Good Meal Jane Update

I previously shared our experience with the mouth-watering Detroit-style pizza from Good Meal Jane. 

While they no longer have a stand in the building on the corner of West 25th and Detroit, they are still slingin' some pies for pre-order pickup in the parking lot of a convenience store in Old Brooklyn. Because the good news is that they've secured a new brick-and-mortar spot on Memphis Avenue, and plan to open after some renovations. 

They'll be introducing new menu items as well, like the Sheesh Burger. 

Two 5oz smash patties, pickles, Flaming Hot Cheetos brioche bun, nacho cheese, and American cheese.

This may sound like it would be a hot mess, or even unappealing to some, but it.just.works.

I mean, look at the smile on that guy!

Smash burgers and Cheetos are two of my favorite guilty pleasure foods, and I certainly never thought I'd see them together! I'm already anxiously awaiting their opening in my neighborhood. Although this could get dangerous... 

Disclosure: I was provided with the meal complimentary in exchange for my honest review and postings on social media. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Black Box Fix

The countdown is on. The holidays are here, the end of the year is looming, and it's a race for me to finish my 2021 To Dine Challenge list! With three to go in December, can we get it done? Let's go!

First up, we hit Black Box Fix for a Saturday takeout lunch. Located in Legacy Village (second location in Columbus, OH), it can be a great option as you're shopping or there for services. But the parking around there doesn't make it ideal for a single stop on its own. After some circling, we did manage to time it right to slide into the Pick-up meter spot across the street. 

Since it was just lunch and they really are known for their overstuffed sandwiches, we decided to share one. We never turn down an opportunity to try a cheesesteak, so we ordered the "Best Damn Cheesesteak" ($15) with a half-pound of seasoned grilled steak, onions, Swiss cheese, provolone, and Cajun queso. Added on a side of Garlic Parmesan Fries ($5), but it was hard to choose from the yummy flavors they have available!

While my favorite local cheesesteak is still from Original Steak & Hoagie in Twinsburg (Capo's being number two), this was a very good cheesesteak that I do recommend. I would have preferred that the bun be buttered and toasted, but the queso sauce with just that little bit of spicy heat to it was what set this apart from others. 

Online ordering is available, which really helps speed up the takeout process. 

On to the next!

Black Box Fix
25359 Cedar Rd.
Lyndhurst, OH 44124

Thyme X Table

After buying a gift certificate for ourselves when we purchase one for my in-laws in December 2019, we finally made it in to Thyme Table Restaurant and Bar in Bay Village. The pandemic really delayed us getting there, but this certainly won't be our last visit there!

We immediately loved the cozy and chic atmosphere. It kind of reminded us of our favorite place that closed, The Black Pig. A great craft cocktail, beer, and wine list also won us over easily. 

We let our server select our appetizer from the couple that we had narrowed it down to. I could have made a meal from them alone! But he picked the Arancini with Blackberry Compote, Brûléed Cheese, and Marcona Almonds. Very nice dish, but no longer available on the winter menu. We were there just before the menu changed for the season.

Which leads to me to the next dish. I should have known better, because half of the components were out of season. But it just sounded good! Striped Bass with Creamy Polenta, Sweet Corn, Peaches, and Pea Shoots. It didn't arrive very warm, so that hurt the texture and flavor of the fish and polenta, but overall there was very little flavor and the fish was overcooked and dry. The whole thing ate pretty bland and it was disappointing. I did bring it up with our serve once he returned. 

Lucky for me, we were doing a bit of sharing and Mr. H had ordered the Roasted Vegetables and Risotto ($19) with wild mushrooms, asparagus, caramelized onions, creamy garlic risotto, and basil pesto with lightly dressed greens. It was fantastic, and we'll be recreating this dish at home soon! They changed the vegetables slightly, but you can still enjoy this dish on the new menu. 

Aside from the one disappointing dish, we really enjoyed our meal and the vibe of the restaurant. Service was good, despite it being very busy. They have a dedicated parking lot right next to the building. Highly recommend checking them out if you haven't already.

Thyme Table Restaurant and Bar
583 Dover Center Road
Bay Village, OH 44140
(440) 617-6964

Small City Taphouse

Things are quiet over here these days. My new small business, Evy Lena Vintage, is keeping me busy during every spare minute that I have. I'm learning a ton, finding such joy in running my shop, and achieving goals that I set for myself. To put it simply...life is good. Like real good.

But that doesn't mean that Mr. H and I aren't still having some dining adventures. Now they just might include a thrift store stop or center around picking up winnings from an estate sale auction. Which is how we found ourselves in Sandusky one Saturday afternoon. 

I went to Twitter for your recommendations, and boy did you follow through! We looked at a few menus, and settled on Small City Taphouse for their Asian cuisine and extensive craft beer list.

Several items in the Appetizers section sounded good, so we went for the SAMPLER ($12) with 2 soft spring rolls, 2 crispy spring rolls, 2 toasted shrimp, 2 jumbo crispy shrimp, and 2 fried pork dumplings. 

A good way to try a little bit of everything. Our favorite was the Toasted Shrimp. Everything was good and we enjoyed it, but nothing was noteworthy. 

The second appetizer that appealed to us was the BANH MI WITH MEATBALL ($7), served with pickled carrot, cucumber, cilantro and pepper.

When it arrived at the table, it wasn't at all what we were expecting! Which is always kind of fun. I thought maybe it would be a slider, steamed bun, or crostini. It was tasty, but I was kind of missing a more traditional version if I'm honest. 

Lastly, they have a good amount of sushi on their menu, so we decided to share two House Special Rolls. I loved their use of chili crisp! 

We enjoyed our lunch and the casual sports-bar feel of the restaurant & bar, and even enjoyed a new-to-us stout so much that we bought a crowler to take home.

While we won't be making a special trip here, it's definitely a good spot to stop at if you're in the area. Family-friendly atmosphere, walkable area, and easy public parking on the street. 

Small City Taphouse

202 Columbus Avenue

Sandusky, OH 44870

(419) 502-0099

Happy Cows Group Share

The owner of Happy Cows Group Share reached out to me to share a little about her business and asked if I'd be willing to come in to check out their retail location in Seven Hills.

It is exactly the type of local business that I like to bring to you guys. They offer locally raised meat in convenient, affordable, and customizable shares.

They have bulk pricing, so you buy by the share, instead of by the cut. 

They also have an extensive line of locally produced pantry goods.

Including some of our favorite brands...

...and several that we hadn't heard of yet.

We were gifted a pound of their Ground Beef. Mr. H whipped up some homemade brioche buns for the first time, and wow that was a good Smash Burger!

We also took home Short Ribs...

...that Mr. H smoked...

...and seared...

...before turning it into Smoked Short Rib Steamed Buns. Yum, yum!

You should definitely go check out their retail store and meat shares. When you shop with them, you are supporting local farmers and makers and getting such quality products to feed your family. 

Happy Cows Group Share

7529 Broadview Road

Seven Hills, OH 44131

Disclosure: I was gifted the meat in exchange for my honest review and sharing my experience on social media. All opinions stated are 100% my own.