Thursday, December 1, 2011

Help Me Set My Top 10 List for 2012

Wow, December. How did it get here this quickly?

Well, it's the time of year that I start thinking about my New Year's Resolution for the blog. Every year, I have challenged myself to dine at 10 new (to me) restaurants that are pre-selected (by me). The first year, I fell short with 5 left to go. I carried them over into 2011, and I'm happy to report that I've visited 9 out of 10. This dumb surgery got in the way of completing the list, but hey I do have a few more weeks so I guess it's not entirely out of the question.

This year, I want to do something different. I'm tired of reading blog reviews of the same restaurants over and over again. So help me spice up this blog in 2012 by challenging me to come dine at your favorite local hidden gem. I'm talking about hole-in-the-wall, "why doesn't everyone eat here?", best food in your area that no one talks about kind of place. Tell me about them! East, west, south...I don't care, I'll drive there.

I'll compile a list and reveal the 10 that I will be dining at in 2012 on January 1st. So come on, what restaurant/bar do YOU think should make my list?

17 comments:

  1. Melis, Student NurseDecember 1, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    My favorite breakfast spot is a little diner called Charlie's Doghouse Diner. They have AWESOME breakfast food! They dont have a website but heres their Foursquare page: https://foursquare.com/v/charlies-doghouse-diner/4c824266d8086dcb896e7452

    I love their "Charlie's Mess" Which is eggs, shredded hashbrowns and whatever other items you want all mixed together! Great hangover food! My sister LOVES their pancakes and they are HUGE and very inexpensive. The place is VERY small and only has a counter. Great fresh ground coffee too. Best hidden gem in Cleveland!

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  2. CLEgal @ Why CLE?December 1, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Whitey's has amazing burgers. They take awhile (each one is made when you order it) but are worth the wait!

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  3. bonnjillDecember 2, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    I've always wondered about Charlie's Diner. I'll have to check it out!

    My suggestions are Mekong River in Cleveland and Corleone's in Parma.

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  4. Bite BuffDecember 2, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Twitter suggestions:

    Stonehouse Grill in Westlake
    Caddyshack Lounge in Hinckley
    Moosehead Saloon in Bay Village
    Chez Francois

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  5. Bite BuffDecember 2, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Facebook suggestions:

    Rockefeller's
    Shuhei
    Bac
    Chez Francois
    Umami
    Fountain
    Cleveland Taco Scene
    lure in dowtown willoughby
    marotta's in cleveland heights. guido's pizza haven in chesterland

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  6. Bite BuffDecember 2, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Fairview Tavern in Fairview Park was suggested by @fitincleveland.

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  7. ReneeDecember 2, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    Since we've had a recent focus on the best pizza in Cleveland and I completely disagree with the consensus, I'd love to see you review Crostata's in Highland Heights.

    Other East Side favorites:

    Molanari's in Mentor
    Beach Club Bistro in Euclid
    Pranzo in Downtown Willoughby

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  8. BridgetDecember 3, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    Lure - Willoughby
    Crave - Akron
    Marottas - Cleveland Heights
    Sara's Place - Gates Mills
    Nighttown - Cleveland Heights
    Gasoline Alley - Bath
    One Red Door - Hudson

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  9. MargaretDecember 4, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    Cedar Lee Pub in Cleveland Heights...amazing burgers and fries- and cheap beer :)

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  10. AnonymousDecember 5, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    I have to put in an East Side vote for Bistro 185. I know you've already been there--for lunch anyway--but you've never reviewed it, nor have you mentioned going there for dinner. So I'd vote for them. I know Ruth Levine and Todd Mueller really devote themselves to creating first-class dishes, and their vegan guest chef Jakub Mejstrik has taught Ruth a great deal about cooking gourmet vegan style for their vegan nights. Definitely one of the less publicized treasures!

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  11. Bite BuffDecember 5, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Twitter suggestions:

    Barroco Grill in Lakewood
    Bangkok Thai on Mayfield Rd.
    Appetite Deli on Mayfield Rd.

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  12. ReneeDecember 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Arrabiata's in Mayfield came in recently in conversation. That might be another good one to review. (My Dad loved their Zuppe di Pesce)

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  13. Allison M.December 5, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Ginko - right by Dante - it's on my list.

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  14. Bite BuffDecember 6, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    Twitter suggestions:

    Borderline Cafe
    custard at Webers
    El Tango
    Sullivans

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  15. All Lacquered UpDecember 13, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    A lot of great east side places represented, love it!

    I would add Big Al's Diner on Larchmere. Great greasy spoon-esque diner with amazing pancakes and corned beef hash, the best ever according to Michael Symon.

    Personally I think Tavern Company on Lee has better food than the Cedar Lee Pub. Their smoky apple sandwich is TO.DIE.

    Also, Tree Country Bistro on Coventry is an asian gem with its mix of Sushi, Japanese, Korean and Thai.

    Oh and adding some place in Asia Town would be awesome. I love Wonton Gourmet. The turnip cakes are amaze. Trust!

    Finally, Annie's Sun Luck Garden on Taylor is one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever been to. She's an amazing chef.

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  16. Bite BuffDecember 29, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    Twitter:
    Bruno's
    Pepper's
    Maxi's
    Superior Pho
    Fifth wheel

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  17. Bite BuffDecember 30, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Dina's
    Bricco
    Bruno's
    Papa Joe's
    Santos
    El Taino

    All suggested on Twitter

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