tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6099114282606685452024-02-28T18:43:30.341-05:00Bite BuffA foodie's bite of Cleveland.Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.comBlogger1106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-91701809352043494562022-01-01T01:00:00.001-05:002022-01-01T01:00:00.195-05:00The Farewell Post<p>Happy New Year! This is normally the day of the year that I announce a fresh To Dine Challenge list. Well, this time comes in almost every blogger's life here on the interweb. <b>This is goodbye.</b></p><p>When I started this blog in 2009, I was freshly moved to Cleveland and quickly becoming immersed in the local restaurant scene thanks to my role at the <b>Greater Cleveland Food Bank</b>. I was building relationships with chefs and restaurant owners, learning the stories of this city's makers in the culinary world, and getting to taste and experience all kinds of fabulous things. For that (<i>and many other reasons</i>), I'll be forever grateful to that organization. </p><p>What started as frequent conversations with friends, co-workers, and community members about where to eat, what was opening, who had the "best" XYZ...a curiosity developed for how to start blogging about my own experiences. In hopes that it would inspire others to dine with those local, independent restaurants, buy that locally-crafted product, or attend a chef-driven charity event for a cause that I believed in. My quirky passion for alliteration led to this blog's name. <i>In hindsight, I would have come up with something way better if I knew I'd still be at it this many years later.</i></p><p>But this will always be my little slice of the internet, and one that I am quite proud of. </p><p>However, my life, my interests, and how I spend my time has drastically shifted in the last six months. I left a toxic executive-level career in the non-profit world after being pretty stressed and unhappy for many years. The pandemic allowed for the opportunity to reevaluate, take a leap of faith without a plan, and have the time for me to figure it all out. <i>I never would have slowed down to do that on my own.</i> </p><p>I know I've mentioned here that I started a small business in July. It's always been an "if money is no object" dream to own a vintage housewares shop. While a brick-and-mortar may not be feasible, yet, I took the plunge and opened <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EvyLenaVintage" target="_blank">Evy Lena Vintage</a></b> (<i>named after my grandmother and great-grandmother</i>) on <b>Etsy</b> and <b>Instagram</b>. I'm learning every day and working harder than I ever have before but am already realizing success and pure JOY. </p><p>But another chapter started right around the same time. I joined <b><a href="http://gatheringskitchen.com/" target="_blank">Gatherings Kitchen</a></b> in Lakewood as the Director of Operations, thanks to a friend seeing the potential match. Mr. H and I took our first Supper Club cooking class there probably close to a decade ago, and routinely attend a couple of them every year. The company has some huge plans in the very near future, and I get to fulfill my passion for local food and use my background in such a new and exciting way. </p><p>Daily I pinch myself, and these two opportunities have given me such peace, joy, and energy again. I feel more like myself than I have in many years. </p><p>Very long story short, this blog has become a "chore" and not something that I look forward to authoring anymore. So, I knew it was time to stop. </p><p>The adventures certainly won't. I'll be transitioning my Instagram account to a personal one, and of course you can also follow along on <b>Instagram</b> at <b>EvyLenaVintage</b> and <b>GatheringsKitchen</b> for all things business-related. </p><p>"Thank you" doesn't seem like enough. You've been here on this journey with me, often sharing meals or attending the same events. I've built lifelong friendships, made incredible memories, and eaten the most amazing food near and far. This has been life-changing, and for that...I am grateful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQM1Cq2i6XKl9xWRLuHYQLMie758BaI8S_BiO8TYohPZg0mEwZDc1LDI8t97__1vqUwetZ7O6-R3XxxL8u8125hPyQz5zVgr7-1Q5gCLnDcMBGznlsQ_Upx5OWldyGUkI7T5-oylpWNhu23UTNRY431U20ow2Rui98KV3vTgKNkFD2fG0QM8qZ6CP-=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQM1Cq2i6XKl9xWRLuHYQLMie758BaI8S_BiO8TYohPZg0mEwZDc1LDI8t97__1vqUwetZ7O6-R3XxxL8u8125hPyQz5zVgr7-1Q5gCLnDcMBGznlsQ_Upx5OWldyGUkI7T5-oylpWNhu23UTNRY431U20ow2Rui98KV3vTgKNkFD2fG0QM8qZ6CP-=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>Thank you for the memories and meals. <p></p><p>~ Katrina</p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-69204916572634007622021-12-30T01:00:00.001-05:002021-12-30T01:00:00.189-05:00Square Scullery<p>It was a race to the finish, but with 3 days to spare...we completed the <b><a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2021/01/2021-to-dine-challenge.html" target="_blank">2021 To Dine Challenge</a></b> list!</p><p>This involved a snowy drive down to Akron on a Tuesday night, but just one restaurant left to check off the list...it was a must. We headed to <b><a href="https://squarescullery.com/restaurant-1" target="_blank">The Square Scullery</a></b>. With the COVID numbers rising and more and more people that we know with breakthrough cases, we had planned on just getting takeout. The restaurant announced that starting that same day, they were switching back over to carry-out orders only. Wild times out there, folks.</p><p>Luckily, you can order on their website and schedule a pick-up in 15-minute increments. It made it so easy for us to schedule and time it right with our drive from Cleveland. </p><p>We tried to select food that would travel back the 36 minutes ok, but a <b>Connecticut-style Lobster Roll</b> ($28) with Old Bay fries didn't sound like it would and it was a must-try for us. So we snacked on it right in the car!</p><p>But we saved the rest for home and enjoyed the <b>Pork Belly Bao Buns </b>($12) with 3 sweet steam buns of house smoked pork belly, pickled daikon radish, hydroponic pea shoots, fermented black bean paste, and gojuchang aioli.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixI6-99VOdalYfqaWhiALLptZ0u7t2mT2SlK0WeRnaTedyZz9odL5W5guy4mGoMKD5h3L5HAgK1W3Ime68BcPS8suX-tm_XDcLWEEtP3JUAhrIgJW_eMMbYDNPHBa6J3rNMO1FSdlWre2idrQ__-ny5tRUWHPMINp9OSMi6S7EpJGsLX6dQhZPq9d9=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixI6-99VOdalYfqaWhiALLptZ0u7t2mT2SlK0WeRnaTedyZz9odL5W5guy4mGoMKD5h3L5HAgK1W3Ime68BcPS8suX-tm_XDcLWEEtP3JUAhrIgJW_eMMbYDNPHBa6J3rNMO1FSdlWre2idrQ__-ny5tRUWHPMINp9OSMi6S7EpJGsLX6dQhZPq9d9=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And <b>Crystals Fried Chicken Sandwich</b> ($15) of a crispy fried chicken smothered in New Orleans’s staple Crystal's hot sauce with fresh lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk bleu cheese dressing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2btwJ_QPuaFVnrExc8cBCCkTVmf2scjaCFky11ic1VOaC_-KW5HkUQ16obyNW12DEJLIMY8M5P7nTo9mQQZJLSdYcTfTMqGo_tgEzFgiu5BX3LqrSjIMrC_nsnBj_3Ph2jVjT_zi95OMfxMmrx0chkPlWyHOCBRBCl_BMP8k7I10Y9HJP--iz5DZQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2btwJ_QPuaFVnrExc8cBCCkTVmf2scjaCFky11ic1VOaC_-KW5HkUQ16obyNW12DEJLIMY8M5P7nTo9mQQZJLSdYcTfTMqGo_tgEzFgiu5BX3LqrSjIMrC_nsnBj_3Ph2jVjT_zi95OMfxMmrx0chkPlWyHOCBRBCl_BMP8k7I10Y9HJP--iz5DZQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Of course none of it was as good as it would likely be if dining in, but overall we enjoyed the food and would absolutely dine there again if we find ourselves in the area. Nothing was so memorable that we'd do the drive for it again, but I'll happily recommend this place for anyone that lives nearby or is looking for a spot in that area. <p></p><p>They started in 2015 as a food truck, intended to open a ghost kitchen in the 400sq ft brick-and-mortar, and then took a chance and converted it into the "tiny restaurant" it is today. I love hearing stories like theirs, of a small business growing and making investments in our area. Definitely go check them out for yourself! </p><p>And just like that, another year comes to a close. And another To Dine Challenge completed! </p><p><a href="https://squarescullery.com/" target="_blank">Square Scullery</a><br />783 W Market Street<br />Akron, OH 44303<br />(330) 983-9387</p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-31041281493454641672021-12-28T01:00:00.001-05:002021-12-28T01:00:00.191-05:00Battiste and Dupree Cajun Grill<p>Two more to go as the year nears an end! I'm racing to complete my <b><a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2021/01/2021-to-dine-challenge.html" target="_blank">2021 To Dine Challenge</a></b> list of 10 restaurants that YOU helped select. Next up was <b><a href="http://battisteanddupreecajungrill.com/index.html" target="_blank">Battiste and Dupree Cajun Grill </a></b>in South Euclid. </p><p>A very small little place, immediately with a lot of character and charm.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtJDPS1c-W3eGOxWO2MvGMXxVkfgyAuI6YCMzzrfBEfPvw-MaTKgnmhvCn9oUX1holliTHcx2O_Y-_ptFYj9Wz2lL6_sQEH2_53Ov4pWw3uqEvWOuE9TV5qdhbWQZxZsxt19kg90lsf1ueADFrqS3t_VxtGa8LAk9is0YFkADfR__NIiFfosFt-ejB=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtJDPS1c-W3eGOxWO2MvGMXxVkfgyAuI6YCMzzrfBEfPvw-MaTKgnmhvCn9oUX1holliTHcx2O_Y-_ptFYj9Wz2lL6_sQEH2_53Ov4pWw3uqEvWOuE9TV5qdhbWQZxZsxt19kg90lsf1ueADFrqS3t_VxtGa8LAk9is0YFkADfR__NIiFfosFt-ejB=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div>We had placed a takeout order in advance (<i>reasonable 60-minute wait on Saturday evening</i>), so Mr. H just picked up our food at the bar and chatted with the owner for a few minutes about supply chain issues and the impact the pandemic continues to have on our local restaurants. He was so nice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDoU6UQtKcrHTOOpFGepWKuzDd2xCZMDjNPD5Qq2lQYB2C6atBpbkk6HgxfY2JDRY0Rqc4aBoYz2iNHwRa3zAmvLNmFckKl2mi1mW7cV7zw4nvjaonlvprp8QlpWE6Nz0LrAsKA2VgkC5Y9HAxV5NmoQuw2XZzsGdN2wNClPYIdI8DGgfH30FPn5N4=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDoU6UQtKcrHTOOpFGepWKuzDd2xCZMDjNPD5Qq2lQYB2C6atBpbkk6HgxfY2JDRY0Rqc4aBoYz2iNHwRa3zAmvLNmFckKl2mi1mW7cV7zw4nvjaonlvprp8QlpWE6Nz0LrAsKA2VgkC5Y9HAxV5NmoQuw2XZzsGdN2wNClPYIdI8DGgfH30FPn5N4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></div><div>We wanted to try a little bit of a lot, so we did some sharing of a few items.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHspKZDqf67lzVAyZJfHQzSB-voG7DdSk_-74JreVTlwpjM53zeJfeGr-YR1zHHAsej-Lb2ojkk405ZkIOGusaI_ROm34_2xvqFs4hMyt4V5ZD6sT8hn-L4EZZ9WR3Jdb3_yXtTeTkylRCVQylqeekxzqG4HcudxRFoI7DrgBvgkMhgBQji42K0s1q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHspKZDqf67lzVAyZJfHQzSB-voG7DdSk_-74JreVTlwpjM53zeJfeGr-YR1zHHAsej-Lb2ojkk405ZkIOGusaI_ROm34_2xvqFs4hMyt4V5ZD6sT8hn-L4EZZ9WR3Jdb3_yXtTeTkylRCVQylqeekxzqG4HcudxRFoI7DrgBvgkMhgBQji42K0s1q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div>Shrimp Etouffee ($16.50)</div><div>Cajun Fried Shrimp 3/4 lb of fried shrimp served with remoulade ($15.00)</div><div>Cajun Fried Perch Dinner with 4 pieces and any 2 sides ($16.25)</div><div>Jambalaya</div><div>Red Beans & Rice</div><div>Mustard Greens</div><div>Creole Green Beans</div><div>Chicken & Sausage Gumbo </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Everything had such good, classic Cajun flavor. It totally reminded us of our trip to New Orleans. While it has some spice to several of the sauces and seasonings, it isn't heat and you shouldn't shy away. There wasn't a "standout" dish that I'd be dying to get again, but overall, we were just happy with the meal and to support a small business during these challenging times. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://battisteanddupreecajungrill.com/index.html" target="_blank">Battiste and Dupree Cajun Grill</a><br />1992 Warrensville Center Road<br />South Euclid, OH 44121<br />(216) 381-3341<p></p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-80842672778230772542021-12-26T01:00:00.001-05:002021-12-26T01:00:00.222-05:00Good Meal Jane Update<p>I previously shared our experience with the mouth-watering Detroit-style pizza from <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/goodmealjane/" target="_blank">Good Meal Jane</a></b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrumVf6v-ml6zwEkJ52iEhJbMEdzAGhB096WxybkS4tnORknCnXoH2m4YKOBwlreOG9jeQhTRsID6jTiY4nN-EOS35LZpKD8-hmyIe5osCUKwNA2mYpDYVweNMRoeqK4jPc9hCGpKxaDEtreSOl3ENSNdmwsTJE6tHS3M8nNvKGWapnbLYa3YxRiu=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrumVf6v-ml6zwEkJ52iEhJbMEdzAGhB096WxybkS4tnORknCnXoH2m4YKOBwlreOG9jeQhTRsID6jTiY4nN-EOS35LZpKD8-hmyIe5osCUKwNA2mYpDYVweNMRoeqK4jPc9hCGpKxaDEtreSOl3ENSNdmwsTJE6tHS3M8nNvKGWapnbLYa3YxRiu=w640-h404" width="640" /></a></div>While they no longer have a stand in the building on the corner of West 25th and Detroit, they are still slingin' some pies for pre-order pickup in the parking lot of a convenience store in Old Brooklyn. Because the good news is that they've secured a new brick-and-mortar spot on Memphis Avenue, and plan to open after some renovations. <div><br /></div><div>They'll be introducing new menu items as well, like the <b>Sheesh Burger</b>. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyKD58E1Jc77IlwQuhOWz9YAsOHdcgPcVVeFdnYMk5l_OTbu0j6TDvafXxlgDIDoxnLnixO5nqfe-CEhBtu-nDu7HEt4OOqPfwh--OxSHwZk5CqzX5XgYQZ-6YrcT5mLf7r9MNsfR9MuI93z3QTPRveLJ3XYzs2DfIPV96oUQ0pRAifInodxTkuVj7=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyKD58E1Jc77IlwQuhOWz9YAsOHdcgPcVVeFdnYMk5l_OTbu0j6TDvafXxlgDIDoxnLnixO5nqfe-CEhBtu-nDu7HEt4OOqPfwh--OxSHwZk5CqzX5XgYQZ-6YrcT5mLf7r9MNsfR9MuI93z3QTPRveLJ3XYzs2DfIPV96oUQ0pRAifInodxTkuVj7=w640-h378" width="640" /></a></div>Two 5oz smash patties, pickles, Flaming Hot Cheetos brioche bun, nacho cheese, and American cheese.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGE6fI6ch0L-Fl9PXLBYYz5HdP0j1f2dMWbU2caBu9DfBGy_HtTg3VDXLDcV3afqoVnGJqufDHhYTrj5c2yEPRBg0ovmD-TS_8kEndUCJmeFsjGP2Hu1e_7J_rZ3YNkWJ8HAojl9liVNsqFubZwxWyJDEjV-RGPtSJHOiQe3FkdJ0dTIV-8YKK1ImJ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGE6fI6ch0L-Fl9PXLBYYz5HdP0j1f2dMWbU2caBu9DfBGy_HtTg3VDXLDcV3afqoVnGJqufDHhYTrj5c2yEPRBg0ovmD-TS_8kEndUCJmeFsjGP2Hu1e_7J_rZ3YNkWJ8HAojl9liVNsqFubZwxWyJDEjV-RGPtSJHOiQe3FkdJ0dTIV-8YKK1ImJ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>This may sound like it would be a hot mess, or even unappealing to some, but it.just.works.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>I mean, look at the smile on that guy!</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilyJG3a8TpBxO0qbaXlOEEQrepTV9SWbLvvni13h5yXUqkjKUefUC-c8tH7mAhJlg6kr3xuCzlonVubyrzrqzlZf7fPQVawdUNCnRkx7WmsVobRkTO51mWF9kZxmkccKd8XhWGLaAmwfwnY9i7e2uF8Ve2l49b19d2o22VbIFHza9wzphyJ7Mes_gL=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1977" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilyJG3a8TpBxO0qbaXlOEEQrepTV9SWbLvvni13h5yXUqkjKUefUC-c8tH7mAhJlg6kr3xuCzlonVubyrzrqzlZf7fPQVawdUNCnRkx7WmsVobRkTO51mWF9kZxmkccKd8XhWGLaAmwfwnY9i7e2uF8Ve2l49b19d2o22VbIFHza9wzphyJ7Mes_gL=w618-h640" width="618" /></a></div>Smash burgers and Cheetos are two of my favorite guilty pleasure foods, and I certainly never thought I'd see them together! I'm already anxiously awaiting their opening in my neighborhood. Although this could get dangerous... <p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure: I was provided with the meal complimentary in exchange for my honest review and postings on social media. All opinions stated are 100% my own.</span></i></p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-25031624816575952752021-12-22T10:31:00.001-05:002021-12-22T10:54:50.571-05:00Black Box Fix<p>The countdown is on. The holidays are here, the end of the year is looming, and it's a race for me to finish my <b><a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2021/01/2021-to-dine-challenge.html" target="_blank">2021 To Dine Challenge</a></b> list! <i>With three to go in December, can we get it done?</i> Let's go!</p><p>First up, we hit <b><a href="https://blackboxfix.com/" target="_blank">Black Box Fix</a></b> for a Saturday takeout lunch. Located in <b>Legacy Village</b> (<i>second location in Columbus, OH</i>), it can be a great option as you're shopping or there for services. But the parking around there doesn't make it ideal for a single stop on its own. After some circling, we did manage to time it right to slide into the Pick-up meter spot across the street. </p><p>Since it was just lunch and they really are known for their overstuffed sandwiches, we decided to share one. We never turn down an opportunity to try a cheesesteak, so we ordered the "<b>Best Damn Cheesesteak</b>" ($15) with a half-pound of seasoned grilled steak, onions, Swiss cheese, provolone, and Cajun queso. Added on a side of <b>Garlic Parmesan Fries</b> ($5), but it was hard to choose from the yummy flavors they have available!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlnnK2G0TFsZFvCRVa5vhrbIB_2CR-a9TVZydtRaRJq31WW475YitFxAzMZCMDz6rj7QSSllJ6MuyC_fySYRmBWbjts2OP4iz0amN9Xcde0hltUzd_pxTpXUtUlMX5-mHjosvl9mh23gQsKRPFwIgT4pHuqMICmQ6khnMbBb9QLcIpbWVhy8kVke_i=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlnnK2G0TFsZFvCRVa5vhrbIB_2CR-a9TVZydtRaRJq31WW475YitFxAzMZCMDz6rj7QSSllJ6MuyC_fySYRmBWbjts2OP4iz0amN9Xcde0hltUzd_pxTpXUtUlMX5-mHjosvl9mh23gQsKRPFwIgT4pHuqMICmQ6khnMbBb9QLcIpbWVhy8kVke_i=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>While my favorite local cheesesteak is still from <b>Original Steak & Hoagie in Twinsburg</b> (<i>Capo's being number two</i>), this was a very good cheesesteak that I do recommend. I would have preferred that the bun be buttered and toasted, but the queso sauce with just that little bit of spicy heat to it was what set this apart from others. <p></p><p>Online ordering is available, which really helps speed up the takeout process. </p><p><i>On to the next!</i></p><p>Black Box Fix<br />25359 Cedar Rd.<br />Lyndhurst, OH 44124</p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-90769626535975230022021-11-08T01:00:00.001-05:002021-11-08T01:00:00.187-05:00Thyme X Table<p>After buying a gift certificate for ourselves when we purchase one for my in-laws in December 2019, we finally made it in to <b><a href="https://thymextable.com/" target="_blank">Thyme Table Restaurant and Bar</a></b> in Bay Village. The pandemic really delayed us getting there, but this certainly won't be our last visit there!</p><p>We immediately loved the cozy and chic atmosphere. It kind of reminded us of our favorite place that closed, The Black Pig. A great craft cocktail, beer, and wine list also won us over easily. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtpjVLyGrahljeyOAFGltQdTUgImwMpASb125-wtwpOoKcbOA9YQ17EyICbyQK1eP2thXSCV8a-YdepSKWy4bIBvXg-ayzECzJBq75IkZs2b_3OtlInm79Zan4hSwRfW5rZvhJm_CE0HnUW-oOblfuefJ6y7pKrIAQtZ4bTkGVrp_H8PGAUCTNBkCc=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtpjVLyGrahljeyOAFGltQdTUgImwMpASb125-wtwpOoKcbOA9YQ17EyICbyQK1eP2thXSCV8a-YdepSKWy4bIBvXg-ayzECzJBq75IkZs2b_3OtlInm79Zan4hSwRfW5rZvhJm_CE0HnUW-oOblfuefJ6y7pKrIAQtZ4bTkGVrp_H8PGAUCTNBkCc=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>We let our server select our appetizer from the couple that we had narrowed it down to.<i> I could have made a meal from them alone! </i>But he picked the <b>Arancini</b> with Blackberry Compote, Brûléed Cheese, and Marcona Almonds. Very nice dish, but no longer available on the winter menu. We were there just before the menu changed for the season.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih4u3idrMjRHsemXX2bBIQTQsdF49EtbN7QBP4C4yVJ47PuC_a3mKekaqyogjGjovZYH0zZOyaRNJuw-XXvoIeLVQhfGQhwt5kEKxaUizeAO1_cSxGtqUVTn4rvAwqAumnvwyS5GDQ_u2XGTvUrMzAKcvEF9R9ZHf1reMzNqp47FNdzjXthxNNB1lz=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2048" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih4u3idrMjRHsemXX2bBIQTQsdF49EtbN7QBP4C4yVJ47PuC_a3mKekaqyogjGjovZYH0zZOyaRNJuw-XXvoIeLVQhfGQhwt5kEKxaUizeAO1_cSxGtqUVTn4rvAwqAumnvwyS5GDQ_u2XGTvUrMzAKcvEF9R9ZHf1reMzNqp47FNdzjXthxNNB1lz=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></div>Which leads to me to the next dish. I should have known better, because half of the components were out of season. <i>But it just sounded good!</i> <b>Striped Bass</b> with Creamy Polenta, Sweet Corn, Peaches, and Pea Shoots. It didn't arrive very warm, so that hurt the texture and flavor of the fish and polenta, but overall there was very little flavor and the fish was overcooked and dry. The whole thing ate pretty bland and it was disappointing. I did bring it up with our serve once he returned. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf2f90yio5cxky_grvP1kbVUQVttcyLAOKPv0qC_y_vlfFO1zTO9UI09wiYIp3t4ZVsZH6dWL_-xIDd3u1X-LrmbKjaFJBkUYf8Zqwp-7Wh_LfHL8vqkzY9L-VBRw4a1M_6j_ag1r74PpWVrs7gkva_TxzwyhdIXXA6ml7UuqP5aU571zw75d28Au2=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf2f90yio5cxky_grvP1kbVUQVttcyLAOKPv0qC_y_vlfFO1zTO9UI09wiYIp3t4ZVsZH6dWL_-xIDd3u1X-LrmbKjaFJBkUYf8Zqwp-7Wh_LfHL8vqkzY9L-VBRw4a1M_6j_ag1r74PpWVrs7gkva_TxzwyhdIXXA6ml7UuqP5aU571zw75d28Au2=w640-h378" width="640" /></a></div>Lucky for me, we were doing a bit of sharing and Mr. H had ordered the <b>Roasted Vegetables and Risotto</b> ($19) with wild mushrooms, asparagus, caramelized onions, creamy garlic risotto, and basil pesto with lightly dressed greens. <i>It was fantastic, and we'll be recreating this dish at home soon!</i> They changed the vegetables slightly, but you can still enjoy this dish on the new menu. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZVktz3ziLWx-htQVzQlzog9KWbLSc2HVdoUKoUyQHwZvmWgI16NdYSEk99AhK88UApqIriM5_gMqdhOie3L0YNkGL0JYq183dj8HKwjgtBio_1i721nS520qC4e1sxnlRk8ilQ1cWbYfjFpcHw8Xymr8fFPKdqiPjjzO8tyGk3O4egY_4bV50c1gt=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2048" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZVktz3ziLWx-htQVzQlzog9KWbLSc2HVdoUKoUyQHwZvmWgI16NdYSEk99AhK88UApqIriM5_gMqdhOie3L0YNkGL0JYq183dj8HKwjgtBio_1i721nS520qC4e1sxnlRk8ilQ1cWbYfjFpcHw8Xymr8fFPKdqiPjjzO8tyGk3O4egY_4bV50c1gt=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></div>Aside from the one disappointing dish, we really enjoyed our meal and the vibe of the restaurant. Service was good, despite it being very busy. They have a dedicated parking lot right next to the building. Highly recommend checking them out if you haven't already.<p></p><p><a href="https://thymextable.com/" target="_blank">Thyme Table Restaurant and Bar</a><br />583 Dover Center Road<br />Bay Village, OH 44140<br />(440) 617-6964</p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-70963493104691551452021-10-26T13:31:00.002-04:002021-10-26T13:31:30.602-04:00Small City Taphouse<p>Things are quiet over here these days. My new small business, <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EvyLenaVintage" target="_blank">Evy Lena Vintage</a></b>, is keeping me busy during every spare minute that I have. I'm learning a ton, finding such joy in running my shop, and achieving goals that I set for myself. To put it simply...life is good. Like real good.</p><p>But that doesn't mean that Mr. H and I aren't still having some dining adventures. Now they just might include a thrift store stop or center around picking up winnings from an estate sale auction. Which is how we found ourselves in <b>Sandusky</b> one Saturday afternoon. </p><p>I went to Twitter for your recommendations, and boy did you follow through! We looked at a few menus, and settled on <b><a href="https://www.smallcitytaphouse.com/" target="_blank">Small City Taphouse</a></b> for their Asian cuisine and extensive craft beer list.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmYX_-8tjiS9p93pFEYb-HB_k6PnHmnBZHU2tC9x559lLVIhFI5zLQc8OXMo4MLK7ShgkZxqIf5NTQCAEnsHPp_IXguC5rnNE6qSJhPMXV232RxY69E8KXIM-JxWundDpIjJXwdu4ekg/s2048/IMG_0293.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmYX_-8tjiS9p93pFEYb-HB_k6PnHmnBZHU2tC9x559lLVIhFI5zLQc8OXMo4MLK7ShgkZxqIf5NTQCAEnsHPp_IXguC5rnNE6qSJhPMXV232RxY69E8KXIM-JxWundDpIjJXwdu4ekg/w456-h640/IMG_0293.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>Several items in the Appetizers section sounded good, so we went for the <b>SAMPLER</b> ($12) with 2 soft spring rolls, 2 crispy spring rolls, 2 toasted shrimp, 2 jumbo crispy shrimp, and 2 fried pork dumplings. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNHtkDMCl2qdgZCmDbeUvM6DLr8gYzhP95dkT__VIp2tN4zUp5qzpPgc5fxE5Vof4iDIeA0XZa5DB5CrZk56nvyL6diU41edCRbu2nWTnWhQaoNncEWGKueHnZYOqTAwshiQoxM8DiPI/s2048/IMG_0294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNHtkDMCl2qdgZCmDbeUvM6DLr8gYzhP95dkT__VIp2tN4zUp5qzpPgc5fxE5Vof4iDIeA0XZa5DB5CrZk56nvyL6diU41edCRbu2nWTnWhQaoNncEWGKueHnZYOqTAwshiQoxM8DiPI/w578-h640/IMG_0294.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>A good way to try a little bit of everything. Our favorite was the <b>Toasted Shrimp</b>. Everything was good and we enjoyed it, but nothing was noteworthy. <div><br /></div><div>The second appetizer that appealed to us was the <b>BANH MI WITH MEATBALL</b> ($7), served with pickled carrot, cucumber, cilantro and pepper.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PIAr2TEHOU3A0dWdX4YndzbkQotvXByMdUDBfT5CwecRW-Qz7zBh31DfTDg5YKPaSNilO602o1sd1nIIz5yPK0qQKdfVMYOpH8rzQzw1oQzHSUylhZ9ckxMn8IkNkePx7AGDLPrtT0E/s2048/IMG_0295.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PIAr2TEHOU3A0dWdX4YndzbkQotvXByMdUDBfT5CwecRW-Qz7zBh31DfTDg5YKPaSNilO602o1sd1nIIz5yPK0qQKdfVMYOpH8rzQzw1oQzHSUylhZ9ckxMn8IkNkePx7AGDLPrtT0E/w640-h430/IMG_0295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>When it arrived at the table, it wasn't at all what we were expecting! Which is always kind of fun. I thought maybe it would be a slider, steamed bun, or crostini. It was tasty, but I was kind of missing a more traditional version if I'm honest. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, they have a good amount of sushi on their menu, so we decided to share two<b> House Special Rolls</b>. <i>I loved their use of chili crisp!</i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMH7cKRecAL-_90Jw0isdJdvClA6vvHhQM1MjyzYqEoyPxFiPBdJTWCEQ8-PSTA2q-aI3BQYV_PcDu__CUBKEGzg-NNln49JwSMVKkfN91UitGoBUpVOf4Lnunw4uiSB06AqMTH2M4SU/s2048/IMG_0296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMH7cKRecAL-_90Jw0isdJdvClA6vvHhQM1MjyzYqEoyPxFiPBdJTWCEQ8-PSTA2q-aI3BQYV_PcDu__CUBKEGzg-NNln49JwSMVKkfN91UitGoBUpVOf4Lnunw4uiSB06AqMTH2M4SU/w640-h408/IMG_0296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We enjoyed our lunch and the casual sports-bar feel of the restaurant & bar, and even enjoyed a new-to-us stout so much that we bought a crowler to take home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5YBtgp5qfdlrGAPn3LGeBZO-H4urqcTjo5maytLqRiaK6jDpzhoxjJGmYUafMoU8xuLvTUW6_geaogbdmA0s6EQQ5lxKYybqte_ose3bbnLuUAi1AwhYGDFy3euKIXK0IG0nVqDsV5Q/s2048/IMG_0297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1422" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5YBtgp5qfdlrGAPn3LGeBZO-H4urqcTjo5maytLqRiaK6jDpzhoxjJGmYUafMoU8xuLvTUW6_geaogbdmA0s6EQQ5lxKYybqte_ose3bbnLuUAi1AwhYGDFy3euKIXK0IG0nVqDsV5Q/w444-h640/IMG_0297.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>While we won't be making a special trip here, it's definitely a good spot to stop at if you're in the area. Family-friendly atmosphere, walkable area, and easy public parking on the street. <p></p><div><a href="https://www.smallcitytaphouse.com/" target="_blank">Small City Taphouse</a></div><div><div>202 Columbus Avenue</div><div>Sandusky, OH 44870</div><div>(419) 502-0099</div></div></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-16349937876570972622021-09-21T01:00:00.001-04:002021-09-21T01:00:00.212-04:00Happy Cows Group Share<p>The owner of <b><a href="http://sharehappycows.com/index.html" target="_blank">Happy Cows Group Share</a></b> reached out to me to share a little about her business and asked if I'd be willing to come in to check out their retail location in Seven Hills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhJf_Mn2Lrph9KRi1veDwYGQywzI3GidpUdMGpBtHI5sPJeOscTF7HRpDqZL1XZl1CJEnGW3oTTFEjacZJjwKNW-rLT0KJaDxlDqWbN1aAP4XOuNgFqiv60ljme-YFPt1EycD8FkkfcQ/s2048/IMG_6975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1329" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhJf_Mn2Lrph9KRi1veDwYGQywzI3GidpUdMGpBtHI5sPJeOscTF7HRpDqZL1XZl1CJEnGW3oTTFEjacZJjwKNW-rLT0KJaDxlDqWbN1aAP4XOuNgFqiv60ljme-YFPt1EycD8FkkfcQ/w416-h640/IMG_6975.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>It is exactly the type of local business that I like to bring to you guys. They offer locally raised meat in convenient, affordable, and customizable shares.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvp4zb8yrxqROgDv7RXZXxTRivo8oUGyWHTxMtK-YS1RKAgL_-XyAkzE1ZKCs7iuJss0U7KOK61kk1hMGIJY0GC9T6tT3BM7BWA-FYIE5ljKifiOqgWDqsWWQ8N82OjLbfu5QHg6AeQY/s2048/IMG_6968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvp4zb8yrxqROgDv7RXZXxTRivo8oUGyWHTxMtK-YS1RKAgL_-XyAkzE1ZKCs7iuJss0U7KOK61kk1hMGIJY0GC9T6tT3BM7BWA-FYIE5ljKifiOqgWDqsWWQ8N82OjLbfu5QHg6AeQY/w640-h480/IMG_6968.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>They have bulk pricing, so you buy by the share, instead of by the cut. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVGU1T0unL16jpLGtr4WB8PAtAbXszthWOqKElM2_X-oirvevHgTNdOKNEJLyRnuTv7BF_4tvODYvjh7RhOT8z0LrCn8bmw8GwAcXviEFm1_dlIhRWfS1x_34eZeN8rRGvT0LBHNbnL0/s2048/IMG_6970.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVGU1T0unL16jpLGtr4WB8PAtAbXszthWOqKElM2_X-oirvevHgTNdOKNEJLyRnuTv7BF_4tvODYvjh7RhOT8z0LrCn8bmw8GwAcXviEFm1_dlIhRWfS1x_34eZeN8rRGvT0LBHNbnL0/w640-h360/IMG_6970.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>They also have an extensive line of locally produced pantry goods.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTmEiHmwhbqZD2X7R0wBUI6HF2BIqdw1luLbdGMnj25Cdemf4hXeMrZ_iB8iuhh4bEbQQ9haSndA6oe-fWjYOgabic_RIvb49quqAoz1vZxklAC-tt7276Nz4YSLY93X7nGDlTBHBoSg/s2048/IMG_6966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2048" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTmEiHmwhbqZD2X7R0wBUI6HF2BIqdw1luLbdGMnj25Cdemf4hXeMrZ_iB8iuhh4bEbQQ9haSndA6oe-fWjYOgabic_RIvb49quqAoz1vZxklAC-tt7276Nz4YSLY93X7nGDlTBHBoSg/w640-h354/IMG_6966.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Including some of our favorite brands...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw26z0DpmJNKLc8HdNttNJSS1z-oGwX8SvKRLKc-2cRXXVh9gTdKLsb30ZYT58bzkjYsLXw2Jpqrfu_9hHKa8hBI5hpK9-FeJzgH8-MJVwcXNzp9jzfNqgstbmcL2tfCo_g6fC67eEoQ/s2048/IMG_6965.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1774" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw26z0DpmJNKLc8HdNttNJSS1z-oGwX8SvKRLKc-2cRXXVh9gTdKLsb30ZYT58bzkjYsLXw2Jpqrfu_9hHKa8hBI5hpK9-FeJzgH8-MJVwcXNzp9jzfNqgstbmcL2tfCo_g6fC67eEoQ/w554-h640/IMG_6965.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and several that we hadn't heard of yet.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajqmlqnZg9b8WuGoLbJ11Qcf8Dgcy1zr-WL8TCLK7Y4yS9Mh9h3lV3pTUxNyv2VteWaP7hxBUfracLWiCxrnQR1XekXI51etPtgino96NBD_J60E-i0I8MKU9gdPlqFJc2gN-7tOEKTE/s2048/IMG_6969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajqmlqnZg9b8WuGoLbJ11Qcf8Dgcy1zr-WL8TCLK7Y4yS9Mh9h3lV3pTUxNyv2VteWaP7hxBUfracLWiCxrnQR1XekXI51etPtgino96NBD_J60E-i0I8MKU9gdPlqFJc2gN-7tOEKTE/w480-h640/IMG_6969.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>We were gifted a pound of their<b> Ground Beef</b>. Mr. H whipped up some homemade brioche buns for the first time, and wow that was a good <b>Smash Burger</b>!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfakJIwrYRA2gfBPRzxGSeYjh4R7hwfAeDdxzw7N7GuvXxPVquOULK9J0h87i1Vqu_LULElC2ukcVgnbCB-l-Wd5kfhfKbXKoKdcebY4JMaZlnIYH1ioDWLodu6xEUtCNOMf6Y3Snd5ps/s2048/IMG_7068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfakJIwrYRA2gfBPRzxGSeYjh4R7hwfAeDdxzw7N7GuvXxPVquOULK9J0h87i1Vqu_LULElC2ukcVgnbCB-l-Wd5kfhfKbXKoKdcebY4JMaZlnIYH1ioDWLodu6xEUtCNOMf6Y3Snd5ps/w640-h430/IMG_7068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We also took home <b>Short Ribs</b>...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFKhg0MBCIFjbdSytiVfF1bKJ5JtQ0I4upYwg9XlDui4UWpu-k48APPSUefNFvjsMUhEwdm1_Nl8kQdBu8b7hgy4Jwlmbfo8VlGDkY6eK5Cr6s1BShUrgQdHPRalj5tzI2bguxpeZiqU/s2048/IMG_7294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFKhg0MBCIFjbdSytiVfF1bKJ5JtQ0I4upYwg9XlDui4UWpu-k48APPSUefNFvjsMUhEwdm1_Nl8kQdBu8b7hgy4Jwlmbfo8VlGDkY6eK5Cr6s1BShUrgQdHPRalj5tzI2bguxpeZiqU/w640-h430/IMG_7294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>...that Mr. H smoked...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VniNJ3qRTg8RMb1tqTHiFjvjyeIBWSJYrXiSI0Mv-vL063XJ4FkOwccYewf8fQKxoCq8H0cv3IwP7JqRcPtiq9XCj-cTb6kOw-vJcB1D_vOQ98bMOfcV0ey-Q98R_H7tCUvgU5E8oSw/s2048/IMG_7295.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VniNJ3qRTg8RMb1tqTHiFjvjyeIBWSJYrXiSI0Mv-vL063XJ4FkOwccYewf8fQKxoCq8H0cv3IwP7JqRcPtiq9XCj-cTb6kOw-vJcB1D_vOQ98bMOfcV0ey-Q98R_H7tCUvgU5E8oSw/w640-h438/IMG_7295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>...and seared...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFznphzU1QAmDXEtGd_iSVjBwfpMazse0OPf01Z75Oxm2z9v5gk_E_M8a5A4LbEE9HHPwgDRKcTLqgNU6E8gnD1RVzOA8Hbe_E6gMuIbcunouEwCYrEIN6jcTz-_zGyLvCGv0SAKV7x0w/s2048/IMG_2259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFznphzU1QAmDXEtGd_iSVjBwfpMazse0OPf01Z75Oxm2z9v5gk_E_M8a5A4LbEE9HHPwgDRKcTLqgNU6E8gnD1RVzOA8Hbe_E6gMuIbcunouEwCYrEIN6jcTz-_zGyLvCGv0SAKV7x0w/w496-h640/IMG_2259.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>...before turning it into <b>Smoked Short Rib Steamed Buns</b>. <i>Yum, yum!</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1P0kmUyZzEKIkVZVw6xFo9t-9GTfbakyHsdR1r7GVAZMnsJ7taOGjQPJg0I-6jTPln8GyjeOpkIqtl3YaXZ_sqwsaUDfqLnV99AhOFeNE6BZ3Ce2-9lcKqeVLGuf3pJFzJ6xfdpREga4/s2048/IMG_7300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1P0kmUyZzEKIkVZVw6xFo9t-9GTfbakyHsdR1r7GVAZMnsJ7taOGjQPJg0I-6jTPln8GyjeOpkIqtl3YaXZ_sqwsaUDfqLnV99AhOFeNE6BZ3Ce2-9lcKqeVLGuf3pJFzJ6xfdpREga4/w640-h480/IMG_7300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>You should definitely go check out their retail store and meat shares. When you shop with them, you are supporting local farmers and makers and getting such quality products to feed your family. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://sharehappycows.com/index.html" target="_blank">Happy Cows Group Share</a></div><div><div>7529 Broadview Road</div><div>Seven Hills, OH 44131</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure: I was gifted the meat in exchange for my honest review and sharing my experience on social media. All opinions stated are 100% my own. </span></i></div></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-84423226175349168252021-09-14T01:00:00.001-04:002021-09-14T01:00:00.277-04:00Aqua di Luca Opens in Downtown<p>This post I'm catching up on from July (<i>whoops</i>), but we headed to the newly opened <a href="https://www.acquadiluca.com/" target="_blank"><b>Aqua di Luca</b></a> in <b>Downtown Cleveland</b>. Normally, we don't head right in when a new spot opens up. We like to give them time to settle in and fix any opening issues. But this was opened by the folks behind one of our very favorite restaurants in the city, <b>Luca</b> (<i>and Luca West</i>). So we made an exception. </p><p>Plus, we wanted to celebrate a successful first month of my small business! That meant delicious cocktails from their bar. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScwmf-h38WjijlJdQiANtZlSS5EWtOD2uRx5RYp_gMOVfzbmmQllL3KF4hMpZ-mri3pweaTVqYFO8fPLs6sVEAK1N0FwUbgdAoYX4S4uTTz9PpN2qCub1l6Q_QfiL8A00QDX-V3n3PYc/s2048/D4F18449-A73D-4277-A1AC-CFC27D8021DA.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScwmf-h38WjijlJdQiANtZlSS5EWtOD2uRx5RYp_gMOVfzbmmQllL3KF4hMpZ-mri3pweaTVqYFO8fPLs6sVEAK1N0FwUbgdAoYX4S4uTTz9PpN2qCub1l6Q_QfiL8A00QDX-V3n3PYc/w512-h640/D4F18449-A73D-4277-A1AC-CFC27D8021DA.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>Sappy moment...this guy has been so supportive, encouraging, and involved in my starting my dream business. I feel pretty lucky to have him by my side, and there's no one else I'd rather celebrate with!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtykqV4ElOtgPLpc9ScU_QpRxs_099xGWJijP_SA_1CYidDUeSyKMGOQt9zLqlaooxsG8m9htOcfU1m4xv2wNCDZK2uqD7w6Wkc700dI-xZMi2Qfgjovb19DMzV6Or22_YoeLxAOo9sQ4/s2048/IMG_7927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtykqV4ElOtgPLpc9ScU_QpRxs_099xGWJijP_SA_1CYidDUeSyKMGOQt9zLqlaooxsG8m9htOcfU1m4xv2wNCDZK2uqD7w6Wkc700dI-xZMi2Qfgjovb19DMzV6Or22_YoeLxAOo9sQ4/w480-h640/IMG_7927.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>We started with the<b> Sashimi Grade Tuna</b> ($15) with honeycomb and spicy peppers. It's a simple dish, but one that I think is a not-miss if you're dining there. <i>We were inspired to try making this at home.</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoTL8zMlfeToRw7Bn_v4OXuhyroANSY0-XB6C8FIc7NbYuJRR6FjAVSPd3niasUsCrc7ZV0KR5G6U1JE173lfDXs-jaz5zuHE0bTqjNz-KWF5LS2GTsfUTMSzxh8cscpew7IgypmDklY/s2048/IMG_7923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="2048" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoTL8zMlfeToRw7Bn_v4OXuhyroANSY0-XB6C8FIc7NbYuJRR6FjAVSPd3niasUsCrc7ZV0KR5G6U1JE173lfDXs-jaz5zuHE0bTqjNz-KWF5LS2GTsfUTMSzxh8cscpew7IgypmDklY/w640-h444/IMG_7923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We split the <b>Cacio e Pepe</b> ($10), but this dish needs some work before I'd recommend it. There was not enough dressing on the plate, and very little flavor to it. Iceberg lettuce needs assistance. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJyj0FYr8XZZOFKNnMoxz7UYLuJwAmKMqy7Ili3ccEBFWmSuVYWa3x48Bp8i1BLT10Ae_Buz35wAOTph84JHDcUquiixSVHJSyz8l_NU8ePJ3GObjgejw7mtAE_JPL3mUJ79OCiMKjkE/s2048/IMG_7926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJyj0FYr8XZZOFKNnMoxz7UYLuJwAmKMqy7Ili3ccEBFWmSuVYWa3x48Bp8i1BLT10Ae_Buz35wAOTph84JHDcUquiixSVHJSyz8l_NU8ePJ3GObjgejw7mtAE_JPL3mUJ79OCiMKjkE/w640-h402/IMG_7926.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Mr. H ordered the <b>Salmone con Ravioli </b>($45) with Jumbo Lump Bluecrab and Lobster Ravioli. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKoDJprHHCEGCmqht6gPyWofk2bl_RI89r8wZD_Un-S6pArVRuyBmzMF40auMUvNkq13ZUeTrlvErP5uekAybj1swm0vKJaLgMqSBeF_WZ2PEhMGLhJYhaXi-so1jKP3DhWvNrpD6cj0/s2048/IMG_7929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKoDJprHHCEGCmqht6gPyWofk2bl_RI89r8wZD_Un-S6pArVRuyBmzMF40auMUvNkq13ZUeTrlvErP5uekAybj1swm0vKJaLgMqSBeF_WZ2PEhMGLhJYhaXi-so1jKP3DhWvNrpD6cj0/w640-h378/IMG_7929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I had the <b>Filet Mignon and Lobster Gnocchi</b> ($55).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY7MiJ00NSPz1qqKztf_nh7Rd-kDZOcBmHAeM9GdyhqNmPcfnQtSUWxqrof6VrSvg-lseA-WMOQJsbZ0KCXSO0NTXqkKpdHkAhOM6dq1Fj0dtdtHvjBhn3e5RWM-xPAVBukUAyy6FlxM/s2048/IMG_7928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY7MiJ00NSPz1qqKztf_nh7Rd-kDZOcBmHAeM9GdyhqNmPcfnQtSUWxqrof6VrSvg-lseA-WMOQJsbZ0KCXSO0NTXqkKpdHkAhOM6dq1Fj0dtdtHvjBhn3e5RWM-xPAVBukUAyy6FlxM/w640-h386/IMG_7928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>There were definitely some opening growing pains in food execution and service, but I have no doubt it will settle in to be a staple of Downtown Cleveland dining. The space used to be XO Prime Steaks, but you wouldn't recognize it from all of the gorgeous work they've done inside. Outdoor seating available, and a nice long bar for more casual dining.<p></p><p>I'll give it a little more time, but you bet that we'll be back!</p><p><a href="https://www.acquadiluca.com/" target="_blank">Aqua di Luca</a><br />500 W St. Clair Avenue<br />Cleveland, OH</p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-11880815374651369692021-09-07T01:00:00.001-04:002021-09-07T01:00:00.227-04:00Istanbul Grill<p> Well, that was an unexpected two-month hiatus from the blog. But not surprising. <i>I have NEWS!</i> I started my own small business, selling vintage housewares on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EvyLenaVintage" target="_blank"><b>Etsy</b></a> and<b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/evylenavintage/" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></b>. It's called Evy Lena Vintage, after my grandmother and great-grandmother, and it's been an "if money was no object, what would your dream job be" for a while. This pandemic and other recent big life events really put things into perspective for me, and I decided to stop holding myself back from chasing that dream. But it leaves very little time, energy, and interest for this space of the internet. So the posts will be fewer and far between as I navigate this new phase of my life. Thanks for coming along with me all these years.</p><p>In an effort to still complete the <b><a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2021/01/2021-to-dine-challenge.html" target="_blank">2021 To Dine Challenge</a></b>, Mr. H and I swung by <b><a href="https://www.istanbulgrillavon.com/" target="_blank">Istanbul Grill</a></b> in Avon the other night (<i>I had some estate sale auction winnings to pick up, so win-win!</i>).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS5UORCbSLECKjgRHhi_n1qHE2M1VtA__59jPPF-qRZ8-aG1pd30VG52_eRyeX8jstmgU8Bu2Zpi9pRG6n59XOiQW5gSHYrXxnPOYHfp6NmZxZqbn1lIVIX2wp2H1BPBrXAVQoipD1lU/s2048/IMG_9863.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS5UORCbSLECKjgRHhi_n1qHE2M1VtA__59jPPF-qRZ8-aG1pd30VG52_eRyeX8jstmgU8Bu2Zpi9pRG6n59XOiQW5gSHYrXxnPOYHfp6NmZxZqbn1lIVIX2wp2H1BPBrXAVQoipD1lU/w446-h640/IMG_9863.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>This one had made it to the list because there used to be an Istanbul Grill (<i>no relation</i>) in Tremont that made this particular dish I loved, and this restaurant also had that dish on their menu.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IAgszGwACTOfd8kUTtaUuxuWkpxuCB1CNDnv_M7P5w4dw9tq2SBIaGBcgJ0aIxg4EohM0_ts1lPTBuuqxqZ2Jkk0FCVS0b-dbtxCbmA0mLtRKoqaqo8RsZ3woPUGVBIVgtZCI-BDC9A/s2048/IMG_9864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1623" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IAgszGwACTOfd8kUTtaUuxuWkpxuCB1CNDnv_M7P5w4dw9tq2SBIaGBcgJ0aIxg4EohM0_ts1lPTBuuqxqZ2Jkk0FCVS0b-dbtxCbmA0mLtRKoqaqo8RsZ3woPUGVBIVgtZCI-BDC9A/w508-h640/IMG_9864.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>We were greeted with seasoned bread and two dips, a cool yogurt-based one and a slightly spicy almost marinara-like one. <i>A mix was Mr. H's favorite!</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05YWHIiy6Zx8DhbhDo-3M9n2Ytzq-gvvwmg0xHJghJR_VU567EVMzt4xbAy1JWmDrQEes4DYfiLgkYWGQWDttwzyt4ur04ADiOm-e4SR7mjjVXCLBp6s0T_wExH15CGz3ozdg5UPc5ag/s2048/IMG_9865.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05YWHIiy6Zx8DhbhDo-3M9n2Ytzq-gvvwmg0xHJghJR_VU567EVMzt4xbAy1JWmDrQEes4DYfiLgkYWGQWDttwzyt4ur04ADiOm-e4SR7mjjVXCLBp6s0T_wExH15CGz3ozdg5UPc5ag/w480-h640/IMG_9865.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>He ordered the <b>Sultan's Delight "Hunkar Begendi"</b> ($19.99) with tender cubes of lamb, red and green bell peppers in a tomato sauce, served over a creamy bed of pureed eggplant and cheese. The portion was huge, piping hot, and quite tasty. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIx2AdZkpP2Hek6ELx15lcrizcDokHD_MHjPt4oODZoOHLVmkHbPGiOIsU0Wxx3xwPanDpnx2JfAc1w-q4d9zoFhVHSJxssSQICs6TvV3ubkLo58qjossCFJVpxY2tJ5l_usgnGKksm0/s2048/IMG_9866.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIx2AdZkpP2Hek6ELx15lcrizcDokHD_MHjPt4oODZoOHLVmkHbPGiOIsU0Wxx3xwPanDpnx2JfAc1w-q4d9zoFhVHSJxssSQICs6TvV3ubkLo58qjossCFJVpxY2tJ5l_usgnGKksm0/w640-h448/IMG_9866.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I was there for the <b>Iskender Kebab with Yogurt </b>($19.99)<b> </b>of fresh Doner "Gyro" served with croutons and topped with a tomato butter sauce and a side of yogurt.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbg36OSHuHAW2ghrM74GtIUzKaSQLpBJOlHM1NK3fB-xURiHmWQ29gINcP-V4r5v6naA4P9ykvO7QQhO1OO-cgcN8bBI905Y9nZIhsV_7NeOyBQMxxag1-sCR3ZHcJK-pdAIq6OtWFD8/s2048/IMG_9867.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="2048" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbg36OSHuHAW2ghrM74GtIUzKaSQLpBJOlHM1NK3fB-xURiHmWQ29gINcP-V4r5v6naA4P9ykvO7QQhO1OO-cgcN8bBI905Y9nZIhsV_7NeOyBQMxxag1-sCR3ZHcJK-pdAIq6OtWFD8/w640-h408/IMG_9867.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I remember liking the Tremont version a bit better (<i>flavor of sauce, texture of pita</i>), but this was very good too and I'd happily order it again.<div><br /></div><div>We don't find ourselves out that way very often, but I'd pop in here again in a heartbeat. Open for lunch and dinner, has a kids menu, plenty of free parking, and lots of vegetarian options. <br /><p></p><div><div><a href="https://www.istanbulgrillavon.com/" target="_blank">Istanbul Grill</a></div><div>35840 Chester Road</div><div>Avon, OH 44011</div><div>(440) 937-0733</div></div></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-4926937997028258532021-06-24T01:00:00.001-04:002021-06-24T01:00:00.237-04:00Tommy's Restaurant<p>There are a handful of restaurants in Greater Cleveland that if you tell people you haven't been there, they will gasp and shame you. <b><a href="https://tommyscoventry.com/" target="_blank">Tommy's Restaurant </a></b>in Coventry became one of those in my life. </p><p>So, I had to remedy that by adding them to my <b><a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2020/12/2021-to-dine-challenge-submissions.html" target="_blank">2021 To Dine Challenge</a></b> list, and we recently grabbed our east side buddies to dine there for dinner on a weeknight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5FuYShCKpXIgL4ehld3qhz73L8JyPpoBhP_NvKjIUaPZcfStQ1gn6Zj1lLSILossX4AKSH-bAZCQuhbXGuKmEFtnOay-w3Xp_8QiRSAPGEF9NtNscfuj6u3_SW_gMaRkCMirvZUo0Bc/s2048/IMG_7140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1557" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5FuYShCKpXIgL4ehld3qhz73L8JyPpoBhP_NvKjIUaPZcfStQ1gn6Zj1lLSILossX4AKSH-bAZCQuhbXGuKmEFtnOay-w3Xp_8QiRSAPGEF9NtNscfuj6u3_SW_gMaRkCMirvZUo0Bc/w486-h640/IMG_7140.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>The menu is hefty. So I had taken to Twitter a few days in advance to ask for everyone's favorite menu item.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbkb4pDaFFOcVdGK1VK3xWRyMUoULSk5x4am5oyJmhbRpr8PNuyV9iki4ug9dUZQr56q2wjfdnt62d3Zph6yd-LQVgEvbc12BxdMYNJc3v6O7OuO7s0boPor_vQeWjeMF2WAdgYypjU0/s2048/IMG_7134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="2048" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbkb4pDaFFOcVdGK1VK3xWRyMUoULSk5x4am5oyJmhbRpr8PNuyV9iki4ug9dUZQr56q2wjfdnt62d3Zph6yd-LQVgEvbc12BxdMYNJc3v6O7OuO7s0boPor_vQeWjeMF2WAdgYypjU0/w640-h498/IMG_7134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One rose to the top, the <b>Donovan</b> ($8.99) with falafel, veggies, sesame sauce, cheese, mushrooms and baba. While the flavors were all satisfying, I have to say that feeling overwhelmed on how to properly eat this took away from my enjoyment. I did not see a way to pick it up safely, so I knife and forked it.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGDrysCHyTSIgqnBFfMBAbRHP0bBhiLuPJwSNTrnBCB2wpNrVdEz0aWMT4K_J4cy2FJb4qdA-5h3bgy7z7n6tLlvBriKJ-puyhIRGkmD2cIWMMLwO9HbWTgIMIGpp4Wy1pB2yF3AYnD8/s2048/IMG_7138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGDrysCHyTSIgqnBFfMBAbRHP0bBhiLuPJwSNTrnBCB2wpNrVdEz0aWMT4K_J4cy2FJb4qdA-5h3bgy7z7n6tLlvBriKJ-puyhIRGkmD2cIWMMLwO9HbWTgIMIGpp4Wy1pB2yF3AYnD8/w640-h464/IMG_7138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>But who are we kidding, we were really there for the famous <b>French Fries</b> ($4.99). They are purposefully not seasoned, and a neighbor gave us the hot tip to order a side of the <b>Loui</b> sauce (<i>thinner version of Thousand Islands dressing</i>) to dip them in.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl6S-VfXFB4NNZxM1IstQWlX9tfmOZ1HzrBRbHyeCnwE2F65YveEBDwfCJ9x47anhne_AdTL3ojNBD9jyV6DUdGnHDwdSsK1TpXTqSHitXZK-pExKIDc_MWfU7lBR008dRrM0YSKKWro/s2048/IMG_7139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnl6S-VfXFB4NNZxM1IstQWlX9tfmOZ1HzrBRbHyeCnwE2F65YveEBDwfCJ9x47anhne_AdTL3ojNBD9jyV6DUdGnHDwdSsK1TpXTqSHitXZK-pExKIDc_MWfU7lBR008dRrM0YSKKWro/w640-h426/IMG_7139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>To get a taste of several items, Mr. H tried the <b>Wellson</b> ($11.89) sampler platter with 2 falafel balls, mini spinach pie, 1 scoop of hummus, 1 scoop of baba, a side of sesame tahini and pita. The spinach pie was our favorite. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94ckZn3YDC-LG5b8nX1sYPH8q7Md0LyuKC_l2N2zObQ45ona7mmyUtQ49o8abC_KWJdgMJb5vjEarRWPk8c-wk4KuMp6v1sQFecOwzv4YUoZMt86BbAstVVM4cMoOBgRjUh7HuI-Q6IU/s2048/IMG_7137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94ckZn3YDC-LG5b8nX1sYPH8q7Md0LyuKC_l2N2zObQ45ona7mmyUtQ49o8abC_KWJdgMJb5vjEarRWPk8c-wk4KuMp6v1sQFecOwzv4YUoZMt86BbAstVVM4cMoOBgRjUh7HuI-Q6IU/w640-h384/IMG_7137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>No trip to Tommy's is complete without a milkshake. I love a simple, classic <b>Vanilla,</b> but they have more than 15 flavors to choose from if you're more adventuresome. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK991jwOrGNwLZzbylM9F-wWjufG9Rcn4_0VozYz19HYOr6d7CYD6ewz97OeDJ83lWQCk78xhujwSQTYqJIFnIIxmEM744qUf8UzU9i-bI8xp5tXMbD7RiwTdZ-Xrx7fwSJKaOyTBB4o/s2048/IMG_7135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1329" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK991jwOrGNwLZzbylM9F-wWjufG9Rcn4_0VozYz19HYOr6d7CYD6ewz97OeDJ83lWQCk78xhujwSQTYqJIFnIIxmEM744qUf8UzU9i-bI8xp5tXMbD7RiwTdZ-Xrx7fwSJKaOyTBB4o/w416-h640/IMG_7135.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>Look, this stop is all about a piece of culinary history in our area. It's right on Coventry, within steps of other great restaurants and shops, and full of tradition in the family-owned and operated business. <i>Was it the best Mediterranean influenced meal I've had?</i> No. <i>Best diner food I've had?</i> No. But it was a fun excursion, and one that I'm happy to now say that I've done. <div><div><br /><div><a href="https://tommyscoventry.com/" target="_blank">Tommy's Restaurant</a></div></div><div><div>1824 Coventry Road</div><div>Cleveland Heights, OH 44118</div><div>(216) 321-7757</div></div></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-9982253491713299192021-06-21T01:00:00.001-04:002021-06-21T01:00:00.242-04:00Keep the Change Kitchen Collective<p>It's rare that a new-to-us restaurant shoots to the top of our "favorites" list, but it happens. <b><a href="https://www.ktckitchen.com/" target="_blank">Keep the Change Kitchen Collective</a></b>, from the masterminds behind Spice Catering Co., Spice Acres, Spice Field Kitchen, and the former Spice Bar + Kitchen did just that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC8VbgNJbJKO5wb6M8XpAqsYea1z8eqZ3V7fcgNkoeobKQAuwUOfoEHVMxFhLq9bh2fEjrGaa3liO0QfVYnxIJlSBykynCPUB2i6NyuZykBKsQ5sE_Al_EU6nfCWamGVwp3rYHj2aFBo/s2048/IMG_6093.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1774" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC8VbgNJbJKO5wb6M8XpAqsYea1z8eqZ3V7fcgNkoeobKQAuwUOfoEHVMxFhLq9bh2fEjrGaa3liO0QfVYnxIJlSBykynCPUB2i6NyuZykBKsQ5sE_Al_EU6nfCWamGVwp3rYHj2aFBo/w554-h640/IMG_6093.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>In fact, we've already ordered multiple times since our first takeout meal from there.<div><br /></div><div>Currently, you place an order on their website for <b>curbside pickup</b> or from one of the third-party <b>delivery platforms</b> they've partnered with (<i>UberEats, GrubHub, DoorDash</i>). You place one order, but have access to more than one culinary concept! </div><div><br /></div><div>We placed an order from <b>Leif</b> for <b>Shiitake Storm</b> with <b>Adobo Rubbed Chicken Thigh</b> ($15.50) with grains, marinated greens, roasted mushrooms, chili piperade, herby broccoli, marinated onions, furikake seeds and cider-fennel vinaigrette.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2no92Pwucp9-D8lbMlXkA6gH8eDrytEqOcysNjxb9pKlUIUBUJst4hqvmh7pK-xVHFtKmLEGmLdG1ETPWhl74qoopzVeWDkdtMTkyyl3KxlzjpgP88fVCC7tn4SyVZBy4PxuSszov2z0/s2048/IMG_6098.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1703" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2no92Pwucp9-D8lbMlXkA6gH8eDrytEqOcysNjxb9pKlUIUBUJst4hqvmh7pK-xVHFtKmLEGmLdG1ETPWhl74qoopzVeWDkdtMTkyyl3KxlzjpgP88fVCC7tn4SyVZBy4PxuSszov2z0/w532-h640/IMG_6098.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>Then from <b>Woo! Noods and Rice</b> we ordered the <b>Shiitake Mapo Tofu Udon</b> ($14.50) with Cleveland tofu, shiitake + button mushrooms, and GGS (garlic/ginger/scallion) over udon noodles.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTwYoauLVv-ElXUS6jT_zdAfUnkt1dPl_ZJVlZuWHbM6s3YsyHo9IqP24mrWHiNKNhjAHFeEOcBHQgsxo0nI6zqlACcqhj3xLovMNlLTKGwrPOjZPoDgeykd9iG5Ogv_xNkyTphurbRo/s2048/IMG_6094.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1732" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTwYoauLVv-ElXUS6jT_zdAfUnkt1dPl_ZJVlZuWHbM6s3YsyHo9IqP24mrWHiNKNhjAHFeEOcBHQgsxo0nI6zqlACcqhj3xLovMNlLTKGwrPOjZPoDgeykd9iG5Ogv_xNkyTphurbRo/w542-h640/IMG_6094.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>Lastly, I was intrigued to try the crispy gluten-free chicken tenders from <b>Winner Winner</b>, so we shared the <b>Little Ones</b> ($8.50) with 2 crispy, gluten-free Ohio Amish chicken tenders, choice of 1 mini side + 1 sauce. <i>Because the list of house made sauces is ah-maze-ing!</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomMHy74jV4PzNLqZxoEyChVgPZGwRgd7WHPmblbkN80wFxqKnnyRxKsT9MD5oYFb32kJn-o_FFLZnFQuZaeZDxmTKSVje4c2d54a54umghvISzXXR66KL3z4BI0PmwRrbSEDro6YouvA/s2048/IMG_6103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1603" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomMHy74jV4PzNLqZxoEyChVgPZGwRgd7WHPmblbkN80wFxqKnnyRxKsT9MD5oYFb32kJn-o_FFLZnFQuZaeZDxmTKSVje4c2d54a54umghvISzXXR66KL3z4BI0PmwRrbSEDro6YouvA/w500-h640/IMG_6103.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>Don't forget to add on a canned wine for the perfect picnic.</div><div><br /></div><div>No need to go into detail on the dishes, because they were each fantastic and we've enjoyed everything else we've ordered so far as well. The only thing I didn't care for was the <b>Marinated Cucumber Salad</b> because it didn't have enough vinegar flavor for my taste.<br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.ktckitchen.com/">Keep the Change Kitchen Collective</a><br />5601 Tillman Avenue<br />Cleveland, OH 44102<br />(216) 465-1133</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-90890295924446399512021-06-08T01:00:00.001-04:002021-06-08T01:00:00.333-04:00Valley Villa Custard<p>Ok, I know it's not "official" yet...but with consistent 80+ degree days and lots of sunshine lately, it feels like summer in Northeast Ohio! So after a glorious pool day with friends, the mere mention of ice cream had us interested.</p><p>Our friends grew up in <b>Chesterland</b> and recommended that we stop at <b>Valley Villa Custard</b> on the way home. They know I'm a sucker for soft-serve. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLKqWdU1HCEoxY6DoTZOq8orpOnJ4kMmrKLAN36Cr9GAAPQ5puuTagUKi4-WPi7KBO6CQR3XMYnQ80iAlwEubAcdG2U_0PjHomzRCrpjkpudoOI9AXCR1Hm_qTFocVh9zfEx5his4qwE/s2048/IMG_6616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2048" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLKqWdU1HCEoxY6DoTZOq8orpOnJ4kMmrKLAN36Cr9GAAPQ5puuTagUKi4-WPi7KBO6CQR3XMYnQ80iAlwEubAcdG2U_0PjHomzRCrpjkpudoOI9AXCR1Hm_qTFocVh9zfEx5his4qwE/w640-h474/IMG_6616.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>And it delivered!</i> Rich, creamy...everything I want <b>Vanilla Soft-serve</b> to be. I'm a minimalist when it comes to my ice cream, so I wasn't ready to commit to a loaded up serving...but get the special crunch topping there. It's crushed peanuts, sprinkles, puffed cereal...a little bit of everything you could ever want all rolled into one.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71IlmSKQ95GYkK0vjifz1Zlg3Gpdj3eBogUC2VDSxoNwDX1CBluFpjs1lfqLCeN4kFyQc8i8rcCJWzZlI99eMQ9POAD9U3147Z4J4W1kZnR8qJoLM7kQAWDBaZ8sluVEAzruDkA8Zh0w/s2048/IMG_6614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2016" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71IlmSKQ95GYkK0vjifz1Zlg3Gpdj3eBogUC2VDSxoNwDX1CBluFpjs1lfqLCeN4kFyQc8i8rcCJWzZlI99eMQ9POAD9U3147Z4J4W1kZnR8qJoLM7kQAWDBaZ8sluVEAzruDkA8Zh0w/w630-h640/IMG_6614.jpg" width="630" /></a></div>They also have a very extensive list of frozen custard flavors, sundaes, flurries, milkshakes, and more.<p></p><p>Just be aware that they are a cash-only operation! This spot is definitely worth a stop if you're in the Chesterland area. </p><p>What's your go-to ice cream order in the summer?</p><p><b>Valley Villa Custard</b><br />8200 Mayfield Road<br />Chesterland, OH 44026<br />(440) 729-4124</p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-70621336465217868032021-05-18T01:00:00.008-04:002021-05-18T09:39:45.829-04:00Daily Press<p>I recently discovered that the owner of <b><a href="https://www.drink-rainbow.com/" target="_blank">Daily Press</a></b> lives in our neighborhood. We got to sample some of her cold-pressed organic juices at a community clean-up event, and we were <i>hooked</i>.</p><p>She previously had a brick-and-mortar juice bar in the Detroit Shoreway<b> </b>neighborhood of Cleveland, but made the decision to close the shop and pivot to home delivery during the pandemic. </p><p>Shortly after meeting her and sampling a couple juices, we were ready to place our first delivery order! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUufQHwcNsDW3PLaHSO6zFqQRFGQfSbkQ3xSRnLd-Nbon5PnTnnBPwzrITfNt3pXTcNCawrkNFDF-Ph8qjIbbz4CKthspZm9PeTNOlf4CbbG706j-o9vFnyf3XlH1UWlO5Vki1y1eaMrU/s1840/IMG_5784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1840" data-original-width="1351" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUufQHwcNsDW3PLaHSO6zFqQRFGQfSbkQ3xSRnLd-Nbon5PnTnnBPwzrITfNt3pXTcNCawrkNFDF-Ph8qjIbbz4CKthspZm9PeTNOlf4CbbG706j-o9vFnyf3XlH1UWlO5Vki1y1eaMrU/w470-h640/IMG_5784.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>I had been dreaming of the <b>Spicy Apple</b> since I first tried it, and yup...it's still my favorite. <p></p><div>Here's what we tried:</div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Spicy Apple</b> ➤ green apple, extra extra ginger, lemon, cayenne</li><li><b>Sweet Heat</b> ➤ cucumber, pineapple, cilantro, jalapeno</li><li><b>Dragon Berry Punch</b> ➤ amla berry, camu camu, dragonfruit, carrot, beet, watermelon, pineapple, green apple, extra ginger, lemon</li></ul></div></div><div>They run $9 - $10 a bottle, and there's discounted pricing if purchasing a cleanse pack. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are many health benefits to raw, organic, cold-pressed juice. <i>And nothing tastes quite like it!</i> Our minds headed in a different direction, and started dreaming of craft cocktails to mix with these. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here's a refreshing cocktail Mr. H created that is just perfect for the summer ahead:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>4 oz. <b>Spicy Apple</b> Daily Press juice</li><li>2 oz. Mezcal</li><li>1 oz. Lemon Juice (<i>lime juice would be tasty too!</i>)</li><li>.5 oz. Green Chartreuse</li><li>.25 oz. Agave Syrup</li><li>Place in shaker with ice, shake, and strain over fresh ice.</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78OxAxNHcAoREbZqQ0lfihO_JfidgpobGuq7dU0xYPeKHvla1jQZZPCyAKc2di3YVuIGk3-gEP5VGuDWZDt4ULbGILvKkiH-14QMKpQVGGf2jWxDIkEri7Iz2oGQp6LZ7Ol-e9oOF3d0/s2048/IMG_5815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1432" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78OxAxNHcAoREbZqQ0lfihO_JfidgpobGuq7dU0xYPeKHvla1jQZZPCyAKc2di3YVuIGk3-gEP5VGuDWZDt4ULbGILvKkiH-14QMKpQVGGf2jWxDIkEri7Iz2oGQp6LZ7Ol-e9oOF3d0/w448-h640/IMG_5815.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Head over to her website and check out the full list of products. Place an order, mix up that cocktail, and share if you liked it! </div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-37047342713021409622021-05-12T01:00:00.001-04:002021-05-12T01:00:00.213-04:00Wicked Lobstah and Blue Monkey Brewing Co.<p><b><a href="https://www.bluemonkeybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Blue Monkey Brewing Company</a></b> opened in North Royalton just over a year ago. I had heard about it from friends that know the owners. We don't find ourselves out in that area much, but all it took was a Facebook post about a certain food truck scheduled to be there.</p><p>First, we settled in on their small patio with a <b>Colobus PBP </b>(Peanut Butter Porter) and <b>Salted Caramel</b> (Blonde Stout). <i>They were already speaking my language! </i>Both were pretty good, but I enjoyed the porter more. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLeJpOZZEQ7ZA9V_mANutuPe2WtxwClOiAcbiyvpytjlrELr5U_Ue91hSA8an3BsH-ppVTGOQ-tbdqS89cxUl7pQfPkX4eJJe5k4ZSuIMAYcy0xQ88Vd2e5M1RoBMERnfyBZdFnArxes/s2048/IMG_5448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1744" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLeJpOZZEQ7ZA9V_mANutuPe2WtxwClOiAcbiyvpytjlrELr5U_Ue91hSA8an3BsH-ppVTGOQ-tbdqS89cxUl7pQfPkX4eJJe5k4ZSuIMAYcy0xQ88Vd2e5M1RoBMERnfyBZdFnArxes/w544-h640/IMG_5448.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>Then it was time for dinner at the <b><a href="https://thewickedlobstah.weebly.com/?fbclid=IwAR30BbGvjIoki0BK0thCFHKkL5Vvh98hSKBeuJVERoabrMfkkOoSZpJbjoc" target="_blank">Wicked Lobstah</a></b> that was in from Columbus for a few days around Greater Cleveland.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv3KYTALF2y1FSyP14kWFjuq4yC-wDjw7ujW_UZNAeVsqqjqRNu6XIM9_Mr-7wtBWUh5vS1GPYt2C_dMvHFu0xwQqXDaOm50dKoV3a1yzkyhPy4v3rQVA4XvskrfSgmLIibeeX_y3FAI/s2048/IMG_5452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="2048" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv3KYTALF2y1FSyP14kWFjuq4yC-wDjw7ujW_UZNAeVsqqjqRNu6XIM9_Mr-7wtBWUh5vS1GPYt2C_dMvHFu0xwQqXDaOm50dKoV3a1yzkyhPy4v3rQVA4XvskrfSgmLIibeeX_y3FAI/w640-h328/IMG_5452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>There just aren't enough good lobster rolls around Cleveland, and I couldn't wait to dig in. We had to try <b>The Plain Ass Roll</b> ($18) with warm buttery lobster on a toasted bun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6EHXPingPqgnPNuQyk5B1G5dRGr-R58hufZR2S_j53Xsb7F4vEzpRX-AzG_MOnZtV4omVb3MXZeivx6BSSRPK0PWUp3kmToy58r4XDc2IcQy5Sy3eipF3MZoRBoG6Ic7Z88ECqojZ4I/s2048/IMG_5450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1640" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6EHXPingPqgnPNuQyk5B1G5dRGr-R58hufZR2S_j53Xsb7F4vEzpRX-AzG_MOnZtV4omVb3MXZeivx6BSSRPK0PWUp3kmToy58r4XDc2IcQy5Sy3eipF3MZoRBoG6Ic7Z88ECqojZ4I/w640-h512/IMG_5450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>But they have a list of specialty lobster rolls with everything from guacamole, smoked salmon, blue crab, and sriracha. We ordered <b>The High Society Roll</b> ($20) with black and white truffle mayo. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7t9DPdrM0ULwjfhGBOT613KRvOnNNJBFJV6lytaHv6fbLGY6Eq07oDVzcbA45E8g70twdM2GixO8ub1g15AdiMnnNBEOMu4myDXP8VzyTod9b_-5WdKlvK2wen5vO7Ai3zQd3VwGKYww/s2048/IMG_5451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7t9DPdrM0ULwjfhGBOT613KRvOnNNJBFJV6lytaHv6fbLGY6Eq07oDVzcbA45E8g70twdM2GixO8ub1g15AdiMnnNBEOMu4myDXP8VzyTod9b_-5WdKlvK2wen5vO7Ai3zQd3VwGKYww/w640-h448/IMG_5451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Both were quite tasty and brought me back to our Maine trips. I'm not a huge potato chip person (<i>unless they are Lay's Salt & Vinegar</i>), but the seasoned chips with these were good too.<div><br /></div><div>I'm glad that we caught the food truck while it was in town, and it was fun to check out the brewery. You can tell they have a loyal bunch of regulars. While I won't be going out of my way to head there again, it's a nice option if in the area. They rotate food trucks or you can bring in your own food. There's often live music, and plenty of parking since it is tucked on the side of Discount Drug Mart.<br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.bluemonkeybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Blue Monkey Brewing Co.</a><br />5540 Wallings Road<br />North Royalton, OH 44133<br />(440) 628-9152</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-65718025363218955612021-05-10T01:00:00.001-04:002021-05-10T01:00:00.243-04:00Rood Food and Pie<p>Alright, I've been sleeping on the <b>Salt & Honey Pie</b> ($5.75) from <b><a href="https://www.rfpie.com/" target="_blank">Rood Food & Pie</a></b> in Lakewood, so I'm hear to tell you to stop making the mistake that I did.</p><p>First, the restaurant is super cute. <i>Just look at this adorable bar as you enter the dining room.</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYWW25Hz0suaguykITyA6f5mxPIttuTVneHJwWOOUSr5O2I0T0JHq0aNI8a6hY8LvHkpzvOz8923f78XKY34Fn2w0te2MYr4PH1mdC93MiDoVDmnaPAJ1Hf5HVIdGIlr9-QEuIOEAGns/s2048/IMG_5455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYWW25Hz0suaguykITyA6f5mxPIttuTVneHJwWOOUSr5O2I0T0JHq0aNI8a6hY8LvHkpzvOz8923f78XKY34Fn2w0te2MYr4PH1mdC93MiDoVDmnaPAJ1Hf5HVIdGIlr9-QEuIOEAGns/w480-h640/IMG_5455.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>They've pivoted their business model a couple of times since opening, but they currently offer <b>Dinner</b> and <b>Brunch </b>with a <b>Late Night Pie Bar</b> coming soon.<div><br /></div><div>But we were there to try the signature <b>Salt & Honey Pie</b> that I've seen on Instagram hundreds of times (<i>it feels like</i>). With wildflower honey custard, Euro butter, maldon sea salt, and bee pollen...it's certainly unusual and not too sweet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynXMbzrFI9M_fw1i-zhEoa7TKJT7ySor3UqIGSRn4v_djWutB61lce9-hlEfPv9oOkQ3_dlbXMNxCcOPT9Ar2QketbdZA2TLUZyp4NWSGSbobtUrrg7F6xsyG2gVv4yNROIF8dEeq_Q0/s2048/IMG_5458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynXMbzrFI9M_fw1i-zhEoa7TKJT7ySor3UqIGSRn4v_djWutB61lce9-hlEfPv9oOkQ3_dlbXMNxCcOPT9Ar2QketbdZA2TLUZyp4NWSGSbobtUrrg7F6xsyG2gVv4yNROIF8dEeq_Q0/w640-h460/IMG_5458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The bee pollen even comes in this tiny, cute glass container for you to sprinkle it on for yourself. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf7RXFgyKsOgXZvomoHvcuZ525yxRRTNHXO0ZRqc8QcvcKOSoVZukbSkiMBZIn5pV4p9tNXc-upKwGFKa9SJC9IlxW14LP746lZUbTrTZHzLO57k84_tFDw3yshkcqB3d35Dq0FmlNc0/s2048/IMG_5457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1272" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf7RXFgyKsOgXZvomoHvcuZ525yxRRTNHXO0ZRqc8QcvcKOSoVZukbSkiMBZIn5pV4p9tNXc-upKwGFKa9SJC9IlxW14LP746lZUbTrTZHzLO57k84_tFDw3yshkcqB3d35Dq0FmlNc0/w398-h640/IMG_5457.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>While this pie was definitely our favorite, we also tried the <b>Tequila Lime</b> ($6.5) with blanco tequila, organic sugar, orange zest and orang liqueur, fresh lime, whip, and lime zest.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrR7JgpWRJ3NXmW6DmC6q9wpcU0PQ4GUfYLlb_WBvEw1etZkCAnXfVzhfjVSW__Ij1HOEJGvfzuP9EMcoV6dn3WiVhJ1uH0DnN6NFBF7tc0PDnycnAVJYHEewulXqPK5EgJVedKwrc4Q/s2048/IMG_5456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrR7JgpWRJ3NXmW6DmC6q9wpcU0PQ4GUfYLlb_WBvEw1etZkCAnXfVzhfjVSW__Ij1HOEJGvfzuP9EMcoV6dn3WiVhJ1uH0DnN6NFBF7tc0PDnycnAVJYHEewulXqPK5EgJVedKwrc4Q/w640-h480/IMG_5456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We need more places like Rood where you can pop in for just a quick piece of pie! From this experience, I'll definitely look forward to checking out their savory food menu. <i>But I won't be skipping that Salt & Honey pie...</i><p></p><p><a href="https://www.rfpie.com/" target="_blank">Rood Food and Pie</a><br />17001 Madison Avenue<br />Lakewood, OH 44107<br />(216) 712-4506</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-69151457345229256392021-05-05T01:00:00.001-04:002021-05-05T01:00:00.222-04:00Home Bistro<p><b><a href="http://homebistrocle.com/" target="_blank">Home Bistro</a></b> opened in August 2020 on Mayfield Road, right in the heart of Cleveland's <b>Little Italy</b> neighborhood. They've been making quite a splash, despite us being in the middle of a pandemic. Including recently being named <i>Best New Restaurant of 2020</i> by Cleveland Magazine readers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XcdghCFsWqaoxJREI_cvmSwpH1PBvt94_-WIMwTF6iH0ZgQ6rd2NKMn3X6tVO4WvdB7xqf4oQDBw2ZnzWY_lEjWNN_uEKxKf3fnK8WN0pFA1X7fIpapxMzS4RIEAOJbWzpVOvoHRKrY/s2048/IMG_5437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XcdghCFsWqaoxJREI_cvmSwpH1PBvt94_-WIMwTF6iH0ZgQ6rd2NKMn3X6tVO4WvdB7xqf4oQDBw2ZnzWY_lEjWNN_uEKxKf3fnK8WN0pFA1X7fIpapxMzS4RIEAOJbWzpVOvoHRKrY/w480-h640/IMG_5437.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>So as my two friends and I got together for our very first patio dining experience since the pandemic began, we were excited to try this new spot out. The owners, Victor Morenz and Emily Gilbert, had a restaurant in Chicago (<i>by the same name</i>) with rave reviews from my friend's family there. <i>I may have been counting down the hours before our visit all week!</i><div><br /></div><div>Let's just say, it did not disappoint. From the <b>Starters</b>, we shared <b>Beer Battered Asparagus</b> ($12) with IPA beer batter, and salt & vinegar aioli.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJbnLDsqFc_qFvtNjZdzNKT-mHsngbMBSQfBt_rvQVJHM20i7yBLmMG3DF9NBj4AK1v63kIs1cXEdmfKfHN6EoZmgjNxSUKSrE3p1ddsmpMUHP1nhQpr48frF0YjAZjcjGmxdp3bL6yA/s2048/IMG_5432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJbnLDsqFc_qFvtNjZdzNKT-mHsngbMBSQfBt_rvQVJHM20i7yBLmMG3DF9NBj4AK1v63kIs1cXEdmfKfHN6EoZmgjNxSUKSrE3p1ddsmpMUHP1nhQpr48frF0YjAZjcjGmxdp3bL6yA/w640-h460/IMG_5432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And <b>Shishito Peppers</b> ($8) with sea salt and olive oil.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcb9aqW2zKFfml9yP_CWZ3fI0hL_0Jhajt66ukEc9bzhDSx8iKdxaMoCs3EUw9civepG1VDL2j3me7-puQyqee1sZRkVaEz4Eb27sCOHd92YKKV6VAjsTTti8Tpn3j79EtsH49FHsQhg/s2048/IMG_5433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcb9aqW2zKFfml9yP_CWZ3fI0hL_0Jhajt66ukEc9bzhDSx8iKdxaMoCs3EUw9civepG1VDL2j3me7-puQyqee1sZRkVaEz4Eb27sCOHd92YKKV6VAjsTTti8Tpn3j79EtsH49FHsQhg/w640-h480/IMG_5433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I then got super torn between several of the <b>Mains</b> that all sounded good, so my indecisiveness led me to two additional Starters instead. First, the <b>Grilled Haloumi </b>($12), which is a Mediterranean cheese with strawberry, pickled green garlic, black pepper, and arbequina olive oil. <i>Isn't that plating stunning?!</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7IvhBgJ4qkUOOtjXjKoT8cKPUHg6UK8s1ppyp45S0GEkKK_vfIseEKWUa8CblaZuNf4M_FAPg9-SyV2wYFf9xNYVj2i3ALNS8vTD6GQlcWOnMidd1i9wd7-BSdPlxZgSjvh_xWGd-ZU/s2048/IMG_5435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7IvhBgJ4qkUOOtjXjKoT8cKPUHg6UK8s1ppyp45S0GEkKK_vfIseEKWUa8CblaZuNf4M_FAPg9-SyV2wYFf9xNYVj2i3ALNS8vTD6GQlcWOnMidd1i9wd7-BSdPlxZgSjvh_xWGd-ZU/w640-h480/IMG_5435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And the <b>Artichoke Edam Fritters</b> ($12) with garlic aioli and lemon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgVfUX3IDfmr0TmgBKXfbDCXXl_PKJt1VMBCMfrO85MI035VNhNsZeJJZa1vXYdztxJWlqM3evCOvmSCbb1qUOJ6JAXoKWRLxdodqeRp3xwTJOLTk53JN1UGXaxn0xThQui8Mn3sTdXs/s2048/IMG_5436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgVfUX3IDfmr0TmgBKXfbDCXXl_PKJt1VMBCMfrO85MI035VNhNsZeJJZa1vXYdztxJWlqM3evCOvmSCbb1qUOJ6JAXoKWRLxdodqeRp3xwTJOLTk53JN1UGXaxn0xThQui8Mn3sTdXs/w640-h480/IMG_5436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>My friends enjoyed the <b>Korean Fried Chicken</b> ($24) with crispy-fried smoked chicken thigh, sweet & savory soy, peanut puree, snap peas, and spring onion kimchi; <b>Caesar Salad</b> ($13); and one of the <b>Mussels</b> specials (<i>Tuesday was Mussels Night with several options for $18</i>). Every single dish was wonderful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, service definitely had minor issues. Food arrived out of order, we were out of water for quite a while, and they seemed stretched thin. But our server and the manager were very sweet and attentive overall. The manager shared with us how difficult it still is to find restaurant workers that will come back to work in the pandemic, and how busy they've been since the Cleveland Magazine coverage and the warmer temperatures. I have no reason to think the service won't improve as things continue to get back to "normal." </div><div><br /></div><div>We dined on their patio, but the interior was just adorable too. Parking is a real issue in that neighborhood, but with some patience and lots of circling I did eventually find a street parking spot right outside the restaurant. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was one of the best meals I've had out in a long time, and that's not just the pandemic talking! I'm already looking forward to a return visit with Mr. H.<br /><p></p><p><a href="http://homebistrocle.com/" target="_blank">Home Bistro</a><br />12022 Mayfield Road<br />Cleveland, OH 44106<br />(216) 795-5582</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-12779534074249640032021-04-29T01:00:00.001-04:002021-04-29T01:00:00.225-04:00Conforti<p>When <b><a href="https://www.confortitogo.com/" target="_blank">Conforti </a></b>opened in January in Tremont, we knew that we'd have to try it because as chef David Kocab has made his way through kitchens like Trentina, The Black Pig, Ushabu, and Bar Oni...we've become big fans. </p><p>Chef/owner Matt Spinner and Kocab are focusing on takeout only, Thursday - Monday. Delivery is available from Uber Eats. </p><p>Immediately their <b>Meatballs</b> started hitting my Instagram feed. <i>They did not disappoint!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CGv__liHF0UMbxJGYlpwOVmdQbL7j4zEmVMeGB7M4Xm1ybmTYTRUkM7I6KkQ2Pr66DVKoBkiaW7wMm3lJ0aelwdd76Wng0PL2eaDB0g_VNjxnqm5IggxWjbRfOL3nM4OfJdHEN6hxnU/s2048/IMG_5374.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="2048" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CGv__liHF0UMbxJGYlpwOVmdQbL7j4zEmVMeGB7M4Xm1ybmTYTRUkM7I6KkQ2Pr66DVKoBkiaW7wMm3lJ0aelwdd76Wng0PL2eaDB0g_VNjxnqm5IggxWjbRfOL3nM4OfJdHEN6hxnU/w640-h492/IMG_5374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>But our favorite of the meal (<i>and Kocab's personal favorite combo</i>) was the <b>Tomato Braised Cod</b> with red sauce, capers, olive tapenade and parsley salad and a side of the <b>Grilled Rapini</b> with fried garlic, red chili flake, and lemon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAxxoDdUhk625yWMlMQK-FKb19vtn4ynswkG4SG5lgbGqu5vUoqTpqqITaN9q2PAbgvn6e6pFPLCQuCONZabAvO2DaPwGcXwFrb5DvOcLxMQu6OAb_9NGOSkwXatvVPAvlepCUolDHDg/s2048/IMG_5371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="2048" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAxxoDdUhk625yWMlMQK-FKb19vtn4ynswkG4SG5lgbGqu5vUoqTpqqITaN9q2PAbgvn6e6pFPLCQuCONZabAvO2DaPwGcXwFrb5DvOcLxMQu6OAb_9NGOSkwXatvVPAvlepCUolDHDg/w640-h502/IMG_5371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The <b>Fried Arancini</b> is served with garlicky pesto aioli for dipping.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw4ovHFcWI8hy4ZK7aimU105PpuPxV69z8FmlmKCmx7F15HAcGOkrf4Izjn2W_VDyyO0FEzTah9I2_WmyuMvqVm2f0B-7tG9OTgA0xx0knwZJIsgszuSRzb0BF3E2vcIO_T4We14LzGY/s2048/IMG_5370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw4ovHFcWI8hy4ZK7aimU105PpuPxV69z8FmlmKCmx7F15HAcGOkrf4Izjn2W_VDyyO0FEzTah9I2_WmyuMvqVm2f0B-7tG9OTgA0xx0knwZJIsgszuSRzb0BF3E2vcIO_T4We14LzGY/w640-h480/IMG_5370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The <b>Gulf Shrimp</b> are cooked in caper butter served with parsley and grilled lemon.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxVrHNKDa8nNhsp_p7Gh8zymstwg3bAw6T7M9v_iu2WabVA2riEaqNDNFIOq9y4FgGd8bMik0wyJL4LkRd_5ELW8XzpVrQIidcX7_o0l-zibNLnPOJJPs_F6maA3_PW5yFdvdSKobB7Q/s2048/IMG_5369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="2048" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxVrHNKDa8nNhsp_p7Gh8zymstwg3bAw6T7M9v_iu2WabVA2riEaqNDNFIOq9y4FgGd8bMik0wyJL4LkRd_5ELW8XzpVrQIidcX7_o0l-zibNLnPOJJPs_F6maA3_PW5yFdvdSKobB7Q/w640-h518/IMG_5369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The menu changes slightly, so you want to keep your eyes peeled. There's more that we plan to try (<i>hello, Personal Pan Lasagna and Gnocchi Alla Romana</i>), but that Cod, the Rapini, and Meatballs will be hard to resist ordering over and over again.<p></p><p><a href="https://www.confortitogo.com/" target="_blank">Conforti</a><br />2173 Professor Avenue<br />Cleveland, OH<br />(216) 334-9746 </p>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-32966645030107692002021-04-27T01:00:00.002-04:002021-04-27T01:00:00.275-04:00Apparently I've Lost My Mind<p>Maybe it's a sign that I've been blogging too long, but something happened that has never happened to me before. I <u>forgot</u> that I had previously been to a restaurant. </p><p>And it gets worse...</p><p>I named that restaurant to my <b><a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2021/01/2021-to-dine-challenge.html" target="_blank">2021 To Dine Challenge</a></b> list of 10 restaurants to dine at this year. <b><i>*face palm*</i></b></p><p>As Mr. H and I drove to <b><a href="https://www.hanchinesecleveland.com/" target="_blank">Han Chinese Kabob & Grill</a></b> to pick up our takeout order, I got a gut feeling and sure enough...before we even pulled in, I knew I had already been there <i>(in 2014, to be exact, if you'd like to <a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2014/09/han-chinese-kabob-and-grill.html" target="_blank">read more about that visit</a></i>).</p><p><i>The good news?</i> Only one of the five items we ordered was something I'd had before (<b>Lamb Kabob</b>).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgMC0u8noZcje938zqYf95QRRHmNBPFZqT_zyVVAbe38dS5ZGDdKsVx2E_7f9SlSy7lGFtp_JAxuFx95YLmRaBcd9jws4zOaNzOQZKL_bv_aXSC3eHtWf3fhfJgc2QtCwdiDR3Mu0zHs/s2048/IMG_5408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgMC0u8noZcje938zqYf95QRRHmNBPFZqT_zyVVAbe38dS5ZGDdKsVx2E_7f9SlSy7lGFtp_JAxuFx95YLmRaBcd9jws4zOaNzOQZKL_bv_aXSC3eHtWf3fhfJgc2QtCwdiDR3Mu0zHs/w640-h480/IMG_5408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We had asked our friends (<i>thanks Joe and Laura!</i>) for recommendations, and got several things from their list: <b>Dry Chili Chicken</b> ($14.95), <b>Fried Chinese Potstickers </b>($5.95), and <b>Wonton with Chili Oil</b> ($5.95). We had wanted to try the <b>Salt and Pepper Prawns</b> they suggested, but the restaurant was out of them that night.<div><br /></div><div>The last dish we tried was the <b>Spicy Duck Dry Pot</b> ($15.95). This dish was a huge bust for us. Every piece of duck had multiple small shards of bone in it that were impossible to eat around. There's no pulling the meat off the bone on your plate, there's too many small pieces to navigate around in your mouth if you're attempting to chew the meat off and remove the bone...am I missing a logical way to eat this??? <i>Help! </i></div><div><br /></div><div>My favorites were the Wonton and the Chicken (<i>although it's very spicy so beware</i>). </div><div><br /></div><div>So, it wasn't my first visit there as I had intended when I added it to the Challenge. <i>Does it count? Do I replace it with another restaurant?</i> I'm stuck. New waters here on this old blog, haha.<br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.hanchinesecleveland.com/" target="_blank">Han Chinese Kabob and Grill</a><br />3710 Payne Ave #110<br />Cleveland, OH 44114<br />(216) 769-8745</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-62769909427959208142021-04-22T01:00:00.001-04:002021-04-22T01:00:00.257-04:00Gyro Guys<p>Surprisingly, there are still a few eateries in our neighborhood that I haven't tried yet, and <b><a href="http://gyroguys.com/" target="_blank">Gyro Guys</a></b> was one. Right on Pearl Road and owned by two brothers, I've driven by countless times. Mr. H had been a long time ago, but it was time for a Saturday lunchtime visit after being inspired by our friend and neighborhood <b>Kate Warren</b> (<i><a href="https://katewarrencle.com/" target="_blank">who is running</a> for Cleveland City Council, yo!</i>) when she posted a picture on Instagram of her favorite order.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbZbFLD1958rQnxsXg5zE8urmq6fxUH5hAGKUN7EWfuCVq-agaG_aAqB6pG5NxSp-lGIl1XdROLjyB2Q75pnnecbm0EhQpU1AVJjJ0J3xAwNErwoOeYg2kqrjfaGJA-I7NYyFLEL8iM0/s1932/IMG_5377.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="1488" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbZbFLD1958rQnxsXg5zE8urmq6fxUH5hAGKUN7EWfuCVq-agaG_aAqB6pG5NxSp-lGIl1XdROLjyB2Q75pnnecbm0EhQpU1AVJjJ0J3xAwNErwoOeYg2kqrjfaGJA-I7NYyFLEL8iM0/w492-h640/IMG_5377.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>It was much larger inside than I expected, with plenty of seating for dine-in. You order at the counter (<i>he was so nice and helpful for this newbie!</i>) and get to watch your food be made.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDvBOS26Aisnn6dPjJtanQCNnZA4YyU3iYQZUUfh9bI5hvHePWIYpvV1-4Ia-pbDcx2NUu0ltYY3_djHFUKq9-_pFhoU41RUvnHd_D-p2TRp8AlpjeqaKUYH_zB4el07yEqKznJnvv5Q/s1936/IMG_5376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1423" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDvBOS26Aisnn6dPjJtanQCNnZA4YyU3iYQZUUfh9bI5hvHePWIYpvV1-4Ia-pbDcx2NUu0ltYY3_djHFUKq9-_pFhoU41RUvnHd_D-p2TRp8AlpjeqaKUYH_zB4el07yEqKznJnvv5Q/w470-h640/IMG_5376.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>I had to go right for the <b>Original Greek Gyro</b> ($6.95) with layered beef and lamb served on a warm pita with onion, tomato, lettuce (<i>which I omitted</i>), and their homemade tzatziki/cucumber sauce.<i> Kate's pro tip: Add feta cheese!</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAyXU4ZYh8SXjd588jdutjElzoAGYFFCG8txKDVciM_H7QdxozN8ToWkwMpR4aktg79DEaIxktXipZOZBf4bEdmC-Wuhcuj73wZDw4G7bwaal11KCnf7Gk0cF6p_b0yK63KN3axzLPyc/s2016/IMG_5381.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAyXU4ZYh8SXjd588jdutjElzoAGYFFCG8txKDVciM_H7QdxozN8ToWkwMpR4aktg79DEaIxktXipZOZBf4bEdmC-Wuhcuj73wZDw4G7bwaal11KCnf7Gk0cF6p_b0yK63KN3axzLPyc/w640-h480/IMG_5381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Their slogan is "It's All About the Sauce!" and honestly, it doesn't do it for us. The thicker, creamy texture I do appreciate. I hate when tzatziki is watery and runs all over. But, theirs doesn't pack the bold flavors of garlic, herbs, and an acid that we really love. We like it pretty extreme, and Mr. H has mastered a recipe at home. <div><br /></div><div>Otherwise, the meat is flavorful and moist. The pita was lovely, and there was a generous portion of all toppings without being excessive. The only real miss for me were the<b> Fresh Cut Fries </b>($2.75 for Small), as they were too crispy and seasoned with a very heavy hand. <i>I like 'em salty, but these crossed that line for me. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>While it may not quite have stolen the title of "top gyro" for us (<i>Fergie's will forever be #1</i>), it was a solid gyro that I'll happily order again. But I'd love to try more of their menu. Thanks for the reminder that we needed to check this spot out, Kate!<br /><p></p><p><a href="http://gyroguys.com/" target="_blank">Gyro Guys</a><br />4348 Pearl Road<br />Cleveland, OH 44109<br />(216) 739-3033</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-5747262935280329372021-04-20T01:00:00.001-04:002021-04-20T01:00:00.261-04:00Skyway Drive-in Restaurant<p>You know, sometimes you try a new-to-you restaurant and it just isn't for you. Unfortunately, that happened for us with an impromptu lunch stop at <b><a href="https://www.skywaydrive-in.com/" target="_blank">Skyway Drive-in Restaurant </a></b>in Akron when we scooted down there for our second COVID-19 shot. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIvIVb7Usm5PtBZke6l-Br16yTH6HW3AVPR8a8LRRy9o88HUhJHzN_xiGCGR4f7vP61mKZ5otY617oNts3tt6MzL_qx5m6ZoQ0ORyzMTDOKu08IqZYPnHboAyPIcZEGArORoJmdFF5us/s2048/IMG_5356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1633" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIvIVb7Usm5PtBZke6l-Br16yTH6HW3AVPR8a8LRRy9o88HUhJHzN_xiGCGR4f7vP61mKZ5otY617oNts3tt6MzL_qx5m6ZoQ0ORyzMTDOKu08IqZYPnHboAyPIcZEGArORoJmdFF5us/w510-h640/IMG_5356.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div>I've followed Skyway on Instagram for a while, and I felt like they are very similar to our beloved <b><a href="http://swensonsdriveins.com/" target="_blank">Swenson's</a></b>. <i>The classic drive-in setting with runners coming out to your car is just fun!</i> So we were happy to give it a try.</div><div><br /></div><div>We started with an order of the <b>Mini Corndogs</b> ($2.99) with ketchup for dipping. <i>What's your corndog sauce of choice?</i> They were definitely the best thing we ordered.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu7EWNAg4knXJZldOhGUQ7R9oexZPMHuRr94hyphenhyphenyjcHOt0AmXTLb0WjHQOF1csuBX-Vc6Vt39LwzBqH8lg8uQKMiACN4SWsa6XCZbQxeO9CyGXgAxRG2jXDkCzXpVz1tyKuidIkZXyMCI/s2048/IMG_5358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1958" data-original-width="2048" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu7EWNAg4knXJZldOhGUQ7R9oexZPMHuRr94hyphenhyphenyjcHOt0AmXTLb0WjHQOF1csuBX-Vc6Vt39LwzBqH8lg8uQKMiACN4SWsa6XCZbQxeO9CyGXgAxRG2jXDkCzXpVz1tyKuidIkZXyMCI/w640-h612/IMG_5358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We got a side of <b>Aunt Ruth's Famous Homemade Onion Rings </b>($3.49), and my apologies to Aunt Ruth...but I've had much better onion rings. They were cut so thin and over-fried that I just didn't find them all that enjoyable. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdV8eQKukK3BnHkMkew5lMxMTgmHLzOSJ2KQPoBZtdXlWadCHIeyf018s4Uny8PuAfvcZXkAbhz6Wl6u8bMxrrX39K9K21pIPlvkHXxe1z2ilVT8i9-jx6oXgfbKg5yDIn2gQi3GijcY/s2048/IMG_5357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1902" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdV8eQKukK3BnHkMkew5lMxMTgmHLzOSJ2KQPoBZtdXlWadCHIeyf018s4Uny8PuAfvcZXkAbhz6Wl6u8bMxrrX39K9K21pIPlvkHXxe1z2ilVT8i9-jx6oXgfbKg5yDIn2gQi3GijcY/w594-h640/IMG_5357.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>I had to go with their <b>Sky Hi Sandwich</b> ($3.99), which is "Our Signature Burger with two of our Jr. patties, middle bun, cheese, lettuce, pickles and our famous Sky Hi Sauce!" It sounded like their version of a <b>Swenson's Galley Boy</b>, which is my go-to order.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitziHufsLKSFvJTO51EJMMohp74Ac-zr_hxsItgzZhElFAwoVUhlnve7bRXYKJMcV2zYvyLrDQ182S71TUMV2sVWXXukFbDDTOrNAwOXgb_P5AaVrqMyBbAatx-Cdfr7LM5qF7XTInf8A/s2048/IMG_5359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1705" data-original-width="2048" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitziHufsLKSFvJTO51EJMMohp74Ac-zr_hxsItgzZhElFAwoVUhlnve7bRXYKJMcV2zYvyLrDQ182S71TUMV2sVWXXukFbDDTOrNAwOXgb_P5AaVrqMyBbAatx-Cdfr7LM5qF7XTInf8A/w640-h532/IMG_5359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>A Galley Boy it was not.</i> The bun didn't have that buttered and toasted loveliness that I expected, it was dry overall, the middle bun made the ratio of bread to fillings just off, and the Sky Hi sauce was a watery and bland mess. I was sooooo disappointed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, Mr. H's <b>Aunt Ruth's Onion Ring Burger </b>($6.99) with two 1/4 lb. patties with cheese, lettuce, onion rings and famous Sky Hi Sauce was much better than mine. The bun looked buttered and hit on the flat top grill, the meat was juicier, and the sandwich overall had more flavor. But it still didn't live up to my Swenson standards. </div><div><br /></div><div>For us, this was a miss. I cheated on my favorite fast casual burger spot, and I paid the price. <br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.skywaydrive-in.com/" target="_blank">Skyway Drive-in Restaurant</a><br />951 East Turkeyfoot Lake Road<br />Akron, OH 44312<br />(330) 896 - 9350</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-38191630540683854552021-04-08T01:00:00.001-04:002021-04-08T01:00:00.239-04:00Mister T's Wonderfreeze<p>After a hike at the <b>Twinsburg Ledges</b> at <a href="https://www.summitmetroparks.org/liberty-park.aspx" target="_blank">Liberty Park</a> the other day, the sunshine and warmer temperatures had us craving a frozen sweet treat. We weren't very family with the area (<i>and many of our favorite ice cream shops aren't open for the season yet</i>), but with a quick search online we found <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mistertswonderfreeze/" target="_blank">Mister T's Wonderfreeze</a></b> in Oakwood.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpNAM3KCFJhzSxUUrBaKAXkF5wdWyvSoAl8xUhdFIdxdGfGmNb07lsYQbrmP2ehbS54F6LzaATeFhWINtLFKwOdD0EaSV28r8ieZLv2gG9r0Aw5OaWDL8ugHm6C4X0KZwKQWdXQmItTg/s2048/IMG_5186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1870" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpNAM3KCFJhzSxUUrBaKAXkF5wdWyvSoAl8xUhdFIdxdGfGmNb07lsYQbrmP2ehbS54F6LzaATeFhWINtLFKwOdD0EaSV28r8ieZLv2gG9r0Aw5OaWDL8ugHm6C4X0KZwKQWdXQmItTg/w584-h640/IMG_5186.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>It had all the charm of a roadside ice cream shop.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr53hKTrhRQyF5bflGGYwwqby3UmhjPudJ8M9YGH8y8QAMtnD3whqtbpy8KW2DyjnKZOKu1ybxRmj2l32yF6JykL8fyWY9HPaggYcCKrD0J3m8JVTuCzwYKoWkST77-HErl-SqPEo89ek/s2048/IMG_5184.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr53hKTrhRQyF5bflGGYwwqby3UmhjPudJ8M9YGH8y8QAMtnD3whqtbpy8KW2DyjnKZOKu1ybxRmj2l32yF6JykL8fyWY9HPaggYcCKrD0J3m8JVTuCzwYKoWkST77-HErl-SqPEo89ek/w640-h370/IMG_5184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And they even had a wide selection of flavored soft serve, which is right up my alley. I went with a <b>Blackberry </b>(<i>one size only, $2.75</i>). The vanilla base wasn't as rich and creamy as I prefer, but it satisfied my sweet tooth for the moment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGwF138TVv1YxOBVEjLPDHgAad4LjYVxwxTMghWhMrDTWTEURQhz_-j8qHuCV-ais9dK4F-Ap91BQX_kEQht44lOgsslQMk5fGkmnzkMcog5gQ7vbswRfPxjeIkyC015OlhX4DkG9YYU/s2048/IMG_5189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1834" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGwF138TVv1YxOBVEjLPDHgAad4LjYVxwxTMghWhMrDTWTEURQhz_-j8qHuCV-ais9dK4F-Ap91BQX_kEQht44lOgsslQMk5fGkmnzkMcog5gQ7vbswRfPxjeIkyC015OlhX4DkG9YYU/w574-h640/IMG_5189.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>Mr. H went right for the big guy, an <b>Oreo Indulgence </b>sundae that only came in a large and included four pieces of brownie, Oreo crumbles, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7d5B-apQYLoUDcJm2i9VKVCHL8RJkX3amOFpH4iG0jsHiAhofPgC448_cWrmvqGDLGsheNNYYCH_4IwL2ssywYI-96eFAIKltvleDhzW2lVWjC-ewoSNcHiDvmt12-jPbV0Pd1RjLoA/s2048/IMG_5187.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1705" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7d5B-apQYLoUDcJm2i9VKVCHL8RJkX3amOFpH4iG0jsHiAhofPgC448_cWrmvqGDLGsheNNYYCH_4IwL2ssywYI-96eFAIKltvleDhzW2lVWjC-ewoSNcHiDvmt12-jPbV0Pd1RjLoA/w532-h640/IMG_5187.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>Again, the soft serve vanilla ice cream didn't have as much flavor or richness to it as we like. But the sundae was tasty overall, with the highlight being the moist brownies.<i> I may have snagged a whole one! </i><div><br /></div><div>What's your favorite local ice cream shop and your go-to order?<br /><p></p><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mistertswonderfreeze/" target="_blank">Mister T's Wonderfreeze</a></div><div><div>26048 Broadway Avenue</div><div>Oakwood, OH 44146</div><div>(440) 232-2277</div></div></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-38577515594152654032021-04-06T01:00:00.001-04:002021-04-06T01:00:00.314-04:00Martha on the Fly<p>There's a new breakfast sandwich pop-up on the scene, and you'll want to run (<i>not walk</i>) to get some. <b><a href="https://www.marthaonthefly.com/" target="_blank">Martha on the Fly</a></b> is inspired by chef and co-owner Ryan Beck's grandmother's cooking.<i> All I can say is that my grandmother did not cook like this! </i></p><p>You pre-order online (<i>website linked above</i>) for <b>Saturday</b> or <b>Sunday</b> pickup at<b> Good Company</b>. We selected two of the more unique sandwiches from the lineup of 7. First, the <b>Shirley</b> ($14) with house-made beef baloney, caramelized onion, tomato jam, American cheese, egg patty and Martha’s Sunshine Sauce. Also, the <b>Ruth</b> ($14) with fried pork tenderloin, bread and butter pickles, shaved onion, stadium mustard, American cheese, egg patty and Martha’s Sunshine Sauce. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygNJ5ohbpZ8MaFUKZUKAgJymdF3Do5rEL4bBXz-4uRr9u9bgT7Vj3-tUsUgp-vLGeK3WnNmXoKTXrgS2HKPvhk93qfcMbenALMlufMMNJTwEloD5ABXGfTSjoB89gyeuOabfUphPJDdI/s2048/IMG_5111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1764" data-original-width="2048" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygNJ5ohbpZ8MaFUKZUKAgJymdF3Do5rEL4bBXz-4uRr9u9bgT7Vj3-tUsUgp-vLGeK3WnNmXoKTXrgS2HKPvhk93qfcMbenALMlufMMNJTwEloD5ABXGfTSjoB89gyeuOabfUphPJDdI/w640-h552/IMG_5111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Pictured here is the <b>Ruth</b>, which ended up being our favorite.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8HHX34GoCXGCFVvfcoKI1Qm81SQVzWaRycZatsREwgctZxqxxXUfkbuYHJ6Xu5koKkyGcXxNoj0Gq_WhfQ_CmoE5nwjwvFm7EQvRvB14dZIjX9slhWyaBJQMPZtqgn83mPWLujkZdRA/s2048/IMG_5113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2040" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8HHX34GoCXGCFVvfcoKI1Qm81SQVzWaRycZatsREwgctZxqxxXUfkbuYHJ6Xu5koKkyGcXxNoj0Gq_WhfQ_CmoE5nwjwvFm7EQvRvB14dZIjX9slhWyaBJQMPZtqgn83mPWLujkZdRA/w638-h640/IMG_5113.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>Just look at that gorgeous bun, the crispy pork, schmear of Sunshine Sauce, and BEAUTIFUL and functional packaging. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlv2NCR6RYMp2OSpk-lD0NgKlByfkmLqhPvWW8FqTs3aSwiaBQXm5nzYsHGZQNRRse80cBZr_XMS-B8mkQQ2Iz7BtkVaSTnZ28XuWWtzuvVEYDMfO0e8RxpqcEDmxetyrLOZIY-_DnU4/s2048/IMG_5114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1797" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlv2NCR6RYMp2OSpk-lD0NgKlByfkmLqhPvWW8FqTs3aSwiaBQXm5nzYsHGZQNRRse80cBZr_XMS-B8mkQQ2Iz7BtkVaSTnZ28XuWWtzuvVEYDMfO0e8RxpqcEDmxetyrLOZIY-_DnU4/w562-h640/IMG_5114.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>We also tossed in an order of <b>Karleen's Cornmeal Fries</b> ($6) with herbs and Sunshine Sauce, and another new-to-us local find of the live fermented hot sauce from<b> Black Cap Hot Sauce</b>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKe3GF3XK28aex2NjPnh3ZciMh7RbY_w-GG-AnkpiMNaaLoEkVsfrbKcwLSNSuqA85r-HgpFKlZnmID2lTf8NXylNnvlbbNTgGYqRiVksyp-XVeZa_Kfr9AaVZWx_I9DovNo6FkGrkwE/s2048/IMG_5118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1748" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKe3GF3XK28aex2NjPnh3ZciMh7RbY_w-GG-AnkpiMNaaLoEkVsfrbKcwLSNSuqA85r-HgpFKlZnmID2lTf8NXylNnvlbbNTgGYqRiVksyp-XVeZa_Kfr9AaVZWx_I9DovNo6FkGrkwE/w546-h640/IMG_5118.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>The thicker shape and soft texture of the fries reminds me of the <b>French Toast Sticks </b>from Burger King (<i>minus the sweetness</i>). And that's said with love, because we don't eat much fast food but those are probably my number two breakfast order behind McDonald's Egg McMuffin when we do have fast food for breakfast. Give them a try.<div><br /></div><div>The pre-sale tends to sell out in advance right now, so jump on it. I know I'm already dreaming of our next sandwiches. <br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.marthaonthefly.com/" target="_blank">Martha on the Fly</a><br />(844) 4-pie-love</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-41704182232457269462021-04-02T01:00:00.001-04:002021-04-02T01:00:00.528-04:00Squash the Beef Catering<p>It was time to hit another restaurant on my <b><a href="https://www.bitebuff.com/2021/01/2021-to-dine-challenge.html" target="_blank">2021 To Dine Challenge</a></b> list. I knew that <b><a href="https://squashthebeefcatering.com/" target="_blank">Squash the Beef</a></b> would be a perfect choice to try as we're still not comfortable dining in at restaurants (<i>but we're close!</i>).</p><p>You can find this vegan comfort food caterer around town doing pop-ups and events. A foodie friend, <b><a href="https://www.clefoodies.com/" target="_blank">CLEfoodies</a></b>, had tipped us off that the <b>Burger Night</b> was worth tracking down. So I watched their social media for announcements and marked my calendar for the March date. <i>We pre-ordered because sometimes they sell out, and it paid off!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73oaZZ8fp_mGdfAddGmuecEElZYuamN0l8MLHLhHtACF2GLPQ3_w48xsIye_UtEmfaRkXxqrGYyjlSexcWNplf6dXB9VKrNvKIKbx9f9vbxCyUxhnIaNZlwx3eqgZmJm8k9FD4h2lAg0/s2048/IMG_5037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1644" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73oaZZ8fp_mGdfAddGmuecEElZYuamN0l8MLHLhHtACF2GLPQ3_w48xsIye_UtEmfaRkXxqrGYyjlSexcWNplf6dXB9VKrNvKIKbx9f9vbxCyUxhnIaNZlwx3eqgZmJm8k9FD4h2lAg0/w514-h640/IMG_5037.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>This pea protein patty didn't have us missing meat <u>at all</u>, and it's topped with lettuce, tomato, vegan cheez sauce, pickles, fried onions, and their special comfort sauce on a pretzel bun. <i>Just look at that thing!</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfGxBTyp3BI1_4DyqqdBg9pb_viWcbIW92Bl1KuaL00NgJ7U7fbMiGUpIX1itcxoVxgAaB4K7TPCeMolS_hK-0u5duSGuKvVqeSgptIeyLjftwJoG9texfeGGDOcp5KwDO99vl7jqOdI/s2048/IMG_5038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfGxBTyp3BI1_4DyqqdBg9pb_viWcbIW92Bl1KuaL00NgJ7U7fbMiGUpIX1itcxoVxgAaB4K7TPCeMolS_hK-0u5duSGuKvVqeSgptIeyLjftwJoG9texfeGGDOcp5KwDO99vl7jqOdI/w640-h376/IMG_5038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>You can get chips or fries with it, and I highly recommend the <b>Seasoned Fries</b>. <i>They were delicious!</i><p></p><div>Also, don't sleep on the <b>Kale Lemonade</b>. We both loved it. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Who knew vegan food could taste this good?</i> I'm only kidding. But seriously, this was some of the tastiest full vegan food that I've had in a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to try more of their theme nights (<i>Taco Tuesday, Soul Food Sunday</i>), but you can catch April's <b>Burger Night on 4/23</b> in Euclid. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://squashthebeefcatering.com/" target="_blank">Squash the Beef Catering</a></div><div>(216) 245-2128</div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609911428260668545.post-46826728795632045072021-03-30T13:30:00.001-04:002021-03-30T13:30:09.475-04:00Honeymoon Grille<p>Mr. H and I had to head down to <b>Akron</b> to receive our first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination <i>(thank you, Acme!</i>). So, why not make more of an excursion out of it and pick up lunch to eat in the car? </p><p>After doing a quick search online, it looked like <b><a href="https://honeymoongrille.com/" target="_blank">Honeymoon Grille</a></b> was just down the street from the grocery store and it had a good rating and reviews on <b>TripAdvisor</b>. <i>Maybe that should have been my first clue...</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNknF4_iQ7waqIPnFNGOs3swEFjhnzcCCID-L0Fn5vE6oq0iEOtj89p8nDDSgYjQHYO2wcF1IlXaF_UXISHcSqgMz2fqi5CVKGxQb0WPm808TT5A85G-m2vFjVMkpPGi7klFswTdyghyphenhyphens/s2048/IMG_4946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2031" data-original-width="2048" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNknF4_iQ7waqIPnFNGOs3swEFjhnzcCCID-L0Fn5vE6oq0iEOtj89p8nDDSgYjQHYO2wcF1IlXaF_UXISHcSqgMz2fqi5CVKGxQb0WPm808TT5A85G-m2vFjVMkpPGi7klFswTdyghyphenhyphens/w640-h634/IMG_4946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The inside was nothing special, but big, bright, and properly spaced for the pandemic. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3slC-M5ahkotfg15bHXPnd9QZ56NHPkNqtEZIzepQWk2XXQxCyJsYK7M3uxH4uCQwZi-7gwx8EybgukufZVyS__lhT4XOnBNc06v9F-DL6_9MxqaVKl1OPU2qnBbCJoPLCKKJLqoO4mA/s2048/IMG_4951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1911" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3slC-M5ahkotfg15bHXPnd9QZ56NHPkNqtEZIzepQWk2XXQxCyJsYK7M3uxH4uCQwZi-7gwx8EybgukufZVyS__lhT4XOnBNc06v9F-DL6_9MxqaVKl1OPU2qnBbCJoPLCKKJLqoO4mA/w598-h640/IMG_4951.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>The menu looked very diner-esque but up a notch, with breakfast and lunch served all day. So Mr. H went with the <b>BLT & Egg Wrap</b> ($6.99) with egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and your choice of cheese and wrap. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Nt1MB_AqHeslhBPBePBdSZ_SvLtpaXnAzSKWCfAAImbt-ld37e7oVdIRXplAL1ZHJcwI9z9qjprGffoO5qAqXhUrfHktXL4j96uHaVGEi4qnNV_c1hXwpmAWc1qE7GcU0DJ8LUOt_o/s2048/IMG_4948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1648" data-original-width="2048" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Nt1MB_AqHeslhBPBePBdSZ_SvLtpaXnAzSKWCfAAImbt-ld37e7oVdIRXplAL1ZHJcwI9z9qjprGffoO5qAqXhUrfHktXL4j96uHaVGEi4qnNV_c1hXwpmAWc1qE7GcU0DJ8LUOt_o/w640-h516/IMG_4948.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I ordered the <b>Crab Cakes</b> ($5.99) and <b>Basket of Fresh Cut Fries</b> ($3.99).<i> Dining Deals Alert!</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7B7wTQFqQe5FypDbE4_NXn95qIdamJZfVFOCBX6bJ8cc8vYfel957Nq0SksTL20ubT6rfCCg7nb7caGCZ-IKNieTLCx0KlZJJAWx62bPWihxhPALtjRCJcHqPAX0t3eLwiK6fdEth3Oc/s2048/IMG_4947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1829" data-original-width="2048" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7B7wTQFqQe5FypDbE4_NXn95qIdamJZfVFOCBX6bJ8cc8vYfel957Nq0SksTL20ubT6rfCCg7nb7caGCZ-IKNieTLCx0KlZJJAWx62bPWihxhPALtjRCJcHqPAX0t3eLwiK6fdEth3Oc/w640-h572/IMG_4947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>First, no way those were fresh cut fries. Cleary a frozen product, and very close to my potato nemesis...the shoestring fry. The small, skinny fries were unseasoned and left a lot to be desired. <div><br /></div><div>As did the food overall. It was certainly fine, but just average at best. I think there are much better restaurant options in Akron, so this one is a pass.<br /><p></p><p><a href="https://honeymoongrille.com/" target="_blank">Honeymoon Grille</a><br />3458 Manchester Road<br />Akron, OH 44319<br />(330) 644-4355</p></div>Bite Buffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323105047152569765noreply@blogger.com0