Curious Diner

Grilled Sandwiches & Shakes

2012-02-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Get "Grilled" in Avon Lake

Click for larger image

Theold adage “seek and ye shall find” couldn’t be more accurate in discoveringGrilled. This quaint 40 seat restauranttucked away in The Landings of Avon Lake opened in 2010. They offer quality food at a quality pricewith high-end sandwiches made with real meat and real cheese. These are sandwiches you wouldn’t necessarilymake at home, but certainly make you feel at home. Upon walking in your eyes are immediatelydrawn to a large mural that was painted by the owner, John Maly’s mother-inlaw.

Mac N' Cheese

Speakingof 40-- that’s the number of milkshake flavors they serve. There are4 sizes so trust me and treat yourself. Begin your dining experience by sharing theSignature Mac N’ Cheese ($4.99), it’s a creamy blend of three different cheesesserved in a crock with more cheese melted on top (you may not want to share). The Soup N’ Grilled Cheese Combo ($4.99) is aclassic dish enhanced with Texas Toast grilled cheese, accompanied with a creamycrock of homemade tomato soup. Vegetarianor not, you have to try the Tuscan Garden ($5.99). Served on grilled flat bread, this wonderfulblend of Mozzarella, tomato, portabella mushroom and baby spinach is finishedwith a wonderful pesto sauce.

Tuscan Garden

Let’sget to the meat of the menu. The Cuban($7.99) has sliced ham, slow roasted pork, dill pickles, Swiss cheese and Dijonmustard served on a large ciabatta roll. The Monte Cristo ($7.99) has ham, turkey and Swiss on sourdough breadthat’s dipped in egg and grilled. It’sfinished with powdered sugar and served with jelly on the side. Completing this gastric experience was theCalifornia Chicken ($6.99) made with grilled chicken, tomato, bacon, onion,mozzarella, and avocado spread. Thissandwich is served on grilled sourdough bread with a Dijon mayo. All sandwiches are served with tangy slaw,spicy beans, applesauce or chips.

The Cuban

Witha selection of over 50different sandwiches to choose from, you’ll want to come back to experienceall their culinary achievements. Call toreserve their back room to accommodate up to 15 people for your next businessmeeting, family event or other group function. You can even book the whole restaurant on Sundays for the ultimateprivate party.

Serviceis friendly and very attentive, making it a dining experience worth seeking out. All things considered, Grilled is an up andcoming restaurant that you truly need to take the time to find.

Grilled Sandwiches & Shakes

32730Walker Rd., Avon Lake, Ohio.

Phone:(440) 930-5535

Web:http://getgrillednow.com

Email:Talk2us@GetGrilledNow.com

Hours:Mon – Sat 11:00am – 8:00pm

ClosedSunday (Available for Private Parties)

El Tolteca Mexican Restaurant

2012-02-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Before the advent of the Aztecs, lived an Indian people in Central Mexico known as the Toltec. Their tradition in food is well represented today by El Tolteca Mexican Grill located in Brooklyn Ohio. A family-owned business managed by co-owner Hector Hernandez and his wife MaryLu, assures your visit will lavish you with authentic Mexican cuisine. The décor is open, warm and inviting. They have a separate party area that can accommodate around 50 guests perfect for birthday parties, corporate gatherings or just a bunch of friends and family wanting to experience authentic Mexican cuisine. With the warmer weather in tow, you can take advantage of their spacious outdoor patio. The first thing I noticed was how clean the entire facility was, not always the case in some of the dining establishments I’ve encountered. Perhaps the 15 years of experience the owners have in the restaurant industry helps them create an environment that makes you feel at home.

As a “Curious Diner” I have to admit my ventures didn’t go south of the border too often, except for one of my favorite Mexican libations-- the Margarita. I have certainly had my share of good and bad margaritas, but let me tell you, El Tolteca makes one of the best I’ve had. Made from a secret recipe only two people in the restaurant make the margaritas, this exceptional cocktail alone will entice you to come back and visit. If margaritas aren’t your thing, they have a full bar available to satisfy anyone’s taste.

An expressive orange-ware clay
vessel in the Toltec style.

As a Mexican fare novice, I personally appreciated the section of the menu that describes Mexican cuisine. If you don’t know the difference between an enchilada and a quesadilla, the menu spells it out. I began my meal with a bowl of soup that caught me by surprise. Sopa Azteca is made with shredded chicken, crispy tortilla chips, Pico de Gallo, rice and chicken broth. This delicious homemade soup was fresh and certainly prepared me for what was to come. You wouldn’t think you’d sit up and take notice over just a taco, which is exactly what I did. I should’ve ordered more than one of them because it left me wanting more of this delightful meal in your hand. In fact I can say the same for the enchilada, another delightful experience of a corn tortilla rolled with delectable fillings and topped with sauce and cheese. The menu is substantial in size promising you’ll find a hearty meal for the most discerning palates, including a vegetarian section to go along with your Margarita. The best way to entice you is to simply show you their menu, check it out here to plan your visit. Their biggest sellers include steak and fajitas but you’ll find seafood and other “Gringo” specials like cheese burgers and chicken sandwiches. They also have a lunch only section served from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Saturday. Come out and try authentic Mexican cuisine -- you’ll want to experience again.

El Tolteca menu items include:
• Appetizers
• Extras
• Soups and salads
• Lunch only
• Combination platters
• Special combinations
• Quesadillas rellenas
• Burritos
• Fajitas
• Antojitos mexicanos
• El tolteca dinners – chicken, seafood, and steaks
• Other dinners
• Vegetarian
• Enchiladas
• Chimichangas
• Gringos specials
• Side orders and a la carte
• From the bar
• Child’s plate
• Desserts
• Other beverages

El Tolteca Mexican Grill
7106 Biddulph Road
Brooklyn, OH 44144
216-206-6542

Click here to view our menu. *Prices subject to change.

Hours of Business:
Monday to Thursday – 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday – 11:00 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday – 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Sunday – 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Swenson's Drive In

2012-01-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

LIGHTSON FOR SERVICE

Thereare a lot of places today to eat out. Few operate as they did when they first opened 75 years ago, unless youare Swenson’s. This drive-in stilloperates the old fashion way—bringing fantastic food curbside. Stop and think about it, how many eatingestablishments to do you know of that are 75 years old? This is a true Northern Ohio successstory. In the 1934 Wesley T. (pop)Swenson opened his first Swensons drive in. Today they have locations in West & North Akron, Stow/Kent,Montrose, Seven Hills, North Canton and Massillon. What sets them apart is not just theircurbside service, it’s their food. Amongtheir large assortment of burgers and sandwiches, one stands out to be myfavorite, the Galley Boy! This lusciousdouble cheeseburger has two very special sauces. The flavor profile can’t be explained, it hasto be experienced. The Galley Boy isalways served with a green olive pinned to the top with a toothpick, whichserves as a reminder that consistency keeps a business running, in this casefor 75 years.

Theyalso have ¼ pound all beef fried baloney sandwich on a toasted bun. That’s a sandwich that will never go out ofstyle. If you’re not in the mood forburger, perhaps you’ll enjoy slow roasted pork served plain or barbecue. Perhaps a mild white fish sandwich that islightly breaded or a baked ham sandwich would be more to your liking. Of courseI have to mention a favorite standby, a good hot dog (I like it with Coneysauce). If you are so inclined to eat healthier,they have a lighter fare to satisfy the hungriest diners. Their salad boy sandwich is a deliciousvegetable burger topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, melted cheeseand two special sauces. You’ll find theolive included as well. They also offera 4 oz. grilled chicken breast served either Plain, Barbecue or Cajun. They even have a Veggie Special which islettuce, tomato, dill pickles, onions and honey mustard on a toasted wholegrain bun. Of course I would add baconto that. Alternatively I could order a Bacon,Lettuce and Tomato on white or wheat bread. And finally 2 classic sandwiches destined to be family favorites formany years to come, Egg Salad and Grilled Cheese.

If your appetite calls for a little more sustenance, checkout their dinners. Shrimp, fish orchicken dinners are available. They havea variety of fresh salads from a crispy dinner salad, chef salad, grilledchicken or steak salad. They round offtheir offerings with hot soups and desserts. You’ll also find a children’s menu filled with favorites guaranteed toget your little one to eat. You can download their menuand start planning your venture into the past and enjoy a true Ohio treasure.

Aladdin's Eatery

2012-01-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

Aladdin's rolls out the magic carpet of food

bySteve Novak

There are few places that can satisfy thevegetarian as well as meat-lover tastes than Aladdin’s Eatery. Fady and SallyChamoun’s first Lebanese-American restaurant opened in Lakewood in 1994 hasblossomed into more than two dozen locations in five states and, fortunatelyfor us on the west shore, there’s one right at Crocker Park.

The lightly stainedwood tables and chairs gives an inviting feeling along with ceiling-hung ovallight sheers that nicely mute the track lighting. The mirrored wall above thecushioned bench seating gives a larger feel to this quaint establishment.

Now let’s roll intothe menu.

The V-Nine Soup($3.45) is something not to miss. This delicious tomato and veggie-based souphas vegetables so huge, they give a new name to CHUNKY.

There’s nothing like alittle Hummos ($5.95) to get a meal started. A pureed blend of chickpeas,tahini and lemon and garnished with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil,parsley and served with pita.

Loving a good salad Ihad to try the Lamb Salad ($11.95). It’s a crispy bed of mixed greens withtomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, scallions, and then toppedwith cubes of marinated grilled lamb and served with your choice of dressing.It’s a really superb meal.

Speaking of dressing,Aladdin’s dedicates a whole page of their menu just to describe their homemadedressings in detail, a nice touch for the curious diner.

The Chicken DijonRolled Pita ($5.75) is a favorite of my wife. Tender marinated char-grilledchicken with tomatoes, onions and honey Dijon dressing all rolled up in alightly toasted pita. The thought of it makes me want to run out and get one.

We always order theMujadara Plate ($9.75), a bed of steamed lentils and brown rice topped withLebanese Salata and finished with thinly sliced fried onions. It’s a wonderfulblend of flavors. We usually order it so everyone can have a share. Aladdin'sLebanese Salata (salad) is a delicious blend of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers,green peppers, scallions, onions and parsley mixed with olive oil, lemon andherbs. You’ll find it on many dishes.

Shish Kabob Plate($12.95) is char-grilled lean beef tenderloin served with seasoned white riceand vermicelli and topped with pine nuts, almonds and just a hint of cinnamon.Served with either garlic sauce or tahini yogurt.

I just hit the tip ofthe iceberg when it comes to the extensive menu. Pita Pitza, Salad Pockets andmany other items leave you wondering what to order.

Fresh Fruit Smoothies,Fresh Squeezed Juices and Fresh Brewed Teas will make your drink choice alittle bit difficult. Oh, and did I mention that they're fresh?

I don’t think anythingcan tempt you more than Aladdin’s desserts. From gourmet cakes, cheesecakes,baklava, cookies and dessert bars there is something for every sweet tooth. Theworst thing is that you have to pass by the dessert case as you walk in to beseated, not fair!

Don’t be afraid to askquestions about the menu, the service staff is very friendly and knowledgeable,but most items are very well defined.

In closing, it’swonderful to see the success of a local family-owned business grow throughoutthe state of Ohio and into neighboring states.

Rating: four stars outof four.

Aladdin’s Eatery; 151 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake; 440-617-9005; aladdinseatery.com

Steve Novak

Steve Novak is a Westlake resident and 34-year veteran in the restaurant industry, working at all levels from dishwasher to manager to chef/owner. If you'd like Steve to review your restaurant, contact us at 216.672.6292

Moosehead Saloon

2012-01-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

Moosehead Saloon's atmosphere keeps youcoming back

bySteve Novak

The historic landmarkbuilding that sits on Dover Center Road in Westlake right before you head overthe railroad tracks to Bay Village houses a restaurant that can boast aninviting atmosphere inside as well as out.

As you enter the frontdoor, the warm, rustic moose lodge finish makes you feel right at home. Boothsand tables dress the left side of the restaurant while a long straight bar runsdown the opposite side.

A beautiful muraldraws your eyes to the back wall giving you a vision of what the building mighthave looked like in the early part of the past century.

Once you sit down,just look to the table stand to grab a menu. The core menu, along with seasonaland “other stuff' menus, requires you to take your time looking everythingover.

The Jumbo ChickenWings ($9.99) are a great way to get started. The baker’s dozen – that’s 13 forthose at home – are wonderfully crispy and dressed with just the right amountof sauce, four to choose from.

For you seafoodlovers, go with the Crispy Calamari ($9.99) or Buffalo Calamari ($10.99). Bothare lightly fried golden brown and served over hand-cut chips. Also served withmarinara and cocktail sauce or tossed in Buffalo sauce with crumbled bleucheese. Personally I would go with the Buffalo style, wow!

If you don’t usuallythink that an entrée salad is filling enough, Moosehead will change your mind.Try the Taco Salad (Chicken, Beef or Turkey, $9.99; Steak $11.99). An ediblefried tortilla bowl is filled with fresh greens, olives, jalapeños, cheese andtopped with your meat choice. The tastiness is never-ending.

When it comes tosandwiches, the selections are numerous and all tempting. Mozzarella Madness($10.49) starts with fried mozzarella patties, fresh greens, tomatoes and acreamy pesto mayo on French bread. Oh, and please choose chicken, roast beef orveggies to finish off this tasty sandwich.

Grouper Fingers (marketprice) seasoned and lightly fried just enhances the flakiness of the fish,served with fresh-cut French fries and special slaw. Nothing is better thangrouper to take my mind on a quick trip to Florida.

Now let's get yourhands dirty. A full slab of Baby Back Ribs ($19.99) is coated with a nice tangyBBQ sauce and served with cole slaw and grilled toast, so belly up to thebones. Don’t worry, they supply plenty of napkins and wet-naps to keep youclean.

Don’t overlook theYellow Fin Lake Erie Perch entrée (market price) at the bottom of the appetizersection. Fried golden brown to perfection served with fries, pierogi and coleslaw, bring your appetite for this one. Perch seems to disappear from mostrestaurants once the weather cools, but not at the Moosehead Saloon where it’sa year-round standard.

A few of the itemsabove came with a side dish that I intentionally neglected to mention justbecause it needed its own paragraph: Hand-cut Potato Chips. They may seem to bea simple side dish, but they always come out nicely warm, crisp as can be,seasoned just right and served with a homemade French onion-style dip thatmakes it so delicious it can become an addiction. So much so that we’ll order abasket just to get the meal started.

The service staff whosefaces are familiar give good and adequate service.

I would be remiss if Ididn’t mention the seasonal patio. A Westlake In Bloom winner on countlessoccasions, the Moosehead Saloon’s patio is second to none on the Westside ofCleveland. Its cascading waters down glass partitions, beautiful planting,gas-fired log fireplace and outdoor ventilation system is no longer the bestkept secret on the Westside, much to the chagrin to those of us who discoveredit early on.

Putting it alltogether, the Moosehead Saloon has become a regular stomping ground for anyonelooking for a lunch or dinner destination.

Moosehead Saloon, 694Dover Center Rd., Westlake; 440-871-7742

Hours:Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Prices: Soups, Salads,Appetizers, $3.49-$15.99; Burgers & Sandwiches, $8.49-$14.49; Entrees,$11.49-$20.99 (some items are at market price); Desserts, $4.99-$8.99

Reservations: No; callahead seating available

Credit Cards: AllMajor

Cuisine: American

Kids Menu: Yes

Bar Service: Full

Accessibility: No

Grade: 3 Stars

Rating: 1 Star, Fair; 2 Stars, Good; 3 Stars, Very Good; 4Stars, Excellent

Steve Novak

Steve Novak is a Westlake resident and 34-year veteran in therestaurant industry, working at all levels from dishwasher to manager tochef/owner. If you'd like Steve to review your restaurant, contact us at 216.672.6292

My Favorite Pizza Shop

2012-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Antonio's Pizza and Spaghetti

Everyone has a favorite pizza shop, this is mine. I’ve been eating Antonio’s pizza since I wasa teenager (long time). Drew Carey seemsto share my view of this incredible restaurant. He ordered 45 pizzas for ThePrice is Right party in L.A. Their pizzas are cooked in a slow burning oven,giving them a unique flavor and texture unlike any other pizza. Antonio’s in Parmatown shopping center is runby the 3^rd generation of the LoShiavio family. Their menuoffers a family tradition of fresh homemade delights. You’ll find fresh pasta, tender veal,succulent chicken, assorted seafood, hearty sandwiches as well as anotherfavorite, New Orleans Muffeletta. Mostpeople don’t get very excited about salads, but I have to tell you I will goout of my way for their Antonio’s special salad. Crisp pepperoni and provolone cheese on a bedof fresh lettuce served with their homemade Poppy seed dressing is a must. The best part is they sell their homemadedressings by the bottle. If you needsome privacy for a bridal shower or business meeting, they offer a separatedining room that seats 75 with a full bar. If you’re planning an event, Antonio’s can come to you with outsidecatering and the same homemade deliciousness served in their restaurant.

7401 West Ridgewood Dr.
Parma, OH 44129
Phone: 440-886-2511
Web: www.antoniosparmatown.net

Emails:
Alicia@antoniosparmatown.net
Danielle@antoniosparmatown.net

BusinessHours:
Monday 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday and Saturday 11:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am to 3:00pm.

A Northeast Ohio Treasure

2012-01-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ifyou’re not from this part of Ohio, let me introduce you to Mr. Hero, a favoriteof Northeast Ohio residents for over 45 years. They serve one of my all time favorite sandwiches, the Romanburger! Their signature Romanburger is unlike anyother sandwich. Made fresh to order andpacked into a fresh Orlando roll, they start with juicy beef patties, Italiandeli meats, melted Swiss and American cheese, fresh vegetables and topped offwith Mr. Hero’s own mayonnaise and dressing. With 85 locations in Northeast Ohio, chances are there’s one by you(mine is conveniently two blocks away). Checkout their store locatorto see if there’s one near you. Although known for their Romanburger, their hotbuttered cheesesteak sandwich, Tuscan steak and their chicken Philly are fanfavorites. Here is a link to their website. Check out their menu and you’ll find chicken wraps, sides like beerbattered cheesy bites and cheesecake for dessert. The large variety of actual sandwiches givesway to a one of a kind customer favorite, potato waffer fries! I follow them on Facebook to enter contests and getemail notifications. When mychildren visit from out of town, Mr. Hero is the first stop on theiragenda. In fact, it’s usually the laststop as well for a Romaburger to take home. I’m glad I grew up in Mr. Hero’s hometown.

Mr. Hero

Store locator:
http://www.mrhero.com/find_my_hero/index.php

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/mrhero

Website:
www.mrhero.com

Click here to join Mr. Hero’s email club

2012-01-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

When it comes to traditional deli cuisine, Corky &Lenny’s serves some of the best you can find. I seldom go to the eastside of Cleveland without stopping in for one oftheir “New Yorker” sandwiches (corned beef piled high with homemade coleslawand Thousand Island dressing). Rarely can I finish the whole sandwich, but itis a pure pleasure trying. I have been aCorky & Lenny’s fan for several decades and plan to be for severalmore. Their Matzoh Ball soup is beyondgood, it’s an experience you have to have for yourself. If there is one thing that impresses me aboutCorky & Lenny’s is their consistency… their food consistently outstanding. They have a huge deli counter filled withmeats, cheeses, pickles and breads so you can order by the pound to enjoy onthe go. If you have any type of event,party, engagement or meeting coming up, they have a tray that will be perfectfor it. They offer an assorted sandwichplatter, cubed cheese tray arranged with garnish and served with crackers, freshvegetable platter accompanied by onion or spinach dip, assorted freshly baked bageltray with your favorite condiments, homemade cheesecake with four differenttoppings and more. Here is a link to their website that shows a picture of all their famoushomemade trays. They can even cater yournext event and deliver right to your door. From their homemade pickles to their friendly wait staff, you’ll want togo back and experience all they have to offer for decades to come. Check out their menuand experience for yourself why their customers have been coming back for over55 years.

27091 Chagrin Boulevard
Woodmere Village, Ohio 44122

Phone - 216.464.3838
Fax - 216.464.1622
Toll Free - 877.858.3838

Hours of Operation:
Sun - Thur 7am - 9:30pm
Fri - Sat 7am - 11:00pm

map &directions
info@corkyandlennys.com