Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Michael's Genuine Food + Drink

Situated in the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights, Michael's Genuine Food + Drink had been on my list to check out since it opened. The restaurant concept comes from James Beard Award-winning chef/owner Michael Schwartz of Miami.
The dining room is casual, with booths and tables positioned for a view of the wood-fired oven. There's also a good-sized bar, and you can enjoy 1/2 off snacks, cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer during their Happy Hour on Monday - Friday from 4-6PM.
We popped in for a large lunch, because dinner wasn't going to be until very late that evening. We shared three smaller plates from their snacks and appetizers sections, and split a lunch-portion salad.

That started with an order of Classic Deviled Eggs ($6). Can't go wrong there.
We also shared the Wood Roasted Octopus ($19) with crema, smoked chile, radish, and cilantro. The flavors of this dish were overall very good, but it ended up a real "miss" for us because it was over-roasted and the texture became tough and it tasted too bitter. Also, for the price, the portion was very small. It cut down to four bite-sized pieces.
They offer two sizes for each of their salads, which is a nice option. We shared the smaller portion of the Butter Lettuce ($8) with orange, hazelnut, avocado, and shallot-hazelnut vinaigrette. It was a simple and refreshing salad that I'd eat again, but I kept thinking that it was missing a little something. I personally would add crumbled goat cheese, and more orange and avocado.
So far, the meal had been pleasant but nothing had "wowed us" quite yet. Well the best was saved for last. We ended with the Crispy Pork Belly ($15) with kimchi, crushed peanuts, and cilantro. The portion was pretty generous for an appetizer, the flavors and textures were great, and I'd get this again and again.
There was a whole lot more on the menu that I'd like to try. Including daily oysters and specials. The menu is labeled for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

Pop in for a meal, then stop in at any of the great shops at the Van Aken District, and top off the experience with ice cream from Mitchell's. I just love dining destinations where you can walk around and make a whole excursion out of it.

3427 Tuttle Road
Shaker Heights, OH 44122
(216) 230-8022

1 comments:

bonnjill said...

I should probably write up my visit, because I don't see myself going back. Or maybe give it a second visit so it can redeem itself. I loved the deviled eggs too, but got so royally screwed with the raw bar that I have a visceral reaction to the restaurant's name. I paid $26 for one single king crab leg - and not a big one, no, one with just three joints. I could have bought a whole cluster for that price and made it at home with more flavor. The shrimp toast bahn mi was good, and I remember the dippy egg plate being great. Nothing really knocked my socks off enough to rush back.