Eating It Up Locally!

Heroes eat for free at area Panera locations

2012-02-06T13:28:00.004-05:00

Panera stores in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton areas are saying thanks to local police, firefighters and EMTs with free You Pick Two combos all day Tuesday and Wednesday.

From Panera's website:

Hooray for our community heroes! For two days in February, we’ll be recognizing all the local police, firefighters and EMTs that selflessly dedicate themselves — and even put their lives in danger — to keep us safe. To show these northeastern Ohio heroes how much we appreciate them, Panera Bread® bakery-cafes will be treating them to a free You Pick Two® — on us! It’s a small way to say thanks for the big jobs they do every day. We also hope you’ll find some way to let them know how grateful we all are for their service and bravery.

Check Panera's site for the list of participating locations. Locally, the stores in Mayfield Heights, Highland Heights, Willoughby, Mentor and Bainbridge Township are in on the offer. Note: The email I got alerting me to the offer states those seeking the complimentary meal need to wear a uniform, present a service ID or show their badge, and the offer is limited to one per guest per day.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Picking up a meal from Giant Eagle

2012-01-17T12:45:00.000-05:00

Rainy, cool days like today put me in the mood for soup, and luckily Giant Eagle is doing all the work for me.

Through Wednesday, with your Giant Eagle Advantage Card, you can pick up a 24 oz. container of soup, a 10 oz. container of salad, an Old World French baguette and a 1.5 liter of Pepsi for just $6.49 -- the price of the soup alone.

This deal is a TOTAL steal, and very tasty. I've had the chili and chicken noodle soup, and today I'm trying out the chicken tortilla soup, which I have heard is delicious.

I'm not sure if the deal is good at all Giant Eagle locations, but it is on at the Mentor and Willoughby stores.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Ice cream good enough for the vice president

2012-01-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

During the summer, former co-worker Dom Anselmo and I went to Chagrin Falls to get some Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. It. Was. Incredible. We reviewed the ice cream on this blog, and even just talking about it now makes me want to go back for some more.

If our blog post didn't convince you that the ice cream is amazing and you have to try it, consider that Vice President Joe Biden tasted it this week during his visit to Central Ohio (where Jeni's is based).

Jay LePrete/Associated Press

Vice President Joe Biden enjoys a double scoop ice cream

cone from Jeni Britton Bauer, owner of Jeni's Splendid Ice

Creams, at the North Market in Columbus on Thursday.

From The Associated Press:

Vice President Joe Biden took in some local fare as he stopped at an indoor farmer’s market during a visit to central Ohio.
Biden noshed on locally made Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams during the brief stop at North Market in downtown Columbus, ordering vanilla and dark chocolate flavors in a waffle cone and chatting with owner Jeni Britton Bauer.
Biden, accompanied by Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, also talked with employees and shoppers inside the market and sampled some popcorn and a Belgian waffle.
Biden was in Ohio to talk about college affordability at a separate event held at a suburban high school earlier in the day.
Later Thursday, he planned to attend a fundraising event at the Athletic Club of Columbus.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Memories of working at McDonald's during the holidays

2011-12-22T22:00:00.003-05:00

This time of year always brings back memories from my stint as a crew member at McDonald’s.

We had a lot of fun year-round, like when we sent a new co-worker to the supply room to get seeds for the buns.

But my favorite bit came during the holidays.

McDonald’s had a deal in which customers could get a discount on a VHS tape of a Christmas movie or a mainstream offering if they bought an extra-value meal. One year it was “Dances with Wolves,” and the other it was “Field of Dreams.”

This was in the early 1990s, so there was no live streaming or Internet pirating, and cable pay-per-view had a small selection. VHS was the main medium for home viewing.

We had the movies playing on a loop from a monitor we put on the counter. We had to stop “Dances with Wolves” and replace it, though. Apparently there is a scene that you wouldn’t want to see while eating. Because the monitor was facing the dining room, I never saw it. I haven’t since, either, so I still don’t know what happened that would ruin one’s appetite.

A guy who worked the drive-through had the most fun with the tapes. We were told to suggestive sell the movies -- suggestive sell is McDonald’s jargon for “Would you like fries with that?”

He took suggestive selling and ran with it. He suggestive sold to everyone, no matter what they ordered. For example:

My-coworker in the drive-through: “Welcome to McDonald’s. Can I take your order?”

Customer: “Yeah, I’d just like a medium coffee with two creams.”

Co-worker: “OK, that’s a medium coffee, two creams. Would you like to buy a Christmas video with that? We have “Field of Dreams” and “Babes in Toyland.”

Customer: “Uh, no. Just the coffee, please.”

Co-worker: “Great! That’s one medium coffee with two creams and a Christmas video. Your total is $16.97 at the first drive-through window.”

Customer: “No! I only wanted a coffee!”

Sometimes he had us laughing so hard that customers inside the restaurant who couldn’t hear the conversation would wonder what was going on.

I’m guessing the customers in the cars weren’t laughing as hard. But we thought it was funny.

I recently drove past the old store. It’s been torn down and rebuilt with two drive-through lanes. I can only imagine what my co-worker could have done with that.

- Howard Primer

Starbucks' Salted Caramel Mocha

2011-11-15T13:17:00.001-05:00

I know it's the season for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but I've recently been cheating on this fall favorite with Salted Caramel Mochas.

But, honestly, how can you choose between these two?

The Pumpkin Spice Latte:

Espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.

The Salted Caramel Mocha:

Espresso and steamed milk, blended with mocha sauce and toffee nut flavored syrup. Topped with sweetened whipped cream, caramel sauce and a mixture of turbinado sugar and sea salt.

Both hot drinks are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up on cool (and rainy!) days.

I've made a weekly ritual out of stopping by Starbucks on Saturday afternoons, and the Salted Caramel Mocha has pulled me away from my usual Pumpkin Spice Latte. I wish the drinks weren't so expensive and calorie-laden because the seasonal nature of the beverages means I'm limited in how many opportunities I'll have to drink them, and choosing which one to order is already difficult enough ...

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

2011-11-07T12:03:00.033-05:00

I love a place where I can get a good burger with exactly the toppings I want, and Five Guys in Mayfield Heights is a place where I was able to do just that.

The Five Guys menu is pretty basic, allowing your to customize your order with whatever toppings you choose. There isn't anything really special about the toppings, but there is a good variety of items from which to choose. I really enjoy a good hamburger - and a customizable hamburger - but making them is sometimes just too much work for me, so like the Five Guys will do all the work for me, and fast.

The meal is made fresh when you order, but it's also made quickly, so you won't waste a lot of time drinking extra calories before your meal comes. And apparently you can order in advance, online or via text message. Five Guys has a help page for online ordering if you want to check that out.

I liked the atmosphere of the place. Casual, reminiscent of a diner, with praise from restaurant critics and media covering the walls. Maybe that was propaganda influencing my subconscious into enjoying my meal more. But boy, that burger I had was super good.

I just looked at the nutritional information and WOW I can't believe how many calories I consumed in one meal. It was a good meal, but it's not going to be a meal that I eat on a regular basis.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
FiveGuys.com

View Five Guys Restaurant in a larger map
1237 S.O.M. Center Road, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Phone: 440-442-6700
Fax: 440-442-6774
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

A Thai Tuesday at Panera

2011-10-11T15:07:00.000-04:00

Everyone has their menu trigger words, right?

You know those words that, when you spot them while scanning an eatery's food selections, make you stop in your tracks and take notice? And I'm not talking about general words such as "steak" or "salad." I mean more specific terms such as "Cajun," "smoked" or "Cuban."

Those last three are a few of mine, but my two biggest are "chipotle" and "Thai." Put one of those words in the name of your dish or its description on the menu, and I'm going to at least consider it. And, most likely, select it. (If I ever see, say, a "Thai chipotle chicken pizza," that bad boy is getting ordered -- no questions asked.)

So when I realized that Panera Bread at some point fairly recently had added a Thai Chopped Chicken salad to its menu, I knew it was only a matter of time before it and I would get to know each other a little bit.

Here's the description from Panera's website: All-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, romaine, Thai cashews, fire-roasted edamame, red peppers, carrots, fresh cilantro & wonton strips all tossed in low-fat Thai Chili Vinaigrette and drizzled with peanut sauce.

Um, yes, please.

I believe at the new Willoughby location, the salad sent me back about $8. Like most items at Panera, it's a little pricy for my liking -- with a regular soft drink my bill was more than $10, more than I want to pay at a place where you order at a counter as opposed to being waited on -- but it was a great-looking, tasty and filling salad. (And I had a lovely view of Target from my table on the patio.)

The salad boasted a bit too much cilantro for my liking -- I never really like much cilantro in my Thai dishes -- but that didn't stop me from inhaling it. Yes, I was really hungry, but it was simply good.

Really, the worst thing about it is that now I have a choice of two salads I like at Panera, as I've been a regular orderer of the Asian Sesame Chicken for years. (And yes, count "Asian" and "sesame" among my trigger words.) Just as I always knew I'd be getting the Thai wings at The Winking Lizard before the spicy sesame flavor showed up, I used to have my go-to salad order at Panera. No more. Ah, life used to be simpler.

Anyway, if anyone knows where I can get that Thai chipotle chicken pizza, be sure to let me know.

-- Mark Meszoros | Entertainment@News-Herald.com | @nhfeatures

Great Lakes Brewing Company

2011-09-27T10:58:00.036-04:00

Now is the perfect time to take a trek to the west side of town to visit Great Lakes Brewing Company. Oktoberfest is in season.

I tried this beer for the first time a couple of weeks ago and was hooked. It's fine in the bottle, but straight from the tap at Great Lakes Brewing Company, it is divine. If Oktoberfest isn't your thing, several other beers are on tap. And it's not just the beer that's good at Great Lakes. The menu has a plethora of delicious-sounding options, making it a tough decision (and ensuring that I will be back again soon).

During my most recent trip, my boyfriend and I split the 3 Onion Bruschetta (Shallot, chive, Videlia onion, mozzarella cheese, brewer's barley bread crostini) as an appetizer. The bruschetta is slightly sweet, cheesy, and very tasty. For the main course, I ordered the Old World Burger (Smoked cheddar, bacon, fried onion straws, housemade Edmund Fitzgerald Porter barbecue sauce, pretzel roll) and he the Pretzel Chicken (Gerber's chicken encrusted with pretzel, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Burning River Pale Ale mustard sauce). My dish came with thinly cut fries; I was expecting thicker fries but still enjoyed them, but my boyfriend wasn't a big fan of the skinny option. The mashed potatoes that accompanied his chicken were good and flavorful.

The worst part about our dishes was that I liked them so much, I might have trouble ordering something different the next time I go. But I have my eye on:

Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Grilled Gerber's chicken breast marinated in Dortmunder Gold Lager, bacon, lettuce, herb mayonnaise, pretzel bun)
Pulled Pork Sandwich (Dee Jay's pulled pork, housemade Edmund Fitzgerald Porter barbecue sauce, cole slaw)
Caprese Sandwich (Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil on a ciabatta roll with balsamic drizzle)
Bratwurst & Pierogi (Dortmunder Gold Lager bratwurst, potato and cheese pierogi, braised red cabbage, sour cream, Dijon mustard)
Fresh Garden Pasta (Fresh pasta with garden vegetables, garlic and olive oil sauce)
Veggie Tacos (Two veggie tacos with squash, zucchini, carrots, black bean puree, pico de gallo, mozzarella cheese)

I'm going to need to plan another trip to the west side soon ...

Great Lakes Brewing Company
2516 Market Ave., Cleveland
216-771-4404
glbcinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com
www.greatlakesbrewing.com
Facebook page
Great Lakes Brewing Co. on Twitter

View 2516 Market Ave in a larger map

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Arabica ... for lunch

2011-09-21T09:44:00.013-04:00

After Managing Editor Laura Kessel reviewed Arabica Coffee House in The News-Herald's Dining Out feature, I knew I would have to try one of the giant baked potatoes on the menu.

The potato I selected was covered with cheese, chicken and barbecue sauce - and it was incredibly filling. It was pretty good, but I might be more inclined to try a different one on my next lunchtime visit.

Be sure to check out Kessel's full review to see more of what's on the menu. The South of the Border potato that Kessel tried sounds pretty awesome.

I'm a big fan of Arabica at any time of day. I often stop by for a morning iced coffee, or in the afternoon for a frappe - which is essentially a milkshake. My one complaint is that the wireless is iffy. I've never been able to successfully log on and stay on, which has been frustrating because the atmosphere is generally otherwise perfect for getting work done.

Arabica Coffee House
4148 Erie St., Willoughby
440-942-5282
www.arabica-cafe/com
Facebook page

View 4148 Erie St in a larger map

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Weber's Fresh Ice Cream and Custard

2011-08-23T14:09:00.000-04:00

You're going to have to take a bit of a trip to the west side of town for this frozen treat, but Weber's Fresh Ice Cream and Custard is plenty worth it.

What we got

Dom

Let's be honest, I dragged Cheryl out there for one specific reason: Weber's has banana frozen custard. I haven't encountered an ice cream store with banana since my dad had one in Medina over 10 years ago. I knew what I wanted as soon as I walked in the door. Just like at Jeni's, I couldn't pass up anything strawberry. I packed the banana and strawberry frozen custards into a large waffle cone. The waffle cone was not baked all the way, making it a little doughy, which was phenomenal. As much as I wanted to resist, I had to buy some banana to bring home. Thankfully, my mom saw the word "banana" on the lid and said "gross."

Cheryl

I learned the best thing you can say when walking into a place like Weber's is this:

We've never been here before.

The incredibly friendly employees gave us sample after sample of frozen custard and yogurt to help us make our decision. I didn't even pay attention to the menu because I knew I was sampling the best stuff they had. I got a waffle cone with two classic flavors that longtime Clevelanders would love: the original Euclid Beach vanilla and the authentic Higbee's frosted malt. The frosted malt was coming out of the machine while we were there, so I got it fresh from the machine into my cone. Fresh ice cream is incredible - though it makes for slightly messy eating. Thank goodness their cones come with a plastic holder that I used as a bowl when my cone became too messy to eat with my hands. I got a container of frosted malt to take home because I knew it would be a while before I found a flavor like that again. Don't worry, East Siders: Weber's has paper freezer bags to put your ice cream in for a long trip (though you might want to bring a cooler if it's a really hot day or a fairly long drive). I'll definitely be back.

Weber's Fresh Ice Cream and Custard

20230 Lorain Road
Fairview Park, OH 44126
440-331-0004

View Larger Map

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl
and Dom Anselmo | DAnselmo@News-Herald.com | @domanselmo

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

2011-07-28T11:27:00.093-04:00

We recently used the hot weather as an excuse to pay a visit to Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Chagrin Falls. The ice cream store is based out of Columbus, with a handful of locations in Central Ohio.

Jeni's isn't your typical ice cream place. The distinctive ice cream and yogurt flavors include Corn Syrup Custard with Whiskey and Pecans, Pistachio and Honey, and Rhubarb and Lime Cardamom. One of Jeni's employees assured us that tastes were encouraged, so be sure to try plenty to get a good feel for what they offer.

What we got

Cheryl

I tasted five or six flavors before I settled on what I wanted, and that was a hard decision. I ordered a waffle cone with three scoops. The flavors might not sound like they go well together, but you'll probably end up with an awesome combination. The scoops I picked were Black Currant Frozen Yogurt, Brambleberry Crisp, and Sweet Corn & Black Raspberries. I liked the bit of crunch in the Brambleberry Crisp, and the Sweet Corn & Black Raspberries kind of reminded me of corn bread. I was happy with my choice, but I easily could have selected a handful of other flavors. Next time I go to Jeni's, I'll have my eye on the Wildberry Lavender and Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet. But I'll also have to taste the Bangkok Peanut, Black Coffee, and Dark Chocolate. That sounds like one delicious cone.

Dom

I'm pretty picky when it comes to any kind of food, so I made sure to look up the flavors available before our trip. I had a pretty good idea what I wanted when we arrived. I ordered the same thing, a waffle cone with three scoops. (By the way, I watched one of the young ladies make some waffle cones, so that's how fresh they are.) Anything strawberry is always a winner, so I started with Strawberry Buttermilk. It was a creamy version of your typical strawberry ice cream. The other flavor I knew I wanted to try was The Buckeye State. It was basically chocolate chip made with peanut butter ice cream instead of vanilla, and it was absolutely delicious. The struggle for me was finding a third flavor that wasn't too wacky for my tastebuds. I tried Wildberry Lavender and Coriander Raspberry. The Lavender hit me pretty quickly and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. The Raspberry was too sweet for my liking. I topped off my first two with the Lavender, and it really grew on me. The more I had, the more I liked it. Overall, the two berry flavors mixed with the chocolate and peanut butter was fantastic. I'm pretty proud of myself for going a little out of my food comfort zone.

A short film on Jeni's

Good Time from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams on Vimeo.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

67 N. Main St.
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
440-247-2064
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. all week

View Larger Map

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl
and Dom Anselmo | DAnselmo@News-Herald.com | @domanselmo

Taste test: Dunkin' Donuts Caramel Mocha Iced Coffee

2011-06-22T08:44:00.007-04:00

I had a coupon for a free Dunkin' Donuts' Caramel Mocha Iced Coffee, so I did a taste test of the new drink. Watch my reaction below:

I said in the video that I would check how much it costs, but I can't find that on the website - probably because cost varies based on location. But if it's priced as I guessed ($2-$3), I might say this will be my go-to cold coffee drink, rather than my usual Starbucks picks (though the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino is really fantastic). I love the Starbucks drinks, but they are a little costly and calorie-filled. The Caramel Mocha Iced Coffee with cream, on the other hand, is only 180 calories for the small (which is the same size as a Starbucks medium [or "grande"]).

Dunkin' Donuts has several locations in the area if you want to try your own Caramel Mocha Iced Coffee.

Have you had the drink? What did you think?

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

McDonald's frozen strawberry lemonade

2011-05-18T20:37:00.000-04:00

I had a coupon for a free frozen strawberry lemonade from McDonald's, so I decided to try the new drink. It combines a few things that I like (frozen drinks, strawberry and lemonade), so I thought I would like it. But that wasn't exactly the case.

Click the play button below to watch me taste the frozen strawberry lemonade for the first time:

After filming this, I mixed up the drink a little more to see if I would end up liking it. I couldn't finish it. The lemonade is just too sour, and the strawberry just too sweet, and the two flavors do not combine very well at all.

Has anyone else tried this? Did you like it?

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Happy Hour at Starbucks

2011-05-09T14:00:00.005-04:00

The 3-to-5-p.m. hours are a little tastier this week as Starbucks brought back the Frappuccino Happy Hour. Through May 15, the frozen beverages are half price during that time.

I've taken advantage of this twice so far -- and in doing so, found my new favorite drink there: Mocha Coconut Frappuccino. I apologize for the fact that that link takes you directly to the nutrition facts, and I realize it's full of sugar and calories, but it's also full of deliciousness. This might sound over the top, but the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino might be the best blended coffee beverage I've ever had.

Do you like mocha? Do you like coconut? Do you like frozen coffee drinks? Do I need to do any more convincing that you should take a late afternoon coffee break by driving to the nearest participating Starbucks to try this?

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Cast on Cafe

2011-05-02T13:25:00.020-04:00

I'm not a knitter and have little use for yarn, but I was tempted to stop in to Cast on Cafe to pick up some lunch after browsing the menu posted on Downtown Willoughby's website.

I ordered the Confetti Salad, which is made up of "white rice, black beans, scallions, red and yellow bell peppers dressed with basil Parmesan vinaigrette." I've had confetti salad before, but there was something about this mix -- perhaps the vinaigrette -- that made it the best I have had. I'd like to try some of the other items on the menu -- like the Chicken Salad sandwich or the Waldorf Salad -- but it's going to be difficult ever ordering anything else.

(I also splurged on a cappuccino truffle, which was well worth it.)

If you're curious about what exactly the Cast on Cafe is, here is a description from the website:

I’ve had a passion for knitting, fibers and yarn since I was a child and I hope to inspire the same passion in you through education, assistance and the finest products available.
Cast On Café offers a variety of yarns from around the world, books & magazines, greeting cards, notions & needles and more.
Stop in for a cup of coffee or tea and a friendly place to knit or crochet anytime.

Cast on Cafe
castoncafe.com
440-946-9276
castoncafe@sbcglobal.net
38038 Second St., Willoughby
Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Yogurt Vi

2011-04-28T12:00:00.047-04:00

I heard, by word of mouth, about this "fantastic new yogurt place." When I heard it was frozen yogurt, I was immediately intrigued.

It's called Yogurt Vi and it's located at Legacy Village just around the corner from California Pizza Kitchen. So, I toughed out the storm that hit on Wednesday to give it a shot.

The setup is great. You walk in, grab an empty cup and it's off to the races from there. You fill up your cup with as much or as little as you want. The price is based on weight. It's really a fantastic idea.

The frozen yogurt machines are along the back wall, and there were sure a lot of choices. Cheesecake and Tropical Banana were the two next to Strawberry, which is the one I chose. And if you knew me, you wouldn't be surprised.

I made my way to the toppings. Once again, there were dozens of choices. I kept it simple by going for the sliced strawberries and the crushed M&Ms. Once again, if you know me, you wouldn't be surprised. There were so many more options that I couldn't even imagine getting the same thing each time. The list of their yogurts and toppings can be found here. There is something for everyone. Fruity Pebbles did catch my attention, though. They really thought of everything.

This was my finished product. And it was delicious. It was too much for one sitting, but I hadn't eaten yet and it was my first time. I promise it won't be my last.

You can check them out on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @Yogurt_Vi.

-- Dom Anselmo | DAnselmo@News-Herald.com

Danny Boy's Pizza

2011-04-25T10:12:00.022-04:00

On a recent visit to the west side of town, I tried Danny Boy's Pizza -- and I am incredibly glad the establishment has a location in Chester Township.

Just take a look at the menu and try to tell me that you don't want to eat at least half of the items listed.

I had a difficult time narrowing down what I wanted, but ended up going with the Big Lebowski sub -- seasoned hamburger, baked beans, barbecue sauce and cheddar baked together, topped with fries, pickles, onions and mustard. But I also got to sample my second choice, which my friend ordered: the Sinatra Special sub -- layers of shaved ham, turkey, pepperoni, pizza cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes and onions, finished with cool mayo and sweet 'n sour dressing. My sandwich was tasty, but his was even better.

The menu also includes an array of salads, melts, pizzas, calzones, foldovers, pasta, ribs and more. Danny Boy's seems like the perfect place to get some grub if no one in your group can decide on one specific cuisine.

And I'm not the only one who thinks the restaurant is good: Danny Boy's has won several area awards in the past 10 years, according to the Our Story page on the website.

Now that my mouth is watering again, I think it's time to plan my next trip to Danny Boy's.

Danny Boy's Pizza
DannyBoysPizza.com
Danny Boy's Chesterland on Facebook
440-729-3726
8389 Mayfield Road, Chester Township
Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (bar open late)

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Domino's new chicken

2011-04-18T09:58:00.026-04:00

Domino's has been advertising that the public try their new chicken -- and to sweeten the deal, they've been offering a pick-two-for-$5.99 deal. My boyfriend and I recently took them up on the offer, ordering a medium two-topping pizza and boneless wings.

I used to really dislike Domino's, eating it only when it was my sole option. But since the company changed the pizza recipe, I've enjoyed it a lot more. It's still not my favorite pizza, but I'll include it in my regular pizza-eating rotation. The two-topping pizza we ordered this time around (with pepperoni and onion) was just as good as the last time I had Domino's.

But the important part of the meal: the chicken. I was a little disappointed with the amount that we got (but then again, it was only $5.99 for that and the entire pizza, so do I really have much room to complain?). But the chicken was good. It didn't taste like mechanically separated meat paste that had been fried, but actually like fried chicken that you might prepare at home. The hot sauce that came on the side was great for dipping, and gives you the option for plain chicken or to choose your own topping.

We didn't get the wings, but now I'm tempted to take Domino's up on this deal again to see how those stack up.

I would order the boneless wings again, but probably only as a side. I don't think the amount you get would be filling enough for a whole meal, so the chicken might best serve as a side to pizza, allowing everyone to share. And the pick-two-for-$5.99 option is a pretty good deal that you might want to consider taking up.

Click here to see the Domino's menu and find a location near you.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

The Melting Pot

2011-04-09T21:37:00.000-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of a night out with friends at The Melting Pot at Legacy Village. We actually started making the plans for the evening on Twitter several days before we went, and @MeltingPotCleve noticed and joined our conversation, offering reservation tips and telling us they were excited to have us in. Personally, that made me more excited about going there, and we were all wondering if we would meet the face behind the Twitter handle (we did, but more on that later).

I made reservations online, which was very convenient. When we arrived, we were greated very warmly and seated immediately. Our first observation was that it was very dark. The atmosphere was definitely... intimate, for lack of a better word. There was a simple blue light above our table, and it took a while for our eyes to adjust to the darkness. Our server, Jim, came to take our orders, and he was very friendly and helpful when we told him we hadn't been there before. He explained the menu, and we settled for the "Big Night Out" option.

The Big Night Out is designed for two people, but we were able to expand it for three, and is a four course meal. You start with a cheese fondue of your choice which comes with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, granny smith apples and a few different types of bread in bite-size pieces for dipping. We chose the cheddar cheese option, and our server mixed it at our table for us. He poured in a little beer, added garlic and, of course, lots of cheddar cheese, and mixed it until it was the perfect consistency. It was very good, and we were excited to try everything in the cheese--especially the apples. And while fondue is a bit intimidating if you're worried about dropping food into the cheese, don't worry! They provide you with a "search and rescue spoon" designed specifically for reconnaissance missions into the hot pot of cheese--which, by the way, is very hot and kept on a warmer in the middle of the table.

Following the cheese fondue course, we were brought salads. My Caesar salad was very good, and accented with pine nuts on top. They were probably my favorite part of what would otherwise have been expected to be a typical salad.

After the salad was the main dinner entree. There are several entree options available that consist of an assortment of pork, steak/beef, chicken, shrimp and lobster (there is a vegetarian option). You choose a cooking style, which really means the type of oils and seasonings in which you dip your food to cook, as the meat is delivered to your table raw.

I will say this, if you are turned off by the idea of cooking your own food, or looking at raw meat while you eat, this might not be the place for you (my friends and I joked about that being a reason for the dark lighting). Our server instructed us to hold each piece of meat in the very hot, bubbling pot for at least 2 minutes. The pieces of meat are bite-size, and each diner is given three skewers to use for the process. The different varieties of meat were all very delicious, and our mojo cooking style added so much flavor. The mojo was described as "Caribbean-seasoned bouillon with a distinctive fresh-garlic flavor and a citrus flair."

I was in a hurry to try each type of meat as well as the salsa ravioli that was part of our entree. The ravioli and mole chicken were my favorites, as the chicken had a uniquely seasoned flavor of it's own. We were later informed that the current menu just rolled out last week, and our server asked us specifically what we thought about the chicken. I'd say it was one of the highlights, for sure. The entree included unlimited veggies to put in the mojo cooking style, which included red-skinned potatoes, mushrooms and broccoli. I really loved the potatoes in the mojo.

Our server also brought us several dipping sauces. We had a hard time remembering what they all were (we couldn't remember which type of raw meat was which, either!), and my friend Erica was the only one to take advantage of them. I thought the flavors of the meat and the cooking style were delicious on their own, but now I wish I had sampled some of the sauces--one of which was a curry, I believe.

We were all looking forward to dessert from the start of our meal. There are several types of chocolate fondues from which to choose, and we eventually narrowed it down to the flaming turtle-chocolate mixed with pecans and caramel. You are given fresh strawberries, cheesecake, brownie chunks, coated marshmallows, rice krispie treats, and bananas to dip into the chocolate mix. Our server surprised us with an extra dessert fondue--the bananas foster. Dessert was especially fun because both of our fondue selections were enflambee, so our server lit them both on fire as he served them to us.

Now, not being a big fan of bananas, I was a bit hesitant to try the bananas foster at first, but I thought it was unbelievably delicious. The flaming turtle was decadent, and I would have a hard time choosing one as a favorite over the other. I particularly enjoyed the strawberries in the bananas foster. The cheesecake dipped in a combination of both fondues was also amazing.

Overall, the food there was excellent. I left dinner feeling incredibly full and very satisfied. My friends and I were there for long time, as it definitely is a process to cook your own entree. Our service was very prompt, and there was always someone available to refill our beverages and ask us how we were enjoying our meal.

Which brings me to Twitter. The man behind @MeltingPotCleve stopped by our table to introduce himself and acknowledge that he talked to us on Twitter. He was incredibly friendly, and I was happy to see such a personable person was behind what I viewed as a personable Twitter account. He passed by our table several times to chat, ask us how our meal was and even refill our water. We also met one of the managers who stopped by our table twice to check on us, and another woman took our photo for their Facebook page.

I cannot stress enough what a great experience I had. The food was delicious, the staff was incredible, and the atmosphere was cozy and fun. While it was definitely a splurge (it is probably difficult to spend less than $50 per person after tip--and that is without alcohol, although they had a very nice wine list and several tasty-sounding specialty cocktails), I would love to go back. If the food hadn't won me over, I'd say the staff and the way they take advantage of social media to reach out to potential patrons and make them feel welcome really sets The Melting Pot apart. It's definitely a must-visit. And hey, be sure to give them a shout-out on Twitter or Facebook before you go!

Danielle Capriato
DCapriato@News-Herald.com

B Spot

2011-03-08T12:41:00.026-05:00

I can't wait to go back to Michael Symon's B Spot.

Before my good friend and former roommate moved to Chicago at the end of February, I asked where she wanted to go that she wouldn't get to go to in the Windy City. She picked the Iron Chef's burger joint, and I am soooooooo glad she did.

I can't wait to go back.

I don't know if I can say anything about the place that correspondent Mark Koestner didn't already say in his Dining Out review. I had a lot of trouble deciding what to order because it all sounded so sinfully good, and everything was greasy and great.

One thing Koestner didn't mention that I recommend everyone try is the chips, which are cooked fresh and served warm with Parmesan fondue and rosemary. Our server recommended them over the fries when my friend and I tried to decide what side to get to split. The plate of chips is more than big enough for two, and you'll probably end up eating more than you intend to.

I can't wait to go back.

B Spot
28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, 44122
216-292-5567

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

P.F. Changs

2011-03-01T17:39:00.000-05:00

I've ventured down to Beachwood to eat at P.F. Chang's twice in the past several months and have really enjoyed it both times. The staff has always been knowledgeable, and the menu fairly extensive in the variety of dishes available. I usually prefer the intimacy of a booth when I dine, but even sitting at a table in the middle of the dining room, I felt like I was at my own private meal.

My only real complaint about the place is the lack of vegetables in all of the meat dishes. If the dish doesn't specifically mention vegetables, it does not have vegetables. I was kind of shocked when I discovered this on my first visit, but now that I know I'm not necessarily going to get a full serving of greens, I can plan accordingly.

Where do you like to get Chinese food?

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Raspberry cheesecake cookie at Subway

2011-02-14T21:31:00.001-05:00

I had Subway for dinner tonight to get a free raspberry cheesecake cookie. I hadn't heard of them until I saw the coupon for a free one, so that was the perfect time to get a taste.

The cookie is pretty good, and tastes exactly as the name implies. I'd like to think it's a lower calorie version of a slice of cheesecake, but after checking the nutrition facts, I have a feeling a couple of cookies for dessert would do you more caloric damage than having a slice of cheesecake itself. But if you're looking for just a taste of cheesecake without eating cheesecake, I would recommend giving Subway's cookie a try.

This month is "Februany" at Subway, so any regular footlong is $5 (or, get a 6-inch meal [which includes a drink and chips or cookies]). A footlong can easily feed two if you and another can agree on the toppings for your sandwich.

Subway has several locations in Northeast Ohio, if you are looking for a $5 footlong or raspberry cheesecake cookie.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Chick-fil-A's Spicy Chicken Biscuit

2011-01-06T22:23:00.000-05:00

Chick-fil-A is adding a new item to its breakfast menu: the Spicy Chicken Biscuit. The restaurant ran a promotion this week that allowed those who signed up at www.getspicychicken.com to try the breakfast sandwich free before it officially appears on the menu Jan. 10. Copy editors Danielle Capriato and Cheryl Sadler tried it this week, and below are their reactions.

Cheryl: The Spicy Chicken Biscuit tastes exactly how it sounds. It's spicy. It's chicken. It's on a biscuit. It was a lot spicier than I expected it to be, but the milkiness of the biscuit countered that pretty nicely.

Danielle: Like Cheryl said, the sandwich is pretty self-explanatory. It's clear that they took the chicken from their popular Spicy Chicken Sandwich and just put it on a biscuit instead of a bun. You know, because a biscuit is just so much more breakfasty. Also as Cheryl said, it was a bit spicier than expected, but in a good way, I think. The spice factor isn't particularly overwhelming, but I think I was expecting a milder version simply because it's breakfast. Initial impressions? It could use some cheese, maybe, or a sauce of some sort. But I'm not sure how much that would enhance the whole experience. It might take away from the biscuit, which was creamy and good on it's own.

Cheryl: I didn't know before that Chick-fil-A even served breakfast, but now I might consider it an option if I am eating early on the go.

Danielle: I definitely didn't know that Chick-fil-A had a breakfast menu until Cheryl asked me if I'd try this new sandwich with her. Their breakfast options definitely intrigued me, and considering the quality of their food in general, I'd be interested in trying more.

Cheryl: The biscuit is the perfect pick for someone who likes Chick-fil-A's Spicy Chicken Sandwich and wants to have it in the morning. For me? Maybe not. I don't know if I want to eat something that spicy that early. And the nutritional data is not yet on Chick-fil-A's website, so I'm not sure yet if it's something I'd want to be consuming in the morning.

Danielle: I would not give the breakfast sandwich a bad review, but I agree with Cheryl that it's just not my thing. I would definitely suggest trying it when it launches. And I know I would like to go back to try more from their breakfast menu.

-- Danielle Capriato, DCapriato@News-Herald.com
and Cheryl Sadler, CSadler@News-Herald.com

Taco Bell: Where everyone knows your name err... sauce

2010-12-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

If you happen to know me, you understand how much I love Mexican style food, especially Taco Bell.

In fact, at my 40th birthday party, my family supplied a homemade taco bar. My friends, family and guests loved it.

I eat the lovely Taco Bell cuisine at least two to three times a week for lunch and usually get the same thing: three crunchy tacos from the value menu.

In fact, because of the frequency of my visits one of the drive-thru window cashiers at the Mentor restaurant near the Great Lakes Mall knows what type of sauces I like to get with my meal: mild, fire, and fire-roasted. They make a spicy blend that can't be beat.

Today was a new level of familiarity. For the first time, the guy didn't ask me what type of sauce I wanted with my meal.

He simply handed my credit card back with receipt, my bag of food and as I was about to ask for sauces, the guy stated: "The sauce is in the bag. Have a nice day."

What shocked me even more is that he put the exact amounts that I like as well -- one of each sauce for each taco!

I kind of feel like Norm from Cheers, except it's tacos and I'm going through the drive-thru.

-- John Arthur Hutchison, JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Stir Crazy

2010-10-19T00:47:00.000-04:00

Last week I had dinner at Stir Crazy in Legacy Village, which was recently reviewed in the Dining Out column of Friday's entertainment section, TGIF. The atmosphere and food were every bit as crazy fun as reviewer Sydney Wade described them.

I had the Pad Thai with chicken and loved every bite (and I loved it again the next day when I had leftovers for dinner). The portions were impressively big, and there were so many delicious-sounding meals on the menu that I'm sure I will be back again. I also tried the Tropical Storm martini, which was really, really good.

We had great service from Val, who was very knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations. If you head out to Legacy Village to try Stir Crazy, be sure to ask to sit in her section.

Stir Crazy
25385 Cedar Road
Lyndhurst,OH 44122
216-381-7600

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

The Cherry Dining Room at Punderson Manor Lodge

2010-10-15T01:45:00.001-04:00

I recently blogged about Geauga Tourism's Scavenger Hunt that Cheryl and I completed. As I mentioned, there were several places we wanted to revisit when we had more time, and today we took a trip to Punderson State Park for lunch at the Cherry Dining Room in the Manor Lodge.

First off, let me just say that if you want to be enamored with your surroundings while you eat, this is the place to go. Not only are you treated to an amazing view of Punderson Lake and the grounds of the park--the dining room is seemingly arranged so that every table is fairly close to the large windows--but the inside of the dining room is beautiful too. The dark wood of the room, the simple and classy table dressings, and the gorgeous (and amazingly stocked) bar really set the place apart. Of course, the fact that it's set in the historic Manor Lodge doesn't hurt. The outside of the building is guarded by gargoyles, and once inside you are able to read about the history of the lodge and visit a quaint little gift shop selling locally made wines (some from Debonne, I noticed) and Amish made treats, among other gift shop fare. I have heard whispers of a local ghost story, too.

This was the view from the dining room when
Cheryl and I visited on the Scavenger Hunt.

This gargoyle sits otuside the entrance to the Manor Lodge.

The Lodge is super pretty, and looks like a great place to stay.

As for the food, I couldn't be more pleased. Cheryl and I perused the lunch menu the previous night and had our hearts quickly set on the bangers and mash--two tasty and plump sausages with creamy mashed potatoes and a helping of seasonal veggies. The menu says the meal is an English house specialty. The sausages weren't greasy, and were full of flavor. The mashed potatoes were absolutely wonderful, and the veggies were the perfect complement to the dish. My only semi-complaint is that I wish there were more! The meal came with a bit of mustard for the sausages, which Cheryl enjoyed but I passed as I do not particularly care for mustard.

We also ordered appetizers to share. We couldn't decide which to get, and both wanted the sweet potato fries, which were dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of Geauga County maple syrup for dipping, and the flat bread bruschetta, which was described as "house-made seasoned flat bread that is grilled and finished with red onion and tomatoes, served with a sundried tomato tapenade." Cheryl ordered the fries and I took the bruschetta. The fries were absolutely amazing. They were deliciously sweet and the syrup was a heavenly topping. My bruschetta was probably one of the better appetizers I've ever had. The sundried tomato tapenade was very reminiscent of sundried tomato pesto, which is by far one of my favorite things ever. We both loved our appetizers so much that we had to force ourselves not to finish them all before our lunch arrived.

Cheryl and I both managed not to stuff ourselves with our meals, and were able to bring half of our lunches home with us for dinner. And considering the reasonable prices, I am absolutely thrilled with the value and quality of my meal today. Add in a friendly staff and the enchanting environment, and I would have to say that the Cherry Dining Room at Punderson is a must-visit. While we were treated to a beautiful fall view, I imagine the scene is equally amazing each season. I know I want to go back for dinner sometime.

--Danielle Capriato
DCapriato@News-Herald.com

Zócalo Mexican Grill & Tequileria

2010-09-21T23:38:00.000-04:00

Friday night I went to Zócalo Mexican Grill & Tequileria in the East 4th neighborhood downtown. It's Tuesday night and I am still thinking about the Blackberry Lime Margarita I had (well, both of the Blackberry Lime Margaritas I had).

The dining menu includes several especiales de casa (house specialties) that feature various sauces, rubs and spices. I actually wish I was more of a fish person because all of the seafood dishes sound fantastic. I had (and loved) the Enchilada Tinga Poblano, which is "Braised pork wrapped in corn tortillas then baked with spicy chipotle sauce, enchilada sauce and our specialty cheese blend. Garnished with crema fresca, chives and cotija cheese." Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds. It might be a little difficult for me to order anything else the next time I go there.

Don't leave Zócalo without perusing the drink menu, where you'll find tequila, tequila and more tequila (or, if you're like me, too many margaritas to choose from). Your server should be able to recommend the perfect drink if you can't decide.

If you have this year's Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory, you'll find a buy-one-get-one coupon to Zócalo inside.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Little Italy

2010-09-13T01:20:00.000-04:00

I've lived in Cleveland for more than three years, but I've only eaten in Little Italy twice -- and the first time I made it there was last month.

My first trip was a wedding rehearsal dinner at Angelo's Nido Italia Ristorante & Catering, where we were served endless family-style appetizers and entrees. The food was so good that I wish I had known how much was ahead so I could have better paced myself; I was nearly full by the time the main course (Chicken Parmigian) came around. There was a not a single thing served that I didn't like and want more of, and I surely will be making my way back to sample more of the great food (and white wine).

My second trip was over the weekend, when I met some college friends at Trattoria Roman Garden. The free valet parking was quite attractive to someone who hates driving in crowded places, and I liked the homey atmosphere of the dining room. I ordered (and loved) the Eggplant Parmigiano and house red wine. And I found the prices really reasonable, especially given the fact that my entree served as dinner for two additional nights.

After dinner, my friends and I walked across the street to Corbo's Bakery and Cafe. This twentysomething in a bakery felt like a kid in a candy store. I had a lot of trouble deciding but settled on a white chocolate and raspberry torte, which was both sweet and filling. I also bought a chocolate-dipped canoli to take home to my boyfriend, which they filled fresh when I ordered it. (His reaction: "This canoli is ridiculous." In a good way, of course.)

I love the atmosphere of the neighborhood and everything I have consumed in it. It seems like such the perfect place to go on a summer night -- to have dinner on a patio and stroll around while listening to Italian music wafting from the different eateries. I only wish that traffic and parking and driving wasn't a pain; yhat is one thing that will keep me away from frequenting a store of any kind. Although when the weather gets cooler, maybe it will be easier to get around down there (but I'll miss out on the patio dining).

Where's your favorite place to eat in Little Italy?

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Pizza Plus

2010-08-14T21:42:00.000-04:00

After reading the article on newly opened Pizza Plus in Wednesday's News-Herald, I was really looking forward to trying a pie from the Eastlake eatery. So on Friday, my boyfriend and I ordered a deep dish with cheese, pepperoni, onions and tomatoes for take-out. We called our order in early and still had to wait, but it was sooo worth it. I have never tasted better pizza crust, and the toppings were all fresh and delicious.

Pizza Plus will likely be my go-to pizza place now. While I might be paying more and waiting longer than I would with a national chain, the quality and taste make the extra time and expense worth it.

Want to see more of the pizza? Check out Jean Bonchak's video (below) or click the above link to read her article from Wednesday's Food section:

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Aladdin's Eatery

2010-07-28T00:06:00.000-04:00

I got a recommendation via e-mail to check out Aladdin's Eatery, and when my boyfriend and I were shopping Saturday night in Mayfield Heights we got another recommendation from our cashier at Bed Bath & Beyond. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the Lebanese/American cuisine, but I was in the mood for something healthier than burgers and fries and thought it could be a good alternative.

We went to the Mayfield Village location, at the corner of SOM Center and Wilson Mills. I was instantly impressed with the friendly staff, beautiful decor and extensive menu. Any uncertainty I had about the food was squashed when I saw the restaurant had salads and what were essentially wraps made with pitas.

I ordered hummus off the appetizer menu and Taza Chicken Salad, while my boyfriend got some sort of dinner plate that included lamb and rice seasoned lightly with cinnamon. It was pretty difficult to narrow down what I wanted once I paged through the menu a few times, but I'm soooo happy with what I got. The food was so fresh and delicious, and it was filling enough that I took some of the salad home with me. We didn't finish the hummus, either, and our server boxed it up to take home -- with extra pita. (While not as good the second night, the leftovers really made me want to return to the restaurant.)

I've been raving about Aladdin's since eating there. Most people have said, "Oh, Middle Eastern? I don't think I'd like that." But there's really no need to be worried about what you would eat. The large menu has a variety of choices -- some more ethnic than others -- so if you like veggies or chicken or pita bread, you are sure to find something you'd like. Click here to view the menu.

Aladdin's has locations in Mayfield Village, Mentor, Bainbridge Township, Cleveland Heights and elsewhere throughout Ohio. In April, Janet Podolak mentioned the Mentor location in her weekly food column, which included the video below:

--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Chipotle doing good with "junk"

2010-07-05T01:02:00.001-04:00

As if I needed any more reason to support Chipotle:

Chipotle Mexican Grill, the national chain of burrito restaurants, is conducting a “No Junk” campaign.
The company is encouraging Americans to forward their junk e-mails to nojunk@chipotlejunk.com where each forwarded piece of e-mail will help provide nutritious cafeteria meals for school children around the country through a partnership with the nonprofit organization, The Lunch Box (www.thelunchbox.org).
The more junk e-mail received, the more money Chipotle will donate. For every 100,000 junk e-mails Chipotle receives, the company will donate $10,000 to The Lunch Box, which will help to give about 32 million school children at 100,000 schools nationwide access to 100 school-tested, junk-free recipes created by Chef Ann Cooper, the Renegade Lunch Lady.
The “No Junk” campaign launched June 25 and is slated to run through August, or until Chipotle reaches its goal of 500,000 junk e-mails received, which releases its maximum contribution of $50,000 to The Lunch Box.
No e-mail addresses will be automatically captured when junk e-mail is submitted through its no junk campaign, and the content of e-mails will not be read.
People who participate in the program will have the opportunity to opt in to Chipotle’s e-mail list, learn more about Chipotle and its commitment to serving “Food with Integrity” on the company’s website, or link to TheLunchBox.org to learn more about that organization and its programs.

It's not a locally owned restaurant, and this blog isn't about eating there, but I can't help but want to support a company that is going to make a hefty donation to a good cause. I'll be passing along my spam and stopping in for a burrito.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Top 5 at Willoughby Brewing Co.

2010-06-29T01:13:00.000-04:00

Several of my co-workers and I frequent Willloughby Brewing Co. (4057 Erie St., Willoughby) for the happy hour specials of half-price appetizers and pizzas, and $2.50 pints of the brewery's own brews. I have difficulty deciding each time which appetizers I want because they are all. so. delicious. Seriously. So I have made my Top 5 list of my favorite menu items, which I would recommend trying next time you make it to the Downtown Willoughby establishment:

5. Milano (pizza)

"A classic combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, provolone, zesty red sauce, and oregano."

The classic, Italian pizza is a good standby and a tasty choice if you can't otherwise decide what to have for dinner.

4. Old World Bavarian Pretzels

"Two freshly baked pretzels sprinkled with garlic salt. Served with both honey mustard and spinach con queso dip."

Better than your average soft pretzels and incredibly delicious in honey mustard.

3. Bruschetta (pizza)

"Garlic oil, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, provolone and fresh mozzarella cheeses."

I like this for the savory Italian flavor, without the bite of meat.

2. Buffalo Chicken Dip

"A blend of pulled chicken breast, hot sauce, spices, provolone, parmesan and cream cheeses served hot with tortilla chips and celery sticks for dipping."

Buffalo Chicken Dip might be my favorite dip ever, and it's kind of hard not to enjoy it when you don't have to make it yourself.

1. Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls

"Three of our signature eggrolls stuffed with chicken, zucchini, pepperoni, and cheese. Served with Louisiana hot sauce, crumbled bleu cheese and sweet chili sauce."

If you haven't had these, you must try them next time you are at the Willoughby Brewing Co. There's a reason these won Best Entree 2008 Taste of Cleveland.

Honorable mention:
Bruschetta Dip

"A creamy blend of parmesan, provolone and cream cheese with garlic, tomatoes, red onions and fresh basil. Served hot with tortilla chips and fresh bread."

Bruschetta pizza as dip.

California Pizza

"Garlic oil, cracked black pepper, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, goat cheese and provolone."

Something different that I likely wouldn't try anywhere else.

Mashed Potato Pizza

"Roasted garlic mashed potatoes, bacon, green onions, and cheddar and asadero cheeses. Served with sour cream."

Potato skins on a pizza.

The beer menu changes, so it's best to check the website to see what's brewing. My favorites are the Wild Irish Red and Railway Razz.

--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Casa Dolce

2010-06-01T01:13:00.000-04:00

For the "Lost" finale party we had last week, Mark Podolski and wife Julie ordered this awesome cake from Casa Dolce in Highland Heights.

I'm so impressed at how the bakers were able to craft a plane crashing into an ocean onto a tasty chocolate cake with frosting that was just the right amount of sweetness.

Check out the bakery's website to see the other sweet treats its bakers have crafted (I'm mesmerized by the picture gallery).

--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

PS -- I swear I'll stop blogging about "Lost" at some point.

My Thai

2010-05-17T17:19:00.000-04:00

My boyfriend and I had lunch at My Thai in Chester Township on a recent Saturday. He's a big fan of Thai food, and I have been only adventurous enough to fall in love with Pad Thai. So with a buy-one-get-one coupon from the Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory, we decided to try the small restaurant on Mayfield Road (near Route 306).

We started with an appetizer of Karee Puff, described in the menu as "A crispy fried triangle pastry, filled with curry flavored chicken, snow pea and potato. Served with a side of cucumber salad." I was unsure about trying something outside of my comfort zone, but it was crispy and tasty. The cucumber salad was interesting but also very good, comprising cucumbers, red onions and some kind of sweet dressing. We both ordered Pad Thai with chicken and shrimp, and it was really, really good.

I'm looking forward to going back, even without a coupon, and maybe I'll venture to try something else on the menu. If it's all as good as the Pad Thai, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

My Thai
8488 Mayfield Road
Chester Township, OH 44026-2524
440-729-8424

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

McDonald's Frappe is what you should expect

2010-05-01T21:14:00.000-04:00

I needed some caffeine when I was on the road yesterday and pulled into the first drive-through I came upon, which happened to be McDonald's. I was just going to get a Coke but decided it would be a good time to try the new Frappe, which appears to be the McD's version of the Starbucks Frappuccino. Regular readers of this blog will know I'm a fan of frozen coffee-type drinks, like Wendy's Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty and the Frozen Caramel drink from Panera.

I got the caramel Frappe, which came piled high with whip cream and caramel drizzle. I loved the first sip. But as I drank and the drink melted and the whip cream blended with the coffee-caramel mix, it started to taste just like McDonald's vanilla ice cream with caramel blended in. McDonald's ice cream is fine, but it wasn't what I was in the mood for.

Some might argue that Starbucks' Frappuccinos are just like milkshakes, but they taste more like blended coffee to me. The Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty is definitely ice cream, and Panera's Frozen Caramels are borderline.

I'll probably have a Frappe again, but it will be when I'm in the mood for a coffee-caramel milkshake.

--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

The copy desk is obsessed with Teresa's Pizza. And rightfully so!

2010-04-15T01:43:00.000-04:00

I feel the need to preface this by saying that this is my first ever blog here at The News-Herald since I joined the copy desk a little over four months ago. And what better way to acquaint myself with The News-Herald’s blogosphere than by starting here, in a blog devoted to one of my all-time favorite subjects: FOOD!

Anyway, this tale begins on a not-so-distant Sunday when Cheryl, a fellow copy editor, mentioned that she and Sean had ordered from Teresa’s Pizza one Saturday night. She could not stop talking about how good it was. In fact, she was raving about it while enjoying her leftovers from the previous night’s dining experience. It was the first time I had heard of Teresa’s Pizza, but I assure you it was not the last.

Fast forward to later in the week. A group of staffers started planning to order from Teresa’s Pizza at least a day in advance. Now, I feel it is important to mention that we take our food here very seriously on the copy desk; if we are going to order out, we often devote at least an hour to discussing our options and deciding where to go and what we want. It’s a problem. We know this.

Then, this past Monday, Robin me that she had enjoyed the pleasure of Teresa’s Pizza three days in a row! This seemed totally absurd; however, today when I arrived sans-previously prepared dinner, I should not have been surprised to hear Robin suggest ordering take out from — you guessed it! — Teresa’s Pizza. Considering the hype it had been receiving over the past few weeks, of course I consented. And boy am I glad I did.

At the semi-suggestion of my boyfriend (he got it last time), I ordered a meatball sub. Now, being Italian, I’ve had my fair share of meatballs sandwiches throughout my life. This sandwich, though, was phenomenal. They didn’t skimp on the meatballs like some places do, there was a perfect amount of sauce — which was deliciously flavorful, but not too sweet like some marinaras can be — and the cheese was the perfect compliment. The bread was not soggy from the sauce, the sandwich came hot, and the meal left me wanting more. Not because I wasn’t full, which I assure you I was, but because it was so delicious I didn’t want it to end.

Luckily I was able to steal a piece of pizza (sausage and black olive, a combination Dominic and I adore and is scoffed at by everybody else in the newsroom). This pizza was also absolutely delicious. It had abundant amounts of that same flavorful sauce I enjoyed from my meatball sub, ample toppings and delicious crust—the makings of an awesome pizza.

Now I totally understand my coworkers' obsession with Teresa’s Pizza. If you haven’t tried it, I suggest you do as soon as you can. You will not regret it. In fact, if you stop by the News-Herald around 7:30 one evening, you will likely find the copy staff enjoying dinner from there as I’m pretty confident we’ll be frequenting this fine establishment on a weekly basis.

-Danielle Capriato
DCapriato@News-Herald.com

Eat at Bob's

2010-04-12T20:39:00.000-04:00

I've been a big fan of Bob Evans. No matter what time of day I go, I can find something on the menu I enjoy. But I especially love the Wildfire Chicken Salad. The dinner is stacked with lettuce, corn, grape tomatoes, tortilla strips, cheddar cheese and chicken strips coated in barbecue sauce, with the restaurant's special Wildfire Ranch dressing on the side. Several of us at The NH frequently get this when we order out, and if you've had it, you know why. If you haven't had it, I would definitely recommend trying it.

And, after a recent, incredibly positive experience, I would recommend you order it from the Bob Evans in Willoughby (Interstate 90 and state Route 91).

I was heading to my boyfriend's for our regular mid-week TV night. I had a while to drive because I was across town, so I asked him to call and order me a dinner-size Wildfire Chicken Salad with rolls on the side -- my usual order.

When I got to the restaurant to pick the meal up, the woman helping me was putting an extra bread container into my bag. She smiled at me and said, "This is for your friend." I was a little puzzled because my boyfriend had said he didn't want anything, and I must have looked it because she asked, "Are you going to see him?" I said yes, hesitating, but she smiled and said, "This is for him." She handed me the carry-out bag and receipt, and I saw that I was not being charged for the extra goody she had given me.

When I got to my boyfriend's place, the first thing he said to me was, "DID YOU KNOW THEY HAVE CHERRY BREAD?" He said when he placed the order, the woman listed all the types of bread they had, and he asked her about the cherry bread and remarked how good it sounded, but told her I had wanted rolls.

And what was in that bonus container I walked out of the restaurant with? Two slices of cherry bread.

I really appreciate this customer service. The server had no reason to give me an extra serving of bread. Because she did, you can bet I will be patronizing the Willoughby location and encouraging my friends to do the same.

Visit the company's Web site to view the menu and find other restaurant locations.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Bring on the guac!

2010-03-23T00:16:00.000-04:00

I'm a regular at Chipotle. And like most Chipotle regulars, I had settled into my favorite combination that I ordered every time I walked up to the counter. But last week I decided to live a little dangerously and step out of my routine.

Instead of lettuce on my burrito, I got guacamole.

Avocados are a superfood, dense with nutrients and full of health benefits. According to SuperFoodsRX.com, avocados are full of fiber, magnesium, folate and vitamin E; the fruit contains monounsaturated fat, the good kind that can help lower your bad cholesterol. TheHealthierLife.co.uk also touts their potassium, vitamin B, vitamin K and omega-3, and references a study by U.S. researchers that found avocados helped people absorb lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein. What do all those nutrients and vitamins do for you? Improve vision; help prevent cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure; play a role in weight loss (if eaten in moderation). SuperFoodsRX notes that avocados are high in calories but increase satiety, which means you feel full more quickly when eating them.

While lettuce itself has health benefits, I'd rather go with the guacamole on my burrito. It's tasty and good for you, and Chipotle's guac is always fresh.

My perfect Chipotle burrito:
-rice
-black beans
-mild salsa (tomato)
-corn salsa
-cheese
-guacamole

And I eat only half at a time, so I get two meals out for $5.75, and I don't feel terribly unhealthy or unhealthily full for doing so.

Try it the next time you go to Chipotle. If you're not ready to get it on your burrito, try it as a side with chips. You won't be disappointed.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Bravo for Pranzo!

2009-12-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

The latest addition to the popular eateries in downtown Willoughby is Pranzo!

The family establishment tucked into a corner storefront on Erie Street offers homemade Italian dishes in a cozy and fun atmosphere...and the prices are reasonable.

The evening we visited there were a couple of votes for "Best of" from our table. My friend, Jill, said the gnocchi was the tastiest she had ever tried. And my husband, a fan of any food made with ground beef, said the meatballs were absolutely the best he had ever eaten. It's kind of rare to get two "best of the bests" from a single group.

Our waitress claims the recipe for the homemade bread pudding belonged to her grandmother, so diets went out the door as we each ordered one. Its gentle and soft-handed preparation made for a wonderful texture, sans the heavy spices from which this dish often suffers.

Without a liquor license, patrons are permitted to bring their own wine and servers will cork bottles at no charge. Aside from being a big savings, it was nice to bring an extra big bottle for the table and just keep pouring as glasses emptied.

Warning: Though reservations are taken, a 2-hour time limit is imposed so that the throngs of people waiting to partake in the Pranzo! experience can be accommodated. But at no time did we feel encouraged to roll out of there. Staff was very accommodating, helpful and cheerful.

Will this place make it in a downtown where several eateries have come and gone? I strongly vote yes. The complimentary valet parking makes for an easy entrance and exit, the food and ambiance are wonderful, and the prices are right on the money.

Look for this one to become a much sought-after Willoughby staple, drawing crowds from outside the county.

Welcome to town, Pranzo!

-- Jean Bonchak

Season Change Brings Seasonal Coffee Drinks

2009-10-22T17:12:00.000-04:00

While the changing leaves alone are enough to ease the transition from summer to fall, so are the impending holiday coffee drinks.

While I love Starbucks just as much as the next coffee drinker, I also tend to enjoy the mom and pop cafes like Beans Coffee Shop in Chardon as well as chains like Seekers Coffee House & Cafe in Mentor, Arabica Coffee House in downtown Willoughby and Bear Creek Coffee in Mentor

To read more, click here

Italian Eat Street

2009-09-29T16:02:00.000-04:00

A ride down Mentor Avenue reveals a plethora of pasta places for lovers of Italian cuisine.

Forgive me for not including every one. You're certainly welcome to add your favorites in the comment section after this blog. I’d love to give them a try.

Let's begin at the intersection of Mentor Avenue and Route 306 and head east...

Simple sauces at TJ's on the Avenue are deliziosa…....only wish their salads were a bit more interesting.
Olive Garden has been open for years and still draws lengthy waiting lines. Could it be the bottomless salad bowl or infamous Tour of Italy, a huge plate filled with lasagna, chicken parmesan and fettucine alfredo?
Calzones are king at Longo’s, a longtime area staple. One is large enough to serve as a meal for two, and the price is right.
Zappitelli's reigns supreme when it comes to just the right combination of delicate and tender homemade pasta smothered with thick and flavorful sauce. And the pizza? If you love lots of cheese, a hearty, flavorful crust and generous toppings, this is the one.
Casa D'Angelo, though a bit pricey, offers wonderful Italian-inspired chicken and fish dishes. Their salads have improved tremendously, too.
Josie's, in the same shopping plaza as Lowe’s, is small in size but mighty in appeal. A packed room on Friday and Saturday nights attests to their basic, good spaghetti dishes.

These are but a select few of the many restaurants lining Mentor’s Italian Eat Street.
So if it’s pasta that pleases you …Mangia! Mangia! Mangia! …right on down the avenue.

--Jean Bonchak

A Passion for Panera

2009-08-07T15:01:00.000-04:00

Regulars are well aware of the lure of Panera Bread. And those who are yet to be acquainted - be forewarned - you will be taken in.

Panera Bread, the laid-back cafe with tasteful, modern decor and a menu to match, made its debut in Mayfield Heights. Word about the (huge) step up from fast food emporiums spread as quickly and enticingly as the fragrant, warm bread rising high in their ovens.

Soon a Panera sprouted in Points East Plaza in Mentor, followed by another in Creekside Commons. The latest recently opened its doors off Wilson Mills Road in Highland Heights.

So what's the bagel, err, big deal?

Panera offers a place to relax any time of the day while savoring a delicious cup of coffee, freshly baked bread and pastries, sandwiches and salads that deliciously deviate from the norm, loads of lattes, mochas and more.

At Panera, you won't hear "Do you want fries with that?".
There are no fryers ... they've been replaced with "fresh".

Want to eat healthy? Try Panera.
Comfortably? Try Panera.
Unhurriedly? Try Panera.

Let's hope this type of establishment continues to multiply and that fast food chains either emulate them or drown in their own tasteless, grease pits.

People's preferences for food and dining experiences are changing. Panera is a worthy leader in what some may deem a restaurant revolution.

-- Jean Bonchak

Looking for weekend breakfast?

2009-08-02T22:36:00.000-04:00

This weekend my boyfriend and I enjoyed breakfast at New Town Grill & Tavern on Lake Shore Boulevard in Mentor (near the Willoughby border). We sat on the patio under giant umbrellas, enjoying coffee, eggs, french toast, bacon, sausage, rye toast and hash browns.

The food was delicious and the service, excellent. The meal was served quickly, and our server was around often to top off coffee and ask how we were doing. I will return to have breakfast there again.

My only complaint about the experience was the noise of the traffic from Lake Shore. Fortunately there wasn't a constant stream of vehicles on Saturday morning, and being able to sit in the nice weather to have such a good meal definitely outweighed the infrequent noise.

New Town serves breakfast Saturday and Sunday only. The prices are incredibly reasonable -- with most meals hovering around the $5 mark -- and items can be ordered a la carte if they are not included in your meal.

New Town Grill & Tavern
7079 Lake Shore Blvd.
Mentor, OH 44060-2960
440-946-1552‎

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Eat mor Chikin in Willoughby

2009-07-27T09:23:00.000-04:00

I visited the drive through at the Chick-fil-A in Willoughby on Saturday and had to share my experience. I have never been served by NICER people! The person on the other end of the intercom was incredibly friendly as she greeted me, and the girl working at the window was super polite when she gave me my change and my drink and told me it would be a few moments before my food was ready. I did not mind the wait at all because of the kindness the employees extended to me. Each time I have visited this location, I have been greeted with friendly workers, but this weekend that was especially the case.

I would highly recommend that if you're going to get fast food that you stop at the Willoughby Chick-fil-A. You will be hard-pressed to find better service and nicer employees who seem genuinely appreciative of your business and honestly hope you enjoy your experience and food.

Chick-fil-A
www.chick-fil-a.com
35441 Euclid Ave.
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-946-1831

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Saved! How a recent hunt for junk food energized my diet

2009-06-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

I know this blog is about eating out, but I hope for a minute you'll allow me to describe a recent trip to Giant Eagle. I need a platform.

So my boyfriend and I started counting calories at the end of May, and I've really learned a lot about myself in the process. For one thing I naturally operate on the Too Much Too Fast diet - I want big portions and eat them in the blink of an eye, which leads to more eating. To become painfully aware of how we're all Pavlov's dogs - yours truly included - grab "The End of Overeating" by David A. Kessler, M.D. from your local library. It's awful news.

Don't panic, though; I wouldn't blog here if I didn't have something positive to say about food. After all eating keeps us ticking, it's enjoyable, it's social (unless it's on my couch) and if Nietzsche believes art is a wonderful distraction than food can't be far behind, right?

What I'm getting at is, there are foods I know I should eat, but there are also foods I want. So going into this diet I knew I needed to find a way to eat them, or at least some of them. I needed to find a way to blend Health and Too Much Too Fast.

A couple of my mind-blowing personal revelations seem nutty to anyone not currently obsessing over calories, so I'll merely say they involve cheese and El Patron in Chardon (yes, this is a diet-breaking plug) and granola and yogurt for breakfast.

But my greatest moment by far, and the one I think you'll most likely understand, befell me somewhat unexpectedly as Jamie and I recently explored our hot dog options:

Do we buy standard buns (110-120 cal/each) and Ball Park beef franks (180+ cal/each) - or Ball Park Fat-Free franks (50 cal/each) and Schwebel's Lite Hot Dog Buns (80 cal/each)?

That's 290+ calories vs. 130 calories. It's a free hot dog, friends. And they taste the same.

Hands down the most lasting thing I'll take from this diet, long after bathing suit season has ended, is that little things add up. I can eat a big breakfast if I eat a light lunch. Exercise is essential. Putting a little thought into my meal makes a big difference. And the hardest part is over once I get myself to utter the words "without cheese."

I am eating two hot dogs, after all.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

It Takes A Village

2009-06-18T11:55:00.000-04:00

Legacy Village, that is.

For foodies seeking the triumvirate of gastronomic benchmarks (food, service, ambiance), the cluster of inviting restaurants in Lyndhurst's Legacy Village stand as worthy offerings.

Bar Louie's pear and pecan salad drizzled with blue cheese ... California Pizza Kitchen's meat lover's pie ... The Melting Pot's savory array of dips and dippables ... Brio's flavorful Italian sauces ... Cheesecake Factory's litany of decadent desserts ... and the list goes on.

Seeking a treat to munch on while strolling through the living center's winding, brick walkways? You'll find thick and tasty cookies, creamy and cool gelato and marvelous mocha drinks to please your palate along the way.

Mix in musical entertainment offered on weekend evenings and you've just put together a relaxing and delicious culinary experience without breaking the bank or traveling far from your often too familiar kitchen.

-- Jean Bonchak

Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty

2009-06-07T22:25:00.001-04:00

The new Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty from Wendy's is just as it sounds: It's a (vanilla) Frosty twisted with coffee and toffee. And it's delicious. If you like all of its components, you will like this ice cream treat that's best eaten with a spoon to scoop up all the crunchy goodness of the toffee. And, it's best eaten quickly in the Northeast Ohio sun, which will melt the ice cream just about as fast as you can say Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty.

As much as I dislike having to clarify that I want a "chocolate" Frosty when I order a Frosty at Wendy's (the original chocolate flavor should be permanently considered the default), I'm really enjoying that the introduction of the vanilla flavor has opened the door for tasty variations on the classic fast food dessert.

Just remember that the Coffee Toffee Twisted Frosty IS a milkshake and cannot stand in place of your morning coffee (not that I won't try that sometime ...).

Wendy's
Various locations
Opening times vary based on location
Visit www.wendys.com for store information

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

I just love this salad.

2009-05-14T00:02:00.000-04:00

Ordering Bob Evans' Wildfire Chicken Salad for takeout has become pretty much a weekly ritual for me. Every Tuesday I ask my supervisor if he's hungry and thinking the same thing I am. His response: "Yes. With rolls."

The salad is lettuce, grape tomatoes, corn, green onions, barbecue chicken, cheese and tortilla strips, with their special Wildfire ranch dressing on the side. It is fantastic and filling. The restaurant offers both a lunch and dinner portion, to fit your appetite, and the dinner portion is just $7.99, to fit your budget.

Other favorites I have at Bob's (if for some reason I'm not in the mood for the WCS) include the Pot Roast Sandwich, the Bob=B-Q Pulled Pork sandwich and the Fried Chicken Dinner (especially the garden veggies on the side). For breakfast, you can't beat their pancakes. Or sausage. Or omelets. Heck, the whole breakfast menu is tasty and cheap.

Oh and their rolls are really great, too -- and can be found in your grocers' freezer.

Bob Evans
locations vary throughout Northeast Ohio and can be found on the restaurant's Web site, www.bobevans.com

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

I scream, you scream

2009-05-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

I am picky about my ice cream.

I worked in an ice cream store for five years during high school and college. I can tell about how many ounces of ice cream are in a dish just by looking at it. I can tell if ice cream was made with expensive or cheap cream. I can come up with any flavor/topping combination to suit you.

So I won't eat ice cream just anywhere. I'm an ice cream snob.

I actually can't believe I'm going to give a recommendation to the place I'm about to recommend because this franchise is my franchise's competition. But I haven't worked in ice cream for three years, and the store where I worked has since closed and isn't even in Northeast Ohio anyway.

I stopped at Cold Stone Creamery the other night to pick up a pint for my boyfriend and I for dessert. I knew immediately what I wanted when I walked in because, after all, I had worked in a similar place for five years and knew exactly how to mix together a flavor both he and I would enjoy.

If you haven't been to Cold Stone, I'll give you the scoop for how it works:
The ice cream is all flavored plain, without any nuts, cookies, candies or fruit. The people at Cold Stone will mix it in fresh in front of you on a cold stone slab. So you can make any flavor you like -- such as cookies 'n' cream in chocolate ice cream, or strawberry with chocolate chips. (Need any more recommendations? e-mail me your interests and I'll see what I can come up with.)

At first I was disappointed in the service. It was a busy Friday night, and it seemed like not enough employees were working. I grew slightly impatient remembering how I handled busy Friday nights in my ice cream scoopin' days.

But when it was finally my turn, I couldn't have had a nicer person helping me. She asked how I was doing, and we had a nice conversation about my hometown and college. After she finished mixing together my combination (coffee ice cream with Oreos, Snickers and brownie), she scooped it into the pint container -- then offered me the remainder of what wouldn't fit. I told her I would save it for later, so she stuck it in a dish with a lid. That in and of itself was a full serving of ice cream, which makes sense because she added about 6 ounces of mix-ins to the pint she had scooped.

The cost of the concoction? A pint with three mix-ins is $5.99. While that might seem like a lot for just ice cream, it's only about $2 a serving (at least, I got three servings out of mine). And if you haven't noticed, dairy and ice cream have gotten pretty expensive in the past few years, so that's not a bad deal.

Oh, and the ice cream tasted fantastic. Coffee with Oreos, Snickers and brownies might be my new favorite flavor (and I think it could be my boyfriend's new favorite, too).

I'll definitely be making my way back this summer when it's unbearably hot. I would recommend you do the same. But if you're in the South, check out Marble Slab Creamery (the franchise that had the mix-in-your-toppings-on-a-cold-slab idea 10 years before Cold Stone).

Cold Stone Creamery
36175 Euclid Ave.
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-975-1780

9560 Diamond Centre Drive
Mentor, OH 44060
440-352-0550

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

In Search of Salad Bars

2009-05-07T11:41:00.000-04:00

Are you the type of diner who misses the plethora of salad bars that used to be standard fixtures at area restaurants a dozen or so years ago? I am.

The prospect of fresh lettuce topped with a variety of garden ingredients was the highlight of this veggie lover's meal experience. Skip the steak, bring on the romaine and radishes!

True, salad bars can be found at assorted venues around town, but not nearly as many as in days gone by, and for the most part the quality is poor. Freshness is of utmost importance. None of this bagged and chemical-infused stuff, please.

Right now my vote for the best in town goes to the luscious line of salad stuff at Ruby Tuesday's off Heisley Road in Mentor. Deep green spinach, edamame(mmm!), zucchini sticks, plump grape tomatoes and real blue cheese are but a few of the satisfying ingredients one can pile onto their chilled white plates.

Don't pour on the calorie-laden dressing and you've got a healthy dish of edibles that tastes like they've just been picked from a nearby farm.

Ahhh! The beauty and deliciousness of Mother Nature.

So salad bar searchers,don't despair. Head on over to Ruby Tuesday's and fill up with freshness to your tummy's content.

--Jean Bonchak

Grand slam for Friday lunch at Progessive Field

2009-05-05T10:08:00.000-04:00

Experience has taught me to be economical with superlatives.

Use them too much, and they are devalued.

That being written, I have no reservation stringing together superlatives to describe "Friday at the Field,'' a new promotion by the Cleveland Indians.

During the baseball season, on Fridays when the Indians are on the road, buffet-style lunch is being served at the Terrace Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The quality of the food alone makes this a great attraction.

The price - $11 per-person, including non-alcoholic beverage - makes it a stupendous bargain.

This isn't ballpark-style fare, either.

Rather, it's an enticing blend of dishes you'll find at upscale restaurants where $11 will get you one appetizer (maybe).

On the Friday just past, I took my wife, Marcia, to the Terrace Club for the third installment of "Friday at the Field.'' We were celebrating her birthday. She'd accompanied me to the Terrace Club some years ago for a wine-tasting event sponsored by WVIZ-TV 25, so she knew it was a nice place with a wonderful view of the ballpark's playing surface and grandstands.

In early April, just before Opening Day, I'd partaken of the "Friday at the Field'' fare during the team's "What's New at Progressive Field'' media event. I'd seen and sampled a bit of everything, from salads to fresh vegetables to sauteed vegetables to pasta, potatoes au gratin, baked salmon and, of course, desserts.

The main thoughts in my mind during that media preview were, in order: "All this for 11 bucks?'' and, "Marcia would love this.''

Marcia did love it. She filled her plate with healthy stuff, all vegetables, prepared in various ways. I went with a spring-mix salad, sauteed vegetables, potatoes au gratin, macaroni-and-cheese and cup of clam chowder (light broth).

For dessert, we each had a yogurt parfait. We also split an eclair.

Before we left, we chatted with Dan Smith, the Tribe's Vice President of Food and Beverage, and Greg Gaskins, Director of Food and Beverage for Cleveland Sportservice.

Dan and Greg both were smiling, for all the right reasons. We weren't the only patrons raving about the food and the ambience. Business was brisk, too. Dan said the crowds have been steadily building. No surprise there. The word-of-mouth on "Friday at the Field'' must be as off-the-charts good as the food.

Reservations aren't required for "Friday at the Field,'' but I'd recommend making them. The phone number is 216-420-4040. If you haven't been to the Terrace Club before, the entrance is adjacent to the left-field gate.

Upcoming dates for "Friday at the Field'' are May 15, May 22 and June 5.

David S. Glasier

Warm weather? Try cold coffee!

2009-04-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

I love frozen coffee drinks much more than that hot black stuff. I was pretty excited to see that Panera is offering a Frozen Caramel coffee drink. (Warning: That link contains nutrition facts you might not want to see.) The caramel is not nearly as sweet as the frozen mocha I have tried there before, so I got more of the coffee taste that I like, but it still had the flavor that I need to enjoy it. At $3.59, the beverage is a little pricey (what isn't these days?), but it was super refreshing and the right afternoon pick-me-up I needed.

My standby for a frozen coffee splurge is the Java Chip Frappuccino from Starbucks, though I also like the caramel and mocha varieties. If you dare, you can see nutrition facts for all of their concoctions. I say "splurge" because it's not possible to get one of those frozen cappuccinos for less than $3.

Unfortunately, my favorite frozen coffee cannot be found in this area of the state. But if you are ever in Columbus, you should give Tim Hortons' Iced Cappuccino a try. You might want to order the large, or you'll spend the rest of the day wishing you did.

If anyone has suggestions for other frozen or cold coffee I should try, leave a comment!

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Not Your Average Pizzeria

2009-04-07T15:54:00.000-04:00

My wife and I were out shopping last Saturday. On our way we decided to stop for lunch at Crostata’s Pizzeria at the corner of Bishop and Highland Roads. We had been watching the transformation of this location from a coffee bar/shop into a rustic looking building. Upon exiting our car, we were received by the smell of baked bread and wood fire. We knew we were in for a treat! Entering the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by the hostess who seated us at a table. There is a full view of the kitchen area. Our server greeted us almost immediately and asked for our beverages. Soda and ice tea are bottled here. They also have a complete wine list. We looked over the menu. Appetizers, salads and soup were listed on one side. Pizzas and dessert were listed on the other. Since it was lunchtime, they also had a sandwich menu. Everything looked great! We ordered the Pizza Classico and a Caesar salad. The salad was delivered by the chef, Anthony Pilla (who happens to be a nephew to the former Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland). The salad had fresh toasted homemade bread croutons that were still warm, shaved mozzarella cheese slices, and a wonderful dressing. It was served with wonderful warm homemade bread sticks. We devoured our salad and bread and were almost too full for pizza. Then the pizza came, again delivered by Chef Pilla. Pizza Classico had a wonderful blend of buffalo mozzarella, roasted Roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms. Chef Pilla stated each pizza is a work of art. The tomatoes were roasted there. The caramelized onions were sweet and delicious. We took about half of the pizza home. We had no room for dessert, but they serve many Italian delicacies.
Crostata’s is a restaurant in the Quagliata family. Many Mentorites may remember the White House. The Quagliatas also operate Giovanni’s in Beachwood. Chef Pilla grew up in Mayfield Heights and studied in Chicago.

We would definitely recommend Crostata’s . Go there if you want a delicious wood-fired pizza!

Crostata’s Pizzeria
585 Bishop Road
Highland Heights, OH 44143
440-449-7800

Hours
Monday – Thursday
11:30 AM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday
11:30 AM - 10 PM
Closed Sundays

Website in development:
www.crostatas.com

--Chuck Hogye
chogye@news-herald.com

The perfect soup and a darn good salad

2009-03-30T21:39:00.000-04:00

Sure, Max & Erma's is a great place to go to get a juicy burger, but don't count out the restaurant if you're in the mood for lighter fare.

This weekend I tried their Hula Bowl salad, which the menu calls "No Guilt." The description states the dish is "Mixed greens, pineapple-soy chicken, Mandarin oranges, fresh chunks of pineapple, tomatoes, carrots & crunchy noodles, with a fat-free honey mustard dressing."

I know what you're thinking: Fruit on a salad? With honey mustard dressing? I was thinking the same thing, but something about it appealed to me -- and boy, am I glad it did. In no time I was scraping the bottom of my bowl and wishing I had gotten the dinner size instead of the lunch portion.

Max & Erma's also has one of my most favorite foods, chicken tortilla soup. One bowl of the spicy, cheesy special recipe is hardly enough and always leaves me wanting more. In fact, I would love to have some right now.

Max & Erma's Restaurant Mentor
7890 Mentor Ave. (near Great Lakes Mall)
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-9994

A coupon for Max & Erma's can be found in the "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory." If you're interested in your own "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory" coupon book, you can get one when your News-Herald subscription is set up for EZ Pay, which is the automatic deduction from your credit card every month. You can also order one online at Mwww.ourtownandallaround.com.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Not Your Ordinary Breakfast

2009-03-19T12:24:00.000-04:00

Bob Evans, Eat'n Park and Perkins all serve their purpose when it comes to delivering a dependable, good breakfast. But let's face it, sometimes their offerings can become, well, quite predictable.

Wanting to take my dear friend to a special place for her birthday, I remembered some wonderful reviews The Original Pancake House received over the past few years. Granted,I was taking a chance. But since the reviews were pretty impressive, I figured our experience would be, at the least, decent.

The small storefront on Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere does no justice to what lies within. Colorful, eclectic surroundings provided a warm and inviting ambiance. Efficient staff members promptly greeted and seated us, despite growing crowds.

Enough that the place itself was refreshingly unique, let's talk about the food. Pancakes are created with the restaurant's own sourdough starter recipe which results in a light, fine texture. The server's recommendation of the popular pumpkin version was not misleading. I didn't even need my spinach, feta cheese and sun-dried tomato omelette. The three, healthy-sized pancakes would have been enough. But then again, I would have been deprived of yet another creative and different taste.

For juice lovers, they've got the real, fresh-squeezed stuff here (orange and grapefruit). The bubbly froth on top is a bonus.

So just in case you're a tad bored with the usual morning fare, try the Original Pancake House. Those tastebuds seeking something new and different for breakfast will be sure to thank you.

The Original Pancake House, 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere. 216-292-7777

- Jean Bonchak

It's all about the pizzafries

2009-03-19T00:50:00.000-04:00

Taking advantage of the warmer weather last weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to walk around downtown Willoughby to find a place to lunch. We made our way into Fanucce's Italian Imports and Pizzeria, which opened in November. Immediately we were greeted with the smell of fresh Italian food and friendly faces behind the counter, who told us to take a seat anywhere.

The food preparation area of the long and narrow restaurant is in full view behind a counter and glass, so you can see the staff making your meal. The atmosphere is totally casual, and the staff was professional. I was impressed that they genuinely seemed interested in how we were enjoying our meal.

I loved the real Italian taste of the pizza we ordered. The seasoning in the dough made it seem authentic and not just doughy, like most chain pizzerias. The pepperoni was spicy, and the cheese and chicken tasted so fresh. The best part of the meal was DEFINITELY the pizzafries. Never heard of them? I hadn't either. Put together fries, sauce, sausage and cheese, and you have pizzafries. It's like the Italian version of cheesy fries, and they're much better than their American counterpart. I had never seen pizzafries before, and they're the perfect reason to stop in and try Fanucce's.

My only regret about the visit is that I filled up so much on pizzafries and pizza that I didn't get to try dessert.

Fanucce's offers dine in, carryout, delivery and party trays, and the eatery also has a deli counter with fresh meats, cheeses and other Italian fare. I'll definitely keep it in mind next time I'm getting lunch meat or a pizza.

Fanucce's Italian Imports and Pizzeria
4125 Erie St.
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-946-3939
Fax 440-946-3959
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday
11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

The perfect wine for a sweet tooth

2009-03-16T10:46:00.000-04:00

Those who know me, can attest that I have quite a sweet tooth. So, when I heard that our local wineries were putting together an Ice Wine self-driving tour on Saturday I jumped at the opportunity. My wife also was eager as we are always on the lookout for "adventure dates" (defined as anything other than a dinner and a movie).

And we weren't disappointed.

The wines -- which taste like alcoholic syrupy juice because the grapes aren't harvested until late in the season -- were excellent at all six locations. Some carried hints of apricots, others had a bit of a spiciness to them.

Special award goes to Debonne Vineyards who took the super-sweet wine, added a chocolate liquor, then drizzled the glass with Hershey's syrup for an Ice Wine Martini.I told you I had a sweet tooth.

While I'm handing out awards, the Coolest Winery goes to South River Vineyard, which makes its home in a church building that looks like it came right out of Little House on the Prairie. Actually, the former Methodist church built in the 1890s came from Portage County where it was abandoned in 1970 and stayed that way until 2000 when it was taken down and rebuilt in Harpersfield on the Ashtabula side of the Lake County border.Chatting in a wine bar setting among the pews and stained glass creates an interesting vibe.

But Ferrante's, Grand River Cellars, Laurello Vineyards and St. Joseph Vineyards each also offered a unique setting and tasting, despite all six being located in the same general area -- just south of Route 90 near Routes 528 and 534.

There were only two downsides. One was this event was so popular that every winery was packed with hundreds of revelers and while that's great for their businesses during a traditionally slow time, it did infringe on the usually tranquil atmosphere. Second, the trees must be amazing in the summer and fall but nowadays the barren trees were more in line with, well, ice wine.

But we'll definitely be visiting our version of Napa Valley again -- hmmm,these wineries are having an "Around the World" wine tour April 25.

-- John Bertosa, jbertosa@news-herald.com

A Sweet Pancake Event

2009-03-11T11:01:00.001-04:00

This time of year pancake breakfasts abound in northeast Ohio. Churches, community organizations and other groups are busy flipping their special versions of cakes.

The West Geauga Kiwanis have been delivering this culinary pleasure for more than 50 years. Attending the yearly events has been one of our happy, family traditions for about two decades.

The cakes are light, fluffy and wonderfully delicious, especially when smothered with the real, golden maple syrup that's set out on each table.

Also making the event pleasurable is the finely-honed procedure the Kiwanis have developed over the years. A usual lengthy line moves quickly and a multitude of upbeat volunteers are at-the-ready pouring coffee and filling up empty plates.

We still get a kick out of the paint sticks marked with "pancakes" and "coffee" that one need only raise to summon workers ready to fulfill requests.

Assuredly, there are other pancake breakfasts where the food is yummy and the process well-organized. The West G Kiwanis' pancake-fest certainly has to be very near the top of that list.

The breakfasts are available from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 15, 22 and 29 at West Geauga High School on Route 306 in Chesterland.

--Jean Bonchak

A little Southwest in Mentor

2009-03-09T15:17:00.000-04:00

This weekend I tried Branding Iron Cookhouse for the first time. I immediately liked the Southwest atmosphere of the bar and grill, with cowboy paraphernalia and photographs covering the walls from floor to ceiling.

The staff was nothing short of friendly, and the manager even spent some time talking with my party and ensuring we were enjoying ourselves. I don't remember the last time I had such good service -- especially from our server, who remembered each of our drink orders and exactly how much ice we wanted in them when she got our refills.

My group ordered chicken wings, pulled pork and a chicken sandwich, and we all got onion rings. The food came out a little slower than I would have wanted (our server explained it was because the wings took a little longer to cook), but it was hot and tasty when it reached our table. The chicken on my sandwich was cooked perfectly, and I really enjoyed the side of honey mustard dipping sauce that came with the onion rings.

The thing I might remember most about my experience there was the special touch that came with our meals: The sandwich buns were branded.

And if you go there for your birthday, you can sit on a horse, wear a cowboy hat and have a picture taken. Those pictures fill the walls in the front of the restaurant.

Branding Iron Cookhouse
8450 Market St. (Route 615)
Mentor, OH 44060
440-266-0000
Open at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays)
Happy Hour 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday

-- Cheryl Sadler

Lunch in the Stadium

2009-03-06T22:43:00.000-05:00

I grabbed lunch last week at Stadium Grill in Mentor, the first time I have eaten at the restaurant. We picked Stadium Grill because of the buy-one-get-one coupon in the "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory." The sparse lunchtime crowd allowed us to seat ourselves, and we were waited on quickly.

The coupon we had was good for a meal valued up to $8. My dining companion and I had no trouble picking out dishes that fit the price because most of the items on the menu ranged from $7 to $9. I ordered the BBQ Chicken Pizza, while he ordered the Wet & Wild Chicken Sandwich coated in hot garlic Parmesean wing sauce; we also ordered the sweet potato fries as an appetizer. All were delicious, and the pizza was enough for me to eat lunch and a cold dinner later. But the next time I go, I'm definitely going to get the Wet & Wild Chicken Sandwich. The wing sauce was just so good.

In addition to the tasty, fairly priced fare, Stadium Grill also offers a stage for various entertainment acts (a list of which can be found on the Web site), special events and Keno.

Stadium Grill
8330 Tyler Blvd.
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-4745

If you're interested in your own "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory" coupon book, you can get one when your News-Herald subscription is set up for EZ Pay, which is the automatic deduction from your credit card every month. You can also order one online at www.ourtownandallaround.com.

-- Cheryl Sadler

Chefs Shine in Chester Township

2009-03-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

A recent Saturday marked my tea group's third visit to the Loretta Paganini ICASI Student Cafe in Chester Township.

For those unaware of the workings of the local food fests, students at the internationally famous cooking school prepare several gourmet courses for a luncheon that is open to the public. Cost of a ticket is $20 and reservations are required. Diners have the choice of one of two offerings per course.

The primi course that I chose was a spinach pasta with creamy Gorgonzola sauce, prosciutto and sweet peas.
Was it rich? Yes.
Was it mouth-watering, delicious and worth the calories? Absolutely.
On the critique sheet diners are encouraged to use, I wrote that it easily would be considered as one of my choices for a last dinner on earth.

Dolci, or dessert, offered chocolate macadamia pie and a pumpkin trio. Though most ordered and raved about the pie, other tea group members remarked that the pumpkin selection, including a creme brulee, was very satisfying as well.

Not only do the luncheons give participants the opportunity to sample true gourmet fare at a low cost, it also affords the privilege of giving feedback to the future chefs.

The gastronomic feasts run through the end of March, but will pick up again in September. If you're interested in a unique and delicious Saturday afternoon dining experience, the ICASI Student Cafe more than fits the bill.

--Jean Bonchak

Italian Fare in Cozy Chardon

2009-02-25T12:51:00.000-05:00

Someone once said if there's food in heaven it has to be Italian. If that's the case, hopefully Sebastian's on the Square in Chardon will serve as one of its caterers.

At a recent Friday evening meal at the restaurant on Chardon Square, things were hopping. Though the rest of Main Street was dark and quiet, Sebastian's spot was lit up like a Christmas tree.

As one who has worked in and frequented restaurants a-plenty, my standards for an excellent one are threefold: Delicious food, pleasant atmosphere and better than average service. Sebastian's hit the mark on all three.

Savoring a delicious chicken parmesan with mouth-watering, homemade sauce -- amidst casually elegant, tasteful surroundings -- all served by a just-attentive-enough waiter, made our dinner with good friends a memorable one. Suffice it to say, we left smiling and well-satisfied.

True, Chardon may be a town offering few places for a special meal -- but consider Sebastian's one of them.

-- Jean Bonchak

Thai for first-timers

2009-02-18T00:51:00.000-05:00

If you're in the mood for some tasty Thai, I would recommend heading out to Cleveland Heights to dine at Lemon Grass. I had never had Thai before dining here, and now I would consider it my favorite special occasion restaurant.

The extensive menu has a variety of vegetarian, poultry, meat and seafood dishes. Even if you've never had Thai food before or don't know what to expect, you should be able to find something to suit your liking. If you have trouble deciding what you want, I have found that the knowledgeable, friendly staff can make recommendations based on your tastes. The kitchen also will take up or down the spiciness, depending on what you prefer.

During my first visit, I had the Lemon Grass Garden, which contains chicken and a variety of vegetables, served with peanut sauce. It was a great dish for a first-time Thai meal. Now my favorite is the Pad Thai (with medium-level spiciness). At my latest visit, my boyfriend ordered a seafood salad, which was that night's special. It came with a variety of seafood that I personally would not eat because that's not my taste, but he really enjoyed it (even the mushrooms, from which he normally steers clear).

I really love the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant, which includes a wide open dining room but tables that feel private. Although the menu is moderately priced, the food is worth it. And like I said, it is a great place to go for special occasions.

If you're not sure if it's worth the drive to Cleveland Heights through all the traffic on Cedar Road, I would recommend making a night of it. The restaurant is located next to the Cedar Lee Theatre.

Lemon Grass Restaurant
2179 Lee Road
Cleveland, OH 44118
216-321-0210

-- Cheryl Sadler

A good afternoon pick(up)

2009-02-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

Without much to choose from in the kitchen, my boyfriend and I decided to pick something up for lunch Saturday afternoon. We turned to the "Our Town And All-Around Dining Directory," which has become our guide and determinant for where to dine recently. The coupon for free cheesy bread with an extra large pizza led us to order from Marco's Pizza.

Neither of us had ever had Marco's before, and we were both pretty happy with our choice. For $13, we had more than enough food for the both of us. The pepperoni pizza we ordered was tasty, and I particularly liked the cheesy bread and the marinara sauce for dipping. I also was a big fan of the cold leftovers. The cheesy bread box proclaimed that Marco's tastes great cold, and it really does.

Marco's Pizza
Locations in Chardon, Euclid, Mentor-on-the-Lake, South Euclid, Willoughby and Willowick
Visit Marco's Pizza Store Locations to find the restaurant closest to you

If you're interested in your own "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory" coupon book, you can get one when your News-Herald subscription is set up for EZ Pay, which is the automatic deduction from your credit card every month. You can also order one online at www.ourtownandallaround.com.

-- Cheryl Sadler

Otani: A sushi lover's delight!

2009-02-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

If you are a sushi lover, Otani (1625 Golden Gate Plaza in Mayfield Heights) is the place for you.
Especially on Wednesdays.
My wife and I are big on sushi. She introduced me to it about seven years ago and I became hooked. We've been all over the area searching for the best sushi restaurants, and Otani is one of the best, if not the best, we've found.
On Wednesdays, sushi is half-price. A lot of sushi restaurants host half-price nights, but Otani is more than that.
The half-sushi, half-hibachi Japanese restaurant presents a premier Japanese experience. The service is great, the chefs are friendly and every time my wife and I dine at Otani, the more-than-friendly owner always makes the rounds. The prices (especially on Wednesdays) won't break your bank, either.
Give Otani a shot. You won't be disappointed.
- Mark Podolski

Worth the wait

2009-02-09T00:12:00.001-05:00

Last week I ate at Cabana's Island Restaurant in Mentor. Neither my dining companion nor I had been there before, and we selected the restaurant based on the name and the coupon from the "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory," which was good for $10 off our meal. And boy, what a place to beat the winter blues! The decor and atmosphere of the restaurant are tropical and relaxing.

However, that relaxed atmosphere translated right to the service, which was slow. It took a long time to be greeted, a long time to meet our server, a long time to get our drinks, a long time to get our food (our appetizer never came at all). But our server was very friendly and accommodating (she was sure to remove our appetizer from the bill), and the food was fantastic and worth the wait!

I ordered the Montego Bay Chicken, while my companion ordered one of the day's specials: Jamaican Java Chicken. Both meals were quite tasty and the perfect portion size for a night out -- not too much, but definitely enough to fill you up. I loved that the chicken I ordered came on a bed of sweet potato fries, a guilty pleasure of mine. And I'm not usually a fan of green beans, but Cabana's were juicy and crispy, with a summery taste that matched the feel of the restaurant.

I was impressed that my cocktail only cost $4, when I've gotten similar drinks elsewhere for twice that amount. The prices are moderate, with both of our meals about $10. After the coupon, our bill for two entrees, a cocktail and two beers totaled only $24.

The food and drinks were tasty enough to entice me to visit Cabana's again, in hopes that the last week's slow service was just a fluke. After all, there are a few more tasty-sounding things on the menu that I'd like to try.

Cabana's Island Restaurant
The Matchworks Building
8500 Station St.
Mentor, OH 44060
(440) 255-0697
info@cabanasrestaurant.com

If you're interested in your own "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory" coupon book, you can get one when your News-Herald subscription is set up for EZ Pay, which is the automatic deduction from your credit card every month. You can also order one online at www.ourtownandallaround.com.

-- Cheryl Sadler

You can't go wrong with bar food

2009-02-04T16:45:00.000-05:00

Saturday night's continuation of the drive to see all the Oscar-nominated films left me seeking something to eat before taking in "The Reader" at Regal Cinemas Willoughby 16 movie theater near Target.

Since it was nearby, and early enough, I decided Panini's on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby was worth a shot. The parking lot was pretty full, but the tables were easily accessible for an early dinner.

My favorite item on Panini's menu is the soft pretzel appetizer. Hardly diet-friendly with three dips that include a cheesy artichoke, but I'm a sucker for a good soft pretzel.

My dinner is always the same -- a fancy version of the little-kid favorite grilled cheese sandwich. It comes on Texas toast with bacon, lettuce and tomato. I add a little mustard, mostly because I like mustard on pretty much everything. I also always order a dozen spicy BBQ boneless wings. I took home about half for lunch the next day. They were spicy enough for me to remember I hadn't ordered standard BBQ. They weren't spicy enough to make me cry, which is just as important.

Panini's food is reliable, tasty and served relatively quickly, getting me to the theater in time to see a movie I didn't know had quite that much sex. Wow. But that's for another blog.

Mexican and a movie...

2009-01-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

I know I should have tried some sort of Middle Eastern food before heading out to see "Slumdog Millionaire" on Saturday night.

Alas, I was lazy and turned to the always reliable Lopez Southwestern Food Club, across Cedar Road from the Cedar Lee Theater in Cleveland Heights.

I let slip in declining a pre-dinner drink that I was saving room for my movie-theater popcorn, and the server, Temma, worked throughout the meal to ensure the start of the Academy Award-nominated film wasn't missed.

The Pulled Pork Burritos were outstanding, topped with black beans and a tangy and just spicy-enough charred tomato-guajillo sauce that foolishly American me said would be outstanding on top of a plate of spaghetti.

My favorite part of Lopez, however, is its presentation of chips and salsa before the meal. Usually, you get a heaping basket of chips with the salsa. Here, you get a small paper lunch-style bag that serves a much smaller amount that allows an easier control of portions.

Because the Cedar Lee is featuring so many of the Oscar nominees, I can easily see a return visit in the not-so-distant future.

-- Laura Kessel

Never forget an 'old friend'

2009-01-19T13:18:00.000-05:00

On Saturday night, I had a revelation destined for a refrigerator magnet: I don't feel like cooking.

I didn't have anything left to cook in the fridge, what was already cooked had been eaten as leftovers a couple times already, and I wanted more than a can of soup.

So, a restaurant it was. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who had this idea. Stops at two Willoughby restaurants boasting hour-long waits sent me scurrying to Chipotle, on Euclid Avenue.

A burrito bol (prepared without the tortilla that normally makes this an actual burrito), prepared with both pinto beans and black beans, allowed me to stay true to my Weight Watchers status. It can't be called a true "vegetarian" dish, however, because the pinto beans are prepared with ham.

It seemed like lots of area residents had the same solution to the crowded restaurant issue, as the line for service increased substantially after my arrival.

Don't forget Chipotle as a weekend dinner possibility. You can get healthy fare, even in a fast-food atmosphere, without the hassle of the date-night crowd.

-- Laura Kessel

Egg white flat, and only an egg white flat

2009-01-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

If you've paid any attention to the fast-food market in the past year, you've noticed that Dunkin' Donuts isn't just a doughnut shop anymore.

The national chain has been touting its coffee prowess to anyone who will listen, and has recently realized Americans need to become more healthy, both launching a line of lower-fat items and pointing out things that aren't necessarily going to bust your caloric intake for the day in one meal.

Among the items on the "healthy" list is the Egg White Turkey Sausage Flatbread Sandwich. It's like an omelette in a sandwich. Only healthy.

I keep the sandwich in the back of my mind, and turn to it on mornings like today, when I don't leave myself enough time for breakfast.

It's egg whites, turkey sausage and spinach with cheese on top, served on a firm whole-wheat bread.

My only complaint is you can't order it without cheese. Because of my diet, I'd rather not have those extra calories.

It comes without condiments, so you could spice it up with a hot sauce, or, do as I do, apply a little bit of mustard.

It's a good, healthy option if you're in a hurry, which I was this morning, showing up at the Dunkin' Donuts at East 222nd Street and Lakeshore Boulevard in Euclid.

When I arrived, however, I learned the restaurant wouldn't be able to produce my usual extra-large coffee, because the building's pipes were frozen in the -7 degree temperatures.

I moaned for a moment and watched the Roto Rooter man work his magic, but left with my sandwich before the pipes were made functionable. I can only hope they were able to get the coffee brewing quickly, though.

Their reputation is at stake!!

-- Laura Kessel

I really love Taco Bell, don't you?

2009-01-15T22:33:00.000-05:00

OK, I need to confess, I love Taco Bell. No really, I really love it. People laugh when I say that, but it's true. I usually eat Taco Bell a minimum two times a week and more like three or four times. Most people who are past their college or high school years have moved on to more sophisticated dining establishments.

I do enjoy fine dining, but I suppose if I had a last meal it would be Taco Bell. I can literally exist eating this wonderful food and that's what I did 15 years ago for about three years in college. I never had much money and worked to support myself while attending school by cleaning at a movie theater in the mornings.

I typically found a dollar or so in change, sometimes more, on the floor and it was enough to buy lunch, and sometimes dinner, for me every day at the restaurant next door. So that's what I did except on Sundays, since I worked six days a week.

Today, now that I'm somewhat grown-up, I still love eating Taco Bell. It's still cheap (a bonus in this economy) and actually they have made improvements to their menu to make it a relatively healthy place to eat.

The Taco Bell fresca menu actually is pretty low-fat and full of taste and spice. Try it some time, you might find you like it.

On Thursdays, that usually means a trip to Taco Bell in Painesville for me. I love to stop through the drive-thru for lunch on my way back to the office from a Lake County commissioners meeting.

I get the same thing every time: one bean burrito (350 calories, 9 grams fat, 8 grams fiber) and two soft tacos fresca style (each only 180 calories, 7 grams fat, 3 grams fiber). Less than $3 for lunch. It's also filling and fits in with the Weight Watchers plan. I'm a lifetime member after losing 55 lbs nearly five years ago.

But mostly my Taco Bell love is just a quick, tasty and, if you like, a healthy way to eat a lunch or dinner and, perhaps, let you still feel like a kid.

-- John Arthur Hutchison

Snowy Saturday at the market

2009-01-12T15:27:00.000-05:00

My hat is off to colleague Chuck Koelble.
His column Saturday on the Community page sang the praises of the East Side Farmer's Market at 30022 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe. The market is housed in what formerly was a party center.
Before proceeding, let me tell you I woke up Saturday morning and quickly decided I wouldn't be making my regular weekend run to the West Side Market in Cleveland.
My devotion to the West Side Market is such that I routinely go there in all manner of bad weather. For whatever reason, this past Saturday I wasn't in the mood to play tag on Route 2 with crazy people who don't have brains enough to slow down when the road is blanketed with snow.
Anyway, I'm reading The News-Herald with my morning coffee when I spy Chuck's column. From where I live in Eastlake, it took less than 10 minutes to get to the East Side Farmer's Market.
The place is, as Chuck described it, user-friendly with fresh produce, meat and bakery products. There also is a deli counter with home-cooked, ready-to-eat food.
I got a slice of pizza and a soda to go with my eco-friendly shopping bag full of fresh produce and two cherry-cheese Danish for Sunday breakfast. The bill was just under 20 bucks.
This customer was mightily pleased with the quantity (buying and cooking for two is a challenge), quality and price of his purchases at the market owned by Jimmy Selgjekaj.
I'm not giving up my forays to the West Side Market. But I will be making plenty of runs to the East Side Farmer's Market. It's open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
- David S. Glasier

Ole, at Arby's

2009-01-12T12:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a sucker for Southwestern-style cuisine, and Arby's has just the cure.

A flier arrived in the mail last week, and I spotted the "Southwest Mini Egg Rolls" in the center of the advertisement. They looked similar to ones I've loved at a couple area restaurants, so I figured I'd give them a try.

All week, I planned to eat them as part of a sensible dinner that also included a salad and toasted pita bread served with salsa. But Saturday's snow and the drive to pick them up at the fast food chain curbed my desire to get fancy, and I just went with the egg rolls and the pita/salsa combination.

They weren't kidding when they put "mini" in the name. They're two-bite morsels that had enough kick to remind you that "Southwest" is also in the name. I went without the chili-lime ranch dipping sauce, because a sniff signaled it was really just ranch dressing with a little green tint to it.

Because they're deep-fried, I'll not make them a regular component of my meal plan. I also couldn't get past the idea that when I'm at the other places I've tasted these items, they seemed much more sophisticated -- probably because they were brought to me at a table, on a plate, by a server, not handed over a counter in a cardboard sleeve.

-- Laura Kessel

Need coffee ... everywhere, anywhere

2009-01-08T11:47:00.001-05:00

I'm a coffee addict.

About the only time I'm not consuming coffee is in the evening when I get home, because I'm too lazy to make a fresh pot. During the day here at The News-Herald, the newsroom pot is constantly being refreshed.

When I'm out and about in the area, I feel as though I'm always hunting for a coffee shop to satisfy my craving.

I found a great one a couple weeks ago not far from the office. Bear Creek Coffee opened in September at the corner of Midland and Mentor Avenue, in a shopping center across from the Points East plaza.

When I walked in, I enjoyed the beautifully designed decor, but once I hit the counter, I found my true love on the menu.

The "Eye-Opener" is an espresso on steroids. I normally get an Americano-like drink at other coffee shops, which combines espresso and hot water. The eye-opener combines espresso with brewed coffee.

JOLT!!

You can pick your coffee blend, and add flavored syrups if you wish.

Another favorite feature of Bear Creek Coffee is the drive-thru on the Midland side of the building.

I wish the owners continued success in their new venture. And, please, keep that espresso coming!!

-- Laura Kessel

Wishing it was Thursday...

2009-01-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

It's only Wednesday, but tomorrow is what we in the newsroom know as "Thai Thursday."

It means we place an order at Thai Orchid, in the plaza at the corner of Route 306 and Mentor Avenue in Mentor, for some lunch.

Until recently, I'd order the Pad Thai, which is noodles, vegetables, a peanut sauce and some chopped peanuts on top. Yum.

But, since I'm dieting these days, I will undoubtedly go with the chicken and broccoli, which comes with a brothy sauce and white rice. It's very filling and not bad for the caloric intake.

I'd suggest anyone try Thai Orchid, because they will adjust spice levels to your tastes. One of my fellow Thursday participants has regularly changed his number code for the spice level, sometimes with explosive results. Play with it to get the right level for your personal tastes. But, go in knowing they're willing to help satisfy you.

-- Laura Kessel