First of the season...

The Cleveland Botanical Gardens launches the first "Gourmets in the Garden" event this evening. For $5, experience cooking demonstrations from some of the best chefs in Cleveland's finest restaurants while you enjoy the beauty of the gardens. All demonstrations begin at 6 PM on Wednesdays from June 10-September 2. This series has become so popular that you have to make reservations, so don't wait! Call 216-721-1600, ext. 100 for reservations.

Tonight, Spice of Life Catering will be preparing a specialty dish. They are one of my favorites. I can't make it tonight, but you should! For a complete list of restaurants featured, click here.

The Gardens is also offering "Cocktails in the Garden" this year. The good news- it's the same night at Gourmets in the Garden! What goes better with delicious food samples than a glass of wine or fun cocktail?! Click on the link above for a list of featured cocktails.

Independents Launch New Site

The Cleveland Independents' new site has launched, and in my personal opinion looks great! I am a big supporter of the Independents, and whole-heartily believe that we (Cleveland diners) should support our local independent chefs and restaurateurs. Not that chain restaurants don't serve a purpose, and I'm a big fan of some, but in this economy we should do everything that we can to support our community businesses. It helps that the best restaurants in Cleveland fall into this category! Take a look at their list of restaurant members. You have over 80 to choose from. Also check out the newly designed Event Calendar, which makes searching for special events even easier.

Aladdin's is Always a Delight

Last night I dined at Aladdin's Eatery with friends. It is a comfort to know that the food will always be delicious! This Lebanese/American restaurant is a hot spot for vegetarians and health-conscious diners. My favorite dish is the Vegetarian Combo appetizer (more than enough for a meal by itself). It includes small portions of: Hummos, Tabouli, Baba, Falaffel, and Dawali. For those of you that don't know...

Hummos: Puree of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon topped with fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil.
Tabouli: A delicate mixture of parsley, onions, cracked wheat and tomatoes seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and herbs.
Baba: Puree of charbroiled eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon topped with fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil.
Falaffel: Mildly spiced vegetarian patties made with chick peas, fava beans, parsley, and scallions. Fried in peanut oil and served with Tahini Yogurt sauce.
Dawali: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, chick peas, tomato, and parsley, topped with Aladdin's dressing, feta cheese and parsley.

Their hummos is excellent and very smooth, with just the right amount of lemon. My other favorite is the grape leaves, or "dawali". The small rolls are fresh and filling, and the Aladdin's dressing is one of the best dressings that I've had on grape leaves. There are several locations, so click here to find one near you!

Spectacular View, Food Just Satisfactory...

I've been looking forward to trying Pier W in Lakewood for some time now, and I have to admit that I am a little disappointed after our dining experience on Sunday night. While there is no contest that the restaurant has the best view in Cleveland (picture beautiful cliffs above Lake Erie and the downtown skyline twinkling in the distance), the food was kind of a let down.

We started with the BRAISED ANGUS BEEF SHORT RIB PIEROGIES served with Caramelized Cippolini Onion Jus. The angus beef was rich and savory and the pierogies' dough was heavenly, but the caramelized onion jus was overpowering and ruined the dish for me. We also sampled the HEARTH ROASTED BLUE HILL BAY MUSSELS with a Rustic Tomato and White Wine Broth. The broth was flavorful but the mussels didn't seem to absorb the broth as much as I would have liked. I almost didn't know that the dish was as good as it was until I took a spoonful of the broth. For my entree, I tried the FRESH LOBSTER PAPPARDELE (Chunks of Fresh Maine Lobster, Fresh Pappardele, Roasted Red Peppers, Haricot Verts, Light Cognac Cream Sauce), which was a little rich and heavy. The "chunks" of lobster were minuscule, but the haricot verts were a nice addition and added a slightly crunchy texture to the dish. Overall, it wasn't bad but I think that I would have been happier with the diver scallops or halibut dishes that I was eyeing up. One of my dining mates ordered the BASIL SEARED #1 HAWIIAN BIG EYE TUNA, served raw with a Potato and Leek Tart, Tomato Jam, Sweet Onion Coulis and Basil Oil. The fish was very fresh and tender. The basil leaves on top of the fish gave it a slight basil flavor, which was very light and complimented the tuna. The sweet onion coulis was flavorless and did not add anything to the dish. It should have remained in the kitchen. We finished with a Lake Erie goat cheese plate, Riesling Poached Granny Smith Apples with homemade cinnamon ice cream, and a Godiva White Chocolate cheesecake. The Poached Apples were unique and creative, but the cheesecake was only so-so. My favorite dessert was the cheese plate. The cheese boasted a "bloomy rind" that was soft and edible. Spread on a toasted piece of raisin nut bread and fruit jam, it was delicious!

While Pier W fell a little short, it is worth trying again and you can bet that I'll be back to give it another go. Maybe for their famous brunch this time...

Pier W
12700 Lake Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 228-2250

Last of the "World Class Wine Series"

Head over to Lago Restaurant & Wine Bar on Professor Avenue in Tremont for the last "World Class Wine Series" event of the season. Each tasting includes 25 elegant wines and light hors d'oeuvres. $40 per person plus tax, reservations required. 8:30 PM this Friday night, featuring wines from Tuscany and food pairings to compliment the region's wine. This is one foodie who will definitely be there!

2221 Professor Avenue
216-344-0547