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.

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.

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?