Food & Wine writer Kate Krader recently spent a few days dining and drinking her way through the Forest City with Iron Chef Michael Symon as her tour guide. Jealous much? (So are we.)
Ms. Krader then posted a few words — or a virtual meal, of sorts — titled Cleveland in 7 Bites where she kindly reflected on some of the hot spots and highlights from her trip for those of us who don't get out much or are seeking a new dining destination to try.
For example:
Pierogi Flatbread at Butcher and the Brewer
This lively beer hall has a vast, crowd-pleasing menu that is ruled by cured meats—the chef, charcutier and butcher are all name-checked at the top. I saw Pierogi Flatbread on the list and knew what I was having. Baked in a wood-fired oven, the crust is loaded with peppery mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar and fontina, plus a drizzle of crème fraîche. It’s just awesome, as is the beer menu, which includes stellar housemade brews.
And:
Painkiller, at Porco Lounge and Tiki RoomThe rest of Krader's musings are equally savory. Catch them all right here.
From the outside, it’s a grim brick building hidden in an odd warehouse section of Cleveland. Inside, it’s a full-on tiki party, complete with thatched awnings, bamboo walls and lanterns, as well as shelves and shelves of tiki mugs. The multi-page menu tells little stories about each tropical drink. Their Painkiller—a classic rum cocktail with pineapple juice, coconut and OJ—is gorgeous and refreshingly unsweet and fresh flavored. You can pick your level of pain, based on the number of rum shots in the glass.
