Mister T's Wonderfreeze

After a hike at the Twinsburg Ledges at Liberty Park the other day, the sunshine and warmer temperatures had us craving a frozen sweet treat. We weren't very family with the area (and many of our favorite ice cream shops aren't open for the season yet), but with a quick search online we found Mister T's Wonderfreeze in Oakwood.

It had all the charm of a roadside ice cream shop.

And they even had a wide selection of flavored soft serve, which is right up my alley. I went with a Blackberry (one size only, $2.75). The vanilla base wasn't as rich and creamy as I prefer, but it satisfied my sweet tooth for the moment.

Mr. H went right for the big guy, an Oreo Indulgence sundae that only came in a large and included four pieces of brownie, Oreo crumbles, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. 

Again, the soft serve vanilla ice cream didn't have as much flavor or richness to it as we like. But the sundae was tasty overall, with the highlight being the moist brownies. I may have snagged a whole one! 

What's your favorite local ice cream shop and your go-to order?

Mister T's Wonderfreeze

26048 Broadway Avenue

Oakwood, OH 44146

(440) 232-2277

Martha on the Fly

There's a new breakfast sandwich pop-up on the scene, and you'll want to run (not walk) to get some. Martha on the Fly is inspired by chef and co-owner Ryan Beck's grandmother's cooking. All I can say is that my grandmother did not cook like this! 

You pre-order online (website linked above) for Saturday or Sunday pickup at Good Company. We selected two of the more unique sandwiches from the lineup of 7. First, the Shirley ($14) with house-made beef baloney, caramelized onion, tomato jam, American cheese, egg patty and Martha’s Sunshine Sauce. Also, the Ruth ($14) with fried pork tenderloin, bread and butter pickles, shaved onion, stadium mustard, American cheese, egg patty and Martha’s Sunshine Sauce. 

Pictured here is the Ruth, which ended up being our favorite.

Just look at that gorgeous bun, the crispy pork, schmear of Sunshine Sauce, and BEAUTIFUL and functional packaging. 

We also tossed in an order of Karleen's Cornmeal Fries ($6) with herbs and Sunshine Sauce, and another new-to-us local find of the live fermented hot sauce from Black Cap Hot Sauce.

The thicker shape and soft texture of the fries reminds me of the French Toast Sticks from Burger King (minus the sweetness). And that's said with love, because we don't eat much fast food but those are probably my number two breakfast order behind McDonald's Egg McMuffin when we do have fast food for breakfast. Give them a try.

The pre-sale tends to sell out in advance right now, so jump on it. I know I'm already dreaming of our next sandwiches. 

Martha on the Fly
(844) 4-pie-love

Squash the Beef Catering

It was time to hit another restaurant on my 2021 To Dine Challenge list. I knew that Squash the Beef would be a perfect choice to try as we're still not comfortable dining in at restaurants (but we're close!).

You can find this vegan comfort food caterer around town doing pop-ups and events. A foodie friend, CLEfoodies, had tipped us off that the Burger Night was worth tracking down. So I watched their social media for announcements and marked my calendar for the March date. We pre-ordered because sometimes they sell out, and it paid off!

This pea protein patty didn't have us missing meat at all, and it's topped with lettuce, tomato, vegan cheez sauce, pickles, fried onions, and their special comfort sauce on a pretzel bun. Just look at that thing!

You can get chips or fries with it, and I highly recommend the Seasoned Fries. They were delicious!

Also, don't sleep on the Kale Lemonade. We both loved it. 

Who knew vegan food could taste this good? I'm only kidding. But seriously, this was some of the tastiest full vegan food that I've had in a while. 

I'd love to try more of their theme nights (Taco Tuesday, Soul Food Sunday), but you can catch April's Burger Night on 4/23 in Euclid. 

Squash the Beef Catering

(216) 245-2128

Honeymoon Grille

Mr. H and I had to head down to Akron to receive our first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination (thank you, Acme!). So, why not make more of an excursion out of it and pick up lunch to eat in the car? 

After doing a quick search online, it looked like Honeymoon Grille was just down the street from the grocery store and it had a good rating and reviews on TripAdvisor. Maybe that should have been my first clue...

The inside was nothing special, but big, bright, and properly spaced for the pandemic. 

The menu looked very diner-esque but up a notch, with breakfast and lunch served all day. So Mr. H went with the BLT & Egg Wrap ($6.99) with egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and your choice of cheese and wrap. 

I ordered the Crab Cakes ($5.99) and Basket of Fresh Cut Fries ($3.99). Dining Deals Alert!

First, no way those were fresh cut fries. Cleary a frozen product, and very close to my potato nemesis...the shoestring fry. The small, skinny fries were unseasoned and left a lot to be desired. 

As did the food overall. It was certainly fine, but just average at best. I think there are much better restaurant options in Akron, so this one is a pass.

Honeymoon Grille
3458 Manchester Road
Akron, OH 44319
(330) 644-4355

Date Night at Visible Voice Books

We hadn't been to the adorable Visible Voice Books in Tremont prior to the pandemic, but when they started offering a Create-Your-Own-Night package that provided a private 90 minutes of browsing the book store, one large two-topping pizza from Crust (located just below), and a bottle of wine for just $50...we knew it was the perfect pandemic date night that we needed.

We had such a wonderful time in November that we immediately booked a second date for March. They are full about two months out, but have since added a weekend Brunch and Browse option as well with pastries from nearby Leavened, coffee and two mimosas per person, and 100 minutes of the store to yourself for just $40 (for two, $15 each for additional guests). 

In addition to checking out the "local" section of the store, we spent quite a bit of time in the Cooking section. If you've been following along on my Instagram for my adventures in learning how to cook, a lot of the recipes I've been using since December have been from Alison Roman's Nothing Fancy. Highly recommend! 

Then we settled in for our pepperoni, mushroom, and diced garlic pizza. 

Yes, we travel with our own Mike's Hot Honey.

You also have access to ordering anything additional from Crust or Proof BBQ, so we couldn't resist trying the Pork Belly Steamed Buns ($9). 

They needed more pickled items for brightness and crunch, but overall were tasty.

The private bookings have been successful for them, so they are considering keeping them post-pandemic. My vote is YES! This is totally something we'd love to do even in a "normal" world again. But in case we don't have the chance, book your own now before they are gone. 

Visible Voice Books
2258 Professor Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 961-0084

Celebrating Easter in 2021

For those that celebrate, Easter is almost here. With vaccinations becoming more available to adults, it feels like the "end" of the pandemic is near. But, if you're like us, spending this holiday at home and without a large family gathering still seems like the right thing to do. Below is a list of carry-out options. It is meant to be a snapshot of their offerings, and you should check out their websites and social media for menu and ordering details. 

Fat Cats (Tremont): Easter Dinner. Call 216-579-0200 by Friday, April 2nd to place order. Pickup on April 4th 11AM - 3PM. Curbside service and phone payment options available. Easter Plate with 7 items ($15 per person) and Bunny Plate with 5 items ($14 per person) for vegetarians. 

Billy's- A Cappelli Martini Bar (Mentor): Your Easter Curbside. Your choice of meat, choice of strata, with waffles and homefried potatoes. Pick up on Saturday and reheating instructions included. $55 for 4, $95 for 8, and $120 for 10. Call or text 440-585-8815 by Thursday, April 1st to pre-order.  

111 Bistro (Medina): Easter Take Home Box. Heat and Serve, Feeds 4-6 People. 9 Dishes Included. $120. Pick up available Friday or Saturday. Pre-paid orders must be placed by March 24th at 8PM. Call 330-952-1122 to reserve. 

Square Scullery (Akron): Easter Dinner for Four. $100. Pre-order online. Choose between Glazed Ham or Quinoa Cabbage Rolls, and 5 sides included + dessert. Pick up on Saturday, April 3rd between 12-5PM. 

Chimi (Cleveland Heights): Easter Holiday Menu. A la carte. Menu items are intended to be shared between 3-4 people. Pre-order online by March 31st. 

Farmer Jones' Farm at The Chef's Garden (Shipped): Order an Easter at Home Box, offering farm-fresh ingredients and delicious Easter recipes curated from The Culinary Vegetable Institute: Arugula Salad; Honey Glazed Carrots; Roast Baby Potatoes; and Lamb Leg Roast (you can choose to add petite leg roasts to your order from Pure Bred Lamb). $140 for Vegetables Only or $220 with Lamb. Recipes and a pantry list will be sent the week prior to shipment. Serves 4-6; pre-order for delivery during the week of 3/29. Shipping is included.

Sully's Irish Pub (Medina): Easter Carryout Dinner. Pickup Sunday 11AM - 4PM. Cider and Apricot Glazed Ham Meal with six sides. Single $18, Family Style for 4 $65, or Family Style for 10 $150. Online ordering. 

Hungry Bee (Chagrin Falls): Easter Menu a la Carte. Pre-order by March 31st. Selections of Appetizers, Starters (feeds 4), Entrees (feeds 4), Sides (feeds 4), and Brunch items. Saturday pick up from 11AM - 2PM. 

Gourmet Guy (Rocky River): Prepared Easter Dinner. Pre-order online by March 31st. All dishes serve between 2-4 or 6-8 guests. Saturday pick up between noon and 4PM. Choice of Ham or Prime Rib. 

Terrapin Bakery (Tremont): Easter Weekend Preorders. Order online or by calling 216-256-7915 during business hours until 3/28. Take and bake Cinnamon Rolls, Cheddar Bacon Quiche, Layered 6" Carrot Cake, or Dozen Donuts. All Feed 6. Pastry case will be filled with additional treats for walk-ins.

Nomad Culinary (Broadview Heights): Easter Menu of Items that Serve 4. Pre-order by April 1 at 12PM by email at nomadculinary@gmail.com. Pick up on April 4. 

I will continue to add to this list through the comments section, so make sure to check that out too. Feel free to add any that I missed!  

Mason's Creamery Ramen and Shamrock Shakes

Did you know that you can get some of the very best ramen in our city from a very unlikely source? An ice cream shop, to be exact. That's right, for the last couple of years Mason's Creamery in Ohio City converts to a ramen shop during the winter months and you can find versions like Pork Tonkotsu ($13, pictured below), Chicken Shio, Veggie Tonkotsu, and creative specials such as Flamin' Hot Cheetos-crusted Chicken. I usually get two meals out of it. 

But through St. Patrick's Day, you can also scoop (pun intended) up this minty treat...a Shamrock Shake!

It was my first one, and you all can keep your Golden Arches! 

The season is coming to a close soon, so don't wait. Sunny, warmer days are on the horizon, and it will be transformed back to a full ice cream shop. Their online ordering system on the website couldn't be easier to use, and you can pre-order days in advance if you'd like. They do tend to run out of specials or certain items, so I definitely suggest pre-ordering if you want a specific thing. The pick-up window is outdoors and very COVID-safe. 

Mason's Creamery
4401 Bridge Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 762-1095

Marchant Manor Cheese Shop

We first discovered locally-made Marchant Manor cheeses at Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. and Ohio City Provisions. Instantly, we were hooked. 

So we were over-the-moon when we heard that the maker, Kandice Marchant, was opening a cheese retail shop on the east side in 2021. We made it over to Lee Road this past weekend, and it was everything I had hoped for.

The inside is just charming (I mean don't those walls just look like creamy, decadent butter?!)...

...and FULL of all kinds of locally-produced goodies that complement cheese. We spotted some of our favorite crackers, rillettes, kimchi, and jams, just to name a few. Don't miss the curated snack plates of cheese that you can easily grab-and-go just inside the door. 

In addition to all kinds of treats to accompany your cheese, there's also a large cooler of other fine cheeses to select from. We spotted several of our favorite brands. 

But you are greeted by a cooler of Marchant Manor's cheeses first. Some of which we have grown to know and love, but there were several new ones for us to try as well. We picked up the Paneer, Thames Herb, High Heaven Applejack-Washed, and Petersham Pollen Goat Cheese.

This isn't just a fantastic shop to pop into for your cheese board, date night platter, or girls' night in goodies. Check out some of the cheese-themed gifts for any hostess, birthday or holiday gift, or just to express your love of cheese in your home with quirky and practical items like boards, aprons, cookbooks, knives, and more. 

I fell madly in love with this shop, and while it's well worth the trip across town, I'm actually glad there's a bit of distance between us. Can I move in?

Run, don't walk to check this place out! The "Cheese Doctor" is in, and I need a prescription (read about her fascinating story here). 

Marchant Manor Cheese Shop

2211 Lee Road

Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118

(216) 860-1862

Cooking with Supreme Sauce

A friend introduced us to a locally-made sauce from Micah Specialty Foods. Their Supreme Sauce can be used as a marinade, salsa, or cocktail sauce. There is a mild and a medium.

We bought the Medium to play with in the kitchen, and it has a wonderful subtle heat to it without being overly spicy. 

If you're unsure where to start when cooking with it (like us), they have a handful of recipes on their website. Including one from Cleveland chef Doug Katz. We used it to create our own version of their Jolloff Rice and Plantains (an authentic West African dish) with scallops. 

The rice was so tasty, and we had to add an extra drizzle of sauce on top of the scallops because YUM.

I love the story of how this husband and wife duo got started with this business, and their commitment to not only sourcing ingredients locally but also employing men and women from Shaker Square, Cleveland Heights and Larchmere. This includes a focus on hiring formally incarcerated employees to give them that second chance. 

Go check this sauce out for yourself. You can purchase it directly on their website, Amazon, Giant Eagle's Market District, and a long list of other specialty markets local to Northeast Ohio.

Dang Good Foods

These are not my favorite posts to write. When I have a disappointing experience at a restaurant, I drag my feet in sharing that with you. But, it's important to be authentic and real over here, and sometimes a spot just misses the mark for us. 

In the quest to complete my 2021 To Dine Challenge list, we headed to Dang Good Foods in Lakewood next. You can pre-order online (a huge bonus in these pandemic times), but can't schedule for a later pick-up (would be great!). So we ended up with a late lunch around 2:00PM one Saturday, because we were nervous about missing out on a featured item with limited quantity available.

We started with an order of the Steamed Buns (Set of 3, $10) with Pork.

Then split two dishes, the Lor Bak Png (Braised Pork Belly Rice) ($15)...

...and Wonton Mee (Dumpling Noodles, choice of Wet or Dry). Dry pictured. This is the dish that cannot always be found on the menu. Dry comes with the soup on the side, and Wet comes with everything in the broth.

We felt the same about all three dishes. They were all totally fine, but just fine. It wasn't a takeout issue, I assure you. I take that into account, and know that textures and quality of the food will decline in the trip home. Overall, they just lacked the bolder flavors that I was expecting. It was all prepared well, but fell bland for us. 

This is my first (I think?) experience with dishes from Singapore. So maybe the seasonings and sauces are intended to be more delicate than other Asian cuisines I've grown to love? I'd love for you to share your experience or insight.

But this meal did not leave us wanting more, sadly. Super cute little restaurant with a sweet story of how the owner started this business, so check it out for yourself. 

Dang Good Foods
13735 Madison Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 785-9321

Parilya Food Truck

Filipino food is hard to come by in Northeast Ohio. Ever since I was introduced to lumpia years ago at the Night Market Cleveland, I was hooked.

So, when I learned of the Parilya food truck in 2020, I knew it needed to make my 2021 To Dine Challenge list. You can follow them on Facebook (linked above) or Instagram to track their upcoming locations. They are routinely at the Lakewood Truck Park, so we hunted them down there for a chilly outdoor picnic.

Of course, there had to be an order of Veggie Lumpia (4 for $6). A little thicker than the version I remember from Night Market, but just as tasty! Don't skip them. Beef version available too.

We shared an order of the Pancit ($5)...

...and Chicken Tocino ($10) with Fried Rice. They suggested adding on an egg, and I see why. Do it!

Overall, I thought the food was really good, and totally worth the outdoor picnic in 25 degree weather. Hey, the sun was out, that's all I need! 

For those of you comfortable dining indoors, Lakewood Truck Park also has indoor seating and bar available. 

We were so happy to get out for some Filipino food, and were rewarded by it living up to expectations. This is one food truck we'll keep tracking!

CLE Biscuit Heads

I think I first saw CLE Biscuit Heads pop up on my friend Meghan's Instagram, and those biscuit sandwiches immediately had me drooling.

With a permanent residency at Six Shooter Coffee on Waterloo Road, you can get your hands on one seven days a week from 7AM - noon. But, they travel around each weekend doing pop-ups in different neighborhoods, so you want to give them a follow on Instagram or visit the website for updates. You have the ability to pre-order on their website, and pickup for pre-orders was between 8-9AM. The pop-up went from 8AM - noon. 

This past Sunday, they partnered with Sixth City Cycles & Plants in Old Brooklyn. I was thrilled to finally have a super convenient location, and we also got to combine the outing with dropping off my bicycle for a tune-up and browsing the extensive indoor plant selection. Is 18 plants too many for one house? Asking for a friend...

The menu can be slightly different at each pop-up, and we both went with The Sammie ($7) with Bacon, Egg, and (choice of) Pimento Cheese version. Dining Deals Alert! 

Just look at that thing.

The biscuit is incredibly buttery and dense, which held up well with keeping everything contained. My complaint with most biscuit sandwiches is that often the biscuit crumbles too easily and eating it can become a disaster quickly. This was not the case here. I also really enjoyed the Pimento Cheese flavor and creamy texture on it.

I think the Old Brooklyn response was a good one, because they did sell out almost an hour in advance. Fingers crossed that means they'll come back soon!

For Your Fries Only

I had the opportunity to try the ultimate loaded fries recently, from For Your Fries Only (black-owned business alert).

The ordering process is easy. Step 1: Choose a Protein. Step 2: Choose Your Sauce. Step 3: Add-ons (such as extra meats, cheese, or sauce). 

I tried the Honey Gold BBQ Chicken & Shrimp Fries ($13). All orders start with a base of fresh-cut fries, this included both shrimp and chicken, and then the two sauces and shredded cheese. The two sauces gave it a fabulous sweet and tanginess to it, so I definitely recommend pairing up your sauce choices. 

I have to admit, I wasn't sure about shrimp on fries, but these were seasoned and cooked really well and quite tasty. Not the prettiest dish to look at, but indulgent-worthy! Can we say perfect game day treat, hangover food, or late night snack? It's a full on meal.

Available for order Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-8PM and Friday & Saturday 12PM-12AM. Delivery available within 5 miles from Euclid ($3 fee). Contact 216-647-6818 to order by calling or texting. Catch them on Instagram (linked above) for now.

Disclosure: I was provided with an order of fries and home delivery in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Celebrating Valentine's Day at Home in 2021

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and I'll take any excuse to celebrate and make a day/evening special. Like us, you may not be comfortable dining in at a restaurant just yet. So I've rounded up a list of takeout specials and virtual events that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. 

This is intended to be a snapshot of their offerings, so please head to their websites and social media accounts for details and ordering instructions. I will continue to add new options in the comments section of this post, so check back! Please comment with any that you don't see here. 

Astoria Café and Market (Cleveland): Meal Kit for 2. $75. 3 Courses. Wine Available for Additional Charge.

Mabel's BBQ (Downtown Cleveland): Lola Bistro inspired Heat at Home Kit for 2. Smoked Bone-in Pork Chops, Pork Demi, Mascarpone Polenta, BBQ onions, and Pickled Chilies. Four Truffles from Sweets Designs Included. $75. Add Bottle of Cava for $22. Call or Visit Website to Pre-order by 12/8 at 5PM. Pickup 12/12 or 12/13. 

111 Bistro (Medina): Heat and Serve Dinner for 2. Includes Lobster Bisque, Tomato Bruschetta, Maple Roasted Baby Carrots, Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Chipotle, Honey Garlic Salmon, Confit Fingerlings, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. $75. Call 330-952-1122 by 12/9 to Order. Pickup 12/12 or 12/13 2PM - 4PM. 

Plantstrong and The Chef's Garden (Delivery): Mystery Valentine Dinner for Two. A virtual chef-led cooking class of a four-course meal created from some of the finest, handpicked produce in the world. Live Q&A. Heart-healthy. Held on Saturday, February 13th. Purchase your box online. $177. 

Cleveland Vegan (Lakewood): Take Home Dinner for 2. $50. Reheating Instructions Provided. 3 Courses- Dip Duo, Stuffed Acorn Squash, and Blackberry Opera Cake or Mini Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake. Bakery Pre-order Specials Available- Dozen Chocolate Covered Strawberries ($25) and Red Velvet Birch Tree Log ($15). Order by noon on 12/9 by emailing clevelandvegan@gmail.com. Pick-up 12/13 or 12/14 3-5PM. 

La Campagna (Westlake): Show Your Love Valentine Dinner 2021. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Westlake Meals on Wheels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Tomato Bisque, Salad, Choice of Beef Wellington or Chicken Florentine, Two Sides, and Dessert. Wine Add-on Available. Option to give additional donation to the charity at check-out. Pre-order Online. Pickup 2/14 between 3-5PM. 

A Cookie and a Cupcake (Ohio City): Valentine's Box of Goodies. $38. Pre-order a box of treats that include a Succulent Terrarium, Raspberry Truffle Cake Popsicle, Floral Decorated Fudge Brownies, Assorted Macaroons, Chocolate Covered Oreos, Chocolate Almonds and Cherries, Gourmet Candy Sucker. Call 216-344-9433 or email contact@acookieandacupcake.com.

EDWINS (Shaker Square): 3-Course Dinner. $65. Order online for takeout.

Momocho (Ohio City) and El Carnicero (Lakewood): Dessert and Cocktail Box to include Craft Tequila Strawberry Margaritas and Tres Mex Chocolate Desserts. $49.

L'Albatros Brasserie (University Circle): Dinner for Two. Friday - Sunday. $110. Each person chooses one option from each course. 3 Courses. Pre-order Online and Restaurant Will Call for Payment. Order Deadline 2/10 at 10PM. 

Thyme X Table (Avon Lake pick-up): Valen-Thyme’s Day At Home. $100. 4-Course Dinner with Instructions. One Bottle of Bacio Della Luna Blanc de Blanc Sparkling. Pick up between 12-2PM on 2/14 at Thyme Catering. 

Salt+ (Lakewood): Valentine's Day Dinner for Two. $150 and Add-ons Available. Wedge Salad, Baked Lobster Mac n' Cheese, Petite Filets, Mashed Potatoes + Asparagus, 4 Jenni Pops Cake Pops, and Bottle of Poema Brut Cava. Pickup between 3-4PM on 12/14. 

Flight Cleveland (Cleveland): Virtual Valentine's- Wine & Chocolate. Friday, February 12th at 7:30PM. Enjoy wines from Wine Trends and chocolates from Sweet Bean as you experience a virtual tasting event held on Zoom. Free to attend with purchase of wine and chocolates. 3 Wines, 6 Chocolates. Call 216-400-6867 or order online at flightcleveland.com.

The Estate On Coffee Creek & Allure Bistro (Austinburg or Willoughby) : Virtual Valentine’s Day Dinner With Live Virtual Interactive Show. $75. Included: Cocktail Mixer, Appetizer (optional add-on), Wine, Champagne, and Five Course Dinner. 12/11 Pickup at Either Location or Delivered for $25. Facebook Live Stream 3 Virtual Dinners For Valentine’s Day (2/12 & 2/13 at 7:30PM and 12/14 at 4:00PM). Limited to Fifty Groups. Mixologist Mike Will Show You How to Master The Mixer for a Delicious Craft Cocktail. Wine Demonstration Featuring M Cellars Vineyard. Chef Nicholas Kustala with Chef’s Demo. This Unique Experience Will Allow You to Ask Questions with Live Feedback.

Kate's Good Fish Company

One thing that has always been scarce on the Northeast Ohio food scene are good, casual seafood restaurants that aren't far east or west. Well, for two days last week, Good Company partnered up with Kate's Fish (of the West Side Market) to host a takeout pop-up called Kate's Good Fish Company.

Limited orders of classics like lobster rolls, fried oysters, crab cakes, peel and eat shrimp, chowder, battered fish, and fried clams could be pre-ordered through Good Company's website or by calling. They sold out quickly, like super fast. But we were lucky enough to snag a Saturday order, and enjoyed our takeout at home.

They offered three styles of Lobster Rolls. We prefer a Connecticut version (warm butter), which can be more difficult to find on a menu in Northeast Ohio, so we couldn't miss that.

But, we were intrigued by the "Cleveland-style" dressed in hot sauce hollandaise, so we split that as well.

We also shared the Fried Clams Dinner (roll version also available). All dinners came with fries and corn grits hush puppies, and all orders came with sambal cocktail sauce and lemon caper banana tartar sauce. 

Everything was very good. I did wish both lobster rolls had more sauce on them, as they were a tad dry. I'm guessing that was intentional since it was all takeout and needed to travel well. 

They did confirm that a February pop-up is being planned. So stay tuned to their Instagram account for more information! Let's cross our fingers for a future permanent restaurant too.

"TV Dinners" from Momocho and El Carnicero

Something new is coming soon to your freezer.

Chef Eric Williams of Momocho and El Carnicero and his team have developed six Mod Mex Frozen Dinners that come in microwavable one-serving containers that can also be reused. All six come with sides of cilantro rice and beans, and the packaging includes easy heating instructions. 

We had the opportunity to sample them during the development phase to provide feedback. 

They include a Mexicola Pork Belly Rice Bowl (pictured frozen).

Mexicola Butternut Squash Rice Bowl (pictured frozen).

Chile Poblano Relleno

Pork Carnitas Enchirito Rojo (our personal favorite!).

Machaca Beef Enchirito Rojo

And a Roasted Chicken Enchirito Rojo (not pictured). 

Since we sampled them, a few final tweaks were made and all dishes now come with Black Beans instead. Other changes were made to perfect the cooking and presentation. 

The Cenas Televisiones will be priced at $10 each or 3 for $25. The frozen dinners will be available for pick-up at both restaurants and can be ordered through the regular online portals on their websites and combined with hot food orders (and margaritas to go!). 

This new concept is not only perfect for meals for one, an easy after-work option, or a quick lunch...they will also be an important revenue stream to get these restaurants through the next several months until outdoor dining can open back up in Ohio and vaccinations roll out that lift pandemic restrictions.

We genuinely liked each one, and plan to personally purchase some right away to stock up our freezer with. They are expected to go live with sales sometime this week. Stay tuned to their social media!

Momocho

1835 Fulton Road

Cleveland, OH 44113

(216) 694-2122

El Carnicero

16918 Detroit Avenue

Lakewood, OH 44107

(216) 226-3415

Disclosure: We were provided sample meals during the development stage to provide feedback on. All opinions stated are 100% my own.