Martinis, Oh My!

So the Chocolate Bar is certainly making a name for themselves down off of East 4th Street. Strategically located across the street from the House of Blues and the Euclid end of East 4th's strip of fabulous restaurants- they are primed for an after-dinner or post-show crowd. I met with the owner yesterday afternoon, and he told me that they are turning away 50% of the people who walk through their door right now- the wait is that long! For the location only being open for a few months, this is quite an accomplishment. People are certainly curious! Who wouldn't be when you combine food, tasty martini concoctions, and desserts galore?!

After my meeting, I settled in to wait for a co-worker who was joining me for a drink before heading over to CBC Magazine's Connectors Choice Celebration at the House of Blues. The bartender (whoever you are) was fantastic and fun. He was very knowledgeable of the menu and had personally tasted every martini on the list. My kind of guy! He suggested the Key Lime Pie martini, Macaroon Martini, or Banana Cream Pie martini.

Once my friend arrived, I did stray from his suggestions and ordered the basic Chocolate Martini. She opted for the Key Lime Pie, and boy I am glad that she did! Our fabulous bartender expertly created our drinks and even poured a shot glass full of each other's martini so that we could try both. Little things like this make such a difference for a diner! The Chocolate Martini was good, but not great. It was a little strong for my taste, and I think that some of the other playful creations would be a better choice. The Key Lime Pie on the other hand was refreshing and light. The warm foam poured on top mimicked meringue and was kind of fun. See, I guess this just proves that you should always consider listening to your servers! I'll know next time.

We decided to share an appetizer and ordered the Artichoke and Spinach Dip- parmesean artichoke dip served in a bread bowl ($8.49). The dip was served in a toasted bread bowl with pita chips and carrot/celery sticks on the side for dipping. The dip itself was packed with rich flavor and large pieces of artichoke and spinach, and we were quite happy. The pita chips were crisp but still soft on the inside and perfect for dipping. Then we went to break apart the bread bowl and that's where it went downhill. At first I tried to cut into it with my fork- that didn't work. Thankfully I was with a good friend, so I picked it up and tried to tear it apart with my fingers. That didn't work. We gave up and scooped out the rest of the dip, leaving the bread bowl behind. I found out from another co-worker who dined there recently that the same dish was served in a crock when she first had this dish. Maybe they should consider going back to this presentation!

Overall, I liked the place and will probably find myself there again. I don't know if the food will be able to compete with East 4th's great options, but I could certainly see "R" and I popping in there for an after-dinner martini and dessert. I hear that dessert is their specialty, and the lengthy list on the back of the menu supports that claim. Stay tuned...

P.S. They have purse hooks under the bar ladies! And the first foot rest on a bar that has ever actually been the right height for a shortie like me!

Chocolate Bar
347 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 622-2626