Latitude 41° North--Gordon Square (Detroit Ave., Cleveland) [$$]

This week, our destination was unplanned. All we knew was that we'd be heading to Gordon Square and the West 65th area. After walking (in the bitter cold, mind you) and passing a few unopened restaurants, we arrived at quite a gem called Latitude 41° North. There were no signs, so we walked to the counter towards the back. Clearly looking clueless, we were asked if we were first-timers, and were then told we order at the counter and then they bring the food out when it's done.  So we sat for a few minutes to mull over the menus. While we were deciding, we noticed the maps lacquered onto each of the tables. 'Twas a nice cartographic touch! We both were eyeing the portabella sandwich, but we didn't want to critique the same thing, so Shannon (being a vegetarian) ended up with that victory. Shannon ordered the tomato bisque with the Portabella Et. Al and Grace ordered the Rotisserie Roasted Chicken Salad sandwich with a side House Chopped salad. We took our menus, orders, and appetites back to the counter. After ordering and paying, we sat back down, our taste buds anticipating joy.

After about ten minutes, our food arrived and our mouths dropped. The fiesta-ware plates were holding behemoth sandwiches with knives sticking through them. We sliced them in half (Grace was better) and Shannon's was steaming so much that she ended up eating the whole thing with a fork and a knife. 

Let it be known that Grace did NOT have any form of avocado today! Her chicken salad sandwich was, quite honestly, one of the best she's ever had. The bread, we learned later, was "herbed" pizza dough. It reminded Grace of a mix between pita bread and a pretzel. The chicken salad was a combination of chicken, mayo, and celery and was topped with tomatoes and a blend of cheeses. Grace ate all of her sandwich before she even touched her salad (of course) but she's glad she ate the entire sandwich because it was better than the salad. Since Grace hates raw onion, her salad was a combination of iceberg lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, and egg (although the menu says that bacon should be there, too) with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. 

Shannon, feeling slightly guilty that she ordered what Grace originally wanted, was immediately less remorseful upon first tasting her sandwich.  The pizza dough was stuffed with portabella and button mushrooms, caramelized balsamic onions, a mozzarella/provolone cheese mix, shredded lettuce and diced tomato.  As said above, the sandwich was HOT!  This proved eating it as a sandwich difficult, but Shannon persevered.  Shannon's tomato bisque was very thick and therefore very filling.  The bisque was topped with croutons and bleu cheese crumbles (which, had she known, Shannon would have had them hold).  The sandwich was so good that even though Shannon adores soup, she slightly ignored the side dish because she was rapidly filling up.  Towards the end she didn't think she'd finish the last couple of sandwich bites, but she made it after all.  If she hadn't had dinner last night she may have finished the soup too.

Table map!

Counter area of Latitude 41° North

Shannon's portabella sandwich and tomato bisque

Sitting area

Grace's chicken salad sandwich and chopped house salad

Outside Latitude 41° North

Today's lunch was as delightful as it was unplanned. We will definitely bring our friends here soon. Our advice to you, blogosphere: if you're really hungry and looking to spend $10, GO HERE!

Burntwood Tavern--Rocky River, OH [$$]

Grace's turn to pick the spot for this week, so off to the Burntwood Tavern we went!  The style was rustic meets English pub.  There was wood everywhere!  The bar had a shiny metal-plated look to it and the light covers were splintered barrels.  All around there were other hanging lights, bottle glass windows, and various seating placement options.  We were seated at a high table near the bar.  (Though next time Shannon wants to sit in a booth under the barrel lights.)  The whole place smelled deliciously of beer, cheese, bread, and wood.

After ordering water and browsing our menus, Shannon landed on the Veggie Burger, which was a variation of a black bean burger.  Grace decided upon the combo of half of the Fish Sandwich and a Caesar salad (of course.)  Our wait was brief, and our plates arrived.

Shannon's burger was placed on a toasted bun with tomato and smoked tomato aioli.  Shannon's choice of cheese was Swiss, which paired wonderfully with the black bean and wild rice mixture of the patty.  Shannon tacked on fifty extra cents for a side of sweet potato fries, which were simply fantastic.  Though the burger patty didn't quite stay together while she ate, it was delicious both on and off the bun.  Shannon did, however, run out of her limited ketchup supply and unfortunately had to wait a while before anyone came around so she could ask for more.  Her suggestion is, if you are a lover of ketchup, ask for two off the bat.  Otherwise her meal was great.

Grace's fish sandwich was extraordinary and she didn't put it down once. She often has this problem--only starting on the next part of the meal when the first part is gone. The fish (tilapia) was breaded to perfection and came with shredded lettuce and a side of jalapeno-tartar sauce. The fish came on a very fluffy hoagie bun. When her last bite was finished, her fork made its way to the Caesar salad which was, as yet, untouched. The croutons in Burntwood Tavern's Caesar salad were comprised of caraway-seeded rye bread cubes. The size of both parts of the meal combo were a great value! :)

Burntwood Tavern bar area

Fish Sandwich & Caesar salad combo

Veggie Burger and sweet potato fries

Although Grace has been to Burntwood Tavern prior to this luncheon, she will gladly come back to sit in a booth with Shannon.

Sweet Melissa's--Rocky River, OH [$$]

Last week, we went to Sweet Melissa's in Rocky River.  While waiting to be seated we admired the elaborate reflective gold ceiling and the fancy lighting.  We commented on the place's popularity, being two of about fifty plus other people (women) stopping in for lunch that day.  Though quite crowded, we were promptly seated and served with finesse.  Upon being seated, we noticed the customized glass water jugs, which with frosted letters spelled "Sweet Melissa's" down the front.  We thought this was a very nice touch.

Since Shannon's palate is slightly limited as a vegetarian, this menu was aptly mapped out with asterisks marking the vegetarian and vegan territories.  Grace, who usually can't pass up a beef dish, opted instead for "Roger's Shrimp Tacos."  Shannon, following suit, ordered "Tim's Veggie Tacos."  Each of us ordered a side to start since we were very hungry.  Grace ordered her fan favorite, a grilled Caesar salad.  Shannon ordered a cup of Veggie stew.  Shannon cannot pass up a vegetarian soup.

Although it didn't have croutons, which Grace thought was customary for a Caesar salad, she was surprised to find the romaine lettuce charred and, well, literally grilled. This was a new concept to her. She really liked it and thought it was very innovative. The dressing was lemony and the dish was overall very satisfactory. :)

Shannon's stew came in an adorable teacup, with a seasoned and toasted slice of bread on the saucer.  The stew was a hearty blend including tomatoes, beans, and chick peas, in a thick spicy-sweet broth.  Shannon, as a die-hard soup-lover, quite enjoyed this stew.  The cup was the perfect amount for a such a filling soup.

Now for taco time! We each received three tacos, which reminded us of another West Side restaurant, Deagan's in Lakewood, which also has both vegetarian and shrimp tacos. This did not hinder our opinion of Sweet Melissa's in the slightest. Upon first bite, we were both delighted by our choices. The shrimp tacos definitely had a kick to them. Mingled among the soft taco were charred tomatoes and seemingly exotic lettuce, though the menu did not specify beyond "lettuce."  The shrimp tasted of cayenne pepper, and Grace's sinuses were certainly cleared by the end of her meal.  The taco also featured guacamole.  Grace, as an avid avocado enthusiast (who often even asks for extra) was delighted by this accoutrement.  Shannon's tacos were also found to be quite zesty.  The fried tofu, guacamole and pico was divine and paired perfectly with the sour cream which tamed the spice considerably.  Shannon was disappointed that one taco shell was split in half and made cutlery necessary, and the taco head tilt needless.  The taste was still impeccable!

Roger's Shrimp Tacos

Grilled Caesar Salad and Veggie Stew

Tim's Veggie Tacos

Awesome water jug!

In the end, Grace said "Good choice Shannon!" for picking this first spot to have lunch.  The menu featured so many other items that sounded delicious, so we'll be back for seconds!

Idea!

Well, they started off as two young Cleveland girls in the same poetry class, but today they are...still young, even closer friends, and both in a post-grad slump. Needless to say (but they'll say it anyway), they are both working part-time jobs for which they are beyond qualified. Shannon works at a bookstore and Grace works at a smoothie joint. Since Shannon's boyfriend lives in the same city as Grace does, they decided to get together for lunch a few months ago. Now, it seems it is a weekly thing and the only thing for which their wallets are being used! They've been trying out some of the Cleveland area's hippest places together and finally decided to share their affinity for food with the blogosphere. Here, Shannon and Grace will post pictures of the food they eat and some tidbits/opinions about the places they go. Enjoy...and "Bon Appétit!"