http://www.downtowncleveland.com/restaurantweek.aspx
If I had an endless supply of money and had the ability to not gain weight - I tell you, this is what I'd do every night for the next week. It's a chance for restaurants to entice new diners - and also a chance for the budget-conscious to feel like they're splurging on a high-end place for much much less.
Each participating restaurant creates a 3-course pre-fixe menu for $30 (some do $15 lunches as well) that usually highlight either their specialties or menu items that set them apart from the crowd.
There's several restaurant weeks throughout the year - some spread the love all around Cleveland, but the downtown one I particularly like for no other reason than it feels like the restaurants are on their A-game for this one. And personally - there are a lot of places downtown that need checked off my bucket list, but it's just hard to spend that kind of money on the regular!
I'm hoping to hit at least 3 places and already have a lunch date at Lola planned with one of my closest ladies that has never been (!) and the lunch special?? Errhhmgggddd!!! The "Symon Says" combo: Beef cheek pierogi wild mushrooms, horseradish crème fraiche served with mac and cheese roasted chicken, goat cheese.
Like I'm really going to want to go back to work after that!!
The other places I have my eye on for dinner are:
- Hofbrauhaus - mainly because our family has been itching to go but just hasn't locked in a night to do it. Not that it's easy given my husband's inability to plan on the weather.
- Johnny's Downtown - this place is kind of legendary
- Maybe Cleveland Chop or Muse. I've seen mixed things on these but I make my own decisions dagnabit
- Pure Vida - this was on a recent Best Places in Cleveland list and I'd always sort of brushed by it, but the menu looks right up my alley
I was really looking to try one of the good steakhouses (XO or Red) but wouldn't you know it - steak is not an option on either of their pre-fixe menus. That may not stop us, because I tend to stick with the pre-fixe while he will just order what he wants regardless - rule breaker.
I think the wallet can only take the lunch and maybe 2 dinners if we splurge - every dollar anymore I equate to something that could be updated in the house. That new pair of boots? Do I want that or do I want to buy a new ceiling fan? okay those aren't really equally priced trade-offs but you get my drift. Sucks being an adult with responsibilities sometimes!
Anyway all this food talk is making me hungry so I better get back to my sad little homemade salad for now!!
