fire food & drink
Address: 13220 Shaker Sq. Cleveland, OH 44120
Phone: 216-921-3473
Website: www.firefoodanddrink.com/
Chef/owner Doug Katz serves classic American dishes with creative, delicious twists. Katz has a near-religious devotion to fresh ingredients, most of which are provided by local farmers. The food's earthy origins shine in pleasant contrast to fire's urban chic environs, complete with well-worn wood floors, exposed brick and ductwork, and polished metal fixtures throughout. Entrees are largely prepared in fire's tandoor oven, which the kitchen expertly mans to deliver nicely seared meat, fish and poultry that's moist and juicy on the inside. Crispy fried chicken livers with bacon, spinach and sweet cranberry compote and pumpkin gnocchi dressed with roasted apples, umami-packed mushrooms stew and peppercress illustrate the types of starters found here. The refreshingly restrained, often changing menu features entrees like tandoor-roasted hanger steak with savory sweet potato croquette, mustard-braised cauliflower, peppery arugula and walnut vinegar. Service is extremely friendly, and though the bar area is not very large, the number of wine offerings by glass or bottle is. The Sunday brunch is among the most popular weekend afternoon options for East Siders and West Siders willing to make the trip. It's worth it.
Flying Fig
Address: 2523 Market Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-241-4243
Website: www.theflyingfig.com/
For years, Karen Small's Flying Fig restaurant has been flying high on the culinary radar of the region's most discerning palates. The Ohio City hotspot is at once a contemporary fine dining destination and cool neighborhood bar. Not surprisingly, the Fig does a steady bar business, with seriously unbeatable happy hour specials (among the city's best blue cheese burgers, and a paltry $5) and a location that draws from Downtown and the near West Side. Small's seasonal menu highlights locally sourced ingredients in assorted starters and small plates, such as the ever-popular tempura-battered green beans with curried yogurt dipping sauce; Plum Creek chicken livers with bacon, goat cheese and arugula; and sauteed sweetbreads with speck, dates, almonds, goat cheese, arugula and warm pomegranate reduction. Entrees have elegant elements but are grounded by familiar preparations that never seem tired. During the summer, a seat on the patio is one of the most coveted spots in Ohio City.
Sergio's Sarava
Address: 13225 Shaker Square Cleveland, OH 44120
Phone: 216-295-1200
Website: www.sergioscleveland.com
Sergio Abramof is one of northeast Ohio's most talented chefs and charismatic restaurateurs, having opened his first namesake restaurant in University Circle. He's also one of the most fun-loving and passionate supporters of the local community. Sarava's sprawling, contemporary environs fill with chatter in the dining room and lively bar, while the sizable patio is the place to be when the weather allows. Considerate and convivial servers, and Latin tunes - over loud speaker or courtesy of live musicians, pending on the day - set the scene for a memorable meal. Whether you're dining with a large group or out on a date, the tapas inspired by Abramof's native Brazil that feature on the bar menu or appetizer list are ideal for sharing. Crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside artichoke fritters, served with a refreshing lemon-thyme dipping sauce, and airy pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese-bread puffs) are but two of the tempting choices. Although it's particularly comforting during the cold of Cleveland winter, feijoada is a Brazilian specialty that can, and should, be enjoyed year round. Abramof's version of the black bean stew with linguica sausage, smoked bacon, ham and pork loin with farofa, tomato relish, lime-pepper sauce and orange slices is the culinary equivalent of your favorite blanket. Daily specials are not to be missed. The restaurant hosts numerous parties throughout the year that celebrate the good life.
