Lunch at Tree Country Bistro

It was time to tick another restaurant off the 2012 "To Dine" list. I'm really not doing that well, considering how quickly fall will fly by. It will be January before I know it, and time for a new list.

2012 "To Dine" Challenge:
Stonehouse Grill
Lure Bistro & Sushi Bar--- DONE
Marotta's
The Fairview Tavern
Beach Club Bistro
Bistro 185--- DONE
Sullivan's Irish Pub & Restaurant--- Closed
Tree Country Bistro--- DONE
Sun Luck Garden Restaurant--- DONE
Bruno's Ristorante & Catering--- DONE

I still have four left! It would have been five (ugh, half of the list), but Sullivan's closed its doors. I am destined to never complete my full list. But, you can help me finish off the last four. Who's in?

Luckily, my good friend Michelle wanted to help and suggested meeting up for lunch yesterday at Tree Country Bistro in Coventry. I took a peek at the menu online, and was instantly overwhelmed. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Japanese, Korean, and Thai dishes, including all of your traditional curries, sushi, and so much more. How was I going to choose?

I was in luck. For lunch, they offer a Japanese Box or a Thai Box. The Thai gave you the option of soup, salad, and then one selection from the list of curries, Pad Thai, fried rice, etc.

Michelle and I both went for the Japanese Box ($9.95, Dining Deals Alert!). It included a Miso Soup...

...salad, choice of sushi roll from a limited list, and your choice of fried rice or Pad Thai.

It was a lot of food for just ten bucks. The soup was mild and forgettable, and the rice on my sushi roll was a bit overcooked and mushy. I forgave this, because I loved that the spicy tuna roll included whole tuna cuts, instead of minced fish, and the spicy mayo was drizzled on top. Overall, I did enjoy the meal despite a few small missteps. I haven't had a bento box in forever. Since the restaurant's menu was lengthy and intimidating for a first-time diner, this gave me a way to try multiple items for a low cost.

Now, with Pacific East just down the street--I would never choose Tree Country Bistro for sushi alone. But, for someone looking for a diverse menu--this is the way to go in Coventry. Service was fine, parking was available in the metered parking garage just down the block, and we were in-and-out in one hour at prime lunch time.

What's your favorite spot in Coventry?

Tree Country Bistro
1803 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-321-0644

WSM100

Yesterday's rain did not keep "R" and I from attending the West Side Market Street Fest and Parade in Ohio City. The free festival was open to the public, and despite the weather-- people were still out in droves to support the West Side Market's Centennial Celebrations. Spirits were high, and we still managed to make a good time of it.

Bundled up in layers of clothing, and my fleece poncho (which basically felt as cozy as wrapping a blanket around myself)-- I was ready to hit the streets. The neighborhood's restaurants and vendors lined West 25th Street, and it was so easy to sample food and check everything out. We started with sharing a cheesesteak sandwich from Light Bistro, and a taco from Flying Fig. Then it was time to pop over to Lorain to watch the parade. I loved seeing the community organizations and West Side Market vendors march by proudly. The vendors received loud cheers from the crowd! Many of them have been housed in the market for decades.

It was chilly yesterday, and the rain wasn't clearing up, so we ducked into Light Bistro for a bite to eat. I love their Brie and Apple sandwich on the lunch menu. A warm cup of coffee, and chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven hit the spot.

Back out to the craziness of West 25th Street, we met up with friends at ABC the Tavern to watch the Browns lose (again). A little more perusing of the street vendors, and then a cocktail in Crop Bistro as we waited for a cab ended our Sunday out in Ohio City. We were cold, wet, and tired...but loving every minute of it. It was great seeing the market open on a Sunday, so many people out and about despite the weather, and the energy surrounding the Centennial Celebration. Now, I just can't wait for the People's Party and the Gala in November!

Did you attend yesterday's Street Festival and Parade?

EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute

When Brandon Chrostowski reached out to me to see if I would help him spread the word about his newest venture- EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, of course I said "Yes!" Brandon, the General Manager at Zack Bruell's L'Albatros, has helped make some nights really special for me at the restaurant. My last meal as I'm on my death bed? It would HAVE to include the cheese service from L'Albatros. I try to never miss their cheese dinner events, and many special occasions have been celebrated there. Brandon knows his stuff, and that is why I know without a doubt that this new concept will be successful in Cleveland.

EDWINS will be a non-profit restaurant that is devoted to helping returning ex-offenders integrate back into our community, while teaching them invaluable skills and hands-on job training. It will provide culinary training, life-skills classes, housing, clothing, counseling, and other important support services. Their services will be provided at no charge to its students. The restaurant will be open to the public, just as any other restaurant would be. This is an exciting and innovative concept, and one that they hope will catch on.

You can help! On Sunday, October 14th, EDWINS is hosting a fundraiser and launch party from 6-9PM. This event will feature chefs David and Karen Waltuck from New York's Chanterelle, Cleveland's own Karen Small from The Flying Fig, Zack Bruell of Parallax, Chris Hodgson of Hodge's, Paul Minnillo of Flour, and pastries from On The Rise. This great lineup of all-star chefs will create an unforgettable evening, and partner with potential EDWINS students to put out some great food to give us a taste of what's to come.

Only a handful of tickets are still available. Individual tickets are $200, or a pair for $350. You can purchase online via PayPal.

Your contribution helps to transform lives here in Cleveland!
$5,000 pays for one student’s tuition during the 26-week program
$2,500 pays for job placement and counseling services for two students
$1,000 helps furnish the new restaurant
$500 pays for life-skills classes for one student

All revenue from this event will help start EDWINS restaurant and training programs. To RSVP or make a donation, email brandon@edwinsrestaurant.org, or call 216.744.2606.

 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Launch Party, with a guest, in exchange for this post. However, I believe in this venture and would have shared this information with you regardless. The opinions stated are 100% my own.

Sunday Funday at Nano Brew

Yesterday, "R" was on a mission...a shopping mission. He does this about once a year. He dislikes shopping for clothes, so he's an all-or-nothing shopper. We'll hit several stores and stock up on pants, shirts, boxers, shoes, etc. and then he's set for a while. So, after dragging me around for five hours shopping at Aurora Farms Outlets and Beachwood Mall...I needed a beer.

A quick stop at home, and then we decided to head to Nano Brew on West 25th Street in Ohio City. A new spot in the neighborhood-- we've stopped in briefly for drinks before, but we wanted to hang out in a relaxed atmosphere with a decent beer list and some available grub. Nano Brew fit what we were looking for.

I am loving these fall-like days that we've been having. It put us in the mood for a pumpkin beer, and I've wanted to try the Hoppin' Frog ($15 for 22oz.).

Nice flavor and smooth to sip on, it wasn't quite as good as ST's Pumpking but we both liked it a lot.

"R" was still in the pumpkin mood, so he ordered the Pumpkin Kibbe- 4 for $4 (pumpkin dough stuffed with chorizo and cheddar and drizzled with cayenne honey and curried pumpkin seeds).

They were okay. I'm not a fan of pumpkin-flavored foods, so I'm not qualified to really comment on this dish. However, "R" didn't love it either.

We also decided to order some burgers later on. "R" went with the Breakfast (maple beef patty on an English Muffin with bacon, egg, and white American). He made the mistake of ordering a double ($12) with two 1/4 lb patties, and it was quite a mouthful. He said that he loved it overall, and would order it again as a single. After seeing a Foursquare tip, I wanted to try the Spicy burger (with caramelized onions, sauteed sweet peppers, and white American). The single was $7, and all burgers come with waffle fries. Yum, waffle fries are awesome! The burger was topped with too many roasted red peppers for my personal taste, but the heat level was nice and subtle and I did like it for the most part. I'd probably try another burger next time though. All of their burgers are cooked on the flat top grill, and are cooked all the way through. Worth noting.

So, I'm not even going to comment on the debate about whether or not Nano Brew is a "real" brewery, or if they post about bicycles too much on their Facebook page. I enjoy the casual atmosphere, I think that they have a decent beer list for Ohio City, and we enjoyed the food for a quick bar bite at a reasonable price (Dining Deals Alert!). We'll be back, and I'm personally happy to see something like this take over the Garage Bar space.

Nano Brew
1859 West 25th Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-862-6631

Priya in Parma

Yesterday began, what I hope, will become a new tradition of meeting old friends, new friends, and some that I was meeting for the first time for a meal of Indian food. Most of us at the table have a shared love for the cuisine, and almost all of us had never been to Priya in Parma before.

Crystal had arranged the group, and we selected a Wednesday because they serve an affordable dinner buffet. You know how I have been on the hunt for an Indian dinner buffet! While it was full of delicious and unusual items, it didn't have the curries that I was looking for. So about half of us decided to order off the regular menu. "R" was getting the buffet, so I knew that I could pick off his plate. The Wednesday Night Chat Buffet ($12.99) features Chat items and Indo Chinese items. It reminded us more of traditional street food, which wasn't quite what I was looking for.

I went with my standard Chicken Tikka Masala ($12.99), but when I asked about spice levels the server informed me that they can't alter the heat in this dish because it is a cream-based sauce. Umm...then why can I order different spice levels at other places with this dish? Ultimately, it did affect my opinion of the dish because I personally prefer more heat.

The presentation was great, but the sauce was dangerously close the edge of the angled round bowl. I can't be trusted. Michelle and I shared our dishes, so I also got to try the Lamb Gosh (sometimes called Saag) in a spiced spinach gravy ($12.99). An order of Garlic Naan rounded out the meal.

Overall, the food was good but not great. I certainly enjoyed my meal, but I've had much better Indian food locally. Also, the guy that ended up serving us was very odd and it was difficult to communicate through his awkwardness. The space is huge, with plenty of seating in booths or tables. It easily fit our large group.

Where should we head next? Udupi Cafe, India Garden, Indian Delight? We do have lots of options.

Priya Indian Cuisine
5747 Chevrolet Boulevard
Parma, OH
440-345-5599