Sunday, December 2, 2012

Time to Pick 2013 "To Dine"

It's hard to believe, but December is here and this year is coming to a close. While it didn't turn out quite how I had planned, this year was still pretty good to me. I continued to receive amazing support from "R", family, and friends as my health issue continues (never-ending story), I met new friends, traveled, welcomed my friend's beautiful little girl into the world, and of course--enjoyed some wonderful meals along the way. 2012 may not have been all that I had hoped it would be, but 2013 will be...I can feel it.

Even though I still have three restaurants left on my 2012 "To Dine" list, it's time to look ahead. Help me select my Top Ten Restaurants to make the 2013 "To Dine" list! I enjoyed having my readers make the suggestions last year, and it's been great checking them all out. So, we're going to continue that theme.

Tell me about some of your favorite spots that simply don't get the recognition that they deserve. That hole-in-the-wall bar with an outstanding burger, the best kept secret in AsiaTown, a suburb hot spot that is worth the drive--I want to hear about them! Ten will make the list, and I'll reveal them at the start of the new year.

What restaurant(s) do you think should make my 2013 list?

19 comments:

wearingmascara said...

I'm going to continue to brainstorm, but Thai Kitchen in Lakewood is a great place (http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-kitchen-lakewood). I went there for takeout one time and it was amazing, plus very reasonably priced. Definitely a small joint (I didn't dine in so I cannot comment on that), but the food is great and it's family owned. Next, I would recommend Flavors of India in North Olmsted. They have so much passion and are very, very nice. Again, family owned. http://www.yelp.com/biz/flavors-of-india-restaurant-north-olmsted

Anonymous said...

Peppers in Lakewood is the first that comes to mind. We just enjoyed one of the last slices of homemade grape pie and it was euphoric.
Perfectly cozy and always delicious I can't recommend this place enough!

JASON said...

Biga Wood Fired Pizza in Kirtland. Best pizza in the area by far.

Jen @ Why CLE? said...

Match Works Tavern in Mentor. The food is outstanding (they were featured in Cleveland Magazine for Best Short Ribs) and the owners are so nice! We had our rehearsal dinner there, plus plenty of other great meals.
www.matchworkstavern.com

Anonymous said...

jakes on the lake in avon lake. one of my favorite bars/restaurants. daily specials are always delicious. good wings. wednesday's is chicken paprikash day, which is by far one of my favorite specials. staff is very friendly. and they always have homemade cheesecake in all kinds of flavors!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jakes-On-The-Lake/120300721320213?fref=ts

Kristian said...

I'm going to go with India Garden (Lakewood), Diso's at All Nations (Lorain), Black River Bistro (Oberlin), Chez Francois (Vermilion), Lorenzo's (Oberlin), Sweet Mango (Strongsville), Ohashi (North Olmsted), Fat Heads (North Olmsted).

That's a nice selection and only one I still haven't been to (Fat Heads). If you want more info about them (and what to get), just let me know. I know some are a little out of the way but sooooo worth it.

Anonymous said...

Tartine Bistro in Rocky River. It's probably my favorite restaurant on the Westside. I ALWAYS order the Chicken Tartine.

Stampers Kitchen in Fairview Park. I admit I drove by this place for years and thought it looked like a dump. Eventually a friend told me to go there and it's been a favorite ever since. Love their fries and burgers and sweet potato tots.

Stephanie said...

Wild Goose in downtown Willoughby is becoming a favorite of mine.

bonnjill said...

If R likes tiramisu you need to try the tiramisu at Il Bacio (just across from Washington Place Bistro). The owner himself makes it, and it is absolutely delicious.

Alana said...

have you ever been to Strip in Avon? Bomb ass steaks.

Bite Buff said...

Blue Door Cafe and Cleveland Pickle

janguyen said...

Miega Korean! I'll go with you too.

Sarah @ Cooker Girl said...

The Annex in Solon is a total dive bar, but it's supposed to have great burgers and fresh cut fries. I have to head over there myself to see if it's true. Let me know if/when you go!

Anonymous said...

put @JezebelsBayou on the list. Its was great! - Frank

All Lacquered Up said...

My CLE Heights go to is Tav Co on Lee Rd. I've never had a bad meal there and they have great specials. Besides, Trattner goes there regularly so you know it had to be good.

Also, I've been wanting to go to Sterle's so you need to add it so I can go with you. ;)

Oh, finally SASA has one of my fave happy hours on Monday.

Anonymous said...

Frm TheHeldawg

Hmmm Original Steaks and Hoagies in Twinsburg for Cheesesteaks out of this world...

Annex Bar and Gril for Burgers in Solon...

Flip Side in Hudson is good for Burgers...

I think Bejing Garden on border of Hudson and Tburg is best in Cleveland for Chinese...

I think I saw you said Cleveland Pickle and Blue door which I both reccomend!

All Lacquered Up said...

The Oak Barrel! Hello ahi tuna tacos, oh how I missed you!

Yvette said...

I'm in Canton so you have to do a little road trip for mine....Bombay Sitar near Belden Village is positively divine. The food is consistently outstanding, with dishes from multiple regions of India. They go out of their way to ensure a memorable dining experience, too. Never disappoints!

Emily said...

Luchita's on W 117th (def not the one in Hudson), preferably for taco tuesday or enchilada wednesday! Wine Bar Rocky River is a great spot, preferably in the summer (great outdoor set up). And Stone Mad Pub, tucked on W 65th north of Detroit. Get indoor bocce, which is fun for something to do in the winter. Excellent restoration work, a fireplace, and great bar.