Monday, January 3, 2011

A New Year's Resolution I Can Stick To...Right?

Last year at this time, I set a New Year's resolution that I was POSITIVE I could keep. Think of it more as a Top 10 "Must Do" (or "Dine") for 2010. Well...I failed. Not entirely, but I still managed to let my resolution slide by unaccomplished before we rang in the new year a few days ago. I had given myself 10 new restaurants to try in the Cleveland area. Not too hard, right?! Now you can see how horrible I've always been at sticking to a goal set on January 1st. We are always filled with such hope and high ambitions that day, huh? Well I'm going to give it another try...

Here was my 2010 list:
1. B-Spot --- DONE
2. Ponte Vecchio --- DONE
3. Tartine Bistro --- DONE
4. Dante
5. Umami Asian Grill
6. Chinato
7. The Harp ---DONE
8. Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern
9. Bistro on Lincoln Park ---DONE
10. Tinkers Creek Road Tavern

Okay, so 5 out of 10 isn't too terrible but I'm still pretty disappointed in myself. In my defense, I didn't plan on being house-bound recovering from surgery for the last two months. So...those other 5 restaurants that I didn't complete will make their way onto my 2011 list.

Here it is, my 2011 list of "Top 10 Restaurants That I Must Try This Year":
1. Dante
2. Chinato
3. Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern
4. Umami
5. Tinkers Creek Road Tavern
6. Washington Place Bistro & Inn
7. Deagan's Kitchen and Bar
8. Palate Restaurant and Lounge
9. Happy Dog
10. .......

Help me pick my last restaurant! What should my #10 spot be? Weigh in by leaving a comment on this post. It just has to be somewhere that I haven't been yet, so make sure that you check my list on the right-hand side of the blog. I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Happy New Year, and cheers to sticking to any goals that we may have set for ourselves in 2011.
*image found here

19 comments:

Sarah said...

I really enjoyed Amp 150. And if you're looking for a special occasion option, I ALWAYS enjoy Chez Francois in Vermilion.

kakaty said...

I know it's not a resturant, but have you been to the Velvet Tango Room? My husband and I finally made it there last week and it was amazing... the drinks were out of this world. They are strong (and expensive, though). We need a few more trips to try more of the menu. It might be fun to add it to your list.

deanna said...

My fiance is a chef at Blue Canyon so I think you should definitely go there next ;) To suggest your next place - I went to Parallax in Tremont for my sister's birthday in November and loved it!

Carly said...

Skip Umami... I was not impressed! Hit up Downtown 140 in Hudson or Burntwood Tavern in Chagrin Falls instead :)

Green Dog Wine said...

LOVE IT!!!I think I'm going to steal your list idea if you don't mind! Also - I hope I'm lucky enough to hit up one of these restaurants this year with you! :)

Bite Buff said...

Sarah- Thanks for the Chez Francois suggestion! I am always interested to hear of good places outside of the immediate Cleveland area.

Kakakaty- I have been hearing more about the VTR lately, and it isn't too far from our house. Looks like I'll be checking it out soon!

Deanna- I'm looking forward to my Blue Canyon trip! I went to Parallax years ago (before I moved to Cleveland), but it is certainly time for another visit.

Carly- Both great suggestions!

Allison (GDW)- Oh there will be more than ONE dinner together, my friend. Just name the place and time. :)

Happy New Year all!

brad of Cleveland Food and Brews said...

I'd like to see your thoughts on Burntwood Tavern or Joey's in Chagrin Falls. I always like to see what others think of places I've reviewed...consistency and quality in the Cleveland Food scene is our goal! :-)

brad of Cleveland Food and Brews said...

PS...I love this list idea and do you mind if I do the same thing? :-)

athomeinCLE said...

I think you should try Sweet Melissa in Rocky River. They use mostly local ingredients and have a really great menu.

They also have weekend brunch that is the best on the west side in my opinion.

Great blog! I run athomeinCLE.com and am on twitter @homeinCLE, keep up the good work!

kristenannadams said...

I don't see Zinc on your list or Blue Point Grille. Two of my absolute faves. I also wasn't sure if I saw Osteria on there. Oh and VTR is a absolute must! If you go early there is happy hour price of $10 instead of $15. The drinks are worth EVERY penny. Get The Sidecar, my fave. Done the way it was intended. Paulius is brilliant. Enjoy! Kristen

Margaret said...

If you're in the mood for a good burger, try the Cedar Lee Pub in Cleveland Heights. They probably have 20 burgers with all different toppings- last time, I had one with pulled pork and onion rings! Amazing!

kakaty said...

Oh - I had two more ideas, both in on Larchmere. Felice - I've heard good things and it may be a hidden gem. Not many people seem to know it's there. And, my favorite Larchmere dining establishment - Academy Tavern. I really think their Academy Burger is one of the best burgers in town.

Bite Buff said...

Awesome- I am LOVING all of the suggestions! Thank you everyone.

Also, for those of you who asked about doing a similar list on your own blogs...feel free! I'd love to see what you come up with.

Cheers!

Hungry In Cleveland said...

I noticed Lola and Lolita were not on your list. I also would suggest Dim and Den Sum's restaurant when it opens this spring on West 25th

B. said...

How about Bistro 185? Perfect for a winter night with their homestyle food and bar selection.

Bite Buff said...

Hungry- You're right, they are missing! I did dine at Lola once before, but it was many moons ago before this blog was born. And, shockingly enough, I have never been to Lolita even though we live close by. Thanks for the reminder!

B.- I love Bistro 185! I work nearby and often lunch there. I have been for happy hour a few times, but have never fully dined there to experience their dinner menu. Looks like that needs to change!


Keep 'em coming, people! I'm loving the suggestions. It looks like 2011 is going to be a great dining year.

heisschic said...

Vine and Bean! So... SO good.


And if you're in the mood for a cupcake, you're going to want to try Main Street Cupcakes in Hudson (or their second location, in Rocky River).

Bite Buff said...

I think Hungry in Cleveland is the winner! Lolita it is. It is the only Symon restaurant that we have not been to, and it is very close to our house! So silly. So #10 it is.

Thanks, everyone for your great suggestions. Looking forward to another great year of dining out in Cleveland.

CLEgal @ Why CLE? said...

LOVE Dante, Blue Canyon, and Happy Dog, so I'm excited to hear your take on those.

How about Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar for your last spot?