Urban Farmer Blogger Round-up

Last night, twenty lucky bloggers (including me!) were invited to Urban Farmer- Cleveland's Steakhouse for a five-course tasting of their menu. Even though I had to miss the Cork & Cleaver pop-up dinner at Toast, I really wanted to go. I've been hearing nothing but glowing reviews of the food, cocktails, and atmosphere, but I hadn't had a chance to dine there myself yet. It's been a busy summer! I'm so glad that I accepted the invitation, because the food was exceptional.

We started the evening on the patio with a cocktail and charcuterie spread. The cheeses, meats, and oysters were all very good. The Oysters are typically $4 each, and Charcuterie is $13 or $21.

Then, we moved inside to their private dining room for the five-course tasting menu. This room is available by contract, and a really fun space to host a small event. The feather chandelier and crazy animal wallpaper alone is worth the food and beverage minimum.

The first course that we received was their signature Beef Tartare with beef heart and deviled egg.

I'm kind of on a tartare kick here lately, and this one was very good. This dish you can find on their regular menu under "Chilled" First Course.

Next up, a Chilled Lobster salad with tomato, avocado, fennel, mint, and verjus sorbet.

This was a favorite course of many at our table, and it can be found on the restaurant's regular menu (also under "Chilled" section). The use of avocado and the refreshing sorbet was what really kicked this dish up a notch. I could eat an entire entree-sized plate of this.

Our fish course was intended to showcase some of the things that they are doing at the restaurant. It can't be found on the menu, but pieces and parts of it are there. It was a Seared Scallop with corn, candied bacon, and roasted tomatoes.

I'm a sucker for anything with Ohio sweet corn in it during the summer, and I'd love to know how to create this creamed corn at home. It was packed with flavor, and complimented the scallop and crispy bacon well. The creamed corn can be found on their "Sides" and they have a scallop dish under "Fish" on the menu.

Next up, STEAK! I mean, they are a steakhouse after all. We were treated to the Roasted 21 Day Dry-aged Strip Loin with boulangere potato, summer squash, and tallow.

You won't find this dish quite like this on the menu, but the 21 dry-aged is part of the New York Steak Tasting and "New York" section of the steak menu. It had an amazing crust on it, and the texture of the steak was divine. It left me wanting more, and plotting a return visit to the restaurant. "R" would love it.

We finished the meal, already stuffed beyond belief, with the dessert course. We had the Great Lakes Malted Barley Custard with malt balls and honeycomb.

This dish can be found on their regular dessert menu. I'm not a dessert lover, but this was delicious! The honeycomb in particular was a pleasant surprise, and reminded me of toasted s'mores.

We also enjoyed a few expertly paired wines with the meal, and exceptional service. It really was a fantastic meal, and overall experience. It certainly left me with a wonderful impression of the restaurant, and a craving for more. I think that was the point!

They focus on sourcing locally, building relationships with the farmers and producers, and knowing where the food is coming from. They pride themselves on wasting as little as possible, using as much of the cow as they can and often pickling local produce that would typically go to waste. They firmly believe in the relationship between land and plate, and if this is what that tastes like...then yes, please!

Based on my experience, and what I've been hearing from other diners, go check them out on East 6th/St. Clair Avenue in the new Westin Hotel. It's a tad pricey, but worth the splurge. Anyone want a steak date?

Urban Farmer- Cleveland's Steakhouse
1325 East 6th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-771-7707

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this complimentary blogger round-up. All opinions stated are 100% my own.