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life from the ground up

Real living in a processed world.

Plated Landscape 2017: Ohio City Farm and Refugee Response

By: Gabecomment

I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post.

In what has turned into an annual tradition (six years running now!), we recently had the opportunity to attend a Plated Landscape put on by Spice Caterers. These are always one of the highlights of our summer/fall, and as usual, our expectations were exceeded.

This go-round was different both because of the early timing (June 2) and the location, an urban farm near the banks of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. Granted, this is not 300 acres of amber waves of grain, but a farm it is, only nestled behind a large apartment complex.

Plated Landscape - Ohio City Farm

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The Black Pig

By: Gabecomment

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Situated on a corner in the middle of the bustling Ohio City neighborhood, The Black Pig is much more than just an homage to pork.

Though the brick building itself doesn’t stand out, the inside exudes a sense of comfort and welcoming. Exposed brick walls left me wondering about what history they had seen (sorry, I have a thing for exposed brick in old buildings), while abundant natural light and rustic wood accents added an extra element. All told, it’s a cozy place to settle down for a meal.

Of course, I couldn’t care less about what it looks like if the food is no good, and on that end, The Black Pig shines. The oft-changing menu offers “European-inspired New American cuisine” slanted toward local and seasonal fare. Although pork is obviously a highlight, you’ll also find other meats and pastas, along with a few veg-friendly options.

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The Harp

By: Gabecomment

I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post.

Every once in a while, I get a craving for good Irish pub food.

Somehow, I had never heard of The Harp, an Ohio City institution for years. Named to many local and national “Best Of” lists, The Harp boasts a fantastic Irish-American menu. You’ll find staples like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, but also more traditional American fare for pickier eaters. One of the highlights is the Boxty Cake – a jumbo potato pancake folded over a variety of fillings. Think a Reuben taco, except the taco shell is a potato pancake.

As much of a highlight as the menu is the patio overlooking the lake and downtown skyline – it’s absolutely beautiful on a warm afternoon or evening. Toss in some live music and you have yourself a nice summer-in-Cleveland outing.

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M Italian

By: Gabecomment

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Opening in early 2015 in downtown Chagrin Falls, M Italian quickly became one of the more popular spots in town, and our recent visit shows that this is still the case.

Billing itself as a family-style Italian restaurant, it certainly backs that up. The atmosphere is lively and loud, much like the stereotypical large Italian family get-together at nonna’s (or something like that; sorry, my heritage is German). The interior is a sort of rustic-industrial mashup, with high ceilings and not much color accented by some old wood and an open kitchen (as well as a view into the glass-blowing shop next door). Although we had reservations, we still had to wait for a bit (in fairness, it was Friday at 6, so peak time).

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Square Bistro

By: Gabecomment

I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post.

Located on the historic Chardon Square, Square Bistro is a relative newcomer, taking up residence just over two years ago. Opened by chef Jaret Havanchak (of Lure Bistro in Willoughby), Square Bistro occupies a nondescript Victorian-era storefront across from the county courthouse. Despite the rather bland exterior, squeezed into the row of buildings that line the square, the inside is warm and inviting, with a modern-rustic-chic decor (or something like that; I’m interested in the food, not the decor, though the tinned ceiling is nice). It’s a long and narrow space, with high ceilings and a large front window that ensures the inside is brighter than expected.

But on to the food. The menu definitely borrows from Havanchak’s experience with Lure, and there’s a nice selection of sushi/sashimi and Asian-inspired dishes. The overall flavor is new American, but there’s good variety, and a large selection. On this outing, we were there for the Wednesday night date special, which is a three-course meal (menu changes weekly) for two people for $45; not a bad deal at all.

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