1550 Hyde Wine Bar and Café

1550 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Get Directio(415) 775-1550
www.1550hyde.com

I have mentioned that San Francisco is a wonderful place. I think either I have lived there in a past life, or am destined to. Either way, every time I am there, it gets better and better. Whether it is the weather, the food, or the people it just keeps calling me back.

This trip was superb. I will first discuss 1550 Hyde Wine Bar and Café.

(I must tell you, I did not take this pic which will be explained later...)

1550 is located in the Russian Hill neighborhood and was about a one mile walk from where we stayed near Union Square.
The San Francisco night air was crisp and cool, and as we climbed up and down the hilly streets our anticipation grew for what was awaiting us behind the glass door that read "1550".
We entered into a lively candle lit room, full of positive energy, so far so good. My eyes scanned the small packed dining room and were immediately drawn to the ceilings which were adorned with wine corks arranged in the shapes of flowers.

We were greeted by a gentleman that told us there would be at least an hour wait for a table. We spied two seats at the end of the six-seat bar and promptly grabbed them. The bar was tiny, but pleasantly cozy, and the gentleman that originally had greeted us was now telling us the evening's specials as he handed us menus. We ordered some wine and started with their Antipasto Plate offering.

(Now before I continue, I have to say because I enjoyed this whole experience so much, the camera stayed tucked away in my bag. I am sorry, but the place was that great, pics were momentarily forgotten about, my sincere apologies.)

Anyway, the Antipasto came complete with about six different types of olives that had been warmed and dressed with just a bit of oil, a locally farmed and cured Salami, a warm beet salad, a beautiful Porcini Mushroom Crostini that I could have eaten all night, and finally a nice mix of roasted nuts.
It was a perfect selection of items. On the menu that evening were also a selection of cheeses. We selected the Toma Piedmontese, a cow' s milk cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy, which arrived with slices of walnut bread. The cheese was divine. Since returning to Cleveland we have been scouring the city to find it, no such luck yet. (I may just have to order it online, it was THAT good.)
As we continued to nibble on our lovely items, the gentleman informed us about how the restaurant has personal relationships with food suppliers and farmers all local to that region of California. Because of these relationships the menu changes often as menu items are dependent on the fresh harvests and the availability of various cured meats. We wanted to try some of the entrees next, but we decided that something sweet was in order after all of the salty choices.

We were given the dessert menu, and everything sounded fabulous. We were then informed that the evening special dessert was a Brown Rice Pudding with Sauternes macerated Strawberries. That clinched it. We ordered the rice pudding and the Scharffen Berger Bittersweet Chocolate Pot de Crème with Straus whipped cream and shortbread cookies.
Holy $#%@! The Brown rice in the pudding had a perfect texture; not mushy and not stiff, right in between, the pudding itself was not overly sweet, and the Sauternes with the Strawberries was an exquisite compliment.
Now onto the Pot de Crème. This was absolutely delicious. The consistency of the chocolate was so smooth and creamy we fought over whom got to lick the dish. The Straus whipped cream was also a perfect addition and the crisp shortbread cookies lent a delightful crunch.

1550 Hyde Wine Bar and Café was such a wonderful neighborhood find in the Russian Hill district of San Francisco. If it were my neighborhood, I know I would be there all the time.

Lucky's Cafe

Revisited:

777 Starkweather
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 622-7773
www.luckyscafe.com

An afternoon stop at Lucky's...
After having lunch downtown I had a craving for something sweet. Lucky's was the spot. I had experienced their sweets in the past, and had mixed feelings. I was ready to try again, and I had no complaints. A cappuccino and a Milk Chocolate Brownie with Butter cream frosting and burnt sugar crust. Mmmm. The Brownie was moist and smooth and the slight crunch from the sugar crust was perfect with the creamy frosting. The cappuccino was exquisitely frothed and the espresso was perfectly balanced. The two were just what I was looking for, and as always Lucky's was there for the afternoon treat.

Le Petit Triangle

1881 Fulton Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 281-1881
www.lepetittrianglecafe.com

The former home of Le Oui Oui Cafe is now another French cuisine based bistro called Le Petit Triangle. The space is tiny and cozy, and only has about ten tables that are right next to the open kitchen complete with a crepe cook top. The menu includes salads, sandwiches and an extensive crepe menu, both sweet and savory. I have been looking forward to trying the quaint bistro for some time and finally got a chance to have lunch the other day.
We started with the French press for two. A delightful French Roast coffee steeped and pressed. Next, I ordered the Croque Madame Sandwich.The Croque Madame is a grilled ham and Gruyere cheese sandwich, topped with a fried egg and Béchamel sauce, and served with roasted potatoes on the side. Le Petit Triangle is a French inspired cafe, but the portions are definitely Americanized. I remember ordering a Croque Madame in France along my travels, and the sandwich was no where near the size it was at Le Petit. Don't get me wrong, it was tasty and I did nearly finish the whole thing, but it certainly was a hefty lunch. My companion ordered the Chicken and Mushroom Crepe with Gruyere cheese. The chicken was tender and the crepe was perfectly cooked. We passed on dessert because we were so full at that point.
The space is so cozy and intimate that I will surely return if I am in the neighborhood and ready for a pleasing crepe.

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.

Lelolai Bakery

1889 W 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113

(216) 771-9956
www.lelolaibakery.com

Lelolai Bakery in downtown Cleveland on West 25th Street is a small family run cafe and bakery. They have a small dining area and offer catering services. The staff is always helpful if you have questions, and are patient if you can't make up your mind. If you are looking for a sweet flan, or some Guava Jelly pastries, you need to go to Lelolai. The flan is sold plate size or by the slice. Their Guava Jelly pastries, which are my favorite, are just sweet enough and perfectly flaky, and are made bite size or palm size.

They have specials everyday ready for a quick lunch. On the menu are also sandwiches including the fantastic Cuban or Caribbean, both made with their roasted pork. Or try a beef or chicken Empanada. If you are just looking for a quiet place to enjoy your afternoon coffee, Lelolai is just that place.

2020 Martini Cafe and Lounge

2020 Center Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 776 0202
www.2020martini.com


Saturday afternoon after a downtown lunch, a friend of mine suggested we go check out a new place that opened up on the West Bank of the Flats of Cleveland. As most people from or around Cleveland know, the Flats have been struggling to get going again for some time.
The Stonebridge Condominiums, a newer addition to Cleveland's downtown living, now has the 2020 Martini Cafe and Lounge on it's ground floor. It is a huge space decorated with a theatrical theme with Italian accents, which is apparent from the stone facade at the entrance made to look like an Italian street corner. As you pass through the glass door you can go left to the cafe decorated in the a palette of deep chocolate booths and comfy chairs and sofas. Or, you can continue into the main dining area with towering ceilings and an open kitchen. Then to your right are modern rolled couches in the complimentary colors of bright oranges and blues, surrounding a full bar. They did pay attention to the decorative detail for the vents in the ceiling were painted to look like olives in martini glasses. Nice touch.
We ordered a few drinks and some coffees and relaxed on the couches near the glass patio doors that will be a wonderful place to enjoy outside seating once the weather changes.
The pours on the cocktails were perfect and the staff seemed very eager to accommodate. As we relaxed, we looked over the menu for both the restaurant and the bar. The selections they offer ranged from appetizers of calamari and shrimp cocktails to stone oven fired pizzas and sandwiches. Since we had just come from lunch we did not dine there, so we will have to return at another time to sample their cuisine. Unfortunately, as we read the menu, we saw multiple misspellings and grammatical errors. Something as simple as misspelling Dom Perignon, on a champagne bottle list of only four or five options! I don't think anyone would pay $200 for a bottle of "Dom Piernon". Also, their "Quattro Formaggi" pizza listed five cheeses...
Other than fixing these details, I will return and hope them all the best in the future. Cleveland's Flats definitely needs to keep moving in this direction of new innovative spaces and I hope that other places follow suit.

Lucky's Cafe

777 Starkweather
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 622-7773
www.luckyscafe.com

Lucky's Cafe in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood is a perfect place to sit and sip coffee all day or just stop in for a quick bite. The cafe has indoor seating and outdoor seating. The seating outside consists of picnic tables lined up along side their personal herb and vegetable gardens.
Each time I have been to Lucky's I have left pleased and sometimes overly caffeinated, due to over indulgence of the luscious coffee. They are open seven days a week, but only serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. They offer sweet selections like scones, tarts, cookies, and cupcakes as well as soups and sandwiches. The sandwiches are served on your choice of house baked breads from focaccia and multigrain, to baguettes and flaky croissants. My most recent visit I left with two cupcakes and a peanut butter brownie, and unfortunately, all three were dry and unimpressive. Because of how good everything else has been, I surely will try again.
On the brunch days they serve delectable options, from gingerbread waffles with maple apples, honey whipped cream and house made caramel, to the Shipwreck: an egg scramble of bacon, potatoes, peppers, and cheese, served with buttery toast. I also have enjoyed their house made granola served with yogurt and fruit, as well as the oh so rich, brioche stuffed French toast, with sweetened ricotta and served with caramelized peaches. Sweet deliciousness. Even if you arrive on a busy weekend morning, the overstuffed couch near the front is a perfect spot to enjoy your meal and coffee while looking out of the large picture window on to the street, or conversing with your neighbor across the table.
The staff is always helpful and courteous. A few additional perks are that they adorn the walls with local artists' works, and also feature a daily dark roast, medium roast, and flavored coffee.
There is nothing like a locally owned cafe; especially one that grows it's own veggies and herbs, and Lucky's is definitely not one to overlook.