Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Mr. H and I were invited to dine at the newly opened Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Crocker Park.

Normally, I shy away from chain restaurants, but this group only has a handful and just one in Ohio. After hearing some rave reviews from fellow foodies, I decided to check it out for myself.

In addition to a pretty vibrant and fun atmosphere, they have a program with an oath for sustainable practices. It's their commitment to responsibly sourcing the seafood and respecting our Earth's ecosystems, by land and sea.

They have a couple of different dining areas within the restaurant, but we were seated with a great view of the sushi bar and the chefs hard at work.

While we decided on our order, the team sent out a Tuna Tower ($15) with sesame and ponzu-marinated bigeye tuna, spicy crab mix, avocado and sushi rice, topped with black tobiko and wasabi sprouts, served with honey wasabi, and mango and eel sauces. Not only was it gorgeous, but tasty and with great textures as well.

We ordered the Mango Crab Rangoon ($8) with crispy wonton wrappers stuffed with crab mix, mango, cream cheese and scallion, served with mango and fresno pepper sauces.

And the Tuna Tataki ($13.50) with thinly sliced pepper seared bigeye tuna with daikon momiji, garlic chips, scallion and tataki sauce.

Then we got into the sushi, and shared an order of the Cherry Bomb ($8) with bigeye tuna on top of rice tempura, topped with serrano, sriracha and ponzu sauce.

A Hot Popper ($9) specialty roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, jalapeño tempura, soy paper, and sriracha. Not a far cry from my favorite roll at Mizu Sushi, the Mexican.

Our server recommended the Amazon Roll ($13) with red sea bream, olive oil, smoked salmon, tampico mix, jalapeño, chino chimichurri, wasabi sprouts, and maldon sea salt.

Lastly, Mr. H loves a good fried roll so he dove into the Hawaiian Roll ($12) that was tempura fried with salmon, crab mix, mango, and mirin mango purée.

Cooked salmon is way too fishy-tasting for me, even in a roll like this. So, I saved that tiny bit of "room" I had left in my stomach for the Tempura Fried Ice Cream ($8) with pound cake, vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate sauce, raspberry purée and powdered sugar.

Overall, it exceeded any chain sushi joints I've ever been to and I was impressed with their service and vibe. While it still doesn't compete with my favorite local hole-in-the-wall, Mizu, I'd choose to dine at this restaurant while shopping at Crocker over many others in the area. 

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

2000 Crocker Road
Westlake, OH 44145

Disclosure: I was invited to enjoy a complimentary meal with a guest in exchange for my honest review and social sharing. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Ironwood Cafe

The Ironwood Cafe in Westlake has been around for quite a while, but with Chef Lloyd Foust now at the kitchen's helm, the menu is seeing big changes.

First thing to note, you don't enter the bar/restaurant through the front door. The main entrance is around the right side of the building, which can be accessed from a sidewalk from the front or through this super cute breezeway between the large parking lot and The Copper Cup next door.

I immediately got a peek at Ironwood's patio, and it was a perfect night to be out there.

We settled in on the patio, and started to look at the menu. It's classic bar food kicked up a notch, and now incorporating in some products from local farms and producers, like Oberlin Food Hub, Ohio City Farm, Green City Growers, Ohio City Pasta, and more.

There are your standard classics, like Nachos, Wings, Quesadilla, Chili, Classic Cheeseburger, BBQ Chicken Wrap, and Philly Cheesesteak. But, you'll also find some elevated bar food like Lettuce Wrap, Smoked Pork Salad, Salmon Burger, Cuban, and Fettucini. Chef Lloyd is also running daily specials that fall under the more unique category, like Mussels with a Pear and Orange Broth, Italian Sausage Po' Boy, and a Short Rib Melt.

We zeroed in on two of the more unusual menu options, the Mozz Burger (a special) with bibb lettuce, mint pistou, mozzarella sticks, and a fire roasted pepper aioli.

The aioli gave it quite a fun kick of heat, and man are those house cut fries so good! Do yourself a favor and order a side of the Garlic Aioli featured with the Fries on the starters section of the menu.

I ordered the Fried Bologna Sandwich ($12) with American cheese, spicy pickles, and a paprika leek aioli on sourdough.

Apparently I had selected one of Chef Lloyd's personal favorites, and we can see why. Mr. H said it was a "damn good sandwich" and one that "is worth driving there just for that." So I'd say the dish was a hit for us.

Although it didn't seem to be currently functional, any bar with a Skee-Ball machine gets instant points with me!

The inside is large and has a classic bar feel to it, but the patio garden is where you'll want to be this summer.

Lucky for us, Ironwood is right on the border of Bay Village and my in-laws live just miles away. I can see us heading over there with the family, because this is totally a family-friendly place too. They even have a Kids Menu.

Follow along on Instagram for drool-worthy food pictures and features on daily specials. This is one menu shake-up and new approach to bar food that I fully endorse.

Ironwood Cafe
688 Dover Center Road
Westlake, OH 44145
(440) 835-9900

Luca West Opening

I've been a fan of Luca since it opened in the Superior Viaduct. The views of downtown, the intimate setting tucked off of West 25th, and the sacchetti....ahhh. Now, Cleveland west-siders will get to enjoy Luca West as they open their doors in Westlake TODAY!

Mr. H and I got a sneak peek over the weekend.

I think you'll see a lot of familiar modern Italian and other European influences on the menu, including the pastas they've become known for. Seriously, isn't this the largest bowl of pasta you've ever seen?

This sight was drawing everyone in at the soft opening. I kind of wanted to crawl up in there and take a nap after the meal.

Some of the other dishes featured at the soft opening were lamb, lobster, squid, and the most heavenly gnocchi.

Topped off with tiramisu and a cannoli, and I was just rolling out of there. It made the quite hairy ride over during that storm on Sunday well worth it!

Welcome to Westlake, Luca! A great fine dining option for those of you looking on the west side.

Luca West
24600 Detroit Road
Westlake, OH

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the soft opening of the restaurant with a guest and all food was complimentary. All opinions stated are 100% my own. 

Mezza and a Cleveland Wine Festival Winner

What a dreary Thursday...so let's perk it up with a giveaway winner for the two Adult tickets to the Cleveland Wine Festival. Thank you to everyone that entered! I loved reading what your favorite summer drinks are. Random.org selected lucky #29...findmeonline! Email me by Monday to claim your tickets, or another winner will be picked. Congratulations, and enjoy the wine festival.

Now, on to the post for the day. I discovered a new place this week, totally last minute and by recommendation. My parents were in town to help with my last fundraising event, and my mom and I had scheduled a Girls' Day at Spa West to celebrate my spring event season concluding. Some much needed pampering was just what I wanted. I had planned on taking her out to lunch after our appointments, and I just happened to hear one of the manicurists talking about her favorite Greek food up the street. My ears perked up, because I swear that I was already in the mood for some Mediterranean. We weren't too far from Crocker Park Mall, and I had already been dreaming of Aladdin's.

She directed us to Mezza, located in the Kensington Square Plaza. It was a little hard to see from the road, but they have a visible sign on the building once you enter.

The restaurant is incredibly casual, and clearly family-run. There is a counter to order from, with large handwritten menu boards. The menu isn't huge, but there was a nice selection of small plates, salads, gyros, pita creations, and other miscellaneous items. It was kind of hard to choose, as many items sounded good.

My mom and I decided to split a small order of hummus ($3.50), and I ordered six stuffed grape leaves ($4) and falafel ($6.99).

The hummus may still be better at Aladdin's, but the grape leaves left theirs in the dust and I also really enjoyed the fried falafel patties.

It was quick, easy, cheap, and delicious. Only three items on the entire menu are over $10, so I'm calling this a Dining Deals restaurant! Parking was free in the plaza's lot, and we found a spot right outside the door with ease. It is kid-friendly, and we also saw several people pop in for quick takeout. I would definitely go back.

Mezza Mediterranean Cuisine
28743 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145
440-892-2220

Stonehouse Grill- Goodbye 2012

This is it...the last blog post for my 2012 "To Dine" restaurant challenge. Technically, I still didn't complete it again this year, because Sullivan's closed. I am plagued to never fully complete my lists, but I keep trying. So, here it is-- Stonehouse Grill.

"R" and I headed there last Friday evening. The entry area was packed when we walked in, but the wait was only about 15 minutes because we were willing to take the first available seating. This ended up being at a high-top table in the bar. Not my ideal choice, but the chairs had appropriate foot rests and I could sit there comfortably. At 5'3", that's not always the case.

They have a pretty extensive menu of bar favorites and classic comfort food. Several tips on Foursquare suggested the Spinach and Artichoke Dip with spinach and artichoke hearts blended with creamy cheeses, and served with either baked pita bread or tortilla chips ($8.49).

Personally, I loved that they offered two kinds of "dipper" options. I don't care for tortilla chips, so having a choice was appreciated. It was a large portion (great for sharing), and the ratio of pita bread to dip was perfect. It was a hair garlicky, but it had great flavor and my only suggestion would be to bake it to get a nice, golden crust on top.

"R" and I both ordered fish. He opted for the Friday Fish Fry with a breaded and deep-fried white cod filet served with choice of potato and cole slaw ($12.49). This item is on their regular dinner menu, but only available on Fridays. To be honest, the brick of cod that arrived was a little scary looking. It looked a little too processed, and "R" really didn't care for his meal. The cole slaw was bland and watery, and the sweet potato fries were nothing special.

I, instead, went for the special of the day-- Perch Fry ($14.49).

For two dollars more, it came with five large pieces of perch and a side of steamed vegetables instead of the cole slaw. The steamed vegetables were a little boring and overcooked, and the side of frozen French fries was unremarkable as well. However, the fish itself was lightly breaded and cooked well. I enjoyed the fish, and it was more than enough to take home some leftovers. Well worth the extra $2, and much better quality fish than the cod.

The restaurant, and bar area, were brightly lit and very comfortable for all ages. It has a slight Irish feel to it, with a lot of Americano decor scattered around. They have a decent-sized parking lot out front, so we found a spot with ease even on a busy Friday night. Our server was attentive, but did forget to bring us a side dish that was requested. At least it wasn't on the bill. Worth noting-- "R's" Thirsty Dog draft beer was on special and only $2 for a pint.

Overall, it was fine and just that. A neighborhood joint with some classic comfort food at a reasonable price. It's safe to say that I personally won't be back, but judging from how busy it was at 9:00PM on a Friday night-- it's a popular spot.

Goodbye 2012 "To Dine" list! Hello, 2013 challenge.

Stonehouse Grill
24850 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH
440-871-4745

I've Gone "Loco" For Taco

"R" has three bar menu items that you can count on him ordering if he spies them on a menu: Chicken Quesadilla, Fish Tacos, and a Gyro. I rarely eat chicken, so he usually can't count on me for the first. I've been spoiled by Fergie's in Parma, and have yet to find a gyro that doesn't leave me wishing that it was Fergie's. But the fish taco is always my least favorite of his top three choices. Until last night...

We headed out to the Loco Leprechaun in Westlake last night to celebrate a friend's 30th birthday. I had never been there, but "R" swore by their fish tacos. The Loco is an interesting establishment with a Mexican-Irish blend of atmosphere and menu selections. Burritos, chicken paprikash, tacos, Reuben sandwich, and more. Nothing was really jumping out at me, so I decided to let "R" get us two orders of the fish tacos that he so loves. Fish Tacos ($7.95)- 3 served in hard or soft shells with shredded cabbage, fresh salsa, cheddar jack cheese, and cilantro lime dressing. It also comes with a choice of side (we went for the french fries at the bartender's suggestion- and it was a wise choice). The tacos were generous in portion, with a great balance of the ingredients. In almost every bite, you could get a little of each component. The battered cod was light and crispy, but the real highlight of the dish was the cilantro lime dressing. The bartender called it a "vinaigrette". I called it "tasty".

I won't say that I've crossed over to the dark side of loving fish tacos as much as "R", but these were hands down the best that I've tried- and I would have them again in a heartbeat.

Loco Leprechaun
24545 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145-5616
(440) 250-5626