Tales from Social Distancing

Like many of you, I'm in Week 3 of working remotely from home. Trying to find small joys every day to keep me sane and happy in very overwhelming and challenging times.

I suggest bringing in some of those spring flowers to brighten up your home, play some music you enjoy, and light a candle. All of these small elements have helped create a pretty pleasant home office atmosphere.

Mr. H has been cooking even more than usual through this.

Sometimes tackling new-to-us dishes that take more time and care, and sometimes quick and easy is what fits us best. Like these Smash Burgers the other night while hanging out in the garage after some yardwork!

We've been getting a lot of use from the bread maker and the pasta maker my mom bought us this past Christmas.

We continue to try and do our part to support local, independent businesses through carry-out or delivery services. That even included stocking our fine cheese supply with a delivery through Mercato from Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. this week!

Which led us to trying to recreate their Raclette dish over baby potatoes, prosciutto, pickles, and their Pepped Up Mustard.

Alllllmost as good.

We committed to getting takeout from The Black Pig once a week, since it really is our favorite restaurant and we'd be devastated if it doesn't make it through this. They've done a phenomenal job with minimal-contact takeout, and I've felt very safe picking up our food each week. Every Wednesday, they announce the week's menu for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. So far, we've enjoyed sharing their Burger and Pork Collar, then a family-style Taco night...

...and Sandwich Night this past week.

With the Italian and the Banh Mi, it was a smashing success in this household!

One day each week, we rotate ordering from other restaurants we love. This past week, it was Mexican from Cozumel in Independence.

They make my favorite Stuffed Poblano in town. I get the vegetarian version.

It may get challenging given the circumstances, but I'm still going to try and work through the 2020 To Dine Challenge. I think we'll be ordering carry-out from one of the spots this week, so stay tuned!

How are you balancing cooking from home and/or ordering out? Any local businesses that you'd like to give a shout-out to? Any great dishes you've tried making at home for the first time?

Cozumel

How have I been blogging for 10 years and not dedicated a post to my favorite Mexican joint in town? I briefly mentioned it in a Weekend Bites post, but it's never had a standalone so that changes today.

I'm talking about Cozumel in Independence.

They always start you off with (sometimes warm!) tortilla chips and a smooth, spicy salsa. Often, they'll even give you one salsa per person, as they know it goes quickly.

This particular day, I felt like ordering a frozen Watermelon Margarita. They have several flavors and sizes available (Regular pictured here) and it hit the spot.

Now, this restaurant is my favorite around because it does the best version of my favorite Mexican dish to order. Chile Relleno, which are green chiles stuffed with cheese, dipped in a special batter and fried. A couple of years ago, they made a change to their preparation and it's no longer battered, but it's still a cut above the rest! They call it the Chile Poblano on the menu.

My favorite item to order is their Vegetarian Combo #5 ($9.55) with a Chile Poblano and Cheese Enchilada with rice and beans.

Do you have one Mexican dish that draws you in each time, or do you switch it up when dining? This is one dish that I must order almost every time, which is unusual for me.

But they have my favorite version, and the Independence location is close to home and work. Making it easier to get my fix!

Cozumel

5555 Brecksville Road
Independence, OH 44131
(216) 447-1070

Tour de Mexican

It is unusual for me, but I have had Mexican fare twice in two weeks. It's not that I don't like Mexican food, but it has always been one of the cuisines that I need to be in the mood for. We had a gift certificate to Zocalo's Mexican Grill and Tequilera, so we decided to use it last week before it expired. I have been there before (three times actually) and the food has been so-so, but this time it was so terrible that I will not go back. I know that they brought in celebrity chef Aarón Sanchez to recreate their menu when the restaurant started to flop after its opening, but it has not improved and I swear that they keep changing how their items are prepared. We tried to start with the Calamares Fritos appetizer, but they had sold out. A little disheartened, we opted for the Empanadas de Carnitas- three crispy empanadas filled with slow roasted pork and marinated onions served with a tomatillo avocado salsa and pickled onions. The empanadas looked and tasted as though they came from Sam's Club in frozen bulk. They were flavorless and chalky, and we didn't even fight over the third empanada. I always like to order combination plates when at Mexican restaurants. I like to try a couple of smaller items and have variety on my plate. I have ordered their enchiladas before, and I have never seen what came out on my plate. The enchilada was covered in what tasted like a marinara sauce- not what I wanted with my Mexican. It too was bland and ruined the enchilada for me. The only highlight was the burrito. It was very good, not the best, but very good. The ingredients were fresh, and the blend was tasty. My companion ordered the Tacos de Pescado (fish tacos), and was very disappointed. The mahi-mahi was overcooked and dry, and the tacos were soupy. The highlight of your meal at an "authentic" Mexican restaurant should not be the rice and beans, but unfortunately the side dishes were the best part of our meal.

On a lighter note, we dined at Cozumel in Independence last night and it was to die for! They have great food, good prices, and you almost feel as though you are really dining in Mexico. The staff is always warm and friendly, and the margaritas go down a little too smoothly. Once again, I ordered a combination platter with a beef burrito, cheese enchilada, and a chili relleno. All three were flavorful and authentic. My love for Mexican fare has been restored!


Zocalo's
2071 E 4th Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 781-0420

Cozumel
5555 Brecksville Road
Cleveland, OH 44131
(216) 447-1070