Tourfolio

Cleveland not only rocks the music scene – as this city houses the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – but it also rocks the food and drink world in the midwestern United States. The city has dealt with a huge decline in the steel and heavy machinery industries but a majority of these buildings have been converted into trendy restaurants and apartments. Based on various business trips that I’ve taken to Cleveland, I thought it would be interesting to take you all on a gastronomical tour of some great restaurants with unique food and drink offerings.

Breakfast

Lucky’s Cafe – located on Starkweather Avenue – is our first stop. The must have breakfast meal is ‘The Shipwreck‘, which can also be alternative used to cure hangovers. A tasty blend of eggs, hash browns, roasted seasonal vegetables, mild cheddar cheese, served with house-made toast and juicy fresh fruit.

Courtesy of Lucky's Cafe

I personally have a slight obsession with breakfast burritos which I think stemmed from them being sold at almost every ski resort. Luckily, Lucky’s Cafe also offers a breakfast burrito with vegetables and scrambled eggs wrapped in a flour tortilla and topped with somewhat spicy guajillo pepper sauce and mild cheddar cheese. Or you could be like me when I have to travel to Cleveland for business and hopefully be given access to your hotel’s concierge lounge to pick up a quick breakfast.

Lunch

Vietnamese food at Saigon Restaurant & Bar – located on East 4th Street – for a slightly sweet and spicy meal. The grilled chicken vermicelli makes a great choice with perfectly charbroiled chicken served with rice vermicelli, fresh crispy lettuce, bean sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, radishes and crushed peanuts – It’s a healthy choice too! This restaurant is mostly packed with nearby business folk looking for a great meal with friendly service. Just remember to get there a bit earlier prior to lunch as the seating can get filled pretty quickly. There is also some outdoor seating that makes for some great people watching – when the weather is warmer and not so windy.

Beer/Alcohol

The delightfully crafted Christmas Ale, by The Great Lakes Brewing Company, is easily the most sought after microbrew ale in the region during the holidays. The beer is brewed with honey and spiced with fresh ginger and cinnamon. The holiday brew has also won four gold and one silver medal at the World Beer Championships since 1999.

The coveted beer – by myself and locals – has also been featured in a hysterical song by two local musicians (Jim Tews and Mike Polk)

Dinner Entree

The Flying Fig – located on Market Avenue – is a perfect establishment for business discussions or romantic dates due to the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere. The seared scallops and crispy pork belly dinner entree, which is served with grits, mixed greens, and delicious house-made apple butter, is a popular choice by locals and visitors. Just try your hardest to not devour the warm house-made bread that will be placed in the center of your table. You won’t want to ruin your appetite for our last stop on our gastronomical tour!

Dinner Dessert

We finish off our tour with a unique dessert found at culinary master Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro – located on East 4th Street in Cleveland – and also featured on Anthony Bourdain’s ‘No Reservations’ television show. The 6 A.M. Special is a creative culinary combination of caramelized apples drizzled in maple syrup, maple bacon ice cream and a well portioned slab of french toast. Why even eat breakfast tomorrow morning after eating this late night and breakfast treat?

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