Independence Dairy King

When I posted at the end of last summer about finally finding a Flavor Burst in Northeast Ohio (and that it was a disappointing version), you all rallied and shared a couple of additional ice cream stands that also carry this Central NY childhood favorite of mine.

One that wasn't that far from home is Independence Dairy King (thanks, Alexa!), but it took me until this summer to get there.

Cash and to-go only (a couple of outdoor picnic tables available), they have all kinds of sundaes, malt, custard desserts, milkshakes and other frozen sweet treats.

But I was there for the Flavor Burst! For just $1 extra, add a swirl of flavor to the creamy, rich vanilla custard. I chose Black Cherry (Small- $3.75). IT WAS ALMOST AS GOOD AS THE ONES AT HOME! *Rejoice*

We've been back 3 times already this summer. Mr. H continues to try a variety of menu items...

...but I just go for my fix of Flavor Burst. Suddenly, this pandemic summer isn't so bad.

Independence Dairy King

6484 Brecksville Road

Independence, OH 44131

(216) 524-1040

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

Augie's Pizza

Almost 12 years in Cleveland, and I'm still on the hunt for "my" pizza in Northeast Ohio. While I haven't found a favorite that really blows my socks off (no, I haven't tried Angelo's in Lakewood yet), Augie's Pizza in Independence has been near the top of my list.

Located in the Rockside Corners Shopping Center, it certainly doesn't look like much from the outside...

...or the inside, as it's only a handful of tables, the small kitchen, and a counter displaying their pizza-by-the-slice.

Pizza by the slice is available from 11AM - 3PM Monday-Friday.

One of the reasons I enjoy their pizza is that the toppings are typically found baked under a "shelf" of cheese. It's so thick and really locks in those toppings and the sauce. The crust is somewhere between thin and thick, just the way I like it. It's doughy, but yet has a crispy edge. Never soggy, it holds up well to the toppings and generous amount of cheese.

I've also ordered catering from Augie's for work meetings, and their salads and pastas have always been a hit. There are plenty of good options to build an order from.

Augie's Pizza
6901 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
(216) 573-0300

Lobster and Pho

Located in the Rockside Corners Shopping Center in Independence, Lobster & Pho is bringing Louisiana-style seafood boils, East Coast lobster rolls, and Vietnamese phở to diners all in one spot. Sounds like a strange combination, right?

Other than the creepy glowing tanks filled with your next meal's live seafood right as you enter, the place actually kind of works. Nothing will blow your mind, but the food coming out looks good, no matter which section of the menu you're focused on.

I split The Beginner ($38) seafood boil, which includes a 1/2 lb shrimp, 1/2 lb clams, 1/2 lb crawfish, half blue crab, 1/2 lb snow crab legs, and 1/2 lb mussels.

We ordered it at a mild spice level and with the Signature Cajun and Garlic Butter Mix for the seasoning. Even at the lowest level of mild, it had plenty of great flavor and a tiny kick of heat. Besides the obvious of being incredibly messy to eat (don't worry--- bibs, gloves, and wipes provided!), it was plenty of food to share for lunch and we both enjoyed the seafood included.

Now, I'll just have to head back to enjoy a bowl of phở this winter, and also try a lobster roll to get a glimmer of our summer trips to Maine.

Plenty of free parking available in the strip mall lot, and this casual restaurant is family-friendly.

Lobster and Pho
6901 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
(216) 525-0028

Scratch

I'm always excited to find a new restaurant close to work, and thanks to fellow foodie blogger Crystal, I did the other day. She invited me to lunch at Scratch on Brecksville Road in Independence.

This newly-opened breakfast and lunch spot is trying to put a spin on familiar foods, with almost everything made from scratch (hence the name).

It's quite cute inside, like this sign on the back wall.

They have some low seating and a few high tops. The three of us waited for a low table to clear, and then settled in for a long leisurely lunch.

I went for the Ultimate BLT with smoked pork belly (really just thick cut bacon), lettuce, tomato, and a pepper aioli on toasted multi grain bread ($6.95). Dining Deals Alert!

The aioli and bread are really what made this sandwich stand out. I would happily order this again. But, the fries were a real disappointment. Over-fried and dried out, both of us that had them left most of them on the plate.

We sat and chatted for quite some time after the meal, and the staff went above and beyond to be accommodating (even offering complimentary coffee).

They are still getting their groove on menu items, but I think it has real potential. I'll be scheduling some working breakfast or lunch meetings here in the future.

Scratch
6595 Brecksville Rd. #1
Independence, OH 44131
216-312-2190

Skip the Dishes Winner and Slyman's

Thank you to everyone that entered the Skip the Dishes giveaway. Congratulations to Jason Tjoarman! You have won the $50 coupon code to try the new-to-Cleveland food delivery service. They will be emailing you directly.

Also, I wanted to tell you that I knocked an item off of my Cleveland Bucket List last week!

Slyman's Restaurant is an iconic Cleveland restaurant, serving up the "biggest and best corned beef." It's legendary.

Now, I didn't make it to the original location on St. Clair Avenue, but they did recently open up Slyman's Tavern in Independence.

Of course, I had to try the classic Corned Beef Reuben on grilled rye with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut ($15.49 for regular, $11.49 for light). I ordered the "light" which cuts down on the massive mound of meat that typically towers on a Slyman's plate.

It is served with a pickle and a side of Thousand Islands dressing.

I grew up in the Thousand Islands region, known for creating this classic dressing, and this was a damn good one.

I still could only eat half of the "light" sandwich.

While I'd still like to make it in to the original location for the full experience, at least people have the option of popping into the Independence tavern now for a taste of a Cleveland landmark. I'll consider this one crossed off of my bucket list!

Slyman's Tavern
6901 Rockside Road
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-642-0062

Delmonico's Steakhouse

This weekend was relatively low-key for us, which was great. Friday, I wasn't feeling well and had to skip Alexa's event at Noodlecat. It led to some pho from Minh Anh. Soup just always makes everything slightly better when you're feeling ill. Plus, my $6.75 Large Pho Saigon gave me three meals out of it! (Dining Deals Alert!)

Saturday morning, I managed our weekly team run for the Liver Life Challenge program. I have the best team, and coach, this year! They are nine weeks into the program now, and absolutely killing the training and fundraising. The group is just awesome, and we're going to have a great time in Disney for the marathon in January. After our monthly team breakfast at Yours Truly after the run, I did some shopping with a friend (but couldn't find anything that I was looking for). By the time I got home, it was almost dinner time and we didn't have a plan (or groceries). "R" was suddenly craving a steak, so we decided to try Delmonico's Steakhouse in Independence.

Part of the Hospitality Restaurant Group (Blue Point, Salmon Dave's, Cabin Club, Rosewood), it's the closest to home for us but we've both never been. The atmosphere was exactly what I expected-- dark woods, deep red leather booths, retro furnishings and decor, and a real "old boys' club" feel to it. A classic steakhouse. We didn't have a reservation since it was an impromptu date night, but after only a few minutes we were seated in a booth in the bar area.

We decided to try the Bocce Balls with sweet peppers and herbed boursin cheese, flash fried ($7). The dish included five small balls, a marinara sauce, and some grated cheese. Personally, I though that the balls were bland and the sauce was too sweet. I couldn't find the flavor of the peppers, and the cheese had completely melted into a watery substance that squirted out the side of the ball when you tried to snag it with your fork. Big disappointment.

"R" was in the mood to splurge, and I wasn't fighting him when he encouraged me to order the Surf and Turf special of the night.

The lobster tail was one of the biggest, and best, that I've ever had. It was so delicious. The garlic mashed potatoes were very garlicky, but I enjoyed them. A standard classic. Luckily, there were only two asparagus spears, because they were incredibly boring and mushy, yet al dente at the same time. It was so weird, and I quickly moved on. The filet was cooked medium-rare, as requested, and was it was a decent steak overall. The Bearnaise sauce served on the side was creamy and rich, but I personally feel that a great steak doesn't need a sauce and should be able to stand on its own. All it needs is a little pepper or minimal seasoning to really be a great steak, in my opinion. This steak was a little under seasoned, and benefited from the sauce.

"R" ordered the Double Cut Filet with the seasonal vegetables and mushroom risotto as sides. He loved the seasonal vegetables, a medley of squash, zucchini, and roasted red peppers, but the mushroom risotto was terrible. It was watery, and bland. Notice a theme of the meal? Not worth the $6 side dish charge, for sure.

Overall, our bill was just over $125 before tax and tip. Certainly a "splurge" night for us, and we left feeling underwhelmed by the food. Which is never how you want to feel when enjoying a nice night out. I think that there are much better steaks in Cleveland, so I wouldn't recommend Delmonico's. What restaurant in the Cleveland area has your favorite steak?

Delmonico's Steakhouse
6001 Quarry Lane
Independence, OH 44131
216-573-1991

Thai Gourmet

First things first...Thank you to all who entered my IX Center Beer Fest giveaway. I used random.org to select a winner, and it chose...#45- Julie at @Tribechic! Congratulations. Please email me to claim your prize.

My posts will be few and far between these next couple of weeks. By day, I work for a non-profit and a big part of my job is event planning. Well, I am simultaneously working on five major events right now (three taking place in the next four weeks). The largest is next Sunday, so as you can imagine I am running around finishing up the logistical details and pushing my team captains to continue to raise funds for the organization. Lots to do!

I had a work event last night that ran until 8PM, so that left "R" and I scrambling for dinner afterwards (because he's the best and "volunteers" at a lot of my functions since I have no staff). We were in Independence, so I knew exactly where I wanted to go. One of my favorite Thai joints in tucked away in the shopping plaza off of Rockside Road- Thai Gourmet.

Aren't the best "ethnic" restaurants typically some shotty-looking strip mall spot? Love it!

But they have one of my favorite Thai dishes in our area. I love peanut curry, also often called massaman curry (but not here).

Many Thai restaurants locally serve the peanut curry with just sweet potatoes, onions, and carrots. As you can see, Thai Gourmet packs their dish with all kinds of great vegetables. You can select your protein, and I went with shrimp.

It's been a while since we've been in, like probably pre-surgery (the first one, a year and half ago). I love spice and heat, and typically order my Thai dishes as "Thai hot" when dining out. Clearly, my memory had escaped me that Thai Gourmet is not shy with the chili peppers. I think that I may have burned off some of my taste buds. Is it wrong that I was still loving it? I know that's not for everyone, including "R".

For the price, it includes your choice of white or brown rice, and there was plenty for me to take home. Our meal ended with this...

Does that first one even make sense to you?

What's your favorite type of "ethnic" food? I love Thai and Indian, but am always willing to try anything. Where's your favorite strip mall restaurant? They are always so unassuming from the exterior, but you can find some great gems hidden inside.

Thai Gourmet
6901 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131

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