A "Crabby" Morning

"R" and I didn't get to spend much time together this weekend, so we woke up on Sunday morning and both had a craving for a good brunch. He had plans that afternoon with friends, so brunch was a great way to start the day together. We quickly and easily decided to use a gift certificate to Latitude 41. On our last visit, and first visit ever, I really didn't enjoy my meal. But "R" had loved his pizza and has been talking about it ever since. I was ready to give them another shot, and I've heard nothing but good things about their Sunday Brunch.

Fall was in the air yesterday, and after settling into a comfortable booth we helped ourselves to steaming mugs of their Cinnamon Coffee- very unique. After my required sugar and creamer were added- it was perfect, and the coffee warmed me from the inside out. Did I mention that we had taken the motorcycle there? Yeah, not the best decision ever.

Several items sounded good on the brunch menu, but one kept jumping out at me: Chesapeake Stuffed Omelet ($8.5)- lump crab meat & artichoke cream cheese mix (pictured above). All omelets are served with Lat 41°n breakfast potatoes and toast. When the dish arrived, there was a surprise- hollandaise sauce! As you can see, the omelet was completely smothered with the creamy, rich sauce. Even though it was broken and had started to separate, it was a welcomed component and enhanced the flavor of the omelet. The omelet was light and fluffy, crab meat was flavorful without being fishy, and the artichoke cream cheese mix was smooth with a great punch of artichoke flavor from time to time. I was lovin' this omelet! The breakfast potatoes were also very good and clearly made in-house. The only component that wasn't a shining star was the toast. Some homemade bread, not the standard pre-sliced grocery store version included, would have just pushed this dish over the edge. Even though I don't eat jelly or jam very often, I did appreciate the chunky homemade jelly that accompanied the plate.

"R" was craving that Southern BBQ pizza that he had the first time, but decided to go for a breakfast version instead. He ordered the Pizza for Benedict-pizza dough layered with spinach, mozzarella cheese and choice of protein topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce; served with a side of Lat 41°n breakfast potatoes. Diners have the choice of five protein toppings, and "R" went with the Maryland Crab Cake ($10.5). See, it was a crab-filled morning for us! His pizza was very good (they really know how to make a good crust!), and a great portion size for breakfast. I would happily order this dish as well.

At the end of the meal, I can more than say that Latitude 41 redeemed themselves in my eyes. Now that I've witnessed first-hand their famous Sunday Brunch- we'll be back, and soon.

Did I forget to mention that it started raining just as we left the restaurant? It made for a cold, and wet, ride home!

Latitude 41°n
5712 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 961-0000

It's All Longitude To Me

Last Friday brought an excursion to the west side for dinner at Latitude 41°N and some Made In The 216 action. The Gordon Square Arts District was hoppin', but we easily scored parking in Latitude's parking lot- which was appreciated. It was my first time dining there, and immediately I liked the comfortable atmosphere. Plush couches, bookcases, and the "do-it-yourself" ordering method all create a casual setting for a meal with good friends.

Six of us settled into a long table and started to look at the menu. I think that everyone had been there before, except for "R" and I, so they quickly made their selections. I spied a dish that reminded me of a Panini's sandwich, burger-style: “Wait Until Next Year” ($8.95)- half a pound of ground chuck or chicken breast BBQ’d and grilled with sharp cheddar, cole slaw, and Lat 41°n Fries all smashed under a toasted sandwich roll and served with a knife and fork. I was sold. "R" and I both decided to start with a cup of their signature Tomato Bisque ($3.5)- topped with crumbled bleu cheese and homemade croutons. The soup arrived first, and I stirred in the blue cheese before taking a spoonful. This was a mistake. Once blended, the soup lost any hint of blue cheese flavor. The soup was decent, and clearly homemade, but I felt underwhelmed and began looking forward to my entree. Again, I think I made a poor menu choice on the burger. The tower of food arrived just as described, and it was clear that I really was going to need a knife and fork for this dish. I dug in and quickly realized that my "medium" burger was very well done and dried out. The slaw was almost non-existent. With this being the only "wet" component, it left the entire burger dry and flavorless. As if this wasn't bad enough, the french fries were extremely salty and I could barely eat any. This is coming from a self-proclaimed salt lover. And french fries are one of my top five favorite foods! It pained me to leave them behind.

On a lighter note- the Southern BBQ pizza with BBQ chicken, bleu cheese, shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses, red onion and snipped cilantro atop the savory/sweet BBQ sauce that "R" ordered was very good. It was even good the next day as leftovers! I also had a bite of one of their famous pasta bakes, which left me wishing that I had ordered one of their rich and creamy creations.

While my soup and entree choices left me very disappointed (and literally a bad taste in my mouth), I'd love to go back and try their brunch. I'd even venture to say that I'd go back for dinner. I am always open to giving second chances. I'll just have to be a little smarter with my selections!

Latitude 41°N
5712 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 961-0000