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This is just a short list of places I’ve been to near my house (and beyond) that don’t really warrant more than a few sentences.

No. 1 Express
If it’s number one it’s got to be good, right? Wrong. Superior, No. 1, Superior No. 1, I don’t know where the whole “best” thing comes from with Chinese restaurants, but it doesn’t tell the customer much about the actual establishment.

No. 1 Express is run-of-the-mill Chinese restaurant that has surprisingly bland General Tso’s chicken. If it's spice you like, go elsewhere. I can say that the service is fast, the store is clean, and the food is cheap. I wouldn’t, however, be expecting anything approaching Sun Luck Garden.

No. 1 Express
3977 Warrensville Center Road
Warrensville Heights, OH 44122
(216) 991-5944



DiBella’s Old Fashioned Submarines
This sandwich shop makes both hot and cold submarine sandwiches. When I walked in I saw a massive neon DiBella’s sign on the back wall that reminded me of the Kenny Rogers Roasters episode of Seinfeld. Put that sucker on the other side of your bedroom window, and you just might become Kramer-like.

If you’re watching your figure this is probably not the place you want to eat at. When I want to go, I have to do so without my wife because it's definitely not Subway. I ordered the Godfather which had Genoa salami, capicola, and spicy ham. The sandwich, which I ordered hot, was really delicious. Unfortunately, the guilt factor afterward has been enough to keep me away.

DiBella's Old Fashioned Submarines
4025 Richmond Road
Warrensville Heights, OH 44122
(216) 378-0783
www.dibellas.com



Rocco’s New York Style Pizza
I was over in the North Royalton area and drove past a sign that said “New York Style Pizza”. Since it was dinner time I figured I’d swing in. Located at (I believe) the former location of an Antonio’s satellite store, Rocco’s is for the most part a carry-out place. There are a few tables that you can eat at, but nothing totally dedicated to dining.

I went with a small (14”) pizza with pepperoni. Ray, the guy cooking the pizzas, was very friendly and served up my pizza. The pizza was, in fact, New York style. I liked it okay, but thought that the crust was missing a little something (what that is I can’t say for sure). It’s a solid pie, just not anything extraordinary. It reminded me a lot of the neighborhood pizza shops you find in the Jersey/ New York area.

The service is friendly and the prices are good. When I asked if they had any menus they said they were getting more in this week. Is it me, or do you think that’s a little ridiculous? If I owned a restaurant (especially a carry-out pizza place) I would have menus in reserve. It’s worth a try if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t call it a destination.

Rocco's Pizza
5670 Wallings Rd
Cleveland, OH 44133
(440) 582-1132

Mustard and Mayonnaise Glazed Asparagus

This time of year, at least in Ohio, there is a limit as to what can be had from the local farmer's market. I think it's kind of nice that gradually more and more comes to harvest, as opposed to having everything coming at you all at once. In a sense it prevents you from gravitating toward your favorite produce.

When the June Food + Wine arrived last week, I saw a couple of recipes for using mayo in marinades on asparagus. Written by Nate Appleman of A16 in SF, he says these can also be used on broccoli and fennel. Anytime I can pick up a recipe that translates into more than one veggie, I'll try it at least once.

I picked up some thick stalks of asparagus from Muddy Fork Farm at the Shaker Square North Union Farmer's Market. I feel the thick stalks work better for grilling because there's still a substantial amount of asparagus left once you're done peeling them. I also think the thicker pieces are easier to maneuver on the grill (thin ones can fall through the grate, doh!).

This is an absolute killer recipe. I wasn't quite sure how well it was going to turn out, but the spears maintain a crispness to them that is really appealing. The marinade is present but not at all overpowering. Combine all of that with the charring from the grill and you've got one fantastic side dish.

You can print the recipe out here. There is also a companion recipe for Smoky Glazed Asparagus here, although I haven't tried it yet.

Mike Walsh over at A View from the Kitchen had a great link about asparagus from yesterday's New York Times. In the article they talk about a french asparagus varietal from the '30's that could grow to around 2 inches in diameter and around a pound per spear! Slap one of those on a bun and you've got a vegetarian hot dog.

Thurman Cafe

Walter Dad and I took a roadtrip to Columbus this past Sunday. I had a couple of things I had to do while I was down there, so it was a perfect opportunity to catch some food at the same time.

I knew that when we got down there that I wanted to take him to Thurman Cafe in German Village. Since it was the weekend I figured lunch was going to be packed; so I planned on a midday visit to avoid any major wait.

We got to Thurman Cafe around 3 and there was about a 5-10 minute wait. It's kind of like Melt in the sense that there is a waiting room on one side, and the bar and dining area on the other. On the plus side, the waiting room offers free popcorn while you wait.

Here's a tip: go at off peak hours. At dinner and lunch the wait can sometimes be measured in hours. There comes a point where the wait isn't worth it. It is an old bar space so (as you can see from the photo below), space is very limited.We sit down and the first thing I notice is that it's much more pleasant to eat here than the old days due to the absence of cigarette smoke. It had been the first time I'd been there since the smoking ban was put into law. Very nice. Looking around the bar you can still see the nicotine patina that coats the walls and ceiling (the smell however is gone.)


I ordered the Jonnie's Special which is a 1/2# burger with blue cheese, horseradish cheese, and bacon served with fries. I can't remember what Walt got but it was massive (pictured below). However, his burger was not as big as the Thurmanator which was the centerpiece of a Man vs. Food episode (a hamburger with a half a pound of ham on it.)


The burgers here are great. Like most things, the best ever is a relative term. I would say Thurman Cafe rates toward the top of the list for most people that have been. The big complaint is going to be the wait. As I said before, do yourself a favor and go at the odd hour - you'll be glad you did.

Thurman Cafe
183 Thurman Ave Columbus, OH 43206 (614) 443-1570 www.thethurmancafe.com

Eddie's Pizzeria Cerino

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My wife was born and raised in Seven Hills. In the past 17+ years I've known her and her family, nearby dining spots have always been a bit of a problem. If it wasn't D'Agnese or Corleone's there just wasn't that many places to choose from in terms of good places to eat.

Before my in-laws went back to FLA we decided to try the recently opened Eddie's Pizzeria Cerino. First off let me say that the exterior and the interior are very well done. I always love going to a restaurant that is as nice on the inside as it is on the outside. It isn't that it's lavish or anything, but you can tell that a lot of time was spent on the overall concept - and it shows.
We went on a weeknight and it was a full house. After a twenty minute wait we were seated. The service was prompt and friendly. The food arrived in an appropriate amount of time.

If I had to compare the pizza to something it would probably be most like California Pizza Kitchen. I don't think it tastes as much like CPK as much as it looks like it. I tried the Italian Blue Smoke which was topped with balsamic infused bbq sauce, chicken, pancetta, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and provolone cheese. I thought it was a really good pizza.

My in-laws enjoyed the Italian Chef salad and the pizza they shared with me. Regina didn't really care for her Eggplant and Wild Mushroom Melt sandwich. I will tell you, though, that she's very particular about her eggplant. Everything gets compared to the eggplant from Primo's in Philadelphia. (I just shake my head when she orders it because I know it won't meet her romantic idea of eggplant).

I'd be curious to know what pizza snobs have to say about EPC. While it may not be the best I've ever had it certainly fills a huge void in the Seven Hills/ Independence area. They decor and of food is a notch above your typical pizza joint and fun night out. I'd recommend it for a cheap night out.

Eddie's Pizzeria Cerino
7305 Broadview Road
Seven Hills, OH 44131
(216) 236-6007
www.pizzeriacerino.com

Downtown 140

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The only time we ever really make it to Hudson is when there is something we might be attending in Akron or the surrounding area. Downtown 140 has been on my radar for quite awhile, but it's just a little outside the range (much like Thyme in Medina) of distance to solely go for dinner. Since we went to the Kimono as Art exhibition in Canton (which was unreal), we figured it was a perfect opportunity to stop in Hudson on the way home.

Downtown 140 is located in the downstairs of the historic main drag of Hudson. We entered through the stairwell that faces the street. If you're not in the know (like us) you end up walking through the dining room to the "front" the hostess stand. I guess I'm trying to say park and enter behind the buildings and save yourself the hassle. The back is the front.

The dining room is dimly lit. If you're older, like my father-in-law, bring some sort of light so you can read the menu. The decor has a modern bistro feel to it. They did a very nice job with the long narrow space. They could have jammed more tables along the wall, but they didn't. I appreciate that, we midwesterners enjoy our personal space.

The menu is similar in price to what you would find at Parallax. I ordered the Crispy Chicken which rivaled Zach's chicken at Parallax; it was that good. It was a perfectly cooked chicken breast with a crispy outside that was absolutely loaded with flavor. Regina had the Berkshire Pork Chop that was nice and thick with a good char on the outside. Thinking ahead she saved a nice piece of fatty goodness for the last bite.

By the end of dinner we were stuffed. I can't comment on the desserts since there was no room left. From cursory look we had, though, it didn't seem too extraordinary.

The service (which isn't a huge deal for me) was very professional. They were attentive without being up your ass.

I'll be back, no question about it. If you're in the area or you don't mind driving, you've got to go. Make sure you get a reservation as there was no sign of a recession in this dining room.

Downtown 140
140 N Main St
Hudson, OH 44236
(330) 655-2940
www.downtown140.com

Fatheads

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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

Paia Fish Market

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Before we left the Big Island we asked Greg, our B&B host who used to live in Maui, where some good spots to eat were. Though many of the places Regina had on the list Greg had mentioned. However, Paia Fish Market was a place we hadn’t planned on going to.

We landed in Kahalui and hopped in our super cool Bio Beetle. From the airport we decided we wanted to stop in the small town of Paia at the base of the Hana Highway.



Located on the corner of Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue, Paia Fish Market does one hell of a brisk lunch business. Lines are long and space is limited. This small eatery capitalizes on every square inch of space they have. Because space is so limited, there is an overhead storage space that is accessed by a ladder that is placed in the middle of the dining area. Seating consists of communal tables of 8.


The portions at PFM are generous. They offer an assortment of burgers, sandwiches, fajitas, and pasta.

We liked the fact that there were no Styrofoam containers to be found. Then again, I think you’d be hard pressed to find Styrofoam containers anywhere in this small town that has banned the use of plastic bags.

The vibe is fun, the place was clean, and the food was a good value. Is it a must try? I’d say, probably not. If you should happen to be in the area I would certainly give it a try.

Paia Fish Market
100 Hana Highway
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8030
paiafishmarket.com

Famous Dave's BBQ

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I typically don't have much reason to go to North Olmsted, but Saturday I was going to a poker tournament in that neck of the woods. I figured I'd try out Famous Dave's since I was going to be in the area.

I had heard good things from those who lived in the area. I pulled into the parking lot at 5:30 and it was absolutely packed. When I walked in, I bypassed the waiting crowd (yes, waiting at 5:30) and went straight to the bar.

The menu is pretty extensive with seemingly something for everyone. I decided to go with the chopped pork with fries, cole slaw, and corn bread. The chopped pork reminded me of one I had at Huli Sue's on the Big Island. I liked it. I also thought the sides were very good. I like Rotuno's meat better, but the sides at Famous Dave's are superior.

I normally am not a big corn bread fan, but this stuff was very moist. I loved it. While it probably isn't what you would consider traditional, Famous Dave's makes it in muffin form. Very good.

Expect a wait. This is a restaurant was surprisingly large, yet had a waiting list at 5:30 in the afternoon. Food is very good and the prices are, too. If there's a recession going on you wouldn't know it by walking in here.

Famous Dave's
26410 Great Northern Shop Ctr
North Olmsted, OH 44070
(440) 777-0200
www.famousdaves.com

A Huge Surprise Within Walking Distance

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For the last few months I have been curious about the Mexican place that took over the former Blue Line Cafe in Shaker Heights. The last time I had been in the Blue Line it was pretty empty. I've wanted to try Los Habeneros since it opened about four months ago.

When I walked in, much of the old place was still in evident. The walls were adorned with the typical kind of paintings and other things you usually find at Mexican restaurants.

Run-of-the-mill chips and salsa arrived with my frozen margherita. As I perused the menu I noticed many of the usual suspects. But as I looked a little closer I noticed that some of the dishes had a little different twist. I honed in on the Chicken Chipotle which is strip of grilled chicken with chipotle sauce (spicy) with poblano peppers and bacon, topped with cheese sauce, served with whole pinto beans and rice. Did you catch that? Chipotle sauce (spicy) with poblano peppers and bacon. As we all know everything tastes better with bacon.

I absolutely loved this dish. The bacon makes a good dish into a fabulous one. The smokiness of chipotle along with the bacon and cheese was awesome. The accompanying rice was not the usual dry crumbly stuff you typically get. It was actually pretty moist.

My good food karma led me to the Chicken Chipotle. To be honest, I'd be afraid to try anything else because I liked this one so much. If you're in the neighborhood you have to stop in. Nothing makes me happier than finding an unsuspecting delicious value so close to my house. Los Habeneros is a definite winner.

Los Habaneros Authentic Mexican Restaurant
20255 Van Aken Blvd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44122
(216) 991-4522
www.loshabanerosmexican.com

Goat Cheese......Cheesecake with Cranberries

Last fall Katie O'Donnell at Moxie had a goat cheese cheesecake that I thought was awesome. There's a tang that you get from the goat cheese that you recognize in a good way. It's a classic case of two things you wouldn't normally put together, but when you do they taste great. This is one of those desserts.

I've been looking for a good recipe to attempt the whole goat cheese thing. Armed with 10 ounces of goat cheese from MacKenzie Creamery I finally found a recipe that sounded interesting. February's Food and Wine actually has a recipe for Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Honeyed Cranberries. Put into the arsenal of Team USA for the Bocuse d'Or, Timothy Hollingsworth and Adina Guest share their creation.

I made it without the oranges because Regina's allergic to oranges. So when you look at the picture it's missing the orange zest mixture. Here is the link to the recipe.