Wow, December. How did it get here this quickly?
Well, it's the time of year that I start thinking about my New Year's Resolution for the blog. Every year, I have challenged myself to dine at 10 new (to me) restaurants that are pre-selected (by me). The first year, I fell short with 5 left to go. I carried them over into 2011, and I'm happy to report that I've visited 9 out of 10. This dumb surgery got in the way of completing the list, but hey I do have a few more weeks so I guess it's not entirely out of the question.
This year, I want to do something different. I'm tired of reading blog reviews of the same restaurants over and over again. So help me spice up this blog in 2012 by challenging me to come dine at your favorite local hidden gem. I'm talking about hole-in-the-wall, "why doesn't everyone eat here?", best food in your area that no one talks about kind of place. Tell me about them! East, west, south...I don't care, I'll drive there.
I'll compile a list and reveal the 10 that I will be dining at in 2012 on January 1st. So come on, what restaurant/bar do YOU think should make my list?
17 comments:
My favorite breakfast spot is a little diner called Charlie's Doghouse Diner. They have AWESOME breakfast food! They dont have a website but heres their Foursquare page: https://foursquare.com/v/charlies-doghouse-diner/4c824266d8086dcb896e7452
I love their "Charlie's Mess" Which is eggs, shredded hashbrowns and whatever other items you want all mixed together! Great hangover food! My sister LOVES their pancakes and they are HUGE and very inexpensive. The place is VERY small and only has a counter. Great fresh ground coffee too. Best hidden gem in Cleveland!
Whitey's has amazing burgers. They take awhile (each one is made when you order it) but are worth the wait!
I've always wondered about Charlie's Diner. I'll have to check it out!
My suggestions are Mekong River in Cleveland and Corleone's in Parma.
Twitter suggestions:
Stonehouse Grill in Westlake
Caddyshack Lounge in Hinckley
Moosehead Saloon in Bay Village
Chez Francois
Facebook suggestions:
Rockefeller's
Shuhei
Bac
Chez Francois
Umami
Fountain
Cleveland Taco Scene
lure in dowtown willoughby
marotta's in cleveland heights. guido's pizza haven in chesterland
Fairview Tavern in Fairview Park was suggested by @fitincleveland.
Since we've had a recent focus on the best pizza in Cleveland and I completely disagree with the consensus, I'd love to see you review Crostata's in Highland Heights.
Other East Side favorites:
Molanari's in Mentor
Beach Club Bistro in Euclid
Pranzo in Downtown Willoughby
Lure - Willoughby
Crave - Akron
Marottas - Cleveland Heights
Sara's Place - Gates Mills
Nighttown - Cleveland Heights
Gasoline Alley - Bath
One Red Door - Hudson
Cedar Lee Pub in Cleveland Heights...amazing burgers and fries- and cheap beer :)
I have to put in an East Side vote for Bistro 185. I know you've already been there--for lunch anyway--but you've never reviewed it, nor have you mentioned going there for dinner. So I'd vote for them. I know Ruth Levine and Todd Mueller really devote themselves to creating first-class dishes, and their vegan guest chef Jakub Mejstrik has taught Ruth a great deal about cooking gourmet vegan style for their vegan nights. Definitely one of the less publicized treasures!
Twitter suggestions:
Barroco Grill in Lakewood
Bangkok Thai on Mayfield Rd.
Appetite Deli on Mayfield Rd.
Arrabiata's in Mayfield came in recently in conversation. That might be another good one to review. (My Dad loved their Zuppe di Pesce)
Ginko - right by Dante - it's on my list.
Twitter suggestions:
Borderline Cafe
custard at Webers
El Tango
Sullivans
A lot of great east side places represented, love it!
I would add Big Al's Diner on Larchmere. Great greasy spoon-esque diner with amazing pancakes and corned beef hash, the best ever according to Michael Symon.
Personally I think Tavern Company on Lee has better food than the Cedar Lee Pub. Their smoky apple sandwich is TO.DIE.
Also, Tree Country Bistro on Coventry is an asian gem with its mix of Sushi, Japanese, Korean and Thai.
Oh and adding some place in Asia Town would be awesome. I love Wonton Gourmet. The turnip cakes are amaze. Trust!
Finally, Annie's Sun Luck Garden on Taylor is one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever been to. She's an amazing chef.
Twitter:
Bruno's
Pepper's
Maxi's
Superior Pho
Fifth wheel
Dina's
Bricco
Bruno's
Papa Joe's
Santos
El Taino
All suggested on Twitter
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