The Plum Cafe and Kitchen

Mr. H and I popped in to the newly opened The Plum Cafe & Kitchen on Saturday night. After almost three years in the making, I think it was worth waiting for.

The patio was packed, but we were quickly seated in the main dining room. With tons of light pouring in, and the crisp white everywhere, it was almost as good as sitting outdoors.

The interior is getting rave reviews, as is the food. With the stark white, sleek lines, subway tiles, exposed brick, and playful features like the pineapple wallpaper, it's easy to see why.

But, we were there for the food. And some cocktails. The important stuff.

I started with a Bird '86 ($9) with green chartreuse, pineapple, lime, and velvet falernum. It was beyond delicious!

The menu changes often, depending on the local products they receive at this farm-to-table restaurant. The dishes are designed to be shared, so the plates are served family-style and are on the smaller side, encouraging sharing and sampling multiple things on the menu. Just how Mr. H and I like to eat.

We decided to share the Tomatillo Picadillo & Puri with cilantro rice, cauliflower, smoked olive, raisin, and vegan lime yogurt ($10).

A flavorful tapenade. We did enjoy it, but it was a little hard to eat without using our hands, and pretty messy.

Next up, Rabbit Merguez Sausage with crispy hominy, baked cheese, and grilled piadina ($12).

The sausage was crumbled on top, and again, the dish had wonderful flavor, but required some digging in with our hands and it got a little messy.

Lastly, we shared the Smoked Ohio Raised Pork Shank with carrots, yogurt pudding and alcaparrado jam ($23).

The star of the show. This dish was exceptional, and I'd head back there just to get it again.

They also have a great lunch menu, a beer and wine list, and three rotating seasonal beers on tap. Their patio backs up to the Platform Brewery patio, and you can even walk through a gate directly into Platform. The Plum is open Monday - Saturday from 11AM - 1AM.

Another great addition to the up-and-coming Lorain Avenue area, and one that we'll certainly revisit.

The Plum Cafe & Kitchen
4133 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-938-8711