Event Recap: Silver Spoon Awards Party 2019

Mr. H and I had the chance to celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the best food events in town recently, Cleveland Magazine's Silver Spoon Awards Party. Held at The Hilton, there were more than 50 restaurants and beverage purveyors to sample from. Many of my favorite things were in the room at the same time, like Luca's famous Sacchetti and Porco's tiki cocktails (both in VIP Room).

I may have had three(!) that night.

Of both!

Attendees got to sample food and drinks from award finalists and winners, like Michael Symon's Mabel's BBQ...

...Lakewood's Thai Thai...

...and one of my favorite bites of the night, a Galley Boy from Swenson's. This may or may not have led to a stop for dinner last week.

While the night brought us all kinds of good food, we were there to raise funds and awareness for a good cause. The Arthritis Foundation is leading the fight for the arthritis community. The Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

This party may only come around once a year, but it's one you don't want to miss! They know how to throw one heck of a party.

Disclosure: I was provided with two VIP tickets in exchange for my assistance in promoting the event. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Polpetta at Porco

What do you get when you combine delicious and potent tiki drinks from Porco and the creative  chefs behind Cork & Cleaver and Graffiti? Polpetta! A build-your-own meatball restaurant concept, that just launched last week at Porco Lounge and Tiki Bar on West 25th Street.

The menu is small right now, but they have BIG plans for the future of this concept. Right now, diners choose from four meatballs (Classic Beef, Chicken, Pork & Veal, or Vegetarian), four sauces, and six sides (extra $).

While we waited for our balls (sooooo many ball jokes flying around), Chef Adam Bostwick sent out an order of their Pepperoni Bread. This was all that was left by the time I took a picture...

...the dough was firm enough on the outside to hold the contents in well but very soft and chewy inside, the ricotta cheese was a nice surprise, and the classic marinara sauce really stood out. I am NEVER one to order a dish with marinara out at a restaurant. Too many are quite bland and boring. Not this one. I immediately wanted more.

Then, our balls were ready. I had the Pork & Veal with the Parmesan Cream sauce. A slice of housemade focaccia is served with each plate.

Mr. H ordered the Vegetarian balls with Mushroom Gravy.

Both types of balls had nice texture and flavor, and we enjoyed both sauces as well. The funny thing is, the marinara sauce turned out to be my favorite. Maybe because I like to be surprised, and I wasn't expecting to like it so much.

Either way, go head to Porco for the same deadly drinks, but now a side of meatballs (or a few other menu options). Don't miss the Pepperoni Bread. I'm looking forward to watching what these guys have up their sleeves for this concept. Get ready. Cleveland!

Gosh, that was a lot of typing of the word balls. 

Polpetta at Porco
2527 West 25th Street
Cleveland, OH

Taco Tuesday: Porco Lounge and Tiki Room

Yes, the Taco Tuesday series is alive and well. Well, it's back, at least. Taken a hiatus from searching out Taco Tuesday specials, but now I've got two to share with you. First up, the newly opened Porco Lounge and Tiki Room on West 25th.

Located in a dilapidated-looking brick building on Ohio City's West 25th Street, headed towards the zoo, it's really a diamond in the rough and a fun new addition to the area. Just walk quickly from your car, and hold your purse tightly.

There is a small parking lot with free parking directly next to the building, with additional parking behind. Front and rear entrances transport you to a tropical oasis. Particularly pleasant in the cold days that we've settled in to in Cleveland this month! Festival, and iconic, tiki memorabilia and rescued wares decorate the dark and intimate bar.

The owner's personal collection of stir sticks became the bar, and it provided us with some entertainment as we sipped on our cocktails.

I enjoyed their take on a classic Hurricane, and "R" opted for the Pain Killer (Level 1).

Put an umbrella and skewered fruit on any drink, and I'm usually happy. Thankfully, this one was also delicious, and it included a pinwheel on the straw. Never seen that before. Drinks are priced from around $8 - $25, but the quality is there. Not quite VTR or Society, but clearly a step up from typical.

They are also serving up tacos from their tiny kitchen. At this point, it will be the only food offered, but they have plans to expand in the future. For Taco Tuesday, the deal was three tacos for $5 (tacos are offered every day, normally they are $7.50 for three). Dining Deals Alert! It included a chorizo, barbacoa, and carnitas. No substitutions, but they also have a platter of three black bean tacos available for vegetarians.

The meats were all seasoned and prepared well, with the chorizo providing quite a kick. These were a step up from your average tacos, and we were pleasantly surprised. Personal preference, I would have liked flour tortillas over the corn ones included. However, they were tasty little tacos and a good deal. The meat offerings change slightly, depending on the week.

Happy Hour is from 5-7PM, offering 50 cents off draft beers (very short, but quality list of craft beers), $1 off bottled beer, and $3 wine pours. They are also offering a special "Tiki Hour" from 6:30-7:00PM, where all tiki cocktails are $3 off.

Just a half mile south of the West Side Market, this bar is a great spot to stop in for a drink after having dinner in Ohio City. After having their tacos, I also recommend it for Taco Tuesday. The staff is attentive, friendly, and dedicated to their craft. Sit down at the bar and watch your tiki cocktail be created. It's art.

Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
2527 West 25th Street
Cleveland, OH 44113