Eddie's Pizzeria Cerino

Make sure to check here for more Cleveland posts

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

Make sure to check here for more Cleveland posts

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

Make sure to check here for more Cleveland posts

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

Make sure to check here for more Hawai'i posts!

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

Make sure to check here for more Cleveland posts

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

Make sure to check here for more Cleveland posts

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.

Marvelous Merriman's

Make sure to check here for more Hawai'i posts!

We saved our fanciest dinner on the Big Island for last. Merriman's was a highlight of our trip in 2007, so it was a given that we would be returning. Peter Merriman's flagship restaurant in Waimea has been recognized throughout the country as a leader in Hawaiian Regional Cuisine (HRC), along with likes of Alan Wong and Beverly Gannon. Merriman's menu changes as its staple items, but the accompaniments and preparations of the main proteins change with what's in season and available on a local level.

We had been looking forward to going on the Merriman’s farm tour, but unfortunately it is no longer offered. Instead we just spent the day up in Waimea having lunch at Huli Sue’s and visiting the Parker Ranch, prior to our dinner.

The atmosphere at Merriman’s is upscale and casual at the same time. It's a beautiful space that's done in shades of yellow and green. The kitchen runs along the back of the restaurant. It lacks outdoor dining, but that's okay since it's located in “Upcountry” of the Big Island, where the temperatures can be chilly compared to the coast and light rains are frequent. I found their environment very welcoming and not at all pretentious or stuffy.

We began our meal with the Kalua Pork and Sweet Onion Quesadilla with Housemade Kimchee (too bitter for my taste) and Mango Chili dipping sauce ($10.95). I would have loved more pork within it, but also filled with sweet Maui onions and cheddar cheese, it was one of my favorite appetizers of the trip.

Having visited the Natural Energy Lab a few days prior and learning about the sustainably raised Kona Kampachi, I was delighted to see it on the menu and chose it as my entree. This preparation was steamed and accompanied by spiced Kabocha Squash and Garlic Macadamia Nut Rice. The original entree had a Lobster Citrus reduction, but the waitress was able to substitute another sauce (a sweet ginger soy), based on my request. The fish was lovely and the sauce I had made a nice pairing. I’ll admit my preference is for squash over rice any day. I would have preferred a stronger spice mix on the squash (and more of it) vs. the rice, which wasn’t quite as flavorful as expected.

Having been left relatively full from his lunch at Huli Sue's, Cal went with the local Grass Fed Big Island Filet Steak ($38.95). It was an 8oz. filet, served with local corn, Maui Onion marrow jam and Rosemary mashed potatoes. He said what he liked the most about it was that it was so delicious yet so simple.

Dessert was the highlight of the meal for me. A carry over from our first dining experience there in 2007, one of Merriman's signature desserts is their “Original Hawaiian Chocolate” filled Phyllo Purse ($12). It's gooey, melted chocolate, wrapped inside flaky chocolate phyllo dough. They serve it with a generous scoop of Dulce le Leche Tropical Dreams ice cream and a lemon drizzle on the plate. I wasn't sure about the lemon sauce, but it actually paired very well with the rich chocolate and coffee like flavor of the Dulce le Leche ice cream. Since I became grouchy at Cal's initial suggestion to share a dessert, he (as a good husband should), ordered his own but he substituted Tropical Dreams Tahitian Vanilla ice cream instead.

One thing we noticed is that the plating of the food is very simple. While this may be a drawback for some, be careful not to let that fool you into thinking the food isn't that good. I'd guess that their simplicity in plating is just a by product or extension of Merriman's Farm to Plate approach. It's not about wowing you with the way it looks, but rather the way it tastes. You eat at Merriman’s to escape the mainland and experience what the Islands have to offer from a culinary perspective and they deliver the satisfying experience that you're looking for.

Total cost for a starter, 2 entrees, 2 desserts and a Kona Brewing Company Longboard Ale, without tax, was $114.00. Worth the price and if we return to the Big Island, we'd be back to Merriman's without a doubt.

As an aside, I asked the Hostess if they ever share recipes, as I'm always trying to recreate my dining experiences at home. She told me that if I e-mail their office, there are several recipes they can share with me, but she was unsure if the pastry chef would part with the Chocolate filled Phyllo Purse recipe. My belief is: you never know if you don't ask...stay tuned.

The overall experience is absolutely wonderful. The food is very just as thoughtful. If you have the chance to get to the Big Island you have to stop here.

Merriman's
65-1227 Opelo Rd
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 885-6822
www.merrimanshawaii.com

Mekong River

Make sure to check here for more Cleveland posts

Mekong River is another one of those places we've been meaning to try, but never quite made it. Last week we swung in for carryout.

The first impression is that it's your typical Asian restaurant. Nothing fancy, just a modestly furnished and decorated casual restaurant.

When you look at the menu, the first thing that jumps out at you is the variety of Cambodian and Thai dishes available. Filled with a combination of meat, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes, Mekong offers a little bit of something for everyone.

We ordered the Nam Chao (2 per order): Fresh wrapped rice paper rolls, stuffed with cucumber, cilantro, lettuce, noodles, carrots, and shrimp. Served with sweet and sour peanut sauce. The peanut sauce, while good, was not the thicker peanut sauce we are used to. The sauce wasn't that spicy, which my wife appreciated.

For dinner we shared the Mango Curry which consisted of fresh mangos, yellow squash, bell peppers, and pineapple, and shrimp. The mangos made the dish. We loved it. We also ordered a side of the Pineapple Fried Rice: Shrimp, chicken, eggs, snow peas, green peas and pineapple. Next time we're going to order separately since I have an affinity for all that is spicy and my wife does not (these were not spicy).

Specializing in Cambodian and Thai, Mekong River has a good representation of dishes from both cuisines. I think what I like the most is that the menu isn't overambitious. There aren't nine million items on the menu that are average in execution. They have a wide enough representation without being too limited. Our experience certainly warrants another visit.

Mekong River
1918 Lee Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 371-9575
www.mekongriver-cleveland.com

Mi's Italian Bistro

Make sure to check here for more Hawai'i posts!

We went to Mi's Italian Bistro, a small local Italian restuarant, at the recommendation of our B & B owners, Michael and Greg. Normally Italian wouldn't be our first choice when dining out, but we were glad to make an exception for something that came so highly recommended.

Mi's is a small restaurant, run by a local couple (Chef/owner Morgan Starr, and his wife, Ingrid Chan). They make their own pasta and work hard to create dishes that utilize fresh, local ingredients. I did a little research and discovered Morgan was a sous chef at the Four Seasons Hualalai (a very exclusive resort on the Big Island) and his younger brother Colin, assists with preparing the desserts (my favorite course of the meal).

At first we were seated at a table in the middle of the restaurant. Unfortunately for those two middle tables, the bright lighting from the kitchen bleeds into the dining room. They were more than happy to move us when we mentioned the lighting problem.

Our starter and entrees were recommendations of our hostess. We began with the Green and Beat Salad. This is a great dish to share, unless of course you want to hoard of the candied macadamia nuts for yourself.

For entrees, I had the Seafood Fettucine and Cal had the Herb and Cheese Stuffed Ravioli. My dish was creamy but light (i.e. not drenched in sauce). I actually don't eat a lot of pasta, but I made an exception this time. Plus, I was pleased to find a lot of extras amongst the pasta that filled me up (snap peas, shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and onions). Cal loved the toothy homemade pasta.

Dessert was the Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache for Cal and the Banana Rum Flambe with Vanilla Macademia Nut Caramel Sauce, Tropical Dreams Ice Cream atop Banana bread. I was bummed that they didn't have any whipped cream (what can I say, I'm addicted) to go with it, but I quickly forgot about it with the first bite. The marriage of the sweet bananas and caramel sauce, smooth ice cream and dense, almost cake like banana bread was perfection. The addition of macademia nuts to the Caramel sauce took it over the top...needless to say, I allowed Cal one taste and then I refused to share.

I was impressed with the fact that everyone pitches in to help serve patrons...on more than one occasion, Morgan or one of his assistants, would bring dishes to the tables as soon as they were ready...a nice touch that shows they go the extra mile.

My only disappointment here is that I don't have more photos from our meal. The lighting was a little too dim to use a camera without the flash (hence the one blurry picture that we do have).

Mi's Italian Bistro
81-6372 Mamalahoa Hwy 103
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 323-3880