A Peek at What's New at Table 45

If you've followed this blog for a while now, then you know I am a fan of basically everything that Cleveland restaurateur Zack Bruell does. The cheese at L'Albatros would make it to my "death bed meal" list, the atmosphere and views at Alley Cat can't be beat in Cleveland, and his restaurants are a frequent stop when entertaining out-of-town friends and family.

So, when I was invited to an intimate tasting at the Table 45 chef's table last week, I didn't even blink before saying "yes!" For me, it was the first time seeing the chef's table, and it truly is a special nook that is unique and quite an experience. Tucked in the kitchen of Table 45 at the Intercontinental Hotel at the Cleveland Clinic, guests have front row seats.

Before the food had even hit the table, we were enjoying quite a show from Chef Bruell and the new team at Table 45. The Intercontinental Executive Chef Michael Swann, and Table 45 Chef de Cuisine Matthew Anderson (who I've known and loved during his time at Umami and Crop Kitchen), produced one heck of a meal, and we got to watch every step of the way.

Four "food media" representatives (who, me? I'm just a little ole blogger over here. The rest were serious journalists, and it was an honor to dine with them), and our guests, started with some sushi on the Table 45 patio, with my favorite wine of the night...Von Schleinitz Secco Sparkling Dry Riesling.

That is one wine that I'll be tracking down to purchase. Also, I asked Chef Matt if sushi will make its way back on to the lunch menu at Table 45. I host business lunches there often enough, and I really missed the sushi options when they disappeared from the recent menu. Fingers crossed, because Matt has always put out great sushi wherever he's been.

The eight-course meal included highlights like the Pan Seared Diver Scallop with chickpea puree, raspberry glace and fresh lemon, the classic Creme Brule with torched sugar crust for dessert, the Pan Seared Chilean Seabass with buttermilk smashed potatoes and a caper-tomato white wine broth...

...Roasted Chicken with mole rojo, Spanish rice and fresh coriander (served with another favorite wine of the night, the Chateau Musar Juene Rouge from Lebanon)...

...and a Grilled New York Strip with warm fingerling salad, wilted arugula, wild mushrooms, and a port wine sauce.

I was stuffed after the generous family-style meal, but I couldn't resist a second piece of that beef!

What made the evening truly special was the interaction with the chefs, and the company we dined with. That's the beauty of a good meal. It brings people together, whether you're family, friends, or complete strangers that share a bond over an appreciation of food and the city we love.

Mr. H wasn't feeling well that day, so a quick text to my buddy Crystal was sent that morning, and I don't think she minded the last minute plans! Poor hubby, he really missed out.

But, lucky for him, and you, there are two ways that you can experience Bruell Restaurants coming up.

The annual Tour de Bruell kicked off Memoral Day Weekend. Diners have until Labor Day Weekend to complete the tour by ordering an entree at six of Bruell's restaurants, get your pass stamped, and then be entered to win some fabulous prizes like dinner in your home from Chef Bruell, a NEW progressive dinner excursion for five lucky winners that complete the tour within 30 days, and everyone that completes their card is invited to a private party at Table 45 in September. These are some serious rewards, just for dining at some of Cleveland's best restaurants.

I've been to all of his restaurants (except Dynomite), but I've never completed the official tour. It's on my "Cleveland Dining Bucket List," which I'll be sharing with you shortly. Maybe this is the year?

Aren't up for taking on the challenge of the tour? You can also get a taste of Bruell's restaurants by attending a free wine tasting on June 6th with CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz's wine label, The Calling. Reservations for the complimentary wine tasting can be made at L'Albatros (6PM), Table 45 (7PM), Parallax (8PM), and Alley Cat (9PM). Zack and Jim will be traveling to each of the restaurants, so you don't want to miss this. The Calling is the official wine partner of the Tour, and only 40 reservations will be accepted at each of the locations on June 6th.

Each of Bruell's restaurants have a unique vibe and style of cuisine, and I think that Table 45 is often overlooked by Cleveland diners. Well, it shouldn't be. Zack calls it his favorite dining space in Cleveland, and its sleek, international vibe is truly unusual. With Chef Matt at the daily helm of the kitchen, I think that I'll be finding my way there more often.

Table 45
Intercontinental Hotel Cleveland
9801 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-707-4045

Disclosure: I was invited, with a guest, to attend a complimentary dinner with wine pairings at the Table 45 chef's table. All opinions stated are 100% my own.