These are heady times for Jonathon Sawyer, chef-owner of downtown's Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat. Most recently topping his brag list: creating a blowout dinner at the Beard House in New York; a slot on Time magazine's year-end Top 10 Food Trends list (for his artisanal vinegars and bitters); a "one to watch" nod for his business partner, chef Brian Goodman, from industry mag Restaurant Hospitality; and of course his star turn as a contestant on Iron Chef America, debuting at 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 22.
The episode, which was taped several months ago in N.Y.C., pits Sawyer against the newest Iron Chef, Geoffrey Zakarian, who operates multiple New York restaurants.
An Iron Chef America watch party/tweet-up is set for January 22 at Greenhouse Tavern, beginning at 9 p.m. Besides a chance to view the show with fellow techno-foodies, you'll find passed apps and a special Iron Chef menu. Plus, you can take part in the Guess the Secret Ingredient contest from 9 to 10 p.m. Winner scores a bottle of Greenhouse Tavern pinot noir, housemade beer vinegar, and an autographed T-shirt.
Make reservations at teamsawyer.eventbrite.com; follow Sawyer on Twitter (@thegreenhouse and @chefsawyer, #Teamsawyer) for updates. Greenhouse Tavern is at 2038 East Fourth St.
RIGHTEOUS REPTILE: Lizardville Beer Store & Whiskey Bar is expanding. With 170 whiskeys and 600 beers, Lizardville aims to be the preeminent source for whiskey and craft beer in the state. Now they've added grub to the mix. An expanded footprint has upped the seating capacity from 25 to 65, and a new kitchen is turning out what GM Jason Presser calls "nice bar food." Guests now can put together a proper meal of mini bratwurst sandwiches, Ohio beef burgers, garlic and wine sautéed shrimp, and lobster flatbread. Find them at 25380 Miles Rd. in Bedford Heights. Call 216-364-2337 or visit lizardville.net to learn more.
Also confirmed is the news that Lizardville will be opening a second location on the West Side, most likely in Rocky River. Stay tuned to learn more.
EAT TO THE BEAT: Opening soon at the Agora: The Hipp, a contemporary American eatery operated by Jae Stulock, owner of the Umami Moto food truck.
Part of MidTown Cleveland's renovation of the historic concert hall, the Hipp will officially launch by early February. The restaurant will begin with lunch and happy hour, followed by dinner and late-night service by summertime.
"We're going to do what we're already doing with the truck," says Stulock, "taking interesting flavors from different cultures and putting them in an American vehicle."
There will be no changes in service from the truck, he promises.
The Agora is at 5000 Euclid Ave.
