It amazes me that Ohio City has so many dining choices in just a four block area. I suppose that's one of the reasons I have never been to Touch Supper Club for dinner (I had been there once before for lunch but didn't really feel that another hamburger review was necessary).
For appetizers we started off with the Calamari, West Side Market Cheese and Charcuterie (very substantial; a large amount of cheese), the Belgian Frites (which met the definition of what I consider frites to be; thin, crispy, with some seasoning). While we're on the subject of frites, am I the only one who thinks the version at Bar Cento are too thick? There's a place called Monk's in Philadelphia that had awesome frites with different dipping mayos and an incredible assortment of Belgian beer.
I ordered the Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage brown butter, hazel nut sauce. I've usually had these where the squash filling is a puree, but in this case it was a chunkier filling, essentially a small dice. I enjoyed, and appreciated the different approach.
Regina had the Duck Confit with the Warm Mushroom Salad, which she thought was okay. In all fairness she despises salad and probably should have ordered a side or substituted it.
Some of the others at our table had the Flank Steak, Hamburger, and Brined Pounded Pork Chop. Of the three I'd say the pork chop looked the most interesting. The chop came with Cranberry Vinegarette and Butternut Squash Risotto. I'm a sucker for all things cranberry.
Normally we're dessert people; not tonight. I was completely full. Only my brother-in-law Mike had room left for dessert, Berries Foster (not to be mistaken with former Steelers running back Barry Foster).
My overall impression? I wish they'd change the name. It has an adult entertainment kind of ring to it. The service can be a bit slow for my liking.
On the plus side, the food reminds me a lot of Luxe. There's a certain level of quality and desire to try different things that I find very appealing. It's clear that Chef Jeff Fisher has created a menu that offers something for everyone, while not mailing in a "been there done that" kind of menu.
As a side note, I really like some of the artwork inside the restaurant (especially the series that hangs behind the bar).
I enjoyed my evening here. I think it's a great atmosphere with a really good menu. I will definitely be back.
Touch Supper Club
2710 Lorain Ave
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 631-5200
www.touchohiocity.com
Touch can be top notch. Great food at a great price. Unfortunately some of the other things involved with running a great restaurant can be inconsistent (e.g. service).
ReplyDeleteI had the Christmas Ale braised short ribs a couple weeks ago and it was fantastic.
I do have to disagree with about Bar Cento's frites. They may or may not be authentic, I have no idea and don't really care. I think they are amazing. What do you prefer? I've never had Touch's, are they comparable to Lola Fries?
Forgot to mention one other thing. If you are a big ravioli fan, you've got to try the sweet potato ravioli Bar Cento has on the market right now. I am not a big sweet potato fan, but the dish was awesome. Comes in a cream sauce with candied bacon and something that I can't remember. yum!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I prefer a fry (frite) that is skinnier. I suppose it's the difference between onion rings in the classic sense and onion rings that are cut a little thinner.
ReplyDeleteWhile I've never had the fries at Lola, the chicken breast at Parallax comes with the fries I'm talking about.
In the end it does it really matter? No, I don't think so either. Bar Cento is doing just fine without my support for their frites.
As for the ravioli, I may go there tonight and try it.
Is the sweet potato ravioli a special that you can only get on certain days of the week? Or is it a daily item? Also, what is its price if I may ask?
ReplyDeleteI have dined at Touch 4 times now, and it has always been top notch. However, I should point out that I have gone during the week, so it was not very busy. Favorites of mine include the Christmas Ale Short Ribs and the Touch Burger.
My handle is usually RyanMcFly1985, but for some reason I am not able to sign in right now.
RyanMcFly1985 - The sweet potato ravioli was on Bar Cento's menu last Monday when I was there. Their menu changes regularly so it may have already been taken off, who knows, give them a call to check. I believe it was $15 and came with your choice of side....the mushroom side was awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much. I'll give them a call!
ReplyDelete