The Lady Butchers behind Saucisson have been offering Sausage Making Classes since they opened their butcher shop in Slavic Village. We did an in-home sausage and fresh pasta making class with them that was fabulous!
But this winter, they've added on some additional types of classes that I totally thought was worth sharing with you.
February 9th- Fresh Pasta & Beef Bolognese ($65)
February 16th- Group Sausage Making ($45)
February 23rd- Soups ($55)
March 9th- Group Sausage Making ($45)
March 23rd- Pork Braising ($55)
April 13th- Charcuterie & Cheese Board ($65)
April 27th- Group Sausage Making ($45)
All classes are held on Saturdays from 1PM - 4PM at their shop on Fleet Avenue (except April 13th will be from 2PM - 4PM with the farmer and cheese maker of Yellow House Cheese).
You'll be learning techniques and preparing some foods to be consumed during the class, but you walk away with the fixings for Sunday dinner.
Reservations are required, as spaces are limited. So don't wait!
Saucisson
5324 Fleet Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44105
(216) 303-9067
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Lox, Stock, and Brisket
I've been dying to get out east to try Lox, Stock and Brisket Delicatessen ever since photos of their mouth-watering looking sandwiches started hitting social media. The buzz about this new fast casual restaurant grew from there. Finally, I was over on the east side at lunchtime, so Mr. H and I popped in.
The space is comfortable and cute.
With chalkboard menus on the wall, it's easy to browse. But the staff were also immediately helpful at identifying which sandwiches are the most popular once we said that it was our first time in.
Mr. H ordered The Rueben ($12) with cured and smoked brisket, kraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye. The brisket was great!
But I had to go for the sandwich that was causing the most buzz on social media, the Lincoln Park ($11) with buttermilk chicken schnitzel, bread & butter pickle slaw, and hot sauce aioli on a roll. This sandwich lived up to the hype! If you don't care for spicy food, don't let the hot sauce aioli throw you off, there really wasn't any heat to it. Personally, I'd love to see the chicken pounded thinner. It ate more like a fried chicken sandwich to me than a schnitzel, but that's just personal preference. I'd totally order it again.
The only thing I didn't care for was the Potato Salad served on the side. Diners have a choice of coleslaw or potato salad as a side. The flavor was a little sweet for my taste, and the texture was so smooth that it ate like cold mashed potatoes to me.
They also serve breakfast, cater meetings or events, or sell some of their meats by the pound.
Chef Anthony Zappola has quite a long list of credentials, including working under Tom Colicchio. He returned to his hometown of Cleveland recently, and has already opened his second Northeast Ohio concept, The Rice Shop at Ohio City Galley. So us west-siders can rejoice!
Lox, Stock, and Brisket
13892 Cedar Road
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 471-8175
But I had to go for the sandwich that was causing the most buzz on social media, the Lincoln Park ($11) with buttermilk chicken schnitzel, bread & butter pickle slaw, and hot sauce aioli on a roll. This sandwich lived up to the hype! If you don't care for spicy food, don't let the hot sauce aioli throw you off, there really wasn't any heat to it. Personally, I'd love to see the chicken pounded thinner. It ate more like a fried chicken sandwich to me than a schnitzel, but that's just personal preference. I'd totally order it again.
They also serve breakfast, cater meetings or events, or sell some of their meats by the pound.
Chef Anthony Zappola has quite a long list of credentials, including working under Tom Colicchio. He returned to his hometown of Cleveland recently, and has already opened his second Northeast Ohio concept, The Rice Shop at Ohio City Galley. So us west-siders can rejoice!
Lox, Stock, and Brisket
13892 Cedar Road
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 471-8175
Thursday, January 24, 2019
De Massimo's Authentic Sauces
Have you heard of De Massimo's Authentic Sauces yet?
The story of De Massimo's sauce is all about family. Their sauces are "Old World" Italian recipes that were handed down over generations. I was introduced to them by the company owner's sister, who is a professional contact that I've gotten to know well over the last three years.
He began his dream in 2015 by offering his family's sauces at the Hilliard City Farmers’ Market. Since then, De Massimo’s has established a growing retail and food service presence and participates in various markets and events throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Locally, you can find them in Heinen's, Nature's Oasis, Miles Farmers Market, and Giant Eagle Market District (as well as several other smaller retailers).
Currently, they offer Classic, Pizza, and Arrabbiata sauces. I was gifted a three-pack for the holidays, and I recently used the Classic and Arrabbiata to make Mr. H dinner for his birthday. They were seasoned well and made me look good for this easy Stuffed Shells recipe!
We're running very low on our homemade sauce Mr. H made this summer, so this new-to-us brand will be stocking our shelves until we make some more. Go try some!
He began his dream in 2015 by offering his family's sauces at the Hilliard City Farmers’ Market. Since then, De Massimo’s has established a growing retail and food service presence and participates in various markets and events throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Locally, you can find them in Heinen's, Nature's Oasis, Miles Farmers Market, and Giant Eagle Market District (as well as several other smaller retailers).
Currently, they offer Classic, Pizza, and Arrabbiata sauces. I was gifted a three-pack for the holidays, and I recently used the Classic and Arrabbiata to make Mr. H dinner for his birthday. They were seasoned well and made me look good for this easy Stuffed Shells recipe!
Monday, January 21, 2019
City BBQ Grand Opening
It may be a chain restaurant, but its roots are in Ohio, and Northeast Ohio is pretty darn pumped to see City BBQ open its doors in Beachwood today (Grand Opening on 1/26). I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek during an influencer event, and I'm already a fan!
Good BBQ starts with slow smoking, and City BBQ uses only hickory to create their award-winning meats.
We got to taste a LOT of their menu, but the Ribs were towards the top of my favorites. Good bark, moist, and bit right off the bone.
They offer all kinds of sampler platters so you can pick and choose from different meats.
But the other sections of the menu are not to be missed as well.
Mmm....
The sides were also stars of the show. Favorites for me included the Corn Pudding, Hush Puppies, Baked Beans with Brisket, and Fresh Cut Fries. I could make a meal of the sides alone.
With several sauces to choose from, you can dress your meats as you'd like. I tried the Cheerwine and Brushfire, both delicious.
Look at that gorgeous pink smoke ring on the Brisket! It just melted in your mouth.
No joke, I quickly became a fan after diving in to their food, and we'll be back soon on our own.
They also offer all kinds of catering options too, so consider them for your next meeting or event.
Welcome to Beachwood, City BBQ! They also shared that more Northeast Ohio locations are in the works. They plan to grow from the current 40+ locations to 100 by 2020. They are doing BBQ right, and the masses agree.
City BBQ
24325 Chagrin Blvd.
Beachwood, OH
Disclosure: I was invited with a guest to a media preview and all food was complimentary and I received a swag bag. All opinions stated are 100% my own.
They also offer all kinds of catering options too, so consider them for your next meeting or event.
Welcome to Beachwood, City BBQ! They also shared that more Northeast Ohio locations are in the works. They plan to grow from the current 40+ locations to 100 by 2020. They are doing BBQ right, and the masses agree.
City BBQ
24325 Chagrin Blvd.
Beachwood, OH
Disclosure: I was invited with a guest to a media preview and all food was complimentary and I received a swag bag. All opinions stated are 100% my own.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Tartine Bistro Private Dinner
Look, it's all fun and games popping in to new restaurants and trying things for the first time. But, there's something special about the tried-and-true spots that keep you coming back for more. Tartine Bistro in Rocky River is one of those for me.
Fortunately, my friends snagged an auction package at Flavors of Northeast Ohio this fall for a six-course, wine-paired dinner for six guests in the private room at Tartine. We decided to celebrate the January birthdays in our group using this package, and WOW did it exceed all expectations.
Chef Michael Grieve had crafted an amazing six-course (plus two!) meal that showed off his creativity, stunning plating, and all sorts of great pairings. His brother BJ had selected the perfect wine pairings, and left us snapping photos of wine labels so that we could track some down.
While the great company would have been enough for us, we were certainly all bright-eyed and drooling over what was in store for us!
What hit the table first was an Amuse of Duck L'Orange Explosion.
We continued on with the courses, each beautiful and delicious, like the Scallop Potato with creme fraiche, chive, and bacon.
A crowd favorite was the single bite Foie Gras Torchon with blue cheese, citrus, honey, and pickle.
A delicate Foie Gras Torchon with duck consomme, blackberry, and celery followed.
The last savory course was Big Ol' Shrimp with sweet potato gnocchi, pear, rapini and caviar. The shrimp were cooked perfectly, and the gnocchi left us begging for more.
For dessert, a Strawberry Tartare with bone marrow ice cream, lemon, poached apple, and bacon sugar. Yes, BONE MARROW ice cream. Served...in a BONE. It was so cool.
The meal and experience was wonderful from start to finish. We had an evening full of deep belly laughs, and the staff were such good sports about our probably rowdy behavior. It's a good thing we were sequestered away in a private room.
If you haven't been to Tartine before, please do. And give Chef Michael a follow on Instagram for some of the most beautiful plating that I've seen in Cleveland. His feed will leave you drooling on your screen.
What's one restaurant that continues to draw you back in?
Tartine Bistro
19110 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
(440) 331-0800
Fortunately, my friends snagged an auction package at Flavors of Northeast Ohio this fall for a six-course, wine-paired dinner for six guests in the private room at Tartine. We decided to celebrate the January birthdays in our group using this package, and WOW did it exceed all expectations.
Chef Michael Grieve had crafted an amazing six-course (plus two!) meal that showed off his creativity, stunning plating, and all sorts of great pairings. His brother BJ had selected the perfect wine pairings, and left us snapping photos of wine labels so that we could track some down.
If you haven't been to Tartine before, please do. And give Chef Michael a follow on Instagram for some of the most beautiful plating that I've seen in Cleveland. His feed will leave you drooling on your screen.
What's one restaurant that continues to draw you back in?
Tartine Bistro
19110 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
(440) 331-0800
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Flight Cleveland
Last Saturday evening, Mr. H and I popped in to the newly opened Flight Cleveland wine bar and shop that took over the former Latitude 41 space on Detroit Avenue.
Featuring 29 bottles of assorted wines on tap that line the stylish and modern bar are on a special wine-preservation system, helping the wine last two weeks rather than a couple of days. You can try any of the wines in sample pours or by the glass, but you're encouraged to choose one of the 12 pre-selected Flights (featuring fun names!) to push yourself out of your comfort zone and compare some wines side-by-side.
That's the route we both went, and we found a couple that we will want to purchase by the full glass or bottle in the future. Score! These adorable cards are served with each wine in the flight, sharing origin and notes about the wine. So appreciated.
In addition to the bar featuring the tap wines (and four craft beers and limited spirits), there is a wine shop section featuring 400 bottles of wine for all price points. There is no kitchen, but you can grab a couple of small bites like a cheese plate or olives while you sip.
The space has had a complete overhaul, and now includes cozy nooks with soft seating, an 18-seat bar, and a handful of low tables. The lighting, decor, and color theme all mix the traditional with the modern and bold with subtle. I found it adorable, and with several Instagram-worthy spots. I couldn't stop staring at the gorgeous, bold floral wallpaper outside the restrooms.
It's only been open for a short time, but it was buzzing on Saturday night with people of all ages. Service was so attentive and helpful in making our wine selections. It'll be a perfect pre or post-dinner stop for us in the future!
Flight Cleveland
5712 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 400-6867
Featuring 29 bottles of assorted wines on tap that line the stylish and modern bar are on a special wine-preservation system, helping the wine last two weeks rather than a couple of days. You can try any of the wines in sample pours or by the glass, but you're encouraged to choose one of the 12 pre-selected Flights (featuring fun names!) to push yourself out of your comfort zone and compare some wines side-by-side.
The space has had a complete overhaul, and now includes cozy nooks with soft seating, an 18-seat bar, and a handful of low tables. The lighting, decor, and color theme all mix the traditional with the modern and bold with subtle. I found it adorable, and with several Instagram-worthy spots. I couldn't stop staring at the gorgeous, bold floral wallpaper outside the restrooms.
It's only been open for a short time, but it was buzzing on Saturday night with people of all ages. Service was so attentive and helpful in making our wine selections. It'll be a perfect pre or post-dinner stop for us in the future!
Flight Cleveland
5712 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 400-6867
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Pearl of the Orient
Before the holidays hit, we had quite an entertaining meal out at Pearl of the Orient with some of our amazing neighbors. Mr. H and I had purchased a silent auction package at a charity event for a "Sushi and Lobster Dinner for 6 Guests." With very little information on what this actually entailed, we made the reservation and headed there blindly.
It just started off humorously, because even though I stated that we had the certificate and what it included when I made the reservation, they appeared surprised to see us and quickly informed me that lobster was not available that night. They even suggested that I "should have told them when I made the reservation." Ummmm...
The owner and our server could not have been more apologetic, and they quickly tried to make plans to feed us. We began to joke that Whole Foods or Heinen's grocery bags may fly by our private room's doorway at any moment, or that UberEats may soon deliver us our lobster dinner. We were laughing so hard at the scenarios we were making up that tears were forming and my belly hurt from laughing. It was off to a good, but comical, start.
It didn't end there. One of our friends accidentally ordered a cocktail meant for two people. But it arrived in a...flower VASE! The thing was massive, and had about 10 drinks in it. Immediately, we imagined that a table in the main dining room suddenly had no centerpiece. Or the bar or hostess stand was now without flowers. Another round of hard belly laughs. More of a warning should come with that thing! Or at least our server could have confirmed he did indeed want this cocktail meant for two. Nope.
The next round of "entertainment" during this meal was a little scarier. Two of our guests have food allergies, one with a very serious poultry allergy. This can become tricky in restaurants, as chicken stock and broth is often used in dishes and it's not always obvious to a diner. The owner and our server were made very aware of the allergy, but alas, the first course included Miso Soup and their version has chicken broth in it. Our guest with the allergy was served this, even after being reassured that it did not have chicken product in it. Only a couple of slurps in, and our server realized that the owner had given our guest this soup. She whisked it away, and we all started to worry. He assured us that he knows instantly if there is a problem, and the two or three small spoonfuls of soup hadn't caused a problem. Phew!
Luckily, things smoothed out after course one. We were served some delicious sushi, sashimi, and rolls next.
And then the entrees didn't stop coming, including lobster! Wonder where they got them from...
Dish after dish appeared.
Every kind of protein on the menu was represented.
And we just kept spinning the lazy susan to try everything.
There was so much food, we ate and ate and then still took some home. These pictures don't even show HALF of what showed up at the table. I think they were feeling awful about the start to the meal.
Dessert was served even after that massive course, but we found room.
So, the food was good and our sever and the owner were beyond sweet and attentive, but it was a very rough experience overall that almost ended in a serious allergic reaction. That is concerning that the allergy was overlooked, as many diners have to be very careful. Our experience doesn't leave me racing to go back.
It's a good thing that our crew is very laid back and we found the humor in it all. When things are going THAT WRONG, it becomes quite funny and you just leave with a good story to tell. Those hard belly laughs and food and drink shared with neighbors that we call friends were just what I needed that night.
Pearl of the Orient
19300 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
(440) 333-9902
It just started off humorously, because even though I stated that we had the certificate and what it included when I made the reservation, they appeared surprised to see us and quickly informed me that lobster was not available that night. They even suggested that I "should have told them when I made the reservation." Ummmm...
The owner and our server could not have been more apologetic, and they quickly tried to make plans to feed us. We began to joke that Whole Foods or Heinen's grocery bags may fly by our private room's doorway at any moment, or that UberEats may soon deliver us our lobster dinner. We were laughing so hard at the scenarios we were making up that tears were forming and my belly hurt from laughing. It was off to a good, but comical, start.
It didn't end there. One of our friends accidentally ordered a cocktail meant for two people. But it arrived in a...flower VASE! The thing was massive, and had about 10 drinks in it. Immediately, we imagined that a table in the main dining room suddenly had no centerpiece. Or the bar or hostess stand was now without flowers. Another round of hard belly laughs. More of a warning should come with that thing! Or at least our server could have confirmed he did indeed want this cocktail meant for two. Nope.
Luckily, things smoothed out after course one. We were served some delicious sushi, sashimi, and rolls next.
So, the food was good and our sever and the owner were beyond sweet and attentive, but it was a very rough experience overall that almost ended in a serious allergic reaction. That is concerning that the allergy was overlooked, as many diners have to be very careful. Our experience doesn't leave me racing to go back.
It's a good thing that our crew is very laid back and we found the humor in it all. When things are going THAT WRONG, it becomes quite funny and you just leave with a good story to tell. Those hard belly laughs and food and drink shared with neighbors that we call friends were just what I needed that night.
Pearl of the Orient
19300 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
(440) 333-9902
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
2019 To Dine Challenge
Happy New Year! Today is a day filled with hope, plans, goals, and the chance to refresh and restart. Restart is the word I'm sticking with today, and that includes bringing back the To Dine Challenge.
For those of you that are newer to reading along on my dining adventures, each December I asked readers to suggest restaurants that they'd like to see me dine at in the upcoming year. Then, on January 1st, I'd reveal 10 that I had selected to challenge myself to dine at over the next 12 months.
It was harder than it sounds. We'd hit several right away, end up taking a break during the summer when our days filled up with travel and CLE events, and then suddenly it was October/November and I'd have 4-6 left to cram in. I believe I did this challenge for 7 years, and only completed it TWICE.
So in 2017, I went back and did all of the skipped restaurants (that hadn't closed) as the To Dine Challenge of the year. Once completed successfully, I called it quits and didn't launch a new Challenge in 2018.
But as 2019 started to near, I realized that I missed it. It gave me a fun goal for the blog, and many of you joined in on the dining fun and came with me to the stops. I missed that! So, here we go again, the new list...
2019 To Dine Challenge
1. Il Rione Pizzeria
2. Molto Bene Italian Eatery
3. The Pompadour
4. Kavana Social Kitchen
5. Russo's Kitchen
6. La Plaza Taqueria
7. V's Gourmet Chicken
8. Joe's Deli
9. Half Moon Bakery
10. Kingfish Seafood
Where should I go first? Any that you want to join me for?
Bring on 2019! I'm ready for you.
For those of you that are newer to reading along on my dining adventures, each December I asked readers to suggest restaurants that they'd like to see me dine at in the upcoming year. Then, on January 1st, I'd reveal 10 that I had selected to challenge myself to dine at over the next 12 months.
It was harder than it sounds. We'd hit several right away, end up taking a break during the summer when our days filled up with travel and CLE events, and then suddenly it was October/November and I'd have 4-6 left to cram in. I believe I did this challenge for 7 years, and only completed it TWICE.
So in 2017, I went back and did all of the skipped restaurants (that hadn't closed) as the To Dine Challenge of the year. Once completed successfully, I called it quits and didn't launch a new Challenge in 2018.
But as 2019 started to near, I realized that I missed it. It gave me a fun goal for the blog, and many of you joined in on the dining fun and came with me to the stops. I missed that! So, here we go again, the new list...
2019 To Dine Challenge
1. Il Rione Pizzeria
2. Molto Bene Italian Eatery
3. The Pompadour
4. Kavana Social Kitchen
5. Russo's Kitchen
6. La Plaza Taqueria
7. V's Gourmet Chicken
8. Joe's Deli
9. Half Moon Bakery
10. Kingfish Seafood
Where should I go first? Any that you want to join me for?
Bring on 2019! I'm ready for you.
