Bistro On Lincoln Park

2391 W11th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216-862-2969
bistroonlincolnpark.com

There has been a lot of talk of this new little bistro in Tremont lately. I have heard good things and bad, so I had to check it out. It is situated in the space that is notorious for short lived restaurants so hopefully they will withstand the current economic situations in addition to their location.
Bistro on Lincoln Park had no problem accommodating our party of five for an early reservation on a Saturday evening, which was good for us, but it did make me a bit nervous...
We arrived promptly for our 6:30 time slot, and were greeted with some confusion as to where our reservation was and when. I did find a bit odd seeing as one our party was already seated.

Anyway, to my surprise the restaurant was very sharp. Blonde wood floors and light walls kept the space very open. The lighting was dim, but I think I am just partial to darker decor.
The gentleman taking care of our table was very personable and attentive.

After drinks I ordered the Spanish Black Bean Cake to start.
My appetizer arrived and I was pleased with it. The cake itself had a very nice flavor and had just a hint of spice. I thoroughly enjoyed the Cilantro cream and the creme fraiche that topped off the cake as well.
Some of my companions ordered the Onion Soup Gratine made with Venison broth. I found the soup palette pleasing, but I think I was expecting a deeper flavor.
Next I ordered the Duck Confit, served with Crispy truffled Potatoes, Bacon Lardons, and Wild Mushroom Fricassee. I have been ordering duck dishes more and more lately and since my companions were ordering most of the other items, I figured this was another good time.
The duck was good. The skin was crisp and the meat was tender and juicy. It was served with the "Wild Mushroom Fricasse", which I found to be quite thick and salty. Maybe that is what the chefs were going for, but I was put off a little and it definitely over powered the potatoes and the Duck for that matter.
All together my experience at Bistro On Lincoln Park was a good one, although I was not necessarily blown away by the food. If I happen to be in the area and in the mood for a few drinks and a bite I may stop back, but I don't think I will be making a special trip any time soon.

Seoul Hot Pot

3709 Payne Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-881-1221

Ok, people it is cold here in Cleveland. It is cold and there is a whole bunch of snow outside. One thing that Clevelander's love to do and know how to do in these conditions is eat, and eat well.
If you are looking for that soul satisfying, toe tingling, and that cure for bone chilling cold, then Seoul Hot Pot is the place to go.
Seoul Hot Pot is situated in an unassuming free standing building in Asiatown. There is an entrance in the front and one in the back that takes you through the small produce-packed kitchen. I have yet to visit when they are busy, but that does not change their delicious offerings. Appetizers, grilled meat lettuce wraps, and hot steaming bowls of veggies and meats.
Every meal starts with little bowls of succulent selections including Kim Chi to nibble on.
This visit we ordered the Shrimp and Scallion Pancakes, grilled beef lettuce wraps and the Rice Cake and and Egg Drop Soup. All three were delicious. The appetizer pancakes were sweet and savory. The Beef was seasoned and cooked perfectly, and the soup was fantastic.
The little rice patties floated through the strands of cooked egg, and the broth was light and satisfying.
Seoul Hot Pot is a must for this chilly season, if not any other part of the year.

Ariyoshi (Sukiyaki Dinner)

2206 Lee Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 321-1020


Where the hell have I been? I can't believe it has been over a month since I last posted anything. I have been going out and what not, just been busy I guess.
Anyway, Sukiyaki!


I have spoken of Ariyoshi before. The sushi place on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. And as someone commented before, I AM talking about Ariyoshi, not Aoeshi across the street. The individual had requested I return to Aoeshi to give them a good review, but I have yet to return, keep ya posted...

As always, we were warmly greeted and the hot sake continued our warm reception. The sushi, the other menu items, and the people that run Ariyoshi are always wonderful. The other week I got the chance to try their Sukiyaki dinner for the first time.
We ordered our usual appetizers; Age Dashi Tofu, Edamame, and Shumai. All very tasty indeed. In addition to some Nigiri sushi and sushi rolls we ordered the Sukiyaki Dinner; Beef, Chicken, or Seafood, simmered table side with veggies and and a sweet and savory brown sauce.
We opted for the beef that arrived as raw thinly sliced strips, similar to that of a Beef Carpaccio. The Madame of Ariyoshi proceeded to prepare our meal, adding first the plate full of onions, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, tofu, and pea pods. The veggies were sauteed for a few minutes before the rich broth was added, followed by thin rice noodles.Our mouths watered as we watched her add each strip of the raw beef to the bubbling vat that was soon to be set in front of us. After simmering for just a few moments she then divided the succulent concoction into our individual bowls.
Add a little rice, and it was perfect. The veggies swam through the rich sauce while the tender beef absorbed the sweet flavor.
Not ever having this dish, I was pleasantly surprised.
As always, I leave Ariyoshi feeling warm and fuzzy, but this time I left with a new deliciously satisfying experience, that I will be sure to indulge in again.