Boss ChickNBeer

Mr. H are trying to get into the holiday spirit, so we headed to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea for the Magic of Lights drive-thru on a Thursday evening. We didn't pre-purchase a ticket, and we zoomed right through with no wait. However, I did hear that on Saturday evening the wait was over an hour to get up to the gate.

Once we finished there, we wanted to grab takeout in the area. We're not overly family with Berea, so I hopped online quickly and Boss ChickNBeer popped up in my search. Known for their wings and tenders on a primarily gluten-free menu, I had heard good things.

We placed our order online. The wait ended up being longer than the ordering system estimated (about 30 minutes), but they are making every order fresh so it's worth waiting.

I couldn't decide between the tenders and the wings, so I ordered their WingNTender Combo ($23) with 1 lb. of wings, 3 tenders, 2 sides, and 3 sauces. I chose the Queso MacN Cheese and Spicy Carrots and Ranch as my sides. The mac was super creamy, but just a little too mild in flavor for my taste. I loved, loved the pickled carrots and what appeared to be house-made Ranch. For my sauces, I selected Lemon Pepper Buffalo, Ain't Nuthin but a G-Parm, and Rage Against the BBQ. Rage-Q was hands down my favorite, with quite a kick of heat to it. The Garlic Parm didn't have as much garlic flavor to it as I had hoped. It was nice and creamy but too subtle to stand up to the heavy spice of the chicken. I hated the Lemon Pepper Buffalo, like really hated it. The insanely bold black pepper flavor didn't work well with the intense seasoning on the chicken, in my opinion. With lots of other tempting sauces to choose from, I'd skip this one.

As I mentioned, the seasoning on the tenders and wings are not for the faint at heart (and kids may find them too bold). But we enjoyed it! The wings are also huge and meaty, and the tenders are large and moist. 

The only time that I think the seasoning worked against itself during our meal was with the toppings for the Chicka Chicka Parm sandwich ($12) with a garlic Parmesan toasted pretzel bun, chickNtenders, melted Provolone, sliced tomato, and spicy marinara. 

Mr. H felt the particular seasonings on the chicken didn't work as well with the classic Chicken Parmesan toppings, and that he probably would have liked either of the other two sandwiches a bit better. However, the chicken was thick and juicy and he liked the bun a lot. All sandwiches come with a side of cauli-greens. 

If you've been, what is your favorite sauce? I'd love to keep trying them, and buy a 12 oz. bottle ($6) for home.

They do have a small dine-in area. They feature local craft brews, which pair perfectly with fried chicken. Catering is available. Nothing was too alarming, but it wasn't the most COVID precautions-friendly place we've gotten takeout from. Social distancing wasn't enforced with the customers waiting for orders or moving around the restaurant, and only some staff were wearing masks.

Boss ChickNBeer

120 Front Street

Berea, OH 44017

(440) 532-7660

Campus Grille- Last 2015 Restaurant!

You guys...I did it! I just squeaked by, and finally got to the last restaurant on the 2015 To Dine Challenge list just before Christmas hit. Hooray! 

Mr. H and I scooted out to Berea to Campus Grille for lunch last Saturday.

Just steps away from the Baldwin Wallace campus, it is open Wednesday - Sunday from 12 - 9PM (6PM on Sundays). There is a small parking lot in front of the building, and the signage is easy to identify.

This casual, family-friendly spot is serving up fresh, authentic Caribbean/Latin cuisine. They have printed menus at the counter, or you can order from the chalkboard menus hanging above.

Many were taking their food to-go, but they do have a small section of seating by the counter and another small section by the front door for dining in. We ordered at the counter, and took a seat to wait for our food. The open kitchen was allowing our nostrils to be tantalized from the smells wafting our way.

We decided to share the Caribbean Mango Guacamole ($8 with chips or $3.30 as a side). Guacamole is not served with tortilla chips here. Instead, you get these pressed and fried plantains (tostones) with lots of garlic. We loved them! My dad would hate this place. Garlic everywhere!

Mr. H ordered The Campus "Cuban" ($8.50). Dining Deals Alert!

We both agreed that the version at Moncho's from an earlier 2015 To Dine visit was slightly better, but this was a darn good Cuban sandwich for Cleveland.

I had to order something totally new-to-me, the House Mofongo ($9.50). These fried plantains are mashed together and molded with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings. You can add meats for an additional charge. I selected pork shoulder (+$2), and the center of the mold was stuffed with the pulled meat.

It was sweet from the plantains, full of garlic flavor, and salty from the meat. I was thoroughly enjoying this dish! It was unlike anything that I've had before. It was also huge. I took more than half of it home with me, and didn't even touch the salad until the next day. I appreciated that the salad dressing was served on the side. Don't you love the little flag too?

This was a big hit with us, and one that we'll revisit. They are also known for their split rotisserie chicken, so we'll have to give that a try.

The 2015 To Dine Challenge ended on a high note. You guys picked well last year!

Some highlights from the 2015 list included: Campus Grille, Thai Elephant, Forage Public House, Gigi's on Fairmount, and Moncho's. A couple of the restaurants on the list we've even  already been back to this year, like Grove Hill, Forage, and Bourbon Street Barrel Room.

It's not too late to make some last-minute suggestions for the 2016 To Dine Challenge list, so don't forget to head over to the blog post to comment before 12/31. Let's put together another outstanding list like 2015. What a year! I hope that you enjoyed following along as I visited all 10 on the list.

Campus Grille
10 Seminary Street
Berea, OH 44017

Berea Union Depot Taverne

Mr. H and I found ourselves near the Berea Union Depot Taverne on a recent Saturday at lunchtime, so our curiosity drew us in for a bite. My brother-in-law had told Mr. H about it, since our nephew loves trains and gets a big kick out of dining at the Taverne as trains roll by.

This casual atmosphere is serving upscale pub fare for reasonable prices. All sandwiches are under $12, and entrees range from $14 - $21. Very family-friendly food, and there's something for everyone on the menu.

The Berea Union Depot was established in 1876, and if you're dining in the Taverne's main dining room, you're actually eating where the train platform used to stand. The still-active train tracks are just feet from their patio.

Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the fun and historical setting.

I ordered the Beer Battered Perch sandwich with yellow perch fillets, "house" beer batter, lemon garlic tartar, shredded lettuce, tomato, house slaw, and a brioche bun ($10). Served with a side of fries.

The sandwich was dry, and so bland that I was seriously missing any hint of "lemon garlic tartar." The bun was stale, which didn't help. At least the fish was lightly breaded, which was appreciated. Also, I discovered that I really don't like pepper on my fries. These were heavily peppered, and it turned me off. Personal preference, but I'll just stick to salt. And malt vinegar. Mmmm, now I'm craving good French fries. 

At least the bill was relatively cheap, and we were in and out pretty quickly. Service was fine, but they only had two additional tables of diners at the time.

Fun location, and great use of a historical building, but I don't think that the food will bring us back. Not worth the stop.

Berea Union Depot Taverne
30 Depot Street
Berea, OH 44017
440-243-6169