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.

Sun Luck Garden

1901 S Taylor Road
Cleveland, OH
(216) 397-7676
www.sunluckgarden.com

I have passed this little restaurant located in a strip mall many times and never thought anything of it. It is located in such an unassuming area that you wouldn't expect to find such a beauty as Sun Luck Garden. A fellow Cleveland food blogger, clevelandfoodie, mentioned this little spot awhile ago and I realized that something was hiding behind those covered windows. What that something was, I had to find out.
About a month or so ago we decided to give it a try. As you enter you are surrounded by a perfectly dimly lit small space, with dining areas on either side of the entrance. We were warmly greeted and seated. The menu was extensive. Choices from many styles including Szechwan, Cantonese, and Mandarin, as well as great vegetarian options were on the menu. They have a large wine list that one would not expect from such a small place and a nice beer menu too. I started with some warm sake, and we ordered the Egg rolls and a Halibut appetizer that was a special for the evening. The Egg rolls were crisp and fresh, and you could tell were hand rolled and not frozen. The Halibut appetizer was such a pleasant surprise. Thinly sliced Halibut rolled with ginger and scallion and wrapped in a crisp shell and tied with thin strips of scallion on the ends. The Halibut dish was perfectly well rounded with bursting flavors.
Next, we ordered the Egg Flower and Wonton Soups. The Egg Flower Soup is basically an Egg Drop Soup but not as heavy. The Egg Flower was delicious; the egg strands floated in the rich broth and had just enough sweetness. The Wonton Soup was savory and the wontons had a great texture.
Finally, we ordered the Beef Chow Hawphen, which was from the "Pasta Dishes" area of the menu. The Soft wide rice noodles served with beef, bean sprouts, pea pods, and tossed with a hot Szechwan chili sauce. We were asked if we wanted the dish mild, medium, or hot. We chose the hot since we both enjoy spicy and it couldn't have been any better. It was spicy but did not overpower the flavor of the dish.
I am so glad I finally got to peak behind the curtain and discover the pleasure of Sun Luck Garden. I can't wait to return to try more of their fresh and flavorful offerings.

Anatolia Cafe

Revisited:

2270 Lee Road
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 321-4400
www.anatoliacafe.com


Anatolia Cafe continues to please. Since the post regarding my first visit, I have returned to Anatolia Cafe twice. Both times I tried new items, and both times I have enjoyed the service and mostly enjoyed their selections.
These past visits I tried the Falafel, the Zucchini Pancakes, and the Sigara Borek (Sigara Böreği, Phylo dough wrapped around Feta and spices). All of those were quite tasty, and I would order all of them again. I also tried their Red Lentil Soup, which was quite flavorful and had a nice texture.
During our most recent visit, my companion and I tried the Chicken and Okra and the Doner dinners. The first arrived in a shallow dish with onions, green peppers, okra and cubes of chicken. The flavor of the dish was adequate, but was definitely not overly pleasing or extraordinary in any way. The Doner is a dish similar to Greek Gyro meat, served with vegetables and rice. We were informed that the meat is house made, as in layered into a roll in their own kitchen. Being that they prepare their own meat for the Doner, I have to give them some credit. However, I have to say that the red meat dishes I have tried have had a weird gamy essence to them. The Doner was no different. The first few bites of the dish were very pleasing to the palette, and with the addition of the yogurt sauce were exquisite. Unfortunately, the next few bites of the Doner meat left a strange and unsettling flavor that was not satisfying or pleasant in the least. The flavor of the meat made me think of something spoiled or just not right in the meat's composition.
Of course, we had to order dessert. The Rice Pudding and the Kazandibi are still wonderful endings to the meals, and I have since been tempted to stop in just for dessert to go.
Anatolia Cafe's inconsistency with their red meat dishes is certainly a turn off, but fortunately everything else is fabulous and you still can't deny the beautiful space that just gets better with each visit.

On The Rise Bakery

3471 Fairmount Blvd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 320-9923

On The Rise Bakery on Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights is a tiny and quaint neighborhood bakery. They offer delicious options; scones, cookies, fruit brownies, rustic tarts,croissants, as well as a plethora of house baked bread options. On the list is everything from rustic Italian breads like Pave to classic French baguettes. For something a little more adventurous, try the olive loaf or the sunflower shaped loaf crusted with sesame seeds. They also serve coffees and have a few tables for sitting.
I once purchased a loaf of the Pave bread which is no more than six inches long, and it was so tasty, that I ate the whole thing by itself for lunch with a cup of coffee. No butter, no fruit spread necessary. It was hearty and flavorful all on its own.
I also have enjoyed a fabulous raspberry croissant that was so perfectly buttery and flaky that I have stopped back just to see if they had any in stock. The list goes on; each treat I have tried was exquisite in its own way and I will continue to revel in their delights.

Lopez Bar and Grill "Southwestern Food Club"

2196 Lee Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 932-9000
www.lopezonlee.com



Lopez has been around for some time now on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. I have not been there for a little while because the food just has not been the same since they changed chefs a few years ago. So, when sis in law suggested we go there for dinner, I was a bit hesitant.
It was a Tuesday night, one of the nights that they offer half price Tequila. We made a reservation for 6:30, and the place was crazy busy. Our server came over promptly and asked if we wanted to start with some cocktails. We couldn't decide just then, so we told him we needed a few minutes to figure it out. We didn't see him again for at least 25 minutes, and only after we flagged down a different server that had to go find him. We ordered a pitcher of Margaritas, and then ordered our meals.
I started with a new addition to the menu, the Mango and Scallop Ceviche, served with green onion, cilantro, and prickly pear vinaigrette and served atop crisp baby corn tortillas. The Scallops were chopped into chunks and had the consistency of rubber. The flavor was not even pleasing. The "Prickly Pear" vinaigrette was a bright reddish color and was not a flavor I would like to experience again. To top it all off the garnish was sprigs of dill and there was no dill in the dish! Not a good start.
Next, I ordered the Pulled Pork Burritos, which I was informed was also a new addition to the menu. The pork was tender and came wrapped in two flour tortillas and topped with black beans, chili rajas, jack cheese, and a charred tomato guajillo sauce. This dish was actually not too bad.
Also ordered at the table were the Chicken and goat cheese egg rolls, which were soggy and flavorless. The saving grace for the egg rolls, was the "Tomato Jam" accompaniment, which had a nice sweet flavor. The Kobe Beef burger was also ordered and from what I understand, was dry and crumbled like a dry cookie. Also, the Flatbread Pizza, dressed with chicken, goat cheese, roasted garlic, and a Malbec Balsamic drizzle. I recall having the Flatbread in the past. Sis in law said, as I remember from my experience, was more like bread with stuff on it, not a "Flatbread". The best part when I had it was the reduction, which when Balsamic is involved adds so much flavor that it can save almost any dish, almost.
The Cowboy Cobb Salad was also ordered, and a friend of mine actually used to get the salad frequently, because it was always good. The salad consists of greens with a bunch of stuff on top, not too difficult to screw up.
Two of us then ordered coffee. 20 Minutes later, it arrived and our server said, and I quote, "sorry it took so long, I had to brew a fresh pot, I hope it is not too hot." As if him saying that would brainwash us into believing it was actually hot instead of being as cold as it was!
Although, Lopez has a nice bar, and good Tequila selection I will definitely make sure I eat before I return if someone should suggest it.

Anatolia Cafe

2270 Lee Road
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 321-4400
www.anatoliacafe.com

Finally, Anatolia Cafe, the Turkish restaurant previously located at Cedar Center, has opened up on Lee Road, adding to the restaurant choices on the strip. As I have mentioned they have been under construction for some time and at last opened their doors on the 1st of March. I loved their previous location, but the new location is absolutely beautiful.
They did a fabulous job designing the space. The restaurant takes up four storefronts. One space is the bar area complete with a fireplace and about six tables. The next space over has glass counters stocked with their delicious desserts and an open kitchen. The third area is a dining room, and the last space is another dining area also with a fireplace to the rear of the room.
We visited this past Saturday when there were blizzard conditions, so only the bar was open.
We ordered a few drinks, and the barkeep offered us some Turkish wine, and said, "Americans usually like this wine, well Turkish people too, but Americans like it." After a tasting, I ordered some vodka. One of my companions liked it and ordered a glass, and after trying it again with some food it was a bit better.
We started with the mixed appetizer plate, offered in small, medium or large. We chose small, and it arrived complete with, Hummus, Haydari, (yogurt dip with walnuts, garlic, and dill) Kisir, (cracked wheat with peppers, parsley, and onions) Babbagannush, (which is how they spelled it on their menu) Eggplant with sauce, (a spicy concoction with tomatoes and onions) Ezme Salad dip, (tomatoes, walnuts, onions, lemon and olive oil) and if that weren't enough, stuffed grape leaves as well, and served with never ending baskets of bread. Each selection was delectable, and the small was plenty, two of us could not even finish. We also tried the Turkish Feta and black olives plate. The Feta was tangy and refreshing, and the olives were nice and salty.
Next, I ordered the Chicken Adana with Yogurt. A delightful assembly of herb marinated grilled chicken, a tomato and onion sauce, and a yogurt sauce served atop of grilled and herbed croutons. Also ordered was the Lamb and Chicken Kabob combination. Each item was seasoned perfectly and the Kabobs were perfectly grilled and tender.
For dessert, we of course ordered the tremendous, Kazandibi. The Milk custard dish dusted with cinnamon, that I could eat all day long. Also, the rice pudding, served in its own crock arrived creamy and sweet. Again, like previous visits I also ordered the Apple Tea, which is a nice compliment to the sweet selections.
Anatolia Cafe; the next scrumptious addition to the Lee Road restaurant row.
I will continue to visit them regularly, if not for the comfortable surroundings, for the tasty Turkish delights.

Bliss Bistro and Lounge

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Cleveland Heights' Lee Road, home to the old Wine Room, has been undergoing a complete renovation all winter.
Finally, there are signs of life coming from behind the covered large glass windows, announcing Bliss Bistro and Lounge. I heard through the grapevine that it is going to be a fusion of French and Asian cuisines, under the direction of the chef from Fat Cats restaurant in Tremont. I had always liked the Wine Room. The space was nice and dark and the wine list was extensive. I can't wait to see what emerges from behind the illusive construction tarps.

Aoeshi

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

So, I have mentioned Ariyoshi, the sushi spot in Cleveland Heights before. But there are new and interesting developments in the area. Apparently, the space across and up the street a bit, the old Starbucks coffee, that thankfully closed sometime ago, has been advertising on the windows that a place called Aoeshi will be opening soon. Listing sushi, panini bread, and wraps as their cuisine. The place is tiny, and who would open a sushi place right next door to another? So, we inquired with what seems to be the Madam of Ariyoshi, that now knows us since we go there so often. She told us that the owners of Aoeshi opened a restaurant next door to their West side location also, and now have followed them here to the East side too! Obviously, there is more to the story, she told us that she knows the owners well, but she did not tell us how, very interesting. We will have to wait and see how this unfolds.

Nighttown

12387 Cedar Road
Cleveland Heights, OH
(216) 795 0550
www.nighttowncleveland.com


Nighttown on Cedar Road on the way down the hill towards downtown has been an institution to many people for quite some time. They offer a great venue for well-known and local jazz artists alike. They serve English style pub fare every day of the week, til midnight and 1 am on the weekends. I personally have never been impressed with their food. Every time I have dined there, there was something wrong with the dishes that I ordered. If it was a seared piece of Tuna appetizer, it was cooked through instead of seared and quite fishy in taste and smell or, just a bland entree. Every time someone suggests going there, I suggest somewhere else. Over the past few months, I have tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, that they might actually have some merit. If all these people in this city go there so often, am I missing something or do these people just not know what the hell they are talking about?
Don't get me wrong, the bar is nice and dark, and if someone is tickling the ivory on the other side, you can enjoy the sounds without having to sit on top of the piano. The bar staff is usually polite enough, but can be lackadaisical at times, when it comes to clearing an obviously finished plate, finished for some time.
So, I tried again. I suppose, I didn't fully try again, for we sat at the bar and not at a table. We are so apprehensive to give them a chance to redeem themselves, that we are taking baby steps. It's not like they owe us anything, who are we? But, at least we do know what is good and what is bad.
So, at the bar Nighttown has a deal that if you order a burger, it is only $5. So, we started there, and perhaps we will give them another chance in the future. The burger was good. Cooked to the preference. I ordered mine medium with blue cheese and grilled onions. It arrived in perfect time and prepared just that way. The fries were perfectly crisp and hot. We had no complaints. (Other than the plate ordeal, but no biggy)
As I sat at the bar finishing up my bourbon, at 10:30 on a Thursday night, I watched as people poured in the door ready for dinner. There was a party of ten just arriving, and walk in parties of fives and sixes. It was good to see that a restaurant in Cleveland Heights can still be happenin at that time during the week, because there are not a lot of options for later night dining in the area. But, it just made me ask a new question...Do these people just not have any other options? Do they not know what they are talking about? Or, maybe I AM missing something.
Well, the burgers were good, the bourbon was delicious, and the pour was great. We will see when I am ready to go back for more than the burger, but I guess I have to try...maybe.

Ariyoshi

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

Ariyoshi, the Japanese restaurant on Cleveland Heights' Lee Road came through once again. I have spoken of this place before, and mentioned how I wanted to try and dine there often not only because the food was great but also to try and do my part to keep them around.
Well, I dined there once again the other night, and they did not disappoint.
The lighting was nice and dim, although they do have two huge flat screen televisions that seem to follow you wherever you go in the restaurant, which is a little intrusive. But once you are comfortably seated and focused on the tasty morsels in front of you, it is easier to block them out. This visit we tried the Ika Sansai salad. It is cooked squid tossed with sesame seeds and a savory dressing, served with shaved Daikon radish. The flavor was there but it did not wow me enough to say that I would order it again. We also ordered the Age Dashi Tofu appetizer, just to make sure it was as good as it had been previously; it was. So tender and tasty. There were four of us so we decided to order a few large sushi rolls (Futomaki), and a few small rolls (Hosomaki), as well as, a few pieces of Tuna (Maguro) nigiri style.
Each selection was perfectly assembled by the sushi chefs, and the fish was sweet and fresh. Our server was very engaging and attentive, and our carafe of hot Sake never sat empty.
Thankfully, Ariyoshi rose to the occasion once again and we all left with full bellies and planning our next visit.

Lee Road

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Cleveland Heights’ Lee Road is finally coming back to life.
Don’t get me wrong, the street has always been alive, with Irish pubs like Parnells where you can get an awesome Guinness and some Jamesons, and your other local hang outs like the Tav. Co., and don’t forget the Colony who never disappoints for better pub fare than most. But, now the up and coming Cleveland Heights strip of Lee Road is not just watering holes anymore, now the street is beginning to open a restaurant row of sorts. Under new construction is Anatolia Café (Update; 3/28/08 Now open and delicious.)that has its original space at Cedar Center just up the road. It is a Turkish spot, with tasty kabobs and grilled meats with yogurt sauces. The apple tea is like biting into a warm apple and can’t be beat, and please make sure you have some Kazandibi. A milk pudding dessert that I could eat by the plateful, for real.
Also, the Wine Room is under going a full renovation (Bliss Bistro and Lounge) and will hopefully reopen soon with a full kitchen and the previous dark wood, and inviting feel. Prabu was always there to talk wine and offer any knowledgeable suggestions.
I must not forget to mention Marotta's. A small dimly lit Italian restaurant. It is quaint and has an extensive wine list. The antipasto plate is perfect with cured meats, cheeses, artichokes, peppers, eggplant, olives, and greens, just to name a few. Their thin crust pizzas and pasta dishes are also delicious.
Ariyoshi is another new addition, a Japanese restaurant with a full sushi bar and tasty udon noodle soups, and Teriyaki dishes that I have yet to try. But the Age Dashi Tofu appetizer for $4.50, is a definite winner. With the sweet and soft tofu inside just a slightly fried skin, served with a salty special sauce. I have been there three times now and left pleased each time. I plan on trying to go there at least once a week to ensure they stick around.
Okay, I cannot lie, I did get a bone in a bite of some yellowtail sushi. But, that was my only complaint, and the sushi chef did make up for it by making a special salmon, crab, and ginger sauce plate. After that... what bone?