Happy Hour: Luxe

So, I've been thinking that most of the restaurant reviews (and yes I know that I have not done one in quite a while) are mostly for dinner, but what every good Clevelander really wants to know is where's the booze! I must admit that the number one way I go about choosing a new restaurant is to pick one with a good happy hour- and we're not just talking drinks here. Happy Hour is an inexpensive way to take in the atmosphere, the clientele, the prices, the cuisine and last, but certainly not least- whether this is place to stop back again because they serve one hell of a dirty martini or have great draft prices! There are many places that I want to revisit as ode to this blog and share with you their amazing HH, but I figured in light of finally getting around to trying this place, I would start with Luxe. Luxe, located in one of my *fav* neigbs- Gordon Square Art District/ Battery Park area, is hott. And when I say hott, I mean, sexy. Sexy lighting, decor, waiters, the works! And the foods not too bad either... actually that's an understatement because the food is amazing! I had walked by Luxe many times, but was always turned off by it because it just didn't seem like my kind of place. I thought that it was too expensive for my cent-savvy foodie tastes and due to the finely dressed business persons always gazing out the window, martini in hand, I figured I would just be better heading to Happy Dog for a cheap dog and beer. Letting my ridiculous judgements hold me back no longer, I met a friend there for happy hour after work about a week or so ago and beat myself up for a second after looking at the HH menu and realizing I had been missing out on one of the best Cleveland HH of my life!

Both Photos via luxecleveland.com

Now I know you're all wondering what exactly it is that I'm talking about, so let me just lay it out for you:

HH Hours: 5-7pm

For $6 you get 2 for 1 draft beers- anything from Arrogant Bastard IPA to Pabst Blue Ribbon

For $11 you get 2 for 1 martinis of your choice

For $6 you can eat 3 lamb meat loaf sliders or pulled pork sliders, a devilishly good Guinness burger with chocolate BBQ and caramelized onion, a large bucket of fried eggplants and hand-cut sweet and gold potato fries, and a few other selections I know I'm failing to remember

For $7-9 you can get a 12" or 14" pizza a good selection to choose from including Grilled Mediterranean Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan

* Just keep in mind that HH applies only to the lounge/bar area, which is pretty big, so no worries about missing out!

Luxe also offers lots of events with a specially prepared menu, as they had for Mother's Day. They also have a Happy Hour Brunch (Sundays 10am-3pm) and if you're just stopping in for a romantic dinner, the regular prices aren't too shabby (expect to double the price of the HH menu). HH at Luxe really is the way to go... in fact all this talk of it has me anticipating my next trip there... perhaps after work today ;)

6605 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, OH

216-920-0600

Hours: M- W 5pm-10pm; Th 5pm-11pm; F-Sat 5pm-12am; S 10am-10pm

Indian Delight is Right!

When you're craving Indian, you just gotta get at it! And while the last post gave you a taste of the South, here's some delicious heart-of-it-all Mumbai cuisine for those of you who wear your heart on your tummy! I went out to Indian Delight for lunch. It's located in one of my favorite areas for up and coming eateries, Battery Park/Detroit Shoreway. I was looking for somewhere to take a work colleague who is from Mumbai out to lunch and happened upon their website. Their menu featured my favorite Mumbai street specialty (and really all around favorite Indian food)- Pani Puri. Please get to know that name and look for it wherever Indian food is served because once you've tasted what Indians call "street food" your belly will be aching with desire from this magnificent delicatessen. When we got in, the place was slow for lunch, but the owner said that business was slowly picking up. Aside from the lack of patrons, the place was bustling with tantalizing aromas, so I grabbed a plate and headed straight for the buffet! I'm not much of a buffet girl since I'm trying to watch my figure (ha!), but the food looked irresistible. Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Masala, Curries of all Kind along with Basmati rice, fresh out-of-the-oven Naan you name it! It was a feast! My colleague said the food was even better than some places in Mumbai- a true compliment to the chef! Service was good and the clean atmosphere and authentic music made the experience of gorging oneself a little more attractive. I will definitely be back for the lunch buffet, which is served 7 days a week from 11:30-3pm and would like to go for dinner to get a different feel for the restaurant other than "most amazing food coma ever". I highly recommend this restaurant and hope you all get the opportunity to try it! This inexpensive, quaint restaurant boosts a well versed menu for meat lovers and vegetarians alike and it is Halal friendly! A must-eat little Indian Gem right in the Heart of Cleveland!

Indian Buffet featuring Lamb, Chicken Masala & Chicken & Vegetable Curries

Tandoori Chicken & Chicken with Basmati Rice

Naan, Fried Vegetables, Roti Bread

Sauces

Last, but certainly not least, Pani Puri

5507 Detroit Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44102

216.651.4007

Udupi South Indian Cuisine

It's not often that I have the opportunity to make it out to the Parma area, perhaps some of you are thinking "why would you?", but with as much criticism that comes with Parma, one also has to account for the great local flavor it has to offer. I love Indian cuisine! So you can imagine my excitement when I came across Udupi Cafe tucked in a small strip mall along the likes of a Goodwill and Indian Grocery Store. When I initially pulled in I was craving Tandoori Chicken, but to my surprise Udupi only offers vegetarian dishes. Tandoori, although found throughout India, is traditionally more or a Northwestern dish, Udupi offers Southern traditional flavors. I must say that if you do decide to treat yourself to Udupi, you need to keep in mind that the place is nothing marvel. The exterior along with the interior is pretty much lackluster aside from the banquet seating and Ganesh shrine at the entrance. But if you came to eat, then keep your opinions to that! I suggest ordering an appetizer to start. You can get an appetizer combo plate, which will allow you to get a feel for the different kinds of street-like food. Might I suggest Medhu Vada, which are like spicy Indian donuts- delish! For the main course I got Uthappam and Masala Dosai. As you can see, they're huge portions- spicy and delectable! The Uthappam is comparable to a blown up potato pancake with vegetables inside. The Masala Dosai has a crunchy outside that is folded over and contains potatoes (like this one) or whatever the description says- lentils, veggies, etc. Both come with a yogurt like sauce and a spicy broth for dipping. The overall experience is good. You won't pay more than $10 for a meal, the appetizers and cheap, and if you know a vegetarian it is a real treat to take them somewhere they will have no problem finding something on the menu they will like. Like I said, the appearance is a little drab, so I don't suggest it for a first date or if you're trying to impress someone, but if you're in the mood for some good Indian cuisine, great service and perhaps a Bollywood music channel playing on one of the t.v.'s then this if your ultimate low-key stop to great South Indian cuisine.

Uthappam (above)

Masala Dosai (below)

#1 Pho Sho!

Number One Pho

3120 Superior Ave E

Cleveland, OH 44114-4343
(216) 781-1176

On these cold fall days we've been having lately, what's better than soup? Pho-tastic noodle soup in delicious beef or chicken broth, filled to the brim of the bowl, steaming hot, accompanied by fresh basil leaves, lime wedges, jalepenos and of course, bean sprouts!!! Ahhh, need I say more?!

Number One Pho, located on Cleveland's east side in its Asian hub, is a Vietnamese restaurant that boasts an amazingly expansive menu with lots to chose from (though mostly meat or fish dishes).

Images via Google Image search

My first dining experience was with a pho-aficionado, so naturally I let her chose a few things off the menu she thought I would be interested in. I narrowed it down to the Chicken Pho in Beef Broth, which was unbelievably divine! She had a beef-stew inspired Pho dish which I believed to be a little more heavy, but just as good. I do have to admit that when I initially glanced at the menu I had no idea what to order. I am not really knowledgeable on Vietnamese cuisine, but even if I had gone alone, the staff is extraordinarily friendly and will help narrow down your options based on what you like! The service was great- fast, attentive and polite, the atmosphere- relaxing, good ambiance, and the prices were unbeatable- I got two meals out of my $10 tab, tip included!

Definitely a goer for a first date, a lunch with mom or a great way to warm up on a cold day!

Pho-netics: {pho bo= beef} {pho ga= chicken}

Yo Quiero Momocho Mod Mex!

A long work day always calls for a nice beer and some grub at a nearby restaurant with a happy hour that boasts drink specials and if you're lucky, a discount on the food. People desiring something unique and new along with something familiar and fun love Momocho Mod Mex.

Momocho, located in Ohio City, has all the things mentioned above and more. Playing on the lucha libre theme of masked Mexican wrestlers, the walls are filled with not only portraits of luchadores, but also the Virgin Mary, mexican-style crosses and tricked-out bicycles. The dark rustic interior provides an intimate space where your table is often shared with the company of others. While the space might be small, this little cocina cooks up some big flavor!

^tinga- 16-spice grilled chicken^

-WHAT to get-

Although I have not had nearly half of the things on the menu, there are some things I can suggest for first time foodies:

-Definately start with chips & guac- their chips are made fresh to order and the guacamole is some of the best I have ever had- try the blue cheese/garlic confit/chile verde! If you're having difficulty making up your mind, there's also a sampler of three!

-If you do make happy hour, get the taquitos, they're half price, which you really can't beat. I've tried most of them, all being delicious, but if I had to pick the alcachofa (sofrito artichokes and goat cheese with pico de gallo) & pato (slow roasted duck, pomegranate ancho barbacoa) are my favorites!

-The specials are good, but expensive. Making Happy Hour and getting the taquitos are just as satisfying (and about as much food) as the especiales.

-Get a margarita or a mojito!

-Unfortunately I've always been too full for dessert, so I have no idea how they are, but what the hell! If you're belly's still craving more, order one of the exquisite sounding delectables!

(if anyone has, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments!)

Check out the full menu here!

^alcachofa^

-WHEN to go-

Happy Hour: tuesday-friday 5pm- 6:30 (closed mondays) and only on the first floor

H.H. includes: 1/2 off margaritas & tecate + 1/2 off taquitos

Sunday Night Supper: every sunday 4pm- 9:30pm $30/couple

Includes: 3 courses

Other events posted here!

All pictures copyright T.Krankowski

Dog Eat Dog World

This past Friday I went to Happy Dog. It's located in the Gordon Square Arts District (the cutesy up-and-coming neighborhood located between Ohio City and Lakewood along the Shoreway). I had driven past Happy Dog many of times, but just figured it was a hole in the wall bar with nothing but booze and bar nuts. Boy was I wrong! Called Happy Dog because of it's signature item- hot dogs, this place boasts one hell of a doggone menu!

When you enter, there's stage to your right, booths along your left and round tables scattered about. Although seating is limited at the booths and tables, Happy Dog has a gorgeous hardwood racetrack bar. Happy Hour is from 5-7 M-F on domestic bottles (kinda blah for drink specials), but the they do have a great range of beers on tap to chose from, including indie darlings, Genesee & Pabst. Beers are about $2-4. Can't beat that! But enough about thebeer. Let's talk food!!

I am and have always been obsessed with hot dogs. I love hot dogs. I love things that come on hot dogs. And in my opinion, the more toppings and condiments on my hot dog, the better. Which is why I instantly fell in love with Happy Dog. 50 toppings to chose from on a quarter pound special recipe hot dog or veg-vegan friendly Italian sausage in a poppy seed bun. This American dream is enough to make your eyes tear up with excitement and your tummy shout "hot-dayuum!" I went all out on my first ever Happy Dog experience. My toppings included: Cajun Mayonnaise- Remoulade, Bourbon baked beans, Habanero picked red onions, Bacon spiked southern style greens, smoked gouda cheese, Caribbean coleslaw & Chorizo chili! You can choose between tater-tots or french fries for your feast accompaniment, so in light of middle school cafeteria nostalgia, I chose tater-tots with free sides (there are many to chose from as well) including Black truffle honey mustard, Saffron aioli, Brazilian chimichurri, Marcella's grape jelly and chile sauce and Oaxacan red chile and chocolate mole (my fav!). I should take a moment to say that you can get AS MANY TOPPINGS on your dog and YOU WANT at NO extra price! Hot dogs are only $5 and taters/fries a mere $2.50.

Overall, I give Happy Dog an A++! The friendly, local atmosphere, along with the laid back decor and Friday Polka music gave this place its own unique charm. They have bands play often and I can imagine it's a great place to see some local talent. Just make sure you get there before 9pm because that's when the kitchen closes. Parking can be a little tricky, although they do have their own extremely small parking lot. Best of the best however, is obviously the food. If you can dream it, you can eat it at Happy Dog!

5801 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102-3001

(216) 651-9474