect. It had several choices for me, far from boring.<br />
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We started with the necessary coffee and received a complementary Strawberry smoothie, which I could have had in a much larger portion because it was so yummy and fresh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd8jAEfPssJM1eqZtPH2RMydZBhyphenhyphen_MZDdFRo1Uu4mfyJT4JosQtLf-FIBx-Dg8rhIGrrWSERvwjTHh39TsA6AObFRSxgW3tHUnb2Hz6scUfjT_l3trzQfUMIqRcx250QgbNH3WaCW2yVK/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfd8jAEfPssJM1eqZtPH2RMydZBhyphenhyphen_MZDdFRo1Uu4mfyJT4JosQtLf-FIBx-Dg8rhIGrrWSERvwjTHh39TsA6AObFRSxgW3tHUnb2Hz6scUfjT_l3trzQfUMIqRcx250QgbNH3WaCW2yVK/s320/077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I decided to go with the eggs benedict dish, but I substituted the ham for spinach.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuNnWkXC8oNmT-HKyPFFRarMVL12maxVOXtLy-oUbOvCyrNOoX_zwQVArwoh-R2KWFNikMoSus6472toWJHoZ1-XFieKTl-ZuJPyvrcou0pN_WNuIOkQjshfpQs7UQtM0ttuuqNzYjFeD/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuNnWkXC8oNmT-HKyPFFRarMVL12maxVOXtLy-oUbOvCyrNOoX_zwQVArwoh-R2KWFNikMoSus6472toWJHoZ1-XFieKTl-ZuJPyvrcou0pN_WNuIOkQjshfpQs7UQtM0ttuuqNzYjFeD/s320/078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This was seriously one of the best dishes I have had. The flavors were spot on. The egg could not have been cooked more perfect. The size was right on point, where there was an equal amount of each ingredient in each bite and where I did not feel weighed down at the end of the meal but super satisfied. I cannot say enough good things about something that seems so simple, but this was for sure a gateway meal that will force me to return for dinner.<br />
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Alex ordered the egg white omelet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtslFPQ3yE4n721ZXJzCPAdNyHVuowre7NUwzcyOKrponRw7Uk09kLdccjy4xDf29noVI0bZ1bNCWBWiV8uxlyX3pQzi-BzC6ndXLy3fE1cYoT1jR1xiLLzBN2KG5gWzv9DzQwn-4F6Rb/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtslFPQ3yE4n721ZXJzCPAdNyHVuowre7NUwzcyOKrponRw7Uk09kLdccjy4xDf29noVI0bZ1bNCWBWiV8uxlyX3pQzi-BzC6ndXLy3fE1cYoT1jR1xiLLzBN2KG5gWzv9DzQwn-4F6Rb/s320/079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The description sure sounded good, west side market chicken sausage, swiss, spinach, and a side of seasonal fruit. It seemed like Alex enjoyed this. I'm sure with the quality of my meal it would be impossible for anything on the brunch menu to not be delicious.<br />
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I for sure anticipate eating dinner here at some point but would enjoy returning for brunch again soon. If you have any plans of staying downtown stay here or at least eat here!Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-62318422034344354152012-03-21T19:36:00.000-07:002012-03-21T19:36:20.462-07:00Crop BistroFormal located on W.6th in a small space, but with very elegant interior designs, now located off W.25th in an old bank building with an unbelievable amount of space, high ceilings, an open kitchen, and overall a beautiful place to enjoy any meal. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzYbzlTkVtsFGBx25w40BJZLTzGvpspuFvihamuoFiIpScTpS7Iqc0AA2EuKkALVBKk-VCr73xuw1Xmfukk6D8Lw5dwKrcBEs3g5Ms5pI13H8njxZSry1Gru1ImHBnro86teVPhwgYuUt/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzYbzlTkVtsFGBx25w40BJZLTzGvpspuFvihamuoFiIpScTpS7Iqc0AA2EuKkALVBKk-VCr73xuw1Xmfukk6D8Lw5dwKrcBEs3g5Ms5pI13H8njxZSry1Gru1ImHBnro86teVPhwgYuUt/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I had eaten here once before, but had the pleasure of returning with my food group a few weeks ago.<br />
The first time I went I started with the well known balsamic popcorn appetizer. Cara decided to try it this time so I could try something new.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvLpnu4k6sZ2m9Pf6bfWWwwsZRta1VLVnlzagF7gzVb6g6CJaFe8Xits-umfSVuu2yqZ9g8JGwqge4xIxTIoWQgwnBwiD0Yye3AZA3INV3Vf5pbwavmhrCGzR3PoYIMrEk8bhyDHjsElQ/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvLpnu4k6sZ2m9Pf6bfWWwwsZRta1VLVnlzagF7gzVb6g6CJaFe8Xits-umfSVuu2yqZ9g8JGwqge4xIxTIoWQgwnBwiD0Yye3AZA3INV3Vf5pbwavmhrCGzR3PoYIMrEk8bhyDHjsElQ/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is such a creative dish and so very yummy! It has onions, cheese and herbs and of course smothered in balsamic dressing. Ashleigh described this dish as bruschetta meets popcorn which I think is a perfect description. You can not go wrong with this dish, definitely enough to share so you can try something else too because there are a lot of exciting appetizer options.<br />
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I tried the lobster and mango lettuce cups.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWWZgb4fLFknZdEHWkwTaA-ELy2zzIPQAen7eKlCNrAHjWtEApp9CDmTpJuEeXLLgC5Akp6xbC3ZqmG4u16xx8oXypTtheGSF9h0FkKPxX0rZm0uM7qmTvjLimliQea9pe8XTpPJmZELW/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWWZgb4fLFknZdEHWkwTaA-ELy2zzIPQAen7eKlCNrAHjWtEApp9CDmTpJuEeXLLgC5Akp6xbC3ZqmG4u16xx8oXypTtheGSF9h0FkKPxX0rZm0uM7qmTvjLimliQea9pe8XTpPJmZELW/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These were delicious. The lobster and the mango paired super well together. I didn't eat too much of the green curry vinaigrette although it was tasty. The pickled onion and fennel were perfect garnish's to the wrap. These are a must try for anyone who enjoys sushi or seafood in general.<br />
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Jack got the deviled eggs. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMEoOA8UbwoRqnrtmdLYX2LxQ_H3WIoADmIUkW8zGkcvxoQp8pNvkniMu8rWO4h-TKkmD-3u7cfzjpQ1C_lM6dHsaDQX_UVknq0Bsf6C0UzGWmLrTVMErudMdVViRW6m0xCZyUJT66NzE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMEoOA8UbwoRqnrtmdLYX2LxQ_H3WIoADmIUkW8zGkcvxoQp8pNvkniMu8rWO4h-TKkmD-3u7cfzjpQ1C_lM6dHsaDQX_UVknq0Bsf6C0UzGWmLrTVMErudMdVViRW6m0xCZyUJT66NzE/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These were good for your typical deviled eggs. They were topped with prosciutto but tasted like the meat may have been in the egg mixture as well, it had a very smoked flavor. This is a good choice for you meat lovers.<br />
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For my entree I had the black pepper and goat cheese ravioli. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRkvWgW8qK_v9yJ9AF9rIVoBsEB0T8gTFXU5bkxaZXIx4dcn_L9yEll06pPcDn1zIXJINv0vpzOV4violCX8UEG_tSH0SRmNrBHfRAC0YlioThz97iPXhtdfsvwyUv-gUNO3JM8BZ_TGU/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRkvWgW8qK_v9yJ9AF9rIVoBsEB0T8gTFXU5bkxaZXIx4dcn_L9yEll06pPcDn1zIXJINv0vpzOV4violCX8UEG_tSH0SRmNrBHfRAC0YlioThz97iPXhtdfsvwyUv-gUNO3JM8BZ_TGU/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This was a perfect size pasta dish. The pasta was light and fresh and the goat cheese was very mild. It was topped with thick cut vegetables which they did not skimp on and covered in an herbed tomato sauce. It was not the most creative thing I have ever eaten for the price but thoroughly enjoyed the flavors and quality. <br />
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John ordered my second choice the Seared Ahi Tuna.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yPNxjATyvBpDK-t0hZObjGgRWvNeD-pfBHC3Pdpen3zVW8eEUjZ3bmouNs04efaV5GVgVpC4cvUo9PxFeImSsgKbqn1QMxFo6F7utVcO-sCAxs5ZqCYJRSE8Z90F_uDKpCxhgoL5jyrD/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yPNxjATyvBpDK-t0hZObjGgRWvNeD-pfBHC3Pdpen3zVW8eEUjZ3bmouNs04efaV5GVgVpC4cvUo9PxFeImSsgKbqn1QMxFo6F7utVcO-sCAxs5ZqCYJRSE8Z90F_uDKpCxhgoL5jyrD/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It photographed really well and cooked to perfection. The outside was seared just enough and the inside was still a bit cold an chewy. This is an entree I would for sure order on my next visit, more worth the price also.<br />
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Cara ordered the Braised Short Ribs over Mac and Cheese.<br />
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Jack ordered the Duck Duck Chicken entree.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhWSgLIpma4SiTq61VyKh299ad0yTdlyPNMdD7Je8MELaUO_Ah5J39aolw77GiSglVEPPWyfTPriGEIk5z-AEjlXS3kNYoKwKPBjfrOmIHT1HORbzHSj6e5p16SZeMKM37T2Hpz9uukd7/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhWSgLIpma4SiTq61VyKh299ad0yTdlyPNMdD7Je8MELaUO_Ah5J39aolw77GiSglVEPPWyfTPriGEIk5z-AEjlXS3kNYoKwKPBjfrOmIHT1HORbzHSj6e5p16SZeMKM37T2Hpz9uukd7/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Seared Breast, Fried Egg, Duck Confit, Bacon, Sweet Potato Hash, Cranberry Demi, I didn't ask too many questions on the dish but I'm sure he enjoyed it.<br />
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The first time I ate here I ordered the popcorn, a Salmon entree and the jalapeno ice cream with chocolate cake dessert. My second visit was just as pleasing as my second. I was sad to not have any room left for the jalapeno ice cream this time, but recommend it for anyone with a desire to try something so unique, it is by far the best dessert I have had to date. <br />
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The only disappointing thing about this visit was not being able to sit in the vault. We had about 12 people, but were several hundred dollars short to reserve the room. But if you have a 100 people and $2500 dollars you can enjoy the experience of this dinning area, otherwise make a trip down there at some point anyways. Prepare for this to be a pricy dinner but so very worth it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-48013557949453173122012-02-26T17:57:00.003-08:002012-03-01T18:27:45.741-08:00Touch Supper ClubLast year my friend Erin got me a gift certificate for Touch Supper Club and all we talked about was when we were going to go, a year passed of me losing the certificate and then finding it and finally making the time to eat here. The irony is that as of the first of the year Touch no longer accepts these Restaurant.com certificates, although I was disappointed, I was not discouraged from eating here that night.<br />
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There was a small room in the front, then the long dinning room with art on the walls from a local artist Tony Trunzo and then another cute room in the back with a booth that lined the walls. Our waitress Emma was probably my most favorite waitress I have ever had anywhere. She was patient with my bad mood from the day, but helped me turn it around with a yummy pomegranate martini that she suggested. She took the time to answer questions and give us descriptions and opinions on what we asked.<br />
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As much as the entrees looked delicious we all know I prefer to order 3 small things over one big thing. So I had my eye on the Calamari app. It was Calamari two ways. Fried calamari in a lemon garlic aioli and sauteed calamari with parmesan, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives and herbs. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJmGR1NkobQNDKKxvmWdvY7ZLhqil_9QFOt4jHK1q3CkcWERrf7tXOFtZJpr8GmuaPVBvD0-tRN4KmuchAvQ1nUZp6Zed2f4xcWZsNbUsHSH9_IbS4_EqdSOURAm62aS2vVxh1JTWJeg6/s1600/003+%284%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJmGR1NkobQNDKKxvmWdvY7ZLhqil_9QFOt4jHK1q3CkcWERrf7tXOFtZJpr8GmuaPVBvD0-tRN4KmuchAvQ1nUZp6Zed2f4xcWZsNbUsHSH9_IbS4_EqdSOURAm62aS2vVxh1JTWJeg6/s320/003+%284%29.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>It was good. It was very heavy and meant to be a shared dish for sure. I would have to sadly say it was not my most favorite calamari dish, but definitely enjoyed all the flavors.<br />
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Erin started with the grilled flatbread with sardinian olive oil, herbs and cheese. She paired it with a side of their tomato basil bisque. This was the perfect app, size and taste.<br />
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Next I ordered the chef's sides special. The app was so big that at this point I was not going to be able to eat much more, but needed to try more than just the calamari. The sides were fried risotto and sauteed cabbage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ou2SzuFssXvd2o2npuD26gjzM9HRQMlW3kzQbuwMuvfgqBW5l03jozd84ob_9cqwy1jYAzvwCZgobqMo-fM0NhAxvXFVAzPrlMyBIh6rDycwuYymGVJ5zr-X-x5NmOhJiW8QMFVT27F6/s1600/005+%285%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ou2SzuFssXvd2o2npuD26gjzM9HRQMlW3kzQbuwMuvfgqBW5l03jozd84ob_9cqwy1jYAzvwCZgobqMo-fM0NhAxvXFVAzPrlMyBIh6rDycwuYymGVJ5zr-X-x5NmOhJiW8QMFVT27F6/s320/005+%285%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The fried risotto was very good. It would be perfect for like a bar snack for us Vegetarians. The cabbage was good a little too salty for my taste but it could have just been eating the two together.<br />
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Now the waitress told us about the dessert, which was home made baklava and I needed to save room for that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_mrKZmVuRTR6ZfHGpscX3Ad-WBSMzTcNuet53TbniekCBaL4L2l30sWkopbkQV_rbdsfErxhuJs3j4d2tkUcG3lXOpttyZRVhTxJypmbGkBO4LQq4soJe0_hKI1P0CJhZMgmO2hPQsmh/s1600/006+%285%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_mrKZmVuRTR6ZfHGpscX3Ad-WBSMzTcNuet53TbniekCBaL4L2l30sWkopbkQV_rbdsfErxhuJs3j4d2tkUcG3lXOpttyZRVhTxJypmbGkBO4LQq4soJe0_hKI1P0CJhZMgmO2hPQsmh/s320/006+%285%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This dessert was amazing. The baklava was the best I have ever had. The ice cream and cherries turned a basic bakery case dessert into a upscale dish. Also, for the price the size was perfect and for sure another dish to share.<br />
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As Erin and I were leaving we met the owner and the chef asked to follow my blog when the waitress saw me taking me pictures. They mentioned how good the Sunday brunch was and so this is my new favorite meal time to try I was super excited to plan the visit.<br />
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Ironically, this morning after a fun night out for a friends birthday, we decided we should return for brunch. We got there around 11:15 and they were busy but not enough that we had to wait. After about an hour or so the restaurant filled up with a line out the door of people waiting. After eating, I knew why the wait was long, and would have been worth it if we had to wait.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">So the guys started by trying the Bloody Mary bar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF5WFv8CSBTdRgPBOHIqxmXt6U-yhztL9Vp2s2BXy_mJS39LJ2ShDGVNP6sigq_Sb7sYOKjvZTyQJuIrJ4s05LS5KPcIjIqoRgf8pNoVyGLIHAbLUXAPvrS1R_3H1VhySmhp2TRJ8b0ht/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF5WFv8CSBTdRgPBOHIqxmXt6U-yhztL9Vp2s2BXy_mJS39LJ2ShDGVNP6sigq_Sb7sYOKjvZTyQJuIrJ4s05LS5KPcIjIqoRgf8pNoVyGLIHAbLUXAPvrS1R_3H1VhySmhp2TRJ8b0ht/s320/059.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cara and I went with a pomegranate mimosa, it was delightful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEcs4T5Rx3DnWz4EvGR0P1ssHo_ZizJK0GlgIoGMhwBxW0KjTJJlWAFQqHG83PKWx-Sga1d_ymVQoNhxlh4mCBgCeKm_D6etysisZ9f48T2_KbOrWpq0HMnfVma6kG5FJMhZmv1QcirH5/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEcs4T5Rx3DnWz4EvGR0P1ssHo_ZizJK0GlgIoGMhwBxW0KjTJJlWAFQqHG83PKWx-Sga1d_ymVQoNhxlh4mCBgCeKm_D6etysisZ9f48T2_KbOrWpq0HMnfVma6kG5FJMhZmv1QcirH5/s320/058.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With the exception of Cara, we all ordered the breakfast burrito. This was the most delicious breakfast burrito I have encountered at brunch so far. It was packed from end to end with eggs, cheese, potatoes, sour cream, peppers, onions and salsa. Also, came with a side of tatter tots that tasted fantastic in their homemade hollandaise sauce that was perfect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OEumD9bkYbtapJ9Fum5JA4ygGEBV1sqy3sDOVR_25EAbsHXjJ7I4Ok54cL2HdnCjKFKMXuHbqdsx70aJ0psYYPk7tCyoT6JlFwxGRBlWSJAbc4Btu62o23xC1ziQLP_5rqd4En5y3aSk/s1600/418985_665251319523_66202148_33381683_1339085200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OEumD9bkYbtapJ9Fum5JA4ygGEBV1sqy3sDOVR_25EAbsHXjJ7I4Ok54cL2HdnCjKFKMXuHbqdsx70aJ0psYYPk7tCyoT6JlFwxGRBlWSJAbc4Btu62o23xC1ziQLP_5rqd4En5y3aSk/s320/418985_665251319523_66202148_33381683_1339085200_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, Cara's decision to not get the burrito like the rest of us was a good one because what she ordered was most creative, big in size and so darn tasty. The Fruity Pebble pancakes!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclD-R848i3ptf-R2Y_GV3By70L1zUW-x1fSb2hprNFdJ7qtmx5-GvLDpYQa4QanHI76iOV9UkkTJr_9FTfzt1igvGxtqC6Tu0C4Z_yaD5_gMSiU0fDaYKVGuAIDiA9eqbPgtdUjt-UGNE/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclD-R848i3ptf-R2Y_GV3By70L1zUW-x1fSb2hprNFdJ7qtmx5-GvLDpYQa4QanHI76iOV9UkkTJr_9FTfzt1igvGxtqC6Tu0C4Z_yaD5_gMSiU0fDaYKVGuAIDiA9eqbPgtdUjt-UGNE/s320/064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, they tasted like the cereal. They were topped with yet some more fruity pebbles in a butter. They were fluffy and super flavorful, they did not skimp on the amount of fruity pebbles they used. I will be honest, what excited me the most was what they would look like and I was definitely pleased!<br />
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Last we ordered the potato pancakes to share with the table. They were big enough to be a shared plate when combined with our main dishes.<br />
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I am glad I made it back to Touch Suupper Club so soon after my first visit and will continue to return for the brunch. If you have been thinking about going here for as long as I have, make it happen sooner than later.<br />
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</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-47578376651446466242012-01-25T19:49:00.000-08:002012-01-25T19:49:53.812-08:00Amp 150As with many of the places I want to go, the build up happens for weeks and sometimes months. I usually examine the menu several times, read reviews, look up pictures and learn about the chef. I had heard about Amp 150 sometime in the Summer. I read good things and the menu looked interesting. I did however make one mistake that I'm sure more of us have made. I discounted it's credibility because it was located in a hotel right off the highway on 150th near Lakewood. Now recently, I have driven past this location quite often and something just told me to give it a try. So Saturday, I did just that.<br />
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Apparently the theme is Amplifier as in music. I did not get this. The hotel has large guitars around the area and the restaurant plays mild rock music. It is a completely open dinning room, which takes up a large section of the lobby. It's upscale yet comfortable and inviting. There are several small tables and then about 4 big round booths in the middle of the dinning room that are lighted by loud, unique chandeliers, they really set the tone of the restaurant and I loved it. There is also a nice size private room which I regret not utilizing for my birthday party the night prior. <br />
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The best quality of this place was the waitress. She was polite, energetic, attentive and knowledgeable about not only their menu but food overall. If every restaurant had one of her eating out would be an even better experience. The bus boy and the lady that filled our water and the woman that brought out our meals were all also overly polite, I enjoyed every second of being there.<br />
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The menu is broken down into small plates, apps and entrees. This is my favorite kind of set up because it makes it so much easier to try the many things that usually jump out at me and not be uncomfortably full. There was a lot of seafood on the menu, as well as the special of the night which was sting ray. I very much wanted to try that and several of the other seafood dishes, but narrowed it down to just one. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The seared scallops small plate. This was accompanied by spaghetti squash in a basil pesto and topped with dehydrated olives. This dish melted in my mouth. From the perfectly cooked scallops, to the just right amount of seasoned lightly spaghetti squash all in the pesto and ending with the bite of the olives, it just worked. Behind that you will notice that I also ordered the house made chips. I had see like 3 people already order it already and the malt vinegar aioli, dortmunder aioli just sounded so good I needed to try it. Let me just say, this was one of the best appetizers I have ever had. The chips were a nice balance between kettle and original chips. They were crunchy and sweet and each of the aiolis just seemed to make the whole dish go from just a potato chip to upscale dinning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">For my entree, well I was a bit worried because even though the vegetarian pasta dish did sound good, in most cases basic pasta dishes at restaurants seem to lack creativity and even worse flavor. I was pleasantly surprised as I began to eat my entree that the flavors were there and the creativity was achieved to some degree. It was called <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pasta Al Ceppo. It was zitti like pasta, in a balsamic like thin sauce with pine nuts and cheese and topped with an eggplant confit. Like I said, it was super flavorful for a basic pasta dish, the eggplant confit had to grow on me however, because I was thrown off by the meaty like texture. </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would probably not order this dish again, but I would recommend this to a picky eater. There were so many other things on the small plates and apps sections that I would like to try next time. There will be a next time though, because the atmosphere was for sure my style and the menu was creative and I would go back for those chips any day!</span></strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lesson learned, do not underestimate a restaurant in a hotel! </span></strong></div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-47258764415775211002012-01-25T18:46:00.000-08:002012-01-25T18:53:58.933-08:00All things Black BeanSo the other day as I enjoyed the black bean burger I had so been craving, everyone that walked in mentioned how good it looked and just wanted to know what it was. As I explained to everyone, not very many of these meat eaters were convinced that this burger minus the meat could even compare to the real deal. What they failed to realize is how much they were interested to find out what it was because it looked so darn good. But, I will not hold that against them. During this conversation it occurred to me, that maybe this should be the topic of my next blog. <br />
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The best black bean burger!!! I have tried black bean burgers at so many different places and at this point I am convinced I have found my favorite. <br />
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Now, sadly I will not have pictures to back up my findings so I hope my descriptions will suffice. <br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><u>Brown Bag Burger</u></b> - located in North Olmsted. I was lucky enough to not only try the black bean burger here, but was a former customer while I ate meat. I can tell you one, this place is one of the best burger joints and the black bean burger does not fall short. I get the burger topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms and guacamole. It has more of a chick pea texture then black bean alone, but with the more traditional burger toppings this one is the closest to the real thing than any of the others.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><u>Houlihan's</u></b> - the one in Strongsville. It was stale! The waitress had the nerve to let me know she gets a lot of complaints about it and assured it was not stale. Bottom line, it tasted moldy. I have yet to try it again. They have some decent things on the menu for Vegetarians, more now with a recent menu change, but do not eat the black bean burger.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><u>Buckeye Beer Engine</u></b> - located in Lakewood. Here you can take the black bean burger that they serve and replace the classic burger for any of the creations on their menu, I liked this option. I had the black bean southwestern burger. Might have been a bad way to test the black bean burger however, because it was very spicy. It was also very good and would most definitely return to try another variation of burgers offered. The best part was the fried pickle spear served on the side.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><u>Treehugers Cafe</u></b> - located in Berea. The burger we ordered this day was just wrong. The texture was too much to bare. It was made with oats and a few black beans here and there. Not a good burger, and not a place I will return to.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;"><u>Winking Lizard</u></b> - located all over, my favorite location the new location in Independence. These are my favorite black bean burgers around. The texture is chewy like a real burger, spiced to perfection, topped with onion straws and a side of salsa. If you are feeling adventurous and would like to put a non burger to the test with the real meat, please choose this one. <br />
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<u style="color: blue;"><b>Burger King</b></u> - way too many locations. Considered a veggie burger, but thought I would add into this discussion. Ultimately, just wrong. A friend of mine wanted burger king one day and I was hungry so had no choice but to order. Let me just say I ate one bite and threw it away.<br />
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</b></u></div><u style="color: blue;"><b>Morning Star Spicy Black Bean Burgers</b></u> - located in the freezer section. Amazing. By far my favorite soy item. They have black beans, corn and jalapenos or chillies in them for some spice. I saute them for approximately 4 minutes and top with cheddar cheese and or sour cream. Makes a quick and satisfying dinner.<br />
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</b></u></div><u style="color: blue;"><b>Earth Fair Black Bean Burgers</b></u> - located in the freezer section at Earth Fare. I love Earth Fare, but these burgers are just bad. The texture is way too soft. They have really no flavor or spice to them. I topped them with an overload of cheese and still had a hard time swallowing. Reminded me of baby food.<br />
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As a vegetarian black beans are a staple in my diet as a good source of protein so I am quite happy I enjoy black bean burgers so much and that they are offered at so many places in so many varieties. I wanted to add to this post a recipe that I have grown found of the last few weeks and mentioned to someone at work that I would post about. It is a <b style="color: blue;"><i>black bean and corn polenta pie</i></b><span style="color: blue;">. </span>Polenta is also a new favorite ingredient of mine. It is basically corn meal and used in place of so many starches. In this recipe it replaces mashed potatoes. I have renamed this meal the <i style="color: blue;"><b>Vegetarians Shepherds Pie</b>.</i><br />
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You take the polenta. I use the already made and pre packaged one that you can find in the organic or pasta isle at the grocery store. And I press it into a round pie pan until it is flattened and spread out like a pie crust. I then saute white onion, green pepper, tomato, corn, black beans and chiles and then once blended about 3/4 a cup of cheddar cheese. Melt and mix. Whisk one egg and 3/4 cup of sour cream and pour into the saute pan and mix. Pour everything into the pie pan top with a hand full more of cheese and cook for 35 minutes at 375 degrees. It is super simple, inexpensive and can be left overs for days. I also enjoy to cut up an avocado as a garnish.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Finished project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAGh7L5Vf_gh5lB3MJhuu_NsqsZI5g1lueUtsCCxZsTVTRFl5dzttGa0WunzhW0bOowFYZoGnb7ikKzCKNYqMtDwhO1lZgdRpqm9jH1OuqCYp-DBr-qWZJGXtcJjWI8XhBePkKQvY8CXR/s1600/20111223214907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAGh7L5Vf_gh5lB3MJhuu_NsqsZI5g1lueUtsCCxZsTVTRFl5dzttGa0WunzhW0bOowFYZoGnb7ikKzCKNYqMtDwhO1lZgdRpqm9jH1OuqCYp-DBr-qWZJGXtcJjWI8XhBePkKQvY8CXR/s320/20111223214907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So in conclusion on all things black bean, try a black bean burger, as a vegetarian or meat eater you will be pleased. If I ever went back to eating meat I am confident I would remain a black bean burger eater still because I think they are just tastier. <br />
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Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-1675621930497379562012-01-08T16:38:00.000-08:002012-01-08T16:38:07.758-08:00Deagan's KitchenSo if you have been following along you probably noticed that I have posted about Deagan's before! We enjoyed Sunday brunch there a few months ago and I had been dying to have dinner there ever since. <br />
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Well not only did I get to finally make it out there, but I went two nights in a row! It was that good. I mentioned the atmosphere already, but the menu, geeze, there were so many things I wanted to try that one night was not enough. Not only what is on the menu, but that the chefs enjoy creating unique dishes with ingredients on hand. I will tell you more on that in a minute. Bottom line I wanted to try so many things. <br />
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Erin and I went first on Friday night. Again, the atmosphere, the crowd and most importantly the staff are just always above excellence. Both waitress from Friday and Saturday were so accomadating to my Vegetarian needs and Erin's Vegan needs. Aside from that, they went out of their way to make us feel special and that no other table mattered at that minute. For me, the food already would have tasted good to me just based upon service. But it really was amazing.<br />
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Anyways, so Friday night I went simple and just ordered an entree. I went with the lobster mac and cheese.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYRz9erdY1QE-2wTEqassFEj6zWgE3oB2sEijNJr4SRncBO5PA2E-3oraUJ7hILrPIEC6W5kx3c3mKD_3bssjFlKIjLGeDnoz0NXfEOtDo4l6ZByTSDbtxhv2gGyBPPy6NIMeoacOT99_/s1600/20120106203313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYRz9erdY1QE-2wTEqassFEj6zWgE3oB2sEijNJr4SRncBO5PA2E-3oraUJ7hILrPIEC6W5kx3c3mKD_3bssjFlKIjLGeDnoz0NXfEOtDo4l6ZByTSDbtxhv2gGyBPPy6NIMeoacOT99_/s320/20120106203313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was to die for, literally. It was white cheddar cheese, with huge lumps of lobster meat and roasted shallots. The petite salad on the side was also super tasty for a salad. The dressing was sweet and the salad was dressed with just the right amount of it. For the mac and cheese, it was one of the best mac and cheese's I have ever had. In keeping with that, it was one of the heaviest I have had as well. It was a great dish, but not one to be had before a night on the town. Comfort food, for sure!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Erin being a Vegan was strong enough to not eat the cheese nightmare I encountered, rather she had the chef whip her up something unique. The waitress was so willing to hear Erin's likes and dislikes and then discuss them with the chef to help prepare the best thing he could with what was on hand. They did a fantastic job achieving this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lrZpHxY9U5RDFqMd7Nhzu1hkom7Sm2hLkhP5QeTgmkuoeJjFaWm6lwiQmZGoFx0m33cvx1esDfdbIJqRmtJjoxWP9CYIjbl8ApRcTsaZnmpgYDpEDq6_U3L4eC6a4-4vKfKFFLAFrLEP/s1600/20120106203307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lrZpHxY9U5RDFqMd7Nhzu1hkom7Sm2hLkhP5QeTgmkuoeJjFaWm6lwiQmZGoFx0m33cvx1esDfdbIJqRmtJjoxWP9CYIjbl8ApRcTsaZnmpgYDpEDq6_U3L4eC6a4-4vKfKFFLAFrLEP/s320/20120106203307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The end result was a little bigger than a small plate size amount of quinoa with root vegtetables, I believe toped with sprouts and then drizzled with some pesto like cream. She enjoyed every bite and it looked straight out of a Health food magazine, I loved it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Night two. Lisa and I went there this evening and this time we shared a few things so we could try some of the other things that were sticking out to me the night before. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGgp0CQN-Jh35-uFw4G2vwyKHbiFDB6lDOSJZPeDLAbmD-j4Jz98ppS5v5oq7HUimBv26YseqeWGxD-Ul4wsISTOVy1zr6DmP8ksvhon5ZAmKw_oFKd_5XBExv9w1e4SPM1GGdYnsCyCG/s1600/20120107173538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGgp0CQN-Jh35-uFw4G2vwyKHbiFDB6lDOSJZPeDLAbmD-j4Jz98ppS5v5oq7HUimBv26YseqeWGxD-Ul4wsISTOVy1zr6DmP8ksvhon5ZAmKw_oFKd_5XBExv9w1e4SPM1GGdYnsCyCG/s320/20120107173538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the back we have the spicy shrimp tacos, with avocado, corn, white cheddar, and micro cilantro. One of Lisa's favorite dishes and now mine. Every bite was filled with flavor the shrimp was accompained by the avocado which just blended perfectly. The micro cilantro left you with that bite in every mouth full. I am craving this dish as I write about it. On the left side, we tried the Vegan Strudal, it was a puff pastry filled with killbuck valley mushrooms and roasted shallots then garnished with petite mache, a green that I have never experienced before. It was a good dish. It was filled with flavor from a Vegan standpoint. From the girl who had the mac and cheese the night before, it needed cheese! Overall I recommend giving it a try for anyone who believes there is no flavor without meat. Lastly, we had the crab rangoons, also a recommendation of Lisa's. These were no ordinary chinese food place, frozen crab rangoons. These were stuffed from end to end with crab, the cheese was folded into the crab leaving a complete marry of flavor in each bite. Simply, the best bar food snack there is! During our sampling of small plates we enjoyed a Red wine from Napa which we really liked and seemed to go well with all 3 dishes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have recommened it once, I will do it a second and a third time, go to Deagan's, you will not be let down! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center"></div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-79560745706690327862011-12-08T20:09:00.000-08:002011-12-08T20:09:58.412-08:00Michael Symon's LolitaFinally after discussing eating here for the last several months, my friend Hannah decided to have her birthday party here. Of course I was excited, not only to eat here but to be around a group of people who would allow me to try their dishes as well. I had been once before, but only for drinks during The Taste of Tremont. It was the perfect size, the bar is right in front of you when you walk in, with the open Kitchen at the end. Then the large open dinning room is filled with several tables, including my favorites, the ones in the corners that have curtains covering either side making it feel private and elegant. Also, where we were lucky enough to sit, a big booth like table lining the window over looking Tremont.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Now on to the food. I started with the Roasted Beets Starter. After eating at Quince, beets have become one of my favorite things to eat. This starter definitely did not let me down. It was served with fennel, kalamata olives and feta. Almost like a deconstructed salad, I loved it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaylzHFRPufYCTz9B84ZTitckNiMSjlgFKzNDYNZZ2hQIKZj_zotlxTynrDur8iX_LofD9_wXgClSDS8ratKvJ5kpEo17HGcjcreT2i04bih7vzDbLBq73Lb8AXHMw98XOfPUguVo4C81/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaylzHFRPufYCTz9B84ZTitckNiMSjlgFKzNDYNZZ2hQIKZj_zotlxTynrDur8iX_LofD9_wXgClSDS8ratKvJ5kpEo17HGcjcreT2i04bih7vzDbLBq73Lb8AXHMw98XOfPUguVo4C81/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lesile started with the cured meat pate, this consisted of pork, duck, foie gras and black currants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize7LsTJhlJwe3PJAWedMwW47v5gJ1cU8yBW-RLYs8SQw_A-Rt35KjREHqgXwJo5kvrmwYvfwmUi2gcUlulB4OuD_H2mwsBZpcK3BLsY10ahysagP-R6NqG26S0hyHL3syB-kzxWyzIE2n/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize7LsTJhlJwe3PJAWedMwW47v5gJ1cU8yBW-RLYs8SQw_A-Rt35KjREHqgXwJo5kvrmwYvfwmUi2gcUlulB4OuD_H2mwsBZpcK3BLsY10ahysagP-R6NqG26S0hyHL3syB-kzxWyzIE2n/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was also served with bread and raw carrotts, as to make it look good I guess, I mean it worked but as far as taste, Lesile was pleased.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah started with something she had been looking forward to for several weeks, maybe even the main reason we went, the Roasted Bone Marrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3qMIa0zDQ4g2v_NSSpVU6bRqyzfv4e5d4KLMYigpw7XNw1NmVajs6JWE1nsPXTHDrywpSGqK_cRT7lst7PM0IRF29IBDQwghMZG3lOlaxhMXwBiebDepTLNU8OVzxdayAMy3VXBhXR78/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3qMIa0zDQ4g2v_NSSpVU6bRqyzfv4e5d4KLMYigpw7XNw1NmVajs6JWE1nsPXTHDrywpSGqK_cRT7lst7PM0IRF29IBDQwghMZG3lOlaxhMXwBiebDepTLNU8OVzxdayAMy3VXBhXR78/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah seemed to very much enjoy the bone marrow. It had a strong meat smell and a funny slimy like texture, but even the other ladies seemed to enjoy it, so for all you brave meat eaters, give this one a try!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other set of girls order the Garlic Bruschetta. It look and tasted great and went fast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgi0-KQCv9KKTeMvrIz8zSr8ow26PJS1JccBcDUefCtkdKiJ3TIjgfBfFDrR_CBKtSDNWty2HEyXk22oz1cTQAgBeEGo33z5YpGhTucqFjP8gfQdYKkzmo8bHlSHK23xDNiJcuNKrWEWPA/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgi0-KQCv9KKTeMvrIz8zSr8ow26PJS1JccBcDUefCtkdKiJ3TIjgfBfFDrR_CBKtSDNWty2HEyXk22oz1cTQAgBeEGo33z5YpGhTucqFjP8gfQdYKkzmo8bHlSHK23xDNiJcuNKrWEWPA/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few of the girls decided to give the pizzas a try for their entrees. Lesile enjoyed the mushroom pizza.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hp4tfOqE9R-FEqmHDnYCBSlsnoKLdusLEPYT1EgD0wGxlIPQGgrME0KsADmV83Okdn6pYwgwS5gQUTwY_o7PCUmbXlsI6R1H0vYvMIpjFMjEBQWcWDDbR6wlqQk6OtNL32HCLOhLQEpO/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hp4tfOqE9R-FEqmHDnYCBSlsnoKLdusLEPYT1EgD0wGxlIPQGgrME0KsADmV83Okdn6pYwgwS5gQUTwY_o7PCUmbXlsI6R1H0vYvMIpjFMjEBQWcWDDbR6wlqQk6OtNL32HCLOhLQEpO/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This pizza was loaded with Killbuck Farm mushrooms, rosemary, garlic, Ohio swiss, and toped with arugula. It was big, smelled great and tasted fantastic. Even more perfect was the fact that she had left overs because it was so big. That is my favorite way to eat a pizza, because it is almost always better the next day. I will go back for this pizza any day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another one of the girls had the <span class="style1">Soppressata pizza.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKksoIe9Syc7TLo4p_f5IAhI4MpNejA0bJTixqK2L07yZiOnRnbJa5qGkpVFu0lecGDLBBV_r0t_07mD0nzYejNiuP7heOwRqPwdDJVBkn9lh7DRk08WLCMQiHsCAAXPv4MbVNHo7ZMPhf/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKksoIe9Syc7TLo4p_f5IAhI4MpNejA0bJTixqK2L07yZiOnRnbJa5qGkpVFu0lecGDLBBV_r0t_07mD0nzYejNiuP7heOwRqPwdDJVBkn9lh7DRk08WLCMQiHsCAAXPv4MbVNHo7ZMPhf/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="style1">Tomato sauce, spicy salami, ricotta, and basil made this pizza sound desirable to any one that eats meat, I was sad I could not take a bite of this one! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="style1">The pizzas were a huge hit this evening as Maire also ordered pizza. Keeping with her simple yet fantastic taste she stuck with a margherita style pizza. Which was sure to please.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeXiyODMYXhspiZyFckwchLzk84fuTQfm9t4qxr1tHqbCMEHkr4jYeIp4DaTzYZ3HmJr4bfhtdPSTcyCgmgxOsSLKwSES6cUX3Q5fRuHEujlY_gnbDIK5tVXZ3UAFE545Sx6iY1nuawMs/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeXiyODMYXhspiZyFckwchLzk84fuTQfm9t4qxr1tHqbCMEHkr4jYeIp4DaTzYZ3HmJr4bfhtdPSTcyCgmgxOsSLKwSES6cUX3Q5fRuHEujlY_gnbDIK5tVXZ3UAFE545Sx6iY1nuawMs/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Renee ordered the <span class="style1">Porcini Crusted Sirloin. Again, this was another entree this evening that I was craving to take a bite of. Based upon description, presentation and smell. This dish was so outstanding it inspired Renee to photograph of it. That made me proud. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghV6MaS2GhMG6SmPCXOZCDMx2bCGTOnghNNI3zdw4_2aZRX2xAvoLDGXrz_XBwYabOwQ93ux_ZtgxeYdcTj7A68uD40MdqTEm_-avlB9glKVZ3yZYAlNqoRkWuY6vMAQoIVGgptnbbIvNW/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghV6MaS2GhMG6SmPCXOZCDMx2bCGTOnghNNI3zdw4_2aZRX2xAvoLDGXrz_XBwYabOwQ93ux_ZtgxeYdcTj7A68uD40MdqTEm_-avlB9glKVZ3yZYAlNqoRkWuY6vMAQoIVGgptnbbIvNW/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Michael Symons's menu is not quite designed for a Vegetarian, I respect this, but had it not been for the fish of the evening I would have been stuck eating a plethora of side dishes. The special was a walley atop a bed of pureed cauliflower, with pickled cauliflower, arugula and sliced almonds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG29GfAJX3G_blmREgypESBAIM6MB2WrWj7tviXUQgqrBEJFTNC2leRtTG5tmODIdyBARjt64yVDc7RPJg4Io4ARX2xrFWRyAhfxY-tJp_j0Sq6WksZW2JulsW0DLHilTskhAr13ijPh1/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG29GfAJX3G_blmREgypESBAIM6MB2WrWj7tviXUQgqrBEJFTNC2leRtTG5tmODIdyBARjt64yVDc7RPJg4Io4ARX2xrFWRyAhfxY-tJp_j0Sq6WksZW2JulsW0DLHilTskhAr13ijPh1/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The pickeld cauliflower was not a fav of mine, but the puree was perfect, as well was the fish and all the flavors that surrounded the fish. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hannah's entree was also one of the specials this evening. Now, this does not happen often, but the full description of this dish has slipped my mind. The level of creativty of this dish went above what I have experienced yet in my journey. Hannah enjoyed the dish, again leaving with left overs which were just as good the second day. The dish reminded me somewhat of a beef wellington in apperance, but what would be puff pastry on this dish was some sort of animal fat. Then stuffed inside was a thyme or rosemary flavored sausage. In most cases I pay close attention to what my meat eaters are enjoying, I just missed it on this one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHCvbGfKZoPamUsxoS8Ps1fWzUi8LsT3-3WCh6vCIw9wudHfyfzp9hQ9zFKBZvLrInPLr_ih6CVKeJ3bfPx6P5wXPlDZcFFrAjXwZkR3c697TCrmGp6qCnESOmiCVZa9-fCWpq2k3mC8N/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHCvbGfKZoPamUsxoS8Ps1fWzUi8LsT3-3WCh6vCIw9wudHfyfzp9hQ9zFKBZvLrInPLr_ih6CVKeJ3bfPx6P5wXPlDZcFFrAjXwZkR3c697TCrmGp6qCnESOmiCVZa9-fCWpq2k3mC8N/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each of the entrees included a side dish. It was hard to only pick two, because in this category I had several choices. We had been craving the fried brussel sprouts since we looked at the menu. The brussel sprouts were pan fried with anchovies, capers and walnuts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-jjt0RLDSYyoArBkLWoeBjTV7k7RZ7yzogic3ZYtomw1bS-H0LxXYUR5x591ro8AHdwT6GUDytH94Hf7shlMoTRsgVa8T9G-K0Eua8xIbxMif6sAygH6M6pxC-qQhGLfwL5sNo5qSM1F/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-jjt0RLDSYyoArBkLWoeBjTV7k7RZ7yzogic3ZYtomw1bS-H0LxXYUR5x591ro8AHdwT6GUDytH94Hf7shlMoTRsgVa8T9G-K0Eua8xIbxMif6sAygH6M6pxC-qQhGLfwL5sNo5qSM1F/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These were amazing. I could have eaten this as my entire dinner. They were crispy yet remained soft on the inside and the flavors of all of the other ingredients cooked around them married wonderfully. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other side dish we got was the soft polenta with mascarpone and parmesan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7IWN9wdxp-0LD-sDQQkmTpwvxjLZbPLBqzASKW_nCmC2T43-mLEtQk15ppZ1Ts4lVHV1J0EcgfSMbjGZqdtpk3fSUHOMz0afF6WjyXkOjJ3Kq8olKthVNFxNQrZXOWDvHq0lS6CEuS39/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7IWN9wdxp-0LD-sDQQkmTpwvxjLZbPLBqzASKW_nCmC2T43-mLEtQk15ppZ1Ts4lVHV1J0EcgfSMbjGZqdtpk3fSUHOMz0afF6WjyXkOjJ3Kq8olKthVNFxNQrZXOWDvHq0lS6CEuS39/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I related the taste of the polenta to that of grits. It was creamy, cheesy and packed with flavor. I had some to take home and was just as good that morning and I have craved it ever since. It's amazing that something so simple left me so satisfied. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, as much as we all wanted dessert, we just tasted Hannah's birthday Pumpkin Panna Cotta.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rGhixB4_oN68Xqgkr-HClpdCFXg3VLb_9_VylOxh5GPd12j0It9OzS5GTUG13UOIZ4EflKgjlNamOALzplz7GHuSvRdBN7l-_R49ig0EXLYoZdUskTFBTEys3E8afrOKnJU8Zl69OBCd/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rGhixB4_oN68Xqgkr-HClpdCFXg3VLb_9_VylOxh5GPd12j0It9OzS5GTUG13UOIZ4EflKgjlNamOALzplz7GHuSvRdBN7l-_R49ig0EXLYoZdUskTFBTEys3E8afrOKnJU8Zl69OBCd/s320/032.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a perfect dessert, because it paired sweet and salty, by being toped with pumpkin seeds. I also love almost anything pumpkin so that helped. It was a yummy dessert that we all agreed on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In conclusion, check out Lolita's in Tremont. Of course, I just love Tremont and if for nothing else you should stop in for a drink, while there peak at the menu and get a feel for the ambiance. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and the bartenders were efficient. They were also extra attentive as I felt I never wanted for anything, it was right there as I needed it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael Symon and his menu is inspiring, if I ever decide to eat meat again, Lolita or his other Cleveland restaurant Lola, will be the first place I go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-40266392320560153572011-11-06T09:42:00.000-08:002011-11-06T09:49:17.405-08:00Quince RestaurantLocated in historic Olmsted Falls known as Grand Pacific Junction, you will find Quince! <br />
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Of course if you have not been to this area I highly recommend it. It really makes you feel like you are in another time period, the houses and store fronts are old and very beautiful, there are little antique shops, tea and ice cream places and unique restaurants. Also located within walking distance, the Metroparks, which surround the area with trees, streams of water and walking trails. The parks alone are worth the trip, although why wouldn't you stop for something to eat afterwards?<br />
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Walking past the store front of Quince you would never assume that the menu inside was so stylish. Even more exciting, the fact that the menu changes with season, which is not expected of most places. When you step inside, you will feel like you are stepping into Grandmas dinning room, with big family style dark wood tables, hard wood floors, walls covered in little Italian chefs decorations and old celling fans. At first I was thrown off. The decoration, though comfortable, does not match the updated menu. The crowd, definitely local, may not be ready for a change, but if updated could open the door to some younger and larger business. Also, the concern of not offering a bar menu concerned me at first, but then I was relieved to see that they offered a decent size wine menu as well as some bottled beers.<br />
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Now for the menu, everything on the menu was in season. It was a good size for always changing, very Vegetarian friendly, with 5 seafood specials that made your mouth water as they were explained by the knowledgeable and polite server.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I started with the fall squash bisque, apple fennel slaw and apple tempura chips.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlno2tfZKWgpkWPNxDYhieLQ5D1BzsnDgeIWkYy9Om1F4ToTJWI4_QJkE80EAy1lNTSnD54RUTTy91M8PfZDwjcq8n1yox16szyMPCbeaPlWAkt3nTNpfIuZf1ZKsBZQBg1Hh8rFwudPnu/s1600/105+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlno2tfZKWgpkWPNxDYhieLQ5D1BzsnDgeIWkYy9Om1F4ToTJWI4_QJkE80EAy1lNTSnD54RUTTy91M8PfZDwjcq8n1yox16szyMPCbeaPlWAkt3nTNpfIuZf1ZKsBZQBg1Hh8rFwudPnu/s320/105+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soup was sweet and creamy, it had small peices of squash that I would catch with every other bite and it just made me want more. The apple chips were outstanding. It reminded me of refined fair food, "I could have ordered a pound of them to go!" The apple fennel slaw was good, very fresh, a good side dish for Thanksgiving dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah started with the composed chopped salad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKJFEiablvyotHpibeQLuNPo76PNb79EYMX0qj6iXZCW1dJF6YNrHORHzOXojgzDVU9JXQGJwNNJsQOwAoi9sfSVIEpDx2fSY-xtovgSIpYC8FTu0kLCMn7i9R_R_re3ZBeLS0aoHeQvr/s1600/108+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKJFEiablvyotHpibeQLuNPo76PNb79EYMX0qj6iXZCW1dJF6YNrHORHzOXojgzDVU9JXQGJwNNJsQOwAoi9sfSVIEpDx2fSY-xtovgSIpYC8FTu0kLCMn7i9R_R_re3ZBeLS0aoHeQvr/s320/108+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The salad consisted of cauliflower, bacon, lentils, pear, gorgonzola on a bed of spinach with a roasted onion sweet and sour vinaigrette. She seemed to enjoy this, description alone sounds fantastic and full of flavor. The dressing for this salad was only one of the several unique dressing combos that they offered that were above and beyond your basic Italian or ranch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lesile started with the beets, beets, beets app. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeN7E-Qyhikac3Yt9NeuIAKxzIOqp3bOJvZaPRPznEBzIHKtsBZ0IHY8Y9je6VQdrp7bVlTs_-DWMIC92ENQdXiqCTNY5sgyg9S0q-LdK1l2XZXY2xsSVPoGVVAlxcRUaVAYT3Vpur8QC/s1600/106+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeN7E-Qyhikac3Yt9NeuIAKxzIOqp3bOJvZaPRPznEBzIHKtsBZ0IHY8Y9je6VQdrp7bVlTs_-DWMIC92ENQdXiqCTNY5sgyg9S0q-LdK1l2XZXY2xsSVPoGVVAlxcRUaVAYT3Vpur8QC/s320/106+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is one of the most intriguing starters that I have come across. For only $8 dollars you get to experience beets in 4 different ways. First the beet borscht, a cold beet soup, with a tarragon bite at the end. Yummy! Next the honey glazed beet doughnut, which was similar in taste to a glazed doughnut with the earthy end of the beet and the chew similar to a protein bar. I enjoyed the taste, it fit well into my need to experience food in a new form. Then we tried the pickled beet with the apple pear basil salad. Again, a yummy creation. Last, was the roasted beet with the cinnamon aioli apple slaw, which again really entertained my taste buds. The dish as a whole really worked and left us talking about it in rounds to come. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next I ordered another starter, the sweet potato pierogi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuq5o5FFuJjrfKEZXlODt_edaJU5mBIWx5NpWLyMNsH0fDKcK6QEr34Z4AiIQCVaYampoII5BGoLrhrFxn44xyZ1NGTBmi56FbBsKbYUkooiBvBPkEn1d8aJMaTHcxAtAmgK3jGkm12ShI/s1600/110+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuq5o5FFuJjrfKEZXlODt_edaJU5mBIWx5NpWLyMNsH0fDKcK6QEr34Z4AiIQCVaYampoII5BGoLrhrFxn44xyZ1NGTBmi56FbBsKbYUkooiBvBPkEn1d8aJMaTHcxAtAmgK3jGkm12ShI/s320/110+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This was a fantastic dish. The pierogi was filled with fresh sweet potato, toped with caramalized carrots and parsnips, that sat on top of a pear and apple puree and paired with an herbed riccota. The dish worked deliciously as one peice. Separately the puree was similar to a modern, sexy applesauce.<br />
Both of the dishes I had, with the cream and potato were very heavy, so the two starters left me satisfied, as well as my glass of pinot that married well with my dinner. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Hannah ordered the pork bolognese for her entree</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr_-m-n4I97F8UeCsMJoT7NZrxP0O0mTHtEGjchTdJfPsFMDFTL75oVbzv6TZ2bj4izVBMOUrVk_sQ1pnd0S8l_zLTLdwQ2IraOWySXvi_wcPmL4DVzGc223OD0aNM_XczP8x9_hhWom3/s1600/109+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr_-m-n4I97F8UeCsMJoT7NZrxP0O0mTHtEGjchTdJfPsFMDFTL75oVbzv6TZ2bj4izVBMOUrVk_sQ1pnd0S8l_zLTLdwQ2IraOWySXvi_wcPmL4DVzGc223OD0aNM_XczP8x9_hhWom3/s320/109+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We read somewhere that the entrees were very big, and this was no let down in that area. The dish was allspice roasted pork, sweet and sour cabbage, pears, sweet potato gnocchi, and a sherry ricotta cream. She said that the pork was seriously tender and the gnocchi was pleasing. We believe it was toped with shaved squash but not sure that we ever concluded that this was true. Overall, she enjoyed her entree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lesile ordered a shrimp special as her entree</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp31WggPU68_yqOjf_91WXqQeDJVv0lqtw8nKPy5TFqrQR1K1pSwxpgLatGWUPlbunfw8L82biAYEPXbMHlGefpcliGLoRyhNs28nW_nkwIy8FH8bySrQaZ0K1FAbNOuJcjkaFsVegIBI/s1600/104+%25282%2529+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp31WggPU68_yqOjf_91WXqQeDJVv0lqtw8nKPy5TFqrQR1K1pSwxpgLatGWUPlbunfw8L82biAYEPXbMHlGefpcliGLoRyhNs28nW_nkwIy8FH8bySrQaZ0K1FAbNOuJcjkaFsVegIBI/s320/104+%25282%2529+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dish consisted of blackened shrimp atop apple fritters surrounded by cranberries and two maybe three lovely sauces that we could not confirm origin of, but complemented the dish well. As sad as I am to say, based upon my overall feeling of the night, the shrimp really failed. It was overcooked, but worse than that the fishy after taste was so over powering it was hard to swallow. The fritters underneath paired with the sauce and cranberries really worked. Sort of wish the dish all fritters and no shrimp at that point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made our way through the menu with the idea of dessert completing the meal. We listened to the list of specials that had lots of chocolate and again paired with seasonal options. We even looked around the room to see the presentation of the last course, looking just as stunning as the others. But, sadly we did pass, as we were entertaining the idea of dessert consisting of a holiday beverage at another spot instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would of course recommend this restaurant to those that are willing to think outside of the box, and I will return as I see the unveiling of the next seasons menu! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for our dessert we stoped up the street for a new restaurant to the area, Taqueria Junction, formaly known as Agave from Crocker Park. The bartender Randy, or as he wanted to be called Animal, was very hospitable. We started with newly taped Great Lakes Christmas Ale with a cinnamon sugar rim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf02vu_bTHt2c648Oyi96HVpxQTC3sQwwe1-7LZ-VrS3eb2LttQasqkvBVUp6NO0VJZwnJ3-u7yY8IbEu_hYJoxO-aoiH6y8OOBLtWSh8cFoQo_ULsVl8hStHM10vC7_sN848GlrFJAbmY/s1600/111+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf02vu_bTHt2c648Oyi96HVpxQTC3sQwwe1-7LZ-VrS3eb2LttQasqkvBVUp6NO0VJZwnJ3-u7yY8IbEu_hYJoxO-aoiH6y8OOBLtWSh8cFoQo_ULsVl8hStHM10vC7_sN848GlrFJAbmY/s320/111+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Then as we were enjoying our Christmas Ale, Animal encouraged us to try The Explosive Elf, a shot created using Christmas Ale, Kahlua as well as a few other liquors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EkfWl0mli1vv7q4hBwbdcPyGYJs19UAFD44cAm_HJwfN3modv79Aajjk17YLbS0-ewLm-zEPKsJEnNHaPcVBhStAKqzzNOSQALmqL8fXvp06uxv2sx1wsOLLyB2VrRvv3oLwj2lQb2Ta/s1600/112+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EkfWl0mli1vv7q4hBwbdcPyGYJs19UAFD44cAm_HJwfN3modv79Aajjk17YLbS0-ewLm-zEPKsJEnNHaPcVBhStAKqzzNOSQALmqL8fXvp06uxv2sx1wsOLLyB2VrRvv3oLwj2lQb2Ta/s320/112+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other than throwing it back, we sipped to experience the flavors of this exciting holiday shot, now one of my favorites! After the shot, we walked down the road to explore another gem in the area, to find out it was closed. So we had no choice but to take a trip right back to Taqueria for our Explosive Elf night cap. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPiFS_FxoiNf8q2dbhcVmVPKsgRl5KBvmil83qOTEtflvgWyYw9eywXIKiOI6zSQZRCFzbDGJKqEDXFVzXsfdmC7r_amcmy09lmfb2VetGRmKjPP0SDIFNgRsMvHX-1rS5qAcW8ZMjk5A/s1600/113+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPiFS_FxoiNf8q2dbhcVmVPKsgRl5KBvmil83qOTEtflvgWyYw9eywXIKiOI6zSQZRCFzbDGJKqEDXFVzXsfdmC7r_amcmy09lmfb2VetGRmKjPP0SDIFNgRsMvHX-1rS5qAcW8ZMjk5A/s320/113+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The night was a success, we are now planning Taste of Olmsted Falls 2. We will see you there! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-75065631537338807592011-11-01T19:41:00.000-07:002011-11-01T19:41:34.509-07:00Deagan's KitchenA local, unique, Gastropub on Detroit in Lakewood, Deagan's is a good choice for many reasons. A night out drinking, a light lunch, a dinner with friends, a group gathering or Sunday Brunch. I have been on the search for a place sure to please for Sunday Brunch for quite some time now. I have been to Deagan's so many times before, and pleased each time, we decided to give their brunch a try. The night before we were there for my friend Erin's birthday party. The next morning, we drove back to try the breakfast we were craving. The first and most exciting part was that the bartender remembered us! Or at least at the time that seemed like a good thing. I would like to say I tried the create your own bloody mary bar, but we stuck with water this morning. The set up did look great, and another time, minus the drinking the night before we will give it a try.<br />
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I ordered a veggie omelette, it was stuffed with carrotts, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, fava beans and lots of feta cheese. It was very hearty for something stuffed with veggies. It came with potatoes, that were ok, they were a tad dry, but they did come with a side of ketchup. I also ordered a english muffin with some jam, because to me, breakfast is not complete without a type of bread and jam. The presentation, I would give an A.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDuh2T4_ZRzpX4FWdupTfrMbuRXDwNzU4BQs3vSnqBR3dIHh817wPwWYdzB1CeuMeMGS4tZPO2E0zOzTSjFoV1f6EYEQ1RpSJZoieYIRzjBtwoWHcwGwzXxraC7iG40iSXzMgn5KfsDrh/s1600/20110911134521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDuh2T4_ZRzpX4FWdupTfrMbuRXDwNzU4BQs3vSnqBR3dIHh817wPwWYdzB1CeuMeMGS4tZPO2E0zOzTSjFoV1f6EYEQ1RpSJZoieYIRzjBtwoWHcwGwzXxraC7iG40iSXzMgn5KfsDrh/s320/20110911134521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David ordered a flanksteak quesadilla. Which based upon how little he spoke, tells me he enjoyed it very much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwW6GcpMnewViQkz8_Lk17ylJ4eTnzJA3GFLJqkjLJtE2u6yB09WLvs4sYTK0KnLQuDR42-WgpbPOh7KVD0_TFD46lumI4dizwLwmksYYht8uFD6Humsv7LdgF_-PAcNIE4gHDYfqry5d/s1600/flanksteak+quesidilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwW6GcpMnewViQkz8_Lk17ylJ4eTnzJA3GFLJqkjLJtE2u6yB09WLvs4sYTK0KnLQuDR42-WgpbPOh7KVD0_TFD46lumI4dizwLwmksYYht8uFD6Humsv7LdgF_-PAcNIE4gHDYfqry5d/s320/flanksteak+quesidilla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would most definitely return to Deagan's for any occasion. They have a great local bar feel, but with upscale customer service and food menu. </div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-69428315869908862912011-09-25T13:18:00.000-07:002011-09-25T13:21:52.995-07:00Tree Huggers CafeLast year on Saint Patricks day, as everyone took off downtown to get drunk with the mass crowds, a girlfriend of mine and myself decided to try a Vegetarian cafe that we had heard about in Berea. <br />
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As we walked into this little cafe that was located in a newly developed strip mall like area, we noticed there was only enough room in there for maybe 15 tables and a big bakery case. It was cute, it was quite, and it was very bohemian. It felt local and there were pictures on the walls of guests pets and other things posted by the people that frequent the spot. As we sat down we asked the guy next to us who was finishing up his meal what he thought of the place. He said he goes there a lot for the tea and atmosphere, but the special of the day, the tofu corned beef sandwhich was not a winner. He did mention that the oat veggie burger was one of his favorites. <br />
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We skimmed the menu to find a lot of tofu options. Some healthy smoothies, teas and the Vegan bakery.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We started with the sweet potato fries, which were great. As my meal I got a wrap with sprouts, mushrooms, onions, avacados, beans, and a Vegan Greek dressing. It came with a side of homemade coleslaw, which tasted like staight up cabbage. The wrap was just ok. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnTTWGxhlXrbJuqUw1k0MNyKIgYTsAJc_63XQ7Bv5Rp4Qp2sqGIfPVK6zaoxV67DsFb1lbm4mdGkeTwzxZsnFTx8kOKKUgclmE7UQ2S8B-uLOAT0_-JI3uVJS1Dvg_As0lDjjWmsw54s-/s1600/192015_10150110442878379_565128378_6489691_5599714_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnTTWGxhlXrbJuqUw1k0MNyKIgYTsAJc_63XQ7Bv5Rp4Qp2sqGIfPVK6zaoxV67DsFb1lbm4mdGkeTwzxZsnFTx8kOKKUgclmE7UQ2S8B-uLOAT0_-JI3uVJS1Dvg_As0lDjjWmsw54s-/s320/192015_10150110442878379_565128378_6489691_5599714_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">My girlfirend, by request of the guy next to us, tried the oat veggie burger with a side of a kale salad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRF__VPMh8t1HyYekTUBHSPU0g-fq12mT3IuoARQfFFgXe7RqZKsPzMN0l2WXe4nSwarWPR5arrEcG_p_7ijXdydrPepBfxbfN7xAjJuNRuNWKnl2Vlkk6gV_GtyDwF0CJnbx-E2rzqS/s1600/191874_10150110441393379_565128378_6489686_6115685_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRF__VPMh8t1HyYekTUBHSPU0g-fq12mT3IuoARQfFFgXe7RqZKsPzMN0l2WXe4nSwarWPR5arrEcG_p_7ijXdydrPepBfxbfN7xAjJuNRuNWKnl2Vlkk6gV_GtyDwF0CJnbx-E2rzqS/s320/191874_10150110441393379_565128378_6489686_6115685_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was nothing good about this meal. The burger was made with so much oat that you could barely chew the burger. Then you add the thickness of the bun and texturaly it was all off. The burger was dry and had no flavor. The kale salad was nothing exciting either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did have some smoothies that I remember being good, but will not bring me back. They did mention to us that as the Summer was on it's way, they have local bands that play there and it's byob, which I liked the concept of, however, the Summer has passed and I found no reason to return just for that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, this will be one of my first posts that I will end with, I do not recommend this place!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-80648125028552908942011-09-18T17:09:00.000-07:002011-09-18T17:20:59.474-07:00Dinner InAfter being inspired from last nights pleasant surprise I decided to stay in this evening and cook up something myself. <br />
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I started with a request from David, since he did not leave stuffed last night like I did.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mac and cheese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQxw8ySp2xs7hIx361q-t0yLrqJ29GcgSOVneaMO8at5x7Eb9ptzB8jwKoDVIRY-jQNRWDw7zp26QL-Tuh_r_dlTujZdxrrQkmWtIQX8_Qq-Y_B-mxu4-GV8v1h1BSjvYMGxtxEG3nauq/s1600/005+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQxw8ySp2xs7hIx361q-t0yLrqJ29GcgSOVneaMO8at5x7Eb9ptzB8jwKoDVIRY-jQNRWDw7zp26QL-Tuh_r_dlTujZdxrrQkmWtIQX8_Qq-Y_B-mxu4-GV8v1h1BSjvYMGxtxEG3nauq/s320/005+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have made mac and cheese so many different ways. I feel like this is one of the most versatile dishes. This one started with a red sauce, I added ricotta, mozzarella, gouda, and parm. Garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper, fresh parsley and bread crumbs. David was satisfied. I know, because he wanted to go straight to sleep after he finished his second bowl. It was more of a baked zitti then mac and cheese, but no matter how it started, it ended well.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">My babies as they waited for the food to be ready!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZCydyd2-K2LJVlaOENHxnWmHQJOt6Mx0xW4m52DL9b2dc4PLwbt7lba4yL9-GqVmWMBefWlbLtIpMGWEB5-m8HyJy445fkLMkPVEWpSroVZ4uwXlRU4WEPmupogUKV5XW85Yq9s9Fk1H/s1600/002+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZCydyd2-K2LJVlaOENHxnWmHQJOt6Mx0xW4m52DL9b2dc4PLwbt7lba4yL9-GqVmWMBefWlbLtIpMGWEB5-m8HyJy445fkLMkPVEWpSroVZ4uwXlRU4WEPmupogUKV5XW85Yq9s9Fk1H/s320/002+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">For my dinner I did a grilled tofu with an avocado creme sauce. <img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5u3VuzgIBtiwTnjBRhEDKCqhNhANQnG-Ktwy3XGb39oCFXZWlWOziJirdLgcdzAnLVUllUzwpA5YNA0LE46IrjpXOEqueeKB0Uid0eobyr-vdiuIFYueCDo9cXCW5QT9IzYmtQceGP3qx/s320/006+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I came across this recipe while watching Giada Laurentiis on the Food Network Saturday afternoon. It looked similar to what I saw on her show and tasted great. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After all my cooking this afternoon, I am relaxing with my new favorite pumpkin beer and a piece of pumpkin roll. Great way to end my weekend and prepare for the long week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4cSu9IFAOTRIzSlGX461Mh9j4pk0Y6TyAFLJ2n7qv3Fg1cbeqN9N-XS3FREm3MXr-yu8b2YZKQIbBZST3LmvYmxI6A9FV3z7yTcQ0zdIape4Q-5FG42Ty7znmrUtvXu817BLQxt6AGv8/s1600/20110916221044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4cSu9IFAOTRIzSlGX461Mh9j4pk0Y6TyAFLJ2n7qv3Fg1cbeqN9N-XS3FREm3MXr-yu8b2YZKQIbBZST3LmvYmxI6A9FV3z7yTcQ0zdIape4Q-5FG42Ty7znmrUtvXu817BLQxt6AGv8/s320/20110916221044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-49233679507402526742011-09-18T16:50:00.000-07:002011-09-18T17:12:47.508-07:00Light BistroLast night as David and I drove around, hoping to decide on a place to eat at some point, we found ourselvs in Ohio City having to choose from one of the many favorites that surround the area. We started with Momocho, a place I had been dying to try for some time now. At 9:30pm, however, we were told they were at a hour to hour and a half wait for walk ins. Obviously, I realized that we needed to return but next time with a reservation in place. We decided that we might as well just go to Bar Cento, as we know we would not be let down. As we were parking our car on a side street behind Daves supermarket, I noticed a guy valeting cars, I was totally distracted and of course needed to see what was going on. As I walked over there, I noticed a small sign that said Light Bistro. We walked in to find an empty bar, that instantly gave me the feeling of a wine bar. The lovely gentleman at the door offered us two menus, and so we decided to give it a try since we had been debating on where to eat for like 2 hours. <br />
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As we walked around the corner, we came to a small dinning area, with a booth that lined the wall, a few sets of tables and chairs, and a huge window that gave the room a bigger feeling and lots of character. There were a few sets of people in there finishing up thier meals when we arrived. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t1qX5eIOuPaYiT1Ea1fX4o3b6HTqaO1c1tAfIQLypYjY1IqZwo4IhuIfxw6A213xvVhhLgDf-2Delyiu0RZzGeUR0c27jgdqjMJqgbbd5lEljFm6xe8kG0-WCxZUhwaag4fVSDtUfsy2/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_t1qX5eIOuPaYiT1Ea1fX4o3b6HTqaO1c1tAfIQLypYjY1IqZwo4IhuIfxw6A213xvVhhLgDf-2Delyiu0RZzGeUR0c27jgdqjMJqgbbd5lEljFm6xe8kG0-WCxZUhwaag4fVSDtUfsy2/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While we were looking over the menu, I noticed how many things sounded great to me. The menu was creative and complex, not what I expected walking in, so I was pleasantly suprised. I wanted to try so many things on the menu it was hard to choose just one. So I didn't! Apparently this restaurant is known for the Tapas that they offered, so I ordered a few of these instead of an entree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David started with homemade chips, which we found to be an exciting menu option so could not turn it down. They came in a white paper bag, are made in house, and were so yummy! A must if you walk in just for a night cap one evening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started with a crispy calamari dish. It was fried calamari, with fried olives in a garlic aioli.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgF43PRzsBOM1VdOIPrgK1TG5pIVwTDsefxmkr9az2X2qOTjnnFu14HiYnY7kNl9oeE6I-y-7yfaUhMcdWKJWUono3ccJxbFcJxJE2llnx848BR7K6VbKIb7Nqgf7GJlNtkSUCeiSVh3g/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgF43PRzsBOM1VdOIPrgK1TG5pIVwTDsefxmkr9az2X2qOTjnnFu14HiYnY7kNl9oeE6I-y-7yfaUhMcdWKJWUono3ccJxbFcJxJE2llnx848BR7K6VbKIb7Nqgf7GJlNtkSUCeiSVh3g/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dish was brilliant! The calamari was cooked to perfection, the batter was thin but flavorful, the olives added a robust flavor to the calamari that made each bite melt in your mouth. The garlic aioli was sweet and creamy. Even after that discription, I feel like it does not give this dish justice because of how much I enjoyed it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also started with their special drink of the evening, an Apple Tyme Martini. I will say it was not my favorite drink but it was interesting and different and I appreciate that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next I had sauteed rock shrimp with a white bean puree, fennel and toasted garlic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p8IojwIMRq_rwI74n0EuM9RPa8xW5AQfLTg7RH7OM5p2jWzwEC0cRKwx__f9BWClS4uSAl-AzEmTMZV578fGkmNTILMNSlC15QMYqIfPlnbotfO5f-iKu8uKKI2VbN9XomlbMtlOj6cv/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p8IojwIMRq_rwI74n0EuM9RPa8xW5AQfLTg7RH7OM5p2jWzwEC0cRKwx__f9BWClS4uSAl-AzEmTMZV578fGkmNTILMNSlC15QMYqIfPlnbotfO5f-iKu8uKKI2VbN9XomlbMtlOj6cv/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was very different and very exciting to eat. The white bean puree resembled a mash but was thin and smoother. The strips of fennel and red onion gave a nice pungency to the shrimp and puree. This was a hearty meal for me, and would be perfect for a small entree. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David ordered the beef carpaccio pizza.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCR-65pusBMTRdpP75p7l5yNoo8gGx2lGKQIwELh990rLqw0YfDyZlTQCRVanWYMrYL2aCdshwAaiiZUy8LBhJaJRjX7HAOTkWQaiGrG_UJbPKr_gS2y6x1EOcwbUk-8OmI9iAdylcvKI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCR-65pusBMTRdpP75p7l5yNoo8gGx2lGKQIwELh990rLqw0YfDyZlTQCRVanWYMrYL2aCdshwAaiiZUy8LBhJaJRjX7HAOTkWQaiGrG_UJbPKr_gS2y6x1EOcwbUk-8OmI9iAdylcvKI/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Now I know I claim to be a foodie, but we both just assumed carpaccio was a cut of beef. To our suprise and horror, it was raw meat. David being the supporter of me that he is, tried to eat about half of it before he figured this out and could barely swallow the next bite. To the restaurants defense, it looked and smelled interesting to those of you that like raw meat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For our final course, I tried one of the many side dishes that sounded appealing. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a goat cheese farro.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlAwqHjr1aLT8VJ3znZZkEuaqZmLVCOYmXJ6-_pnKsJvqOcMfKf06xI_7XMFsrhvBzyQp2WEdqUDDw33tw7TbwcjEdQbI3UBHSrgFU0aF3hEJA3OobBbiyi3hX0vVfuFr9XK1sCbc39RY/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlAwqHjr1aLT8VJ3znZZkEuaqZmLVCOYmXJ6-_pnKsJvqOcMfKf06xI_7XMFsrhvBzyQp2WEdqUDDw33tw7TbwcjEdQbI3UBHSrgFU0aF3hEJA3OobBbiyi3hX0vVfuFr9XK1sCbc39RY/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The farro's nutty flavor was broken up nicely by the goat cheese. This would be a great side for almost anything, or a main course for us Vegetarians. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Warmed up the next day, was just as good by the way, so that makes it even better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David decided he was done with the savory items and went with a vanilla bean creme brulee, which he enjoyed so much he was prepared to order a second one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij813cuqNDXEIfV4m181XZo9pvJpEIaim-l9gYNmtT_h7m1YEHFt8Rzvd5wSximF7koVNjOH9VEsrPDv-O_Jbxua-8Yu1r5SMUpTwt23FB1_Dy7vEFDGKlnjdIpGmYuDKlTZOVqN-27XIT/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij813cuqNDXEIfV4m181XZo9pvJpEIaim-l9gYNmtT_h7m1YEHFt8Rzvd5wSximF7koVNjOH9VEsrPDv-O_Jbxua-8Yu1r5SMUpTwt23FB1_Dy7vEFDGKlnjdIpGmYuDKlTZOVqN-27XIT/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, we concluded our quite evening out with a cup of coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnwR7BSDZh27hs7Q3qLezLz_RJJE-Nze1WeMk2ooQVAiQI4V-DOQzm-P5YB3d54rKI1fmDLgpPrvpVib1b8Pjy823s4PnPFIeyQEAEgC_dWE3TzKnrECWYPC46k8lIKoB2qaTAMzVr_U3/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnwR7BSDZh27hs7Q3qLezLz_RJJE-Nze1WeMk2ooQVAiQI4V-DOQzm-P5YB3d54rKI1fmDLgpPrvpVib1b8Pjy823s4PnPFIeyQEAEgC_dWE3TzKnrECWYPC46k8lIKoB2qaTAMzVr_U3/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Overall I was pleased with our visit to what I will refer to as Ohio City's little secret! The waiter Lance, was so sweet. He explained several things on the menu, removed the raw meat disaster from our bill and filled me in on the wine and tapas pairing that the restaurant does on Monday nights. I will for look forward to returning to this place and bringing along other foodies, you know who you are, so be ready! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-6016026153981873792011-09-15T18:09:00.000-07:002011-09-15T18:14:00.983-07:00Taza Lebanese GrillThis was a pick from one of my teamates at work as the desired place to go for our team's lunchen today. It's located at Eaton center on Chagrin.<br />
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The dynamic team, minus two of my favorites Tania, who ducked out of the picture and Shaina who did not come out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLGuvqtmlKejzlWMEFf3c-ZDCFDE1ImKTzpR3zo8ufdtGFAfhEltYSAlEdyX1KRXXI36SRcrAPX3PI9cpH7o8FpR77k8P46T2vaeDkp98ep6_pT-_gFYta1a42koA-6Wv94muKykMXP_n/s1600/201109151328322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLGuvqtmlKejzlWMEFf3c-ZDCFDE1ImKTzpR3zo8ufdtGFAfhEltYSAlEdyX1KRXXI36SRcrAPX3PI9cpH7o8FpR77k8P46T2vaeDkp98ep6_pT-_gFYta1a42koA-6Wv94muKykMXP_n/s320/201109151328322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ordered so much food and were able to try bites of a variety of things, so it was totally perfect for how I like to eat out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl6-cNFqSQLmm27Q5XxOE8Xgg2mgktXL9i5tj-L689PS4wUlGEfGsOwE0G7nrNmo1ouQOFwCfJqlvyn8uLilLciOxiwGSX4SCN0XQa_h-bLSQqyshf8TCliVLBtP6n2r12jb0hJj87Yon/s1600/20110915133107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl6-cNFqSQLmm27Q5XxOE8Xgg2mgktXL9i5tj-L689PS4wUlGEfGsOwE0G7nrNmo1ouQOFwCfJqlvyn8uLilLciOxiwGSX4SCN0XQa_h-bLSQqyshf8TCliVLBtP6n2r12jb0hJj87Yon/s320/20110915133107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They bring out pita bread and a sesame seed dipping sauce, (this I did not get to try, because so many other things were getting put on the table) I'm sure it was good, because it was going fast. The hummas however was fantastic, Nicole who ordered it asked for hot sauce to be mixed in, which to my suprise gave an extra bite it did not have before and I very much enjoyed it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJI_fHIo3gg1dNhaRa5rBSIgZVZxaZQZXVN7BpuctypOk03SOFrN1-6elt1FCjByGBejKCLi7f2rBKKVHGb3Fn8mzONGlNFksIy1A9JK09Ny1smNKZv7ZiUtgVWT1PtOxvTWGD7ZW71jI/s1600/20110915133114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJI_fHIo3gg1dNhaRa5rBSIgZVZxaZQZXVN7BpuctypOk03SOFrN1-6elt1FCjByGBejKCLi7f2rBKKVHGb3Fn8mzONGlNFksIy1A9JK09Ny1smNKZv7ZiUtgVWT1PtOxvTWGD7ZW71jI/s320/20110915133114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah and I started with Lebanese Jibneh. This was fried Lebanese cheese topped with crushed pistachios and basil sauteed in olive oil and served on top of a pomegranate sauce with kalamata olives and grape tomatoes garnish. It was a stunning mix of flavors, the cheese was lighter than a normal fried cheese. We agreed it was a bit bland, but the sauce's sweetness really made you forget it needed more bite. I would for sure order this dish again and again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHF1ERztwlb3_PAOXwMryv_xTu1t_U2WFPgr_KDMgRM4E1Oeaz5-zejtD384XFHkKmXCxvOUXzVRahoUJYQhn-0JxJMfBDQ4I1yLqypt7TwjsAlTI6mrwrORsH10lKYYySYJyVwFDxZJW/s1600/20110915133137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHF1ERztwlb3_PAOXwMryv_xTu1t_U2WFPgr_KDMgRM4E1Oeaz5-zejtD384XFHkKmXCxvOUXzVRahoUJYQhn-0JxJMfBDQ4I1yLqypt7TwjsAlTI6mrwrORsH10lKYYySYJyVwFDxZJW/s320/20110915133137.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tania ordered the tomato couscous soup, which she was thrilled with. She was not into trying to much more than this, however she still decided she return on this note. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also had soup which I did not take a picture of, it was the Lentil soup. It was good but La Kabob's is still my favorite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTHx3aKxcJ5Q-P0I6orm9j8EtZ88o4RMfLb0lXg3e5mrjJ0_RpPhB90ZeFMfpp0HKWpLPqmAX63bs6h1C_8C2E62bAH9T3lE58FAOF-IPrEjUq4TP-SJo0PXeqf2p7whE11skvfVAhP77/s1600/20110915133250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTHx3aKxcJ5Q-P0I6orm9j8EtZ88o4RMfLb0lXg3e5mrjJ0_RpPhB90ZeFMfpp0HKWpLPqmAX63bs6h1C_8C2E62bAH9T3lE58FAOF-IPrEjUq4TP-SJo0PXeqf2p7whE11skvfVAhP77/s320/20110915133250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The falaffel was amazing! The best I have ever tried. It was crunchy on the outside, with a moist almost creamy middle, packed with tons of flavor. The garlic jumped out of each bite and the mixture of tomatoes, parsley and tahini that topped it, made this dish so delicious that I anticipated each bite more than the last.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhfomONPHhyR0mrgR76b9eLgZLgEQwFFDPkNMFFzLTpYprYK5w0Vts33TenvJg7BDK-pAITM2hFm38cD6xPweq7L932cVSWPmuXFPXnTTe7v3tuhsF05uObdPR5zjoro-4Ol-AkhU77rH/s1600/20110915134237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhfomONPHhyR0mrgR76b9eLgZLgEQwFFDPkNMFFzLTpYprYK5w0Vts33TenvJg7BDK-pAITM2hFm38cD6xPweq7L932cVSWPmuXFPXnTTe7v3tuhsF05uObdPR5zjoro-4Ol-AkhU77rH/s320/20110915134237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Hannah ordered her classic favorite, the Fattoush salad. A bed of romaine with green peppers, parsley, cucumbers, garlic, lemon, seasoned pita chips, and olive oil. I mean you can't go wrong with this combination of ingredients.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxzYcF_G1hkj3tWRQ_DgYblO0JRiJBsMKvRWrkGUVlmQGAmOmnpaqILSYxLyq4OoNTYv3JMCg3zjeNLARNz3J7jX0qaFI-zc7K0FaM4EcylS_hTaEX6eY7vqMTZzAtQQ1BrYJDPVePc0H/s1600/20110915134243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxzYcF_G1hkj3tWRQ_DgYblO0JRiJBsMKvRWrkGUVlmQGAmOmnpaqILSYxLyq4OoNTYv3JMCg3zjeNLARNz3J7jX0qaFI-zc7K0FaM4EcylS_hTaEX6eY7vqMTZzAtQQ1BrYJDPVePc0H/s320/20110915134243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nicole who is a pro at ordering at Lebanese restarurants ordered Mujadara. This was a bed of steamed lentils and rice, topped with the vegi mixture in the Fattoush salad and toasted onions. It was quite delicious. It was hearty, yet not overly heavy. I only tasted a bite, but it left me wanting more, so I plan to return to Taza and will have to give this dish another go. <br />
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We had a lovely lunch this afternoon. It was good to get out of the office for a while and of course to be able to try out a new restaurant. Another great place to try in this area is Paladars Latin Kitchen. I have eaten there a couple of times, once for lunch and another for dinner. The dinner is a little expensive, so if I return again, or if you want to just try it out, I suggest a lunch date with this place!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-30063864014984300762011-09-13T18:51:00.000-07:002011-09-13T18:51:10.918-07:00Eddies Pizzeria CerinoThis is one of my favorite local places that I cannot return to enough.<br />
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A little more than 2 years ago, around this time of year my cousin Patty and I were looking through one of those local coupon ads and noticed that this new restaurant had a special going for a new pumpkin beer. As for those of you that do not know, Pumpkin beers are my all time favorite, so naturaly Patty and I decided to go their for dinner. The place was packed, it was a small area fitting maybe only 20 tables, but it seemed big because of the layout. It felt welcoming, you got the feeling as if you had been here several times before. The staff were very friendly, and the dark walls, and low lighting were accompanied by beautiful photography that did not only add an authentic yet modern feel to the restaurant but could also be purchased. <br />
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I should mention the restaurant is located in Seven Hills off of Broadview Rd.<br />
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The menu is perfect for those of us foodies who find so many things on the menu and just can not imagine ordering only one. Most of the entrees are served in either half or full portions. There is also a variety of appetizers, pizzas, salads and sandwhiches. The menu is for me the most desirable size. Probably because I have been there enough to try almost everything. Another thing Eddies does is rotate seasonal items in and out so of course you can always expect to see something different or modified on there. The first time we went we ordered like two different appetizers, two half portion entrees and a pizza. It was a great way to start off my relationship with my still favorite place. That was so long ago I do not remember what we ordered excatly, but I can recall in the past few years some of the things I have tried, and can assure you that you can't go wrong with anything you order from here.<br />
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Some of the appetizers that I stick with are the parmesan zucchini planks, one or all of the calamari combinations and any of the soups, the mushroom one that might be around more towards Winter is my favorite. <br />
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All of the pizzas are a hit, just depends on what toppings fit your taste buds more, so I won't pick for you. <br />
My favorite salad is the house salad. It has field greens, cran-rasins, sunflower seeds, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. I don't believe I have tried any of the sandwhiches, but I am sure they are fantastic and now after writing this I may have to try one to fill you in.<br />
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One of the best things for me about this place is that I found out about it before I was a Vegetarian, so I was lucky enough to eat several things on the menu that my meat eater friends would enjoy, and confirm that they are indeed delicious. <br />
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Some of the entrees that we have tried are the chicken parm, which is always a winner among my friends I bring here, the meat sauce is fantastic, and the meat balls are yummy. The shrimp piccata, now that I don't eat meat, is one of my favorites that has remained on the menu for a while. It's sauteed shrimp in a white wine butter sauce with lemon and capers over angel hair pasta. I have also modified this by having them serve this to me with an asiago cream sauce that they use in another dish which is also delicious. <br />
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This afternoon I brought my friend Tania here with me for lunch. To inspire yet another person on the best Italian menu in the area. <br />
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She had my favorite dish on the menu as a meat eater.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">She had the Lemon Parmesan Chicken served over angel hair pasta with the asiago cream sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiidTb6OYvfSr5Vpjtv64LmEJNMus2PVhyw9M7l_qScHeKyckBYW4qGJ_2IweAYU8aiSa1hRkUkCY9w7hWREBkQw1A_KkQh-X21lHvSCGf94O6yLNnvnhzBobuF0eg8jg1Y9DuSy0dFGq/s1600/20110913165329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiidTb6OYvfSr5Vpjtv64LmEJNMus2PVhyw9M7l_qScHeKyckBYW4qGJ_2IweAYU8aiSa1hRkUkCY9w7hWREBkQw1A_KkQh-X21lHvSCGf94O6yLNnvnhzBobuF0eg8jg1Y9DuSy0dFGq/s320/20110913165329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Their angel hair pasta melts in your mouth. It's thin, but hearty. It's creamy and full of flavor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What I ordered is the reason that I wanted to go to lunch here today. I was notified on Facebook that their Butternut Squash Ravioli had returned and I could not wait any longer to enjoy this again since last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course we know how much I love my Fall Flavors and this dish does not fall short of being perfection in the flavors I crave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the seasonal Butternut Squash Ravioli in a Sage butter sauce with an amaretto cookie crumble on top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyWWrmane41eal6iOp9PtAQLF1KORdOSOIoHFNJ8Js2j2pPZSMIq-0CwKSnYbhH2WsbgJ8qv4uxw2k0UWwoSfRGdA7NYCS8FNoZaTPyXfRy-Cp1aPmqQ0tmdSMma7UyQAy_ihRbq-m4wz/s1600/20110913165317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyWWrmane41eal6iOp9PtAQLF1KORdOSOIoHFNJ8Js2j2pPZSMIq-0CwKSnYbhH2WsbgJ8qv4uxw2k0UWwoSfRGdA7NYCS8FNoZaTPyXfRy-Cp1aPmqQ0tmdSMma7UyQAy_ihRbq-m4wz/s320/20110913165317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I should mention lastly their dessert menu is also a must. Seasonaly they are serving their pumpkin bread pudding, which is delightful. They also have a chocolate cookie one, a yummy rice pudding and then seasonal cupcakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since the day the doors of this restaurant has opened, they have had much deserved growth and success. A while back they extended the restaruant adding a very sexy bar, and my favorite, a lovely outdoor area, which sadly has been taken down for the season already. I promise for an inexpensive lunch or dinner, you must try this restaurant. I have turned more people on to this place then I can remember, and I am confident you will be doing the same once you have had your first meal here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tell them Denise sent you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-89075955831749320612011-09-13T17:43:00.000-07:002011-09-13T17:43:56.315-07:00Rosewood GrillLocated near the square of Hudson, this restaurant is a must for a romantic evening or even night out with the girls.<br />
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Hudson is such a beautiful, quite little town. I love the little square with independent restaurants and well known places that seem independent with the bit of flair the square adds to them. I love the small shops and feeling like I am in a little town hidden away from the rest of the world. I had never been to Hudson until I met David, and now I can not get enough of it. The Taste of Hudson last year really opened my eyes to all the things this area has to offer. They have a gourmet popcorn shop with over a hundred different flavors, a cute cupcake shop with liquor filled cupcakes, an all green clothing boutique, dip n dots, which is the best ice cream shop of all time, little antique shops, and other unique shops that make you feel like you are on vacation so its easier to spend money. The land itself sits on part of the underground railroad. The houses look like they are out of a movie, with the extravagant gardens and outstanding architecture. And of course, the restaurants that surround this area keep me coming back. I have eaten at a few and next on my list will be Nosh as soon as they open. But for now, I will fill you in on Rosewood Grill.<br />
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We decided to go out to Hudson a few months ago, as Summer was getting into effect. It was starting to get nice out, but still not enough to sit outside. The inside of this restaurant has two sides, both so different it gives you the feeling like you are at two different places. To the left is the bar area, which could be perfect for a casual evening out, or because of the long table in the middle of the room excellent for a party. To the right is the more dinning area. Very much the ideal setting for a first date or romantic evening out. This is where we sat. The walls are covered in brick. There are some mirrors lining the walls. It feels like you are in a wine cellar, and even if the room is filled you feel like you are the only ones in the room. They also have a chefs table, which makes this place even better in my book.<br />
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The menu is upscale comfort food. I will be honest there was not much on this menu that I could eat. One thing on this menu did stand out to me. It was a mushroom bread pudding. I had to have this. It was paired with some meat dish, so I just asked the waitress to explain the item to me, assuming that it was made with some sort of chicken stock or something. To my surprise there was not. As the waitress was asking the chef to explain the dish, he decided to make a small portion for me to try. I was so overwhelmed that he would do that, I forgot to take a photo. I can assure you, this was an outstanding dish. It was creamy and moist like a bread pudding but had the wonderful pungent flavor of the mushrooms layered in each bite. I will return to this place just for even one bite of this dish again.<br />
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What I ended up ordering was good, but no where close to amazing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lbkZqywFveuncNsijaLmT1s7zXunmo7Kb1yIT6bjYcVC3NTgCIHo4IywQxesDNiCY2KjBQJhlTYTmrKTMPk7BwoFncQhyphenhypheni7km-7Z7imXMriXv-ED8lZPgs6xSd97UnVO7hIfPm4XQL7Z/s1600/194230_10150107261998379_565128378_6463663_647230_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lbkZqywFveuncNsijaLmT1s7zXunmo7Kb1yIT6bjYcVC3NTgCIHo4IywQxesDNiCY2KjBQJhlTYTmrKTMPk7BwoFncQhyphenhypheni7km-7Z7imXMriXv-ED8lZPgs6xSd97UnVO7hIfPm4XQL7Z/s320/194230_10150107261998379_565128378_6463663_647230_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was lobster zitti. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even the description was boring. I need food with more character to it. Again, it was good, but I could make this and it would probably taste very similar .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David enjoyed his meal though a lot, maybe even one of his favorites. This is for sure a place for a meat eater.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqn-bxjXUIpR9Y1hHi7F7hq3I1KIjl661VduRdfyjnva9mZ5ipy7SUuVJKS8o2PqgTxQd8lUxs5kLSBoB4a0nuYSVNOWfHi03Fd2q68SY44_2aaILV-7gUGWGSTCwqF4PigmC_U6RuD4r/s1600/191763_10150107262943379_565128378_6463676_1453444_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqn-bxjXUIpR9Y1hHi7F7hq3I1KIjl661VduRdfyjnva9mZ5ipy7SUuVJKS8o2PqgTxQd8lUxs5kLSBoB4a0nuYSVNOWfHi03Fd2q68SY44_2aaILV-7gUGWGSTCwqF4PigmC_U6RuD4r/s320/191763_10150107262943379_565128378_6463676_1453444_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He had bacon wrapped filet with gouda garlic mashed potatoes. The potatoes alone were amazing on this dish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was a huge fan of the atmosphere of this place. If I return it will be for the mushroom bread pudding, and the bar. The bartender at the restaurant at this time had actually been involved in a contest for bartenders testing their creativity. It was similar to the food show Chopped. The bartenders were given a basket of mystery ingredients and while being timed they had to create a drink ready to serve. She ended up winning this contest and so I asked her to create me a drink on the spot. I do not remember clearly the drink she made for me, but I remember it being expensive but worth it.</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-61347143687464801692011-09-04T21:43:00.000-07:002011-09-04T21:43:36.334-07:00The Taste of HudsonDespite the rain on this Sunday afternoon, David and I headed to The Taste of Hudson. <br />
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We tend to be fans of these all day food events. The local restaurants come out with a few items off their menu that they sample at prices ranging from $3-$6. Last year we attended the Taste of Cleveland, which was not so exciting, but we did leave with a ton of freebies from all the vendors. A few months ago we stoped by The Taste of Tremont. We were able to sample things from several places in the area that I had been dying to try. Lolita being the most exciting. We had a goat cheese and rosemary mac and cheese which was fantastic. Some of the other places we ate at were Edisons Pizza and Bac which I had been to a few weeks prior, but happy to return for samples. Needless to say, that day was a success and it achieved the goal in making me want to return to Tremont. Which is why I hope for it be the destination of our next Food Crawl. Then last year we did the Taste of Hudson, we left very satisfied, so we were excited when we knew it would kick off again this year.<br />
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We came prepared with our umbrellas in hand and anticipating not standing in the lines like we did last year because of today's not so attractive weather. We were wrong. Suprisingly there were still crowds of people, and lines at several of the restaurant booths. The one thing that I dislike about the Taste of Hudson and Cleveland compared to The Taste of Tremont, is that you have to buy a prepaid card to purchase your food. So that was the first line we stood in, while we debated on how much we were planning on eating. <br />
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We got our first meals at <span style="color: black;">Nosh Eatery</span>. This was the longest line all day. We had never heard of this place. The menu of 4 options was modern, creative and better then some restaurants full menus. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I had the pistachio crusted french toast made with brioche and toped with goat cheese mascarpone blueberries and black berries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3W9isv0V11Ybp38uiRP7Jco4DThoSW6rBHvIENnZHrDwYnaXn0zpuap8BkY-4yatlzkp9-D5FA2HVUxI3w-VvHLmtXkDxxPf4nrOfJq_xafu1DHc4Ko2XzkpsbDx6xy4ZRr5p-1uTU_Y/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3W9isv0V11Ybp38uiRP7Jco4DThoSW6rBHvIENnZHrDwYnaXn0zpuap8BkY-4yatlzkp9-D5FA2HVUxI3w-VvHLmtXkDxxPf4nrOfJq_xafu1DHc4Ko2XzkpsbDx6xy4ZRr5p-1uTU_Y/s320/103.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>This was unbelievable. In most cases for me french toast is too heavy and too sweet. This was the perfect amount of both for me. It was sweet and light and cruchy because of the pistachio. The mascarpone was an amazing complement to the meal instead of heavy syrup or boring whip cream.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">David had corned beef brisket toped with vinegar soaked french fries, shaved carrots and a garlic aioli in between toasted bread. I was so into enjoying my meal that I forgot to take a picture of his. I am sad now though because this was his favorite meal and compared it to everything else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the end of the day, we stoped back to Nosh and I had the peach and raspberry cobbler with sea salt ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTkMu-8zvNL7P0VNfUfd_H4Ezskeopwz38_1o9raknlRPeSndFJf48eljCe4c5zelXzNzB3mZx5v8pHobqJ-cA-aXgNM2h3_yByyEFc8CAInFUvgLtOlTymC-hIzndMJU2SuX4USz39Pz/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTkMu-8zvNL7P0VNfUfd_H4Ezskeopwz38_1o9raknlRPeSndFJf48eljCe4c5zelXzNzB3mZx5v8pHobqJ-cA-aXgNM2h3_yByyEFc8CAInFUvgLtOlTymC-hIzndMJU2SuX4USz39Pz/s320/119.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again I was please at how amazing the food was. The ice cream was thin and sweet, the cobbler was fresh and full of layers of flavor. The bread was toasted and had a crunchy outter crust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After looking into the restaurants website, I found that this must be a new place. The website says, Coming Soon and that the website is under construction. I was disapointed to see I could not look up a menu but looking forward to the opening because I will be there with an appetite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next we went to Hudson's Restaurant and I was left hungry since there was nothing on the menu that I could eat there. David kept with his brisket trend and had a beef brisket topped with a cliantro coleslaw.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj801POgCPmsEAicXrdCwdQMkpNEoPhQj0yJbEtbu8DeSWzgLQaa_GYnkBjacZUMRJ9AqbTMbUs8IAuO40O-4dIddt6QD8z4NfGXEzsJm00NsEUVx1P4K8YUjQP3GrQoNF-O6K1XHJWX_aA/s1600/104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj801POgCPmsEAicXrdCwdQMkpNEoPhQj0yJbEtbu8DeSWzgLQaa_GYnkBjacZUMRJ9AqbTMbUs8IAuO40O-4dIddt6QD8z4NfGXEzsJm00NsEUVx1P4K8YUjQP3GrQoNF-O6K1XHJWX_aA/s320/104.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next we went to One Red Door, which we enjoyed so much last year we returned to have a lovely dinner here a few weeks ago, which I have yet to post, so stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David yet again had brisket. He really acts deprived when we are in public since he does not get to eat meat for dinner at home as much anymore. I understand and encourage it though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a BBQ brisket topping their rosemary mac and cheese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngs4jRn1gk95RBtoOMOpbhP2V4mrXwuM5bwIoM8_308_RUzCaUNj4kumxz45BLCWl74hlGBzWLkYEjC4Fi0uCfJlmf_sck8VAeBNLGwQGN1M9p85UPnqFcO4zuMTPqHtQ8YgxAACXUeGL/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngs4jRn1gk95RBtoOMOpbhP2V4mrXwuM5bwIoM8_308_RUzCaUNj4kumxz45BLCWl74hlGBzWLkYEjC4Fi0uCfJlmf_sck8VAeBNLGwQGN1M9p85UPnqFcO4zuMTPqHtQ8YgxAACXUeGL/s320/105.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This item was not on the menu when we had dinner at the restaurant, however the mac and cheese was an appetizer. It was very similar to the rosemary and goat cheese mac from Lolita. It was very yummy. David enjoyed this one more because of the less gritty texture this one had compared to the latter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, we stoped by D'Agnese's Restaurant. We stoped at this booth last year, and oddly enough this restaurant opened up closer to our house earlier this year. We ate there once last year and did not feel like we needed to return. We felt as if it were an overpriced Olive Garden. The small portion for the price I can do though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the fried artichokes in a light butter sauce. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6WR0nULzgD8lvu7hCIWP6v3NrZGopAT4xf3T2LyrSZkQ6-91QLKzH5fjZUGWJUXXMsCYPtEcQzrRxLtSejy-aUG_DAXEU2EVzIs7KNt6KFUX_0a2ChsESt7F1zD55Sgy-x8RycMcZrI5/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6WR0nULzgD8lvu7hCIWP6v3NrZGopAT4xf3T2LyrSZkQ6-91QLKzH5fjZUGWJUXXMsCYPtEcQzrRxLtSejy-aUG_DAXEU2EVzIs7KNt6KFUX_0a2ChsESt7F1zD55Sgy-x8RycMcZrI5/s320/118.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So absolutely fantastic. This could possibly be one of my favorite fried foods. I love the flaky outter crust and the sweet like layered bite of the artichoke. David had a basic penne and sauce. Yummy, but again, if we are going to do a penne pasta and sauce we will go to Olive Garden and pay a lot less.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because of the rain, we took cover in the Caribou Coffee. Yes, I said Caribou not Starbucks. Standing in line I could barely believe it myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We sat in some very comfy leather seats near a fireplace. The wood ceiling boards, the ceremic mugs that were available (that to my knowledge Starbucks does not offer) and the friendly staff made for an above par atmosphere. The coffee still after all the right peices did not win me over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David had the Turtle Latte, which he was thrilled with because of all the candy peices that topped his steamed milk and whipped cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0umIrK5QmeWPxT31OZEtByc31OqVkXvKePl3ljKVgdnV_328PjNae4l4AbxVGtOUdsG8qwU2AZxGCaTfF4Njd_yn53qzpLzAJ5anpvE-jzXqszXP0KjWCPGKul2JLh7yS2Y7MXvv_dNXS/s1600/112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0umIrK5QmeWPxT31OZEtByc31OqVkXvKePl3ljKVgdnV_328PjNae4l4AbxVGtOUdsG8qwU2AZxGCaTfF4Njd_yn53qzpLzAJ5anpvE-jzXqszXP0KjWCPGKul2JLh7yS2Y7MXvv_dNXS/s320/112.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the drink of the month the Honey Almond Latte. It was ok, but it tasted more like a tea drink then a latte.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6dUnoV8PhIz2xYL9dVQVHPw3_d9r7Hm8LGRmqMM_nG3AWqDOgFIGxn9AGDtkxNit6YiU6oMdvEMAbUbWb8qAFOMCySCKD86vROBAey7UCN4NRjd8fc-LjeZnGEzZUH5LfVVmz5ZDZ0uR/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6dUnoV8PhIz2xYL9dVQVHPw3_d9r7Hm8LGRmqMM_nG3AWqDOgFIGxn9AGDtkxNit6YiU6oMdvEMAbUbWb8qAFOMCySCKD86vROBAey7UCN4NRjd8fc-LjeZnGEzZUH5LfVVmz5ZDZ0uR/s320/114.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though I felt like I was betraying all my Starbucks baristas, we relaxed, we stayed dry, sipped our hot drinks while people watching and listening to the rain hit the windows and tents outside and found ourselfs satisfied after a filling day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPblNKnjBzEeunotvynciVEqPq3kPQJzvgs4o0mNCgoBYjc30BTfB7kjlWkqGJuPcFkGW7xXxz5vPPuCURodevQG94wmLdfHU3klCeldQsxKlfXph91yDYp16KEio6aGAf89ht9BfNHow/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPblNKnjBzEeunotvynciVEqPq3kPQJzvgs4o0mNCgoBYjc30BTfB7kjlWkqGJuPcFkGW7xXxz5vPPuCURodevQG94wmLdfHU3klCeldQsxKlfXph91yDYp16KEio6aGAf89ht9BfNHow/s320/108.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-54974924866004010722011-08-31T17:39:00.000-07:002011-08-31T17:39:58.471-07:00Bac Asian American Bistro & BarA few weeks ago my fellow foodie Hannah Williams who joined me for the food crawl, Stef Poduska and I, decided to ty Bac restaurant in Treamont. Again, we were lucky to have perfect Cleveland weather and sat in their outdoor patio located on the street. We examined the menu discussing all the choices that sounded appealing and all the different courses we were planning on having. After debating where to start, we noticed that they offered a family meal option. To order the famliy meal option you needed to have a minimum of three people, which we had, and be interested in one of the 3 or 4 options in each of the 3 courses, which we totally agreed on!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> We started with a shredded pappaya salad with cilantro and peanuts in a garlic sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDRV27F9WDzyWqZfz6_GOR3qed_rH3O6R-3wE3vIB2gqdJWgpG2b5jMIxggFw4F80rs2XNlgdc24QS_y51jZNjRpgfPMz3IPSie_XeSP49YZ-pPI0v5kCQ4LOQCxqacZJs-R8a2Vr1aa9/s1600/254993_10150206401893379_565128378_7196832_3022215_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDRV27F9WDzyWqZfz6_GOR3qed_rH3O6R-3wE3vIB2gqdJWgpG2b5jMIxggFw4F80rs2XNlgdc24QS_y51jZNjRpgfPMz3IPSie_XeSP49YZ-pPI0v5kCQ4LOQCxqacZJs-R8a2Vr1aa9/s320/254993_10150206401893379_565128378_7196832_3022215_n.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Before our next course included in our family meal we ordered a few extras. There was so much on the menu that looked good it was hard to only choose three things. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGzMAA53qzcLb5HSOCbya5UprzpoMtoSUDYhw6lvKijw1bUIXJDhz4N-_yI2d8HVZAyY1RRjPI0BbNbuP8EYLyAhCJivXmGWtQmu1deoATXfDFY8oBiKe0n5LnqcrTge9mN_hGlzsMJBv/s320/257054_10150206402423379_565128378_7196839_5134036_o.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lemongrass crab cakes with a chili aioli and edamame</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The crab cakes were very fishy, they were good but too heavy for my prefence on crab cakes. The eadamame was of course a perfect side, fresh and light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As another part of our family meal we each got a spring roll. The girls were so nice to get meat free options for the bulk of the meal but were able to choose spring rolls with meat for themselfs. As it turned out though, they enjoyed my meatless ones better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo1-5RKvqgLw2ZKzcqDICSObwt4Vz4GxEldwdLYMFCNQyG5nzR71kzlXtU9CGLe1kUcjzenbYUOuPboJmRqInY9GbV-IVMVc-sVOEjNsGGiwQvQ3g4qDwcYRiutZRVkheCvYBE5mVIqHV/s1600/257410_10150206402913379_565128378_7196843_7523297_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo1-5RKvqgLw2ZKzcqDICSObwt4Vz4GxEldwdLYMFCNQyG5nzR71kzlXtU9CGLe1kUcjzenbYUOuPboJmRqInY9GbV-IVMVc-sVOEjNsGGiwQvQ3g4qDwcYRiutZRVkheCvYBE5mVIqHV/s320/257410_10150206402913379_565128378_7196843_7523297_o.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next we had a Tom Yum soup, made with lime broth with shrimp and mushrooms. This soup was pretty great, especially since for a Vegetarian there are not many soups I can eat because so many people use chicken or beef broth. The lime broth made it fresh and the shrimp and mushrooms are my fav so it just all worked. The only negative about this dish was how very spicy it was. Hannah enjoyed it, but I could only eat about half till I was sweating. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPskURn7NJV9FuzfdFdTWIY78crARzUKzz_MkVqHnapoa6dcgEA-9GurB02MiJuPGswEHzkB2kNShOfybTBJFLVjfLhsvbeKozc-yivX6uv6GWUiFkW9teLmJbBklq6U9pQ70U56U_W25/s1600/257866_10150206403553379_565128378_7196845_6544530_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPskURn7NJV9FuzfdFdTWIY78crARzUKzz_MkVqHnapoa6dcgEA-9GurB02MiJuPGswEHzkB2kNShOfybTBJFLVjfLhsvbeKozc-yivX6uv6GWUiFkW9teLmJbBklq6U9pQ70U56U_W25/s320/257866_10150206403553379_565128378_7196845_6544530_o.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our main courses were (on the left) cold noodles with sprouts, carrots, peanuts, and topped with the vegi spring rolls, served with this garlic dip, which we had earlier with our pappaya salad. This garlic sauce, or dressing whatever you want to call it was good on anything. We also had avacado green cury. It was spicy but creamy with the fresh avacado. Both were very tasty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh498O6sfRxLvb5l3-Z27U3Ldh4NrGz7XS_f31M8nv0t7fW5r1E9_V1U1-pxcrxvFzA8rwqwhPAqpbsgaXmP3l35odygVCp6OwWECdv-cAcdroxF5YlDJeSQdtIprmxzGkcJNUoMZWPx7aB/s1600/257519_10150206403868379_565128378_7196846_1869599_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh498O6sfRxLvb5l3-Z27U3Ldh4NrGz7XS_f31M8nv0t7fW5r1E9_V1U1-pxcrxvFzA8rwqwhPAqpbsgaXmP3l35odygVCp6OwWECdv-cAcdroxF5YlDJeSQdtIprmxzGkcJNUoMZWPx7aB/s320/257519_10150206403868379_565128378_7196846_1869599_o.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, and for me, favorite part, we ended with an amazing selction of desserts that pleased us all. In the front, I had the curry brownie and ice cream. This was fantastic. I love desserts that think outside of the box and use ingredients you would not think make sense. It was cooked perfectly and you could just taste the curry enough to give it a unique bite. To the right Stef had the fried ice cream which was also perfect. The hard, hot outter shell and the creamy ice cream inside. I could live off of fried ice cream. And then up top, Hannah had the green tea ice cream. This was a very sweet and fresh take on typical ice cream. It tasted just like drinking a tall glass of ice cold green tea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The desserts were all above par, the meal was outstanding and gave us a chance to try all the things on the menu at a great price. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you ever considered trying this place grab 3 people and enjoy the family meal option and you will please everyone. But, don't forget the dessert! </div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-72812207449560682092011-08-28T19:42:00.000-07:002011-08-28T19:42:53.092-07:00First Food CrawlSo after all the food talk my friend Hannah Williams and I have all the time, we decided we needed to create an evening dedicated to food. A night where we did not just eat a 4 course meal at one place but rather stop at several different restaurants and eat a course at each. This is our Food Crawl!<br />
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We choose our first three restaurants to be Luxe, near Battery Park, Bier Market and The Flying Fig, both in Ohio City. (I say First, because we have already began discussing our next crawl.)<br />
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We got an early start, we got to Luxe right around 6pm. We sat in their outdoor garden area, which has a small bar and a quite fenced in garden like environment. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZHZXo7OP6i_mYXuO491VbEzglcJu_1502wlzfQqQxmm4z85Dj3_JiSofaVlkobcRgt_gbSmM_5KzPDnrQUZ4-3x7L7hfT53r_fHqnBU83dVp8Bt4WquNEB8QQfxeac3PXuytLkN3Oofo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZHZXo7OP6i_mYXuO491VbEzglcJu_1502wlzfQqQxmm4z85Dj3_JiSofaVlkobcRgt_gbSmM_5KzPDnrQUZ4-3x7L7hfT53r_fHqnBU83dVp8Bt4WquNEB8QQfxeac3PXuytLkN3Oofo/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Maire Semmens, Hannah Williams and I. We have all been here several times, so we made this our first stop, prepared to order and be in and out. This is an awesome place. The food is superior. I ended up having my birthday party here last year and the staff were outstanding to me and all my guests. I would refer this place to anyone and return over and over again. <br />
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Maire knew she wanted her potato gnocchi with brasied short ribs, which she has had every time and seems to be her favorite dish. The gnoochi melted in my mouth, it was the best I have had.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSxkllbDL5PHlFVnUZuHAcqfdsnuvTcb68nN-yIarxUiwRkXCHcGnf604BL9tnKgu58R2OffXoq2oiKCRcxcvirZQGKsUhEwGhFRgp_qvDF5T_XuZxMMIceNb2v0HZesyuTtjP24YI4AN/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSxkllbDL5PHlFVnUZuHAcqfdsnuvTcb68nN-yIarxUiwRkXCHcGnf604BL9tnKgu58R2OffXoq2oiKCRcxcvirZQGKsUhEwGhFRgp_qvDF5T_XuZxMMIceNb2v0HZesyuTtjP24YI4AN/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah had the salad on special which had prosciutto, eggs and chives on a bed of greens with a honey mustard vinaigrette.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkIeKJZFAVjJ-YkUKGWT2LIdBs5a7v0Bx2iYJYpgBA8dJP5xEQFFXECwgyGE1SYY469NWs589iUHhs6SojqdPbMBKyv1PQoOxXrsWxcvjfem3PgZfgtq6cnPD0RFKUUH517HzbUkBEDu4/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkIeKJZFAVjJ-YkUKGWT2LIdBs5a7v0Bx2iYJYpgBA8dJP5xEQFFXECwgyGE1SYY469NWs589iUHhs6SojqdPbMBKyv1PQoOxXrsWxcvjfem3PgZfgtq6cnPD0RFKUUH517HzbUkBEDu4/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had pan fried brussel sprouts with garlic in a soy sauce, so very good!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPD3Uwyw2hcl8sH61HpQu34zALcfy1j1ohDE_GBdKf2WHHW2EY8NRpXry72DwmVqGOfX7hLnid87xCfJbNDP7E5n639_UvkG34cB7UMQSRUIEkgeOpWMyGSI1-o2MsvGXaE9Y13pRTEx2q/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPD3Uwyw2hcl8sH61HpQu34zALcfy1j1ohDE_GBdKf2WHHW2EY8NRpXry72DwmVqGOfX7hLnid87xCfJbNDP7E5n639_UvkG34cB7UMQSRUIEkgeOpWMyGSI1-o2MsvGXaE9Y13pRTEx2q/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We shared a trio of fries, which consisted of garlic and rosemary pomme frittes, eggplant fries and sweet potato fries, alongside two mayo like dips, which were not a stand out, but the fries were a perfect side dish or app!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXOiBNwaoaIBDBgDp9KBmuLNg7-Djc9vUV0vfv-wtItUEX-Ucf-HntZBQg9pwsAkIFGeLmAYlUDEczKUo0lofUEqLrGIRWjDpmrnQ7tIRiKQuH5hCAFzbkl5srvLoNzLF81VvvPPPhEVy/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXOiBNwaoaIBDBgDp9KBmuLNg7-Djc9vUV0vfv-wtItUEX-Ucf-HntZBQg9pwsAkIFGeLmAYlUDEczKUo0lofUEqLrGIRWjDpmrnQ7tIRiKQuH5hCAFzbkl5srvLoNzLF81VvvPPPhEVy/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also must point out one of my favorite drinks, the Simplicty which is a basil pinneapple martini made with margarita mix. It tastes so fresh and pairs well with anything!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwIzzSksX2zExc4gGNXr43N9SqEWKbqFVKbahwmmSXcBWWg8kcxt7yduDxTZwwkUjQPyfUuu8A71ILOmSKb93BWdCg9qZtmXVjkBtQJV0t8LHCQ2bWzTaRvMxx3ePIMBeb57i0af-KXPh/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwIzzSksX2zExc4gGNXr43N9SqEWKbqFVKbahwmmSXcBWWg8kcxt7yduDxTZwwkUjQPyfUuu8A71ILOmSKb93BWdCg9qZtmXVjkBtQJV0t8LHCQ2bWzTaRvMxx3ePIMBeb57i0af-KXPh/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we finished, the weather was still very nice so we decided to make a stop at the Garage Bar for a drink at their outdoor bar before we headed to our next course. The Garage Bar is in Ohio City, a nice mix of people, a place we have been to before and a perfect place to have a few drinks no matter what the occasion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked across the street to the Bier Market, where Hannah Williams was craving her sunnyside up pizza.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVa9Lu7Jf8zKkJtSsB3Qs726mn7rNWWuKeYZSKwTipYbw1y1eBdNx1bMtanqwBSeGmOCVZ8CKEKrQ2dFA06qC4IfNOKnuJwoTKMNF7I4pGh9WQUk8ddLtDHryWTyKgn2u0RrQ6yqSahAo/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVa9Lu7Jf8zKkJtSsB3Qs726mn7rNWWuKeYZSKwTipYbw1y1eBdNx1bMtanqwBSeGmOCVZ8CKEKrQ2dFA06qC4IfNOKnuJwoTKMNF7I4pGh9WQUk8ddLtDHryWTyKgn2u0RrQ6yqSahAo/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunnyside Pizza, with prosciutto and eggs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG5BBEV4WU_S2q8BD7o3ciriI5031T2EIp2T8w3OezNdkzsH0bb6Hm-I__3xAcNNL4yKVBprD1QudCPpqvufZF8WX5-XzaGRkUMiRUPRsQNCi-3bL3n9CRT8waJ88NUSxE3C6aljHOMbW/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG5BBEV4WU_S2q8BD7o3ciriI5031T2EIp2T8w3OezNdkzsH0bb6Hm-I__3xAcNNL4yKVBprD1QudCPpqvufZF8WX5-XzaGRkUMiRUPRsQNCi-3bL3n9CRT8waJ88NUSxE3C6aljHOMbW/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the Oliva pizza. topped with a olive tapenade and cheese. It was very good. The pizza I had last time was the arugula pizza with pine nuts, that pizza was fantastic, but I needed to be the one trying something different this evening. I was happy with my choice none the less. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have never been here, it is a must. They have about 8-10 pizzas all between like $8-$12. The crust is thin and crunchy on the ends and everything in the middle no matter what you choose is bound to be an awesome choice. You can also look forward to the extensive beer list, sure to please everyones taste buds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtudvnMrinVPsfXfqTOs_ROlh1CccPpxWUF_OrPMtQvxkubQo_fZoe2he0sVt1nUMDsIT7mtc3xqhza7F10iVbu0t1Iiz2SRTrSrAKrLgl8CvSxfpqgEf-OSUlDiJMq94s6blpdxRElzs/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtudvnMrinVPsfXfqTOs_ROlh1CccPpxWUF_OrPMtQvxkubQo_fZoe2he0sVt1nUMDsIT7mtc3xqhza7F10iVbu0t1Iiz2SRTrSrAKrLgl8CvSxfpqgEf-OSUlDiJMq94s6blpdxRElzs/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent most of the dinner rush hours here, relaxing and taking our time. We had outdoor seating right on the main steet of Ohio City, where we people watched and enjoyed the unbelievable evening weather Cleveland presented to us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When it was time to leave we walked right around the corner to The Flying Fig. A place Hannah Williams and I have talked about time and time again and finally made the time to check it out. This restaurant is directly across from The Great Lakes Brewery for those of you who have been over here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we arrived the crowds were dying down. Patrons were enjoying the end of their meals. We were also, just not at the same place of course. We did bring in our to go boxes carrying our yummy pizzas, which we thought could be perceived as disrespectful, but we spent enough money there I think, to feel otherwise. But, this would be a good topic for another blog. Is this something you would or would not do? Do you feel it is ok to bring your to go box into a following restaurant? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyways, we looked over the menu several times, myself, hoping that I would reveal more than the two options on the menu that I could eat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These two options were a burrata cheese appetizer and a polenta entree. Since the polenta appetizer was priced higher than most fish entrees I have ever had, I decided against that right away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I ended up with the burrata cheese appetizer with an olive tapenade, watercress and crostini bread. It reminded me of a make your self bruschetta like dish. I must say, I had my doubts but the cheese was creamy and fresh, the olive tapenade was perfect and all components together meshed so well and almost melted in my mouth. A perfect appetizer at a resonable price.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjxnm1b-nj_f6aFNiaOEjQPI3NcZ69mEUHM6Wt3AEP7G2i6Qptrp55V2nCD314zd4zluv8wNRiwHT6pVfPWr58E2HmXl7mK1siWykyvQDq7RAW8-J0eoxVr5148oMMmVFqnxIKga59TTs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjxnm1b-nj_f6aFNiaOEjQPI3NcZ69mEUHM6Wt3AEP7G2i6Qptrp55V2nCD314zd4zluv8wNRiwHT6pVfPWr58E2HmXl7mK1siWykyvQDq7RAW8-J0eoxVr5148oMMmVFqnxIKga59TTs/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah found so many things on the menu it made it hard for her to choose just one, so she started with a bacon and egg quiche, which was unlike any quiche I have ever tasted. She was nice enough to remove a peice of bacon to let me try how amazing this dish was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mGLZPXQK7e_A89xwr6MzrCTlw5Y6RNFJ3Sg7rkPKkQjkWQRo4OvtuAfICkmgbPOVwoLjd6X7GkAMabHEGzRcPJMVStmiD3Twzmnu0OPqrNSJ0p-E89WckElzElsmhY6z7UAyfp4Lnd-N/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mGLZPXQK7e_A89xwr6MzrCTlw5Y6RNFJ3Sg7rkPKkQjkWQRo4OvtuAfICkmgbPOVwoLjd6X7GkAMabHEGzRcPJMVStmiD3Twzmnu0OPqrNSJ0p-E89WckElzElsmhY6z7UAyfp4Lnd-N/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking at this days later, I realize this picture does nothing for the quality of this meal. :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, Hannah ordered dessert. I wanted to but the option I had they were out of. I was not successful at this place, but this rarely happens, so I did not leave dissatisfied.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She ordered the peach cobler special with a pepper biscuit and fresh mint ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(This was the best dessert I have tasted so far in my food experiences)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoYGY2ipmQNo9U_JBEEQRgTKL8XQLD3wR60BxWsRvPeyTdAaBqa9VzGYf70CdUjPVvjZ6iW0ZsEU7q4Jj6QeWAtcuGCNbkrJJJGi-iRdfHM04wn6Ql3Ookx6a3U8BQLW_EDrlBtFTFY5j/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoYGY2ipmQNo9U_JBEEQRgTKL8XQLD3wR60BxWsRvPeyTdAaBqa9VzGYf70CdUjPVvjZ6iW0ZsEU7q4Jj6QeWAtcuGCNbkrJJJGi-iRdfHM04wn6Ql3Ookx6a3U8BQLW_EDrlBtFTFY5j/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In conclusion, the first crawl was a success. We started with places that we have been before and ended with a newbee. We ate some stellar food, had some interesting conversations and saw some eyebrow rasing things while people watching on the streets of Ohio City. I very much anticipate our next crawl. We have thrown around the idea of hitting up Treamont next time. Anyone that would love to join, you know how to find me and we would love to have you!!! </div><br />
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</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-26885541893328186012011-08-25T21:33:00.000-07:002011-08-25T21:33:13.048-07:00La Kabob - Lebanese Grill<span style="color: black;">This is a small, local restaurant that has recently opened in Strongsville on Pearl Rd. It has a smiliar menu to an Aladdins like place, however the one big difference is that Ricky and his staff produce some of the freashest food I have ever tasted in a fast casual atmosphere. I have eaten here several times and am fond of most of the items on the menu. I almost always get some grape leaves and a raw juice no matter what, because these are my favs. You will want to be prepared to wait a few more minutes than you would at a Chipotle or Subway, but you will be satisfied with the wait once you experience the higher quality of taste. This is a must try for a lunch break or a lazy dinner evening! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLVfviIFLAHlXeZNm_8MGAQGRspsiKJa6RlLlCFGgcqNpjw8r5X8aUoWu6wuJm134orPZQnyoGxn9RHXD9l_5rOr9_nGKYtkJC1mYkZDaX499P0Nl2OwmQTAFySdOfflCdD6dv_JbPUIM/s1600/242435_10150181346038379_565128378_6958549_4797560_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLVfviIFLAHlXeZNm_8MGAQGRspsiKJa6RlLlCFGgcqNpjw8r5X8aUoWu6wuJm134orPZQnyoGxn9RHXD9l_5rOr9_nGKYtkJC1mYkZDaX499P0Nl2OwmQTAFySdOfflCdD6dv_JbPUIM/s320/242435_10150181346038379_565128378_6958549_4797560_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is the Vegetarian platter, it had baba ganoush, hummas, tabouli, falafel and of course the grape leaves. <br />
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*In case you have never tried any of these things, I understand, I was there at one point, and wanted nothing to do with these things that I could barely prounounce and could not spell, but one day I just took the plunge and tried them all and am glad I did because they are all fantastic. <strong>Baba ganoush</strong> - is a spread made from roasted eggplants, tahini and garlic, which goes well with pita chips. <strong> Hummas</strong> - is pureed garbanozo beans. <strong>Tabouli</strong> - is like a cold salad of tomatoes, onions, garlic, mint, cracked wheat, lemon and other similar ingredients. <strong>Falafel</strong> - Fried garbanozo beans. and G<strong>rape leaves</strong> - are stuffed with rice, onion, and garlic and other spices. Enjoy and let me know what you think!<br />
Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-17287526601086247762011-08-25T21:02:00.000-07:002011-08-25T21:03:23.468-07:00GUACAMOLE<span style="color: #274e13;">I was sitting on the couch getting ready to go to bed and I was thinking, wow, I could really go for some guacamole. And, I realized I had nothing in the house to even pretend to make a batch. This is something that I enjoy to make. I don't make it as often as I would like because I make it this huge drawn out process out of it. When I make guacamole for some reason I do it as if Food Network were tapping me. I chop up each item, and place it in it's own ramikin, they I set it aside and line it all up as if I am explaining to a film crew what I am going to do next. I'm not sure why I do this, and I only do it when making guacamole. I have made it several times and everytime it tastes different, and I learn something new about me and the way I want it to taste. If you have never had quacamole before try it. <strong>Chipotle's</strong> guacamole is pretty good and so is <strong>Cozumels</strong>! <strong>Momocho's</strong> on Fulton has a whole section just for the like 7 variations of guacamole they do. I have been wanting to try this place for so long, so if you have already eaten their please share your thoughts, but I do look forward to trying it soon.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-H3Vi76TBARF_hp8u7W5gSHiwJO0ueun91zK3SuoG9cI_0LHY_wckncf9u8LwuyyZZ7PhGISs9okObn7en40rsygjxh65a5ohJMS2aBzU_7WWgkVvtiSkK-zIQVqDqM9muRjpRgr6jLf/s1600/20110807183542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-H3Vi76TBARF_hp8u7W5gSHiwJO0ueun91zK3SuoG9cI_0LHY_wckncf9u8LwuyyZZ7PhGISs9okObn7en40rsygjxh65a5ohJMS2aBzU_7WWgkVvtiSkK-zIQVqDqM9muRjpRgr6jLf/s320/20110807183542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-57650802732178588882011-08-25T19:14:00.000-07:002011-08-25T20:14:05.243-07:00Random Food Thoughts<span style="color: #0c343d;">So first, Thank you to all my new followers. I am thrilled to see so many people getting excited about food. In my early stages of this project I am running into a few challenges that I am learning to overcome. The first is the fact that I can not seem to comment on the comments that have been posted to my current blogs. So, let me make some shout outs before I get to far. Tina, of course I would let you know that I started a blog because you were my inspiration, The Wellness War is so informational and interesting and I enjoy seeing what you post everytime. Check your new FB email and you will see all my thanks! And super excited about the other comment as well. We will be going to Bar Cento tomorrow as a matter of fact, should I name drop?? LOL. Aunt Kathy, thank you for your kind words. I am excited that I got you wanting more! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">So for my topic this evening. Sort of low key. I walked into Giant Eagle this evening and noticed that the Fall beers have arrived. YAY!!! That to me, means the start of fall. Along with of course the release of my Pumpkin Spice Latte, only 10 days left. So I tried Barktoberfest by Thirsty Dog and must say I am very much enjoying it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4X4Xgg_nwn_fJEPcQ9vc8T_3JRnUQj4xZb0YUhZzktCdz-v78t2PdGTQqc6u7fpQfijDrca1IuSYetdEZkJmrwkLUv6CdlpTWBybxABnRy-BTr7QvLWyMtBI3qo6JhmNaoBYvzaoOON3/s1600/20110825205100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4X4Xgg_nwn_fJEPcQ9vc8T_3JRnUQj4xZb0YUhZzktCdz-v78t2PdGTQqc6u7fpQfijDrca1IuSYetdEZkJmrwkLUv6CdlpTWBybxABnRy-BTr7QvLWyMtBI3qo6JhmNaoBYvzaoOON3/s320/20110825205100.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: black;">I love Fall. I love Fall flavors. I love Fall smells. I love the look of Fall. I had a request this afternoon for a pumpkin dish I made last year that won everyone over. My Pumpkin stir fry, which I will for sure try again this year. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAjRYceKaP1i6qtLVTvOkhGPNTIvEBf4M33zhhwJch2QUL1n63KfOj3bJfOisqQ3-Y6_qhgckC0_7Y_MMS4QfIT1tIqZiBt_5w05nlZkKyygXg1qgTY3B5bGroTxV7HKCHXLZaock0cW4/s1600/20101004213257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAjRYceKaP1i6qtLVTvOkhGPNTIvEBf4M33zhhwJch2QUL1n63KfOj3bJfOisqQ3-Y6_qhgckC0_7Y_MMS4QfIT1tIqZiBt_5w05nlZkKyygXg1qgTY3B5bGroTxV7HKCHXLZaock0cW4/s320/20101004213257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Not my best picture but here it is, chopped pumpkin, shredded carrots, soy sauce and black sesame seeds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I would not say this was my favorite Fall dish, because I tried so many last year. I also tried a pumpkin risotto, it did not turn out as great as this did, but I am motivated to try it again this year and master it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">What is your favorite Fall dish? </span></div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-17657197340600556342011-08-24T18:21:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:51:52.587-07:00Three Birds<span style="color: #f1c232;"><strong>I was pshyched to find a place like Three Birds to take one of my friends Melissa Haber to when she was visiting from out of the country. I did a lot of research and looked into all the places I have been and heard of in the last year or more and choose this. It happened to be a chilly day in Cleveland, but the perfect weather for their outdoor garden. Would have to rate this one of the top 10 patios I have been to. The restaurant was upscale casual. All the drink names were named after a Bob Marley song, as was the theme of the restaurant. The menu was diverse but not so many options for a pesciatarian. I ended up having the special of the day which happened to be Lake Erie Trout, which was fantastic. While Melissa enjoyed meat options which looked and smelled great. She seemed to enjoy our meal and the environment, and the price was about what I expected. About 4 stars price wise. After our dinner we went down the street to Degans, which is the only Gastropub in Cleveland and I must say I was sad that I was no longer hungry because the menu looked amazing. Very Vegetarian friendly. So I have been looking forward to going back to eat for quite sometime. So I will update on it as soon as I do.</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9EMEa1m-aRgfQOxKJJzNAfruilocISodTHCHghojVmcChYIdopBr2hyphenhyphen9UznWEXXUa2CKsjMG2UFKtKXx5ABuRVigtX5cEJ5y0i1rlE_TwL8AvNz6D9P2_8T5v3KGSw5tm95kVJaJZdID/s1600/266727_10150214762418379_565128378_7257464_3076007_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9EMEa1m-aRgfQOxKJJzNAfruilocISodTHCHghojVmcChYIdopBr2hyphenhyphen9UznWEXXUa2CKsjMG2UFKtKXx5ABuRVigtX5cEJ5y0i1rlE_TwL8AvNz6D9P2_8T5v3KGSw5tm95kVJaJZdID/s320/266727_10150214762418379_565128378_7257464_3076007_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Black bean and sweet potato roll ups</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTHng0QZcI5tysSMyjZwxGvNk78JeWosupsaBCunqt1OCy73fXT96JaRrdJWDOMlRKR-fw5gl-6pajgvsmb8MPPaT1KlpHFGOkqM9Hc0ER81f_IOeRaHoTeGBWv9Taaw0IrlT7u2qUpin/s1600/255953_10150214760023379_565128378_7257409_62292_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTHng0QZcI5tysSMyjZwxGvNk78JeWosupsaBCunqt1OCy73fXT96JaRrdJWDOMlRKR-fw5gl-6pajgvsmb8MPPaT1KlpHFGOkqM9Hc0ER81f_IOeRaHoTeGBWv9Taaw0IrlT7u2qUpin/s320/255953_10150214760023379_565128378_7257409_62292_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Asparagus and Proscuitto soup</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTS2ULZ8rlta8BEDtoJxysWsxej5mP_CGyRU0b30XuruZZ82l8-gbC2hOvH-uLUqcBFa3IBuYJDkM9S8bTZMJZANRIDe8a0cPo1N_Fir3tzCFRNta0r4iXuZmPbRJhwCB_o-4UUawvMQD/s1600/256836_10150214760723379_565128378_7257429_7837503_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTS2ULZ8rlta8BEDtoJxysWsxej5mP_CGyRU0b30XuruZZ82l8-gbC2hOvH-uLUqcBFa3IBuYJDkM9S8bTZMJZANRIDe8a0cPo1N_Fir3tzCFRNta0r4iXuZmPbRJhwCB_o-4UUawvMQD/s320/256836_10150214760723379_565128378_7257429_7837503_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Melissa had the Seared sea scallops with purple potatoes and and arugula prosuitto salad with horseradish cream sauce </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMIC3G7S2D-lV_TDqfjCdU1RWOnsfSwchx7vPvuLkFChVc47a9V3Ub7CaMyn97FBpHjPAj0D12tt4zK5hy2eNoSWqhUKiudP0shUd_NiCxSt4WqEMEhyphenhyphenWqVohmHkkqN9FRhKuLtI14DhK/s1600/257937_10150214761428379_565128378_7257442_576361_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMIC3G7S2D-lV_TDqfjCdU1RWOnsfSwchx7vPvuLkFChVc47a9V3Ub7CaMyn97FBpHjPAj0D12tt4zK5hy2eNoSWqhUKiudP0shUd_NiCxSt4WqEMEhyphenhyphenWqVohmHkkqN9FRhKuLtI14DhK/s320/257937_10150214761428379_565128378_7257442_576361_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had the pan seared Lake Erie Walley with potatoe cakes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AphHapiBsOz826mRgsQBzwfvMfkN5n6TmQSIcX8jgymOQzLJuQVAuBELs3oBUna2QN26BhSqpWYOMCaHN6mRmKfnj6_abDct0xiGYB8arNt5RYb368iIijSR1xudJ4TYCeappVxc035H/s1600/265219_10150214762163379_565128378_7257460_6480223_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AphHapiBsOz826mRgsQBzwfvMfkN5n6TmQSIcX8jgymOQzLJuQVAuBELs3oBUna2QN26BhSqpWYOMCaHN6mRmKfnj6_abDct0xiGYB8arNt5RYb368iIijSR1xudJ4TYCeappVxc035H/s320/265219_10150214762163379_565128378_7257460_6480223_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melissa Haber and I in the beatiful outdoor garden like patio</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxdEJK_O6LMyz1VWFFTM4hWvOx05b8F0pUmT8S32UQizxWEgfe-QzA55qfEnDeP3K_ve5M1uimQyzJ9zH3cn6IQDYa-qO_PFoidn2C9B-cFKQUIG5DsCZWsmpojJAPtRUUXMPq_KjfCLl/s1600/259431_10150214758863379_565128378_7257381_3264381_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxdEJK_O6LMyz1VWFFTM4hWvOx05b8F0pUmT8S32UQizxWEgfe-QzA55qfEnDeP3K_ve5M1uimQyzJ9zH3cn6IQDYa-qO_PFoidn2C9B-cFKQUIG5DsCZWsmpojJAPtRUUXMPq_KjfCLl/s320/259431_10150214758863379_565128378_7257381_3264381_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-79257259760599097192011-08-24T18:04:00.000-07:002011-08-24T18:04:23.807-07:00Bar Cento/Beir Market<span style="color: #741b47;">So keeping with my Jonathan Sawyer theme, I thought it was appropriate to talk about my love for Bar Cento also. I have been here multiple times, for dinner, for drinks, for both, it does not matter it is always a good time. They have amazing food, a great atmosphere and leaves you so satisfied when you leave. I have never had a bad experience and will share with you some of the things I have enjoyed their, but plan on returning this weekend and will update after that experience. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRuIHniNFPQ-x08WsgbSsJM7zXDHdTWlg7M18Y_0QaljsA7bPbmOoY-SYq4gwWZkuDIIpMaGDAjkPewGEYXoVa81uDFBL6AYfFBRdRVJdszOlLVquLlZ9irO1zLbzNRWwt0ZxExoFAusG/s1600/220362_10150153497448379_565128378_6701626_2336978_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRuIHniNFPQ-x08WsgbSsJM7zXDHdTWlg7M18Y_0QaljsA7bPbmOoY-SYq4gwWZkuDIIpMaGDAjkPewGEYXoVa81uDFBL6AYfFBRdRVJdszOlLVquLlZ9irO1zLbzNRWwt0ZxExoFAusG/s320/220362_10150153497448379_565128378_6701626_2336978_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">One of my favorite meals from all of the places I have been, wild nettle and sunchoke risotto and roasted parsnips with pine nuts. YUM!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdeypqMJCdP-ZbwXhWHc4FRrLStsG7xbUjYM0LwIpq0FeI7enIHbrpo4M-5yzl2QjNz9peAU12fgasykpZZDMmoYgjfheNN50lIkSb5pG9X3WpdBz3voPZNvWgUFys6Vl4RgDn57BeAkC/s1600/219248_10150153495083379_565128378_6701578_3832176_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdeypqMJCdP-ZbwXhWHc4FRrLStsG7xbUjYM0LwIpq0FeI7enIHbrpo4M-5yzl2QjNz9peAU12fgasykpZZDMmoYgjfheNN50lIkSb5pG9X3WpdBz3voPZNvWgUFys6Vl4RgDn57BeAkC/s320/219248_10150153495083379_565128378_6701578_3832176_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Of course their selections of beers are uncomparable to anywhere else</span></div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9071506359672123347.post-43797153959635160402011-08-23T19:13:00.000-07:002011-08-24T17:51:56.353-07:00Pumpkin Spice Latte Countdown<span style="color: orange;"><strong>The countdown has begun, (well for me at least), for the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I saw something on FB today that said there was a challenge for a certin city to recieve the drink a week earlier. I sure hope that can be my city, because I am more then ready for the return. Who is excited about this drink? Or do you have another drink that you are counting down the days for. Please share, because very much like food, I love my coffee drinks. </strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaWLJWMjFPVLbLjSa7ndBOeUKHpszsHq5Euoa4N3ocqpOkEMmkJkPT9tzBmAKJYuOZJnHzn4zx_sEvTNcD-tey2AcJv7JssfvKbEeT9PmmkS_RInJCq07OC7C_0FflRW0M2hz0U00jaEu/s1600/imagesCAVG04RS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaWLJWMjFPVLbLjSa7ndBOeUKHpszsHq5Euoa4N3ocqpOkEMmkJkPT9tzBmAKJYuOZJnHzn4zx_sEvTNcD-tey2AcJv7JssfvKbEeT9PmmkS_RInJCq07OC7C_0FflRW0M2hz0U00jaEu/s1600/imagesCAVG04RS.jpg" /></a></div>Denise Raiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08483608830715619648noreply@blogger.com0