My brother-in-law texted me on Tuesday and wanted to know if I was interested in going to Fathead's. A mutual friend of ours, Derek Wilson (Great Lakes Brewery, Sushi Rock), has been working his tail off for the last few months getting things ready. Since I had been down at the Masters I, unfortunately, wasn't able to come for the opening. Well, I had to stop in Lakewood to pick up my taxes so I figured lunch would be the perfect time to go.
When you walk in the door the first thing that hits you is the yeasty smell of the brewery (which is to your right). The bar/waiting area is the first room you walk into. It's big. Actually, the whole place is big - the bar, dining room(s), and game area. I was really surprised at how big it really was.
So we sat down and I ordered beer straight away. I ordered the "#1" which is Belgian saison ale. Later I found out that I could have had a sampler. Oh well, next time. The beer list consists of 9 beers they brew on the premises along with a modest assortment of about twenty beers brewed elsewhere.
The menu is basically large portions of bar food. There's quite a bit to choose from what they call "headwiches" which are about the size of your, well, your head - to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, smokehouse specials, and burgers. All burgers come with fresh cut fries and homemade chips come with all other sandwiches. The chips remind me of those at Brazenhead in Columbus. They're really good. I actually prefer them over fries. I think some dipping mayo a la Brazenhead and Bar Cento would be a nice addition to the menu.
I ordered a hot Fat Italian that consisted of much pork, provolone, banana peppers, and hard boiled eggs. Very good. In all honesty, it's the smoker that I'm really intrigued by. Since I had been in the South for the previous eleven days I was a bit bbq'ed out. The next time I come I will be getting something from the smokehouse portion of the menu.
All told, I think this is going to be a wildly popular place. I can definitely see Fathead's attaining a Melt, Cleveland Taphouse and Bar Cento cult following.
Fat Head's Brewery and Saloon
25481 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070
(440) 801-1001
www.fatheadscleveland.com
I see fatheads is up witch is good I can't seem to fine miles birthday meal though I guess the food wasn't that good maybe next year u can cook and I'll review it.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I got the same email from Alan Wong when I visited his restaurant and hadn't written about it (I'm speaking of the dinner I had back in January). It looks like I'll be cooking for both you AND him.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty, I've been a little busy lately and have managed to post three things in three weeks. It just so happened that Fat Head's was going to be the easiest thing to write and freshest in my mind last night.
I think dinner at Crazyhorse Men's Club warrants a little more creativity than a quick 15 minute blurb. Can I come on one of my wife's work dinner nights and get reacquainted with the menu?
As a side note: A non-review doesn't mean I didn't like it, it means I didn't have the time to write about it, unless you own One Walnut (then a non-review means it was the worst dining experience I had all year and don't want pile on an already sinking ship).
What were your thoughts on Alan Wong's?
ReplyDeleteAs you can tell I've got a bit of a backlog of Hawai'i stuff that I haven't made my way through yet. I have to get through Maui and most of Oahu, but I will tell you this: it is one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. If this restaurant was in NYC it would be just as popular as Babbo, Grammercy Tavern, and the like. His cookbook is very well written as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to post that review in the next few weeks.
Glad to hear it! It is one of my favorite restaurants too :) Always great food and great service. His Pineapple Room in Macy's at Ala Moana is great too for lunch. I'm excited to read more of your Hawaii posts keep them coming!
ReplyDelete