Chicken Ranch

Lent is over. It was a good run of fish fries and pancake breakfasts. We now return to our regular feature of restaurants…

Chef Demetrios Atheneos’ latest foray into food here in Cleveland focuses on quick-serve comfort food. He owns a number of popular sit-down restaurants, like Forage Public House and The Oak Barrel, but during COVID he decided to open a quick-serve comfort food concept. His uncle originally had a restaurant called Chicken Ranch in the ’80s in Brooklyn, New York and it was his inspiration. His family works here – specifically his brother Niko and Demetrios’ sister and daughter. His brother rang me out on my last visit and Niko’s young child was hanging out at a table, trying to get his dad to give him something, which made me chuckle. Luckily Chicken Ranch is close to me on the east side, on Cedar Road in University Heights. Located in the former Lox, Stock and Brisket spot, this is a small place set up mainly for take-out, but it has a few tables that you can bring your food to and eat in if you want.

Chicken Ranch is “the farm to table food in a smaller, to-go kind of setting.” Chicken Ranch focuses on quality ingredients and freshly made products — everything from their signature chicken sandwiches to ribs, fish, even homemade cannoli. The menu has lots of dietary indicators, from vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free to keto-friendly. The focus on comfort food really makes it stand out, and the chicken here is next level! It is brined in a spicy buttermilk brine, battered and fried, resulting in a crispy, flaky outside shell.

The chicken tenders are almost the size of entire breasts – not thin tenderloin strips. During my first visit I ordered the tenders (3 for $13) and was not disappointed. They were so big I couldn’t eat them in one sitting. You can order them as regular batter dipped or grilled. They have 15 different homemade sauces to choose from, ranging in spiciness level from the House BBQ and Comeback Sauce (which is keto-friendly) to Black Garlic Toum, Kim Chi Hot Sauce, Dragon Fire Honey Butter, Cleveland Hot Sauce and Nashville Hot Oil. The spiciness level is indicated on the menu. I’m partial to the honey mustard. The tenders came served with a mini jalapeno corn bread, which was super tasty. I also ordered the crinkle fries and beet salad, which was made with golden beets, jalapeno and goat cheese. It is unfortunately no longer on the menu. Maybe it’s a seasonal side. It was a nice, refreshing side to balance out the fried tenders and fries. The fries were nicely cooked, with a crisp exterior and creamy interior, and dusted with a nice seasoning.

On my next visit I went with the Crispy Chicken Sandwich (they have several spicier choices as well, including the Nashville Hot Chicken they are known for). The herb buttermilk mayo was a great addition, and the slaw was fresh and crispy. They were a nice balance to the huge brined chicken breast. I obviously couldn’t finish it either. I had wanted to order the white cheddar mac n cheese, but somehow was confused when I opened the container and found no noodles. Turns out I was given the mashed sweet potatoes. I have no idea if I ordered the wrong thing or the wrong button was pushed. Mistakes happen (like my friend who ordered a patty melt instead of the tuna melt she had been thinking about all week – it happens). I wasn’t about to drive back and exchange it, so I ate it. It was sweet and tasty, but when you have your heart set on comforting mac n cheese it was kind of disappointing. Check your order before you drive away (not bad advice wherever you are, but easy to not think about in the moment). The serving sizes are generous and easily made two meals.

Chicken Ranch is also known for its homemade cannoli. They are next level. I’m fairly certain the cannoli I got on my first visit was a chocolate chip cannoli, but they have a banana cream cannoli on the menu now. Who doesn’t love banana cream??? It’s one of my favorite things in life. I really enjoyed the cannoli. The shell was crisp and shattered nicely, the filling was delicious, and I am fairly certain the whipped cream was real whipped cream and not the fake stuff.

I’m going to try the ribs next time, but they also have Wagyu sliders that sound good. Also, be sure to check the Specials board.

Contact info:

Chicken Ranch
13892 Cedar Road
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 938-7645</p

Mama Maria’s Ukrainian Kitchen

One of the first Ukrainian-owned businesses in Parma, a Cleveland suburb that’s been home to Ukrainian immigrants for the better part of a century, Mama Maria’s has been a local staple for about half that time. It serves excellent and authentic Eastern European food. It was run by Mama Maria until her son George took it over. George also State Meats next door. State Meats is my favorite place to buy Ukrainian delicacies like fresh and smoked kielbasa (try the double-smoked – wow), frozen pierogi, German potato salad (oil-based with bacon) and Russian salad (Olyvie, which resembles a potato salad, with the addition of other cooked vegetables like peas and carrots and meat.). You can obviously get that here too, but the pierogi are freshly made and hot. Mama Maria’s is known for its homemade jumbo pierogi, cabbage rolls, pelmeni (smaller Russian pierogi with a meat filling), German schnitzel, chenaky (stewed pork, potatoes, and carrots), and savory borscht (beet soup with pork and vegetables). They make authentic Ukrainian food that you cannot really find anywhere else.

I absolutely adore their kielbasa sandwich on a soft bun. The kielbasa is fresh and steamed to perfection. It is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of garlic. You can get it with or without sauerkraut. I’ve been known just to stop and get a kielbasa sandwich when I get a craving for it. It always makes me think of my Ukrainian grandmother, who always served fresh kielbasa on Easter. And she lived in the area, so it probably came from State Meats – just like Mama Maria’s does. We now serve fresh kielbasa at Easter and Thanksgiving in her memory.

I met several girlfriends here for a quick dinner before an event at the public library on Snow Road. They loved their meals, which ranged from the schnitzel with a pierogi to stuffed cabbage and pierogi. The schnitzel was perfectly fried. It doesn’t seem to be hand-pounded like I am used to in Austria and Germany. They tend to be huge and hang over the plate, but this was a very serviceable option. The stuffed cabbage was also tasty and the pierogi were little pillows of potatoey heaven.

It’s a really small space with not a lot of seating. Our table was tight and had to be moved to accommodate us. They do most of their business as carryout. It is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm every day but Sunday. Mama Maria’s doesn’t even have a website and its Yelp listing is sparse. It’s definitely a Cleveland secret that shouldn’t be.

Contact info:

Mama Marie’s Ukrainian Kitchen
5342 State Road
Cleveland, OH 44134
(216) 661-2225</p

Fish Fryday #7: Good Shepherd Shrimp Fry

I ate at Chelo’s again for lunch today and you’ve already seen the photos (their amazing tuna melt with grilled onions and Swiss and American cheese and clam chowder), so I’m just writing about tonight’s dinner.

I have heard about the shrimp fry at Church of the Good Shepherd in Lyndhurst for several years, and I finally got a chance to give them a try tonight. The Good Shepherd Shrimp Fry is special. Unlike most church fish fries, the Church of the Good Shepherd serves fried shrimp or mac n cheese and only holds it once a year on the last Friday before Good Friday, which is coincidentally traditionally the last fish fry of the season (unless you are orthodox). St. Ann’s near me also holds their fish fry tonight, but I decided I wanted to have some fried shrimp. Tonight’s shrimp fry (March 22, 2024) was from 5-7.

I’ve been to the Church of the Good Shepherd once over ten years ago for their blessing of the pets service. They used to hold it in the parking lot, but now they hold it at the South Euclid Dog Park on Monticello and South Belvoir. The church is set back from the road on Cedar near Legacy Village. It was not crowded, and I was able to get a good spot close to the church when I arrived shortly after 5:30.

As I was driving there tonight I tried to stop at the ATM, but it was out of service. I figured I could use my debit card there, but they don’t accept cards. They only accept cash, check, Cash App or something called Tithely. Dinners can also be preordered here. The pastor opened the door and greeted me, and also tried to help me scan the QR code and then walked me through downloading and using the Cash App app. Once I had it downloaded on my phone and my debit card entered I was able to easily pay my $15 for my shrimp dinner and headed on into the church hall. I was able to watch them frying the shrimp in the courtyard as I entered.

I was greeted warmly by everyone and also as I left later on. I had decided to get the dinner in a to-go box but sit down and enjoy the atmosphere for a bit. I gave the lady at the serving station my ticket and was told to take a seat. There was a table offering canned soda and homemade baked goods for $1 and $2 respectively. Coffee and water were free at yet another table. I purchased a couple of cans of soda for $1 each and sat down, only to be told to go up to the serving area to get my dinner because the shrimp was finished. I got them straight from the fryer as they refilled the serving tray. It doesn’t get any fresher than that! There was some confusion, because they told me to go back up there but they usually bring the dinners to the diners at the tables.

I grabbed some (real!) silverware, got my dinner, and grabbed a couple small containers of cocktail sauce (although they have squeeze bottles full of cocktail sauce available). The shrimp dinners come with eight pieces of shrimp, a generous ladleful of smashed potatoes (and the melted butter was glistening on the top of the serving pan), a generous scoop of cole slaw and a slice of Brownberry bread and wrapped pats of butter and, if you want, a small hunk of lemon.

I sat down and was joined by a friendly gentleman who explained the history of the shrimp fry. He explained that the first year they did it they had almost 100 diners and the line was wrapped around the sanctuary because they hadn’t worked out all the kinks (they could only fry 30 shrimp at a time and had to wait for the oil to come back up to temperature for the next batch). Someone started playing Beatles tunes on the piano and someone else ran home to get a propane burner. Now they use a propane burner to fry the shrimp and things go much smoother. He also told me about the church and about the trees and wildlife behind the church.

We had a nice chat as we tucked into our dinners. I was still full from lunch, so I ate three of the eight shrimp and a couple forkfuls of potatoes and cole slaw. The shrimp were delicately fried and absolutely perfect. I also really enjoyed the smashed potatoes. They were creamy and buttery. The cole slaw was on the bland side. I had to doctor it with salt and pepper and may add a couple of dashes of vinegar to it tomorrow when I eat the rest of my meal for lunch. Bob enjoyed a side of mac n cheese with his shrimp. Another parishioner who joined us also had the mac n cheese as part of her $15 side dishes meal (mac n cheese, smashed potatoes, cole slaw and bread), so it seems like those in the know get the mac n cheese as a side. The kid’s meal is $8 and features mac n cheese, smashed potatoes, cole slaw and bread).

I was on autopilot as I left and realized as I was almost home that I had forgotten to sign the petition against gerrymandering in the church lobby. I had toyed with the idea of grabbing a fish fry dinner to go at St. Ann’s, but it was getting late and I would have gotten there close to 7 when they closed. So I decided the petition was more important and turned my car around and drove back. I have been meaning to sign it for the last month, so I was super pleased that they had a table at the event. I might try to do both St. Ann’s and Good Shepherd next year (St. Ann’s starts at 4:30). Keep them in mind on the last Friday before Good Friday next year!

Contact info:

Church of the Good Shepherd
23599 Cedar Road
Lyndhurst, OH 44122
(216) 382-7770
info@gsepiscopal.org

Century Village Museum Pancake Breakfast

The Century Village Museum, located in Burton, Ohio is an authentic representation of a Western Reserve Village from 1798 to the turn of the 19th century. It’s also the host of a fantastic pancake breakfast. In addition, they offer free tours of the Maple Museum on Pancake Sundays. The museum and store just reopened a couple of days ago (March 15) after being closed for renovations.

The Century Village Museum is located just off of Burton Square. My GPS directed me to the parking lot off of Park Street. I knew how popular this pancake breakfast is and just how small the parking lot is, so I took advantage of St. Patrick’s Day to ensure I could avoid the crowds, who I knew would be either at the parade downtown or at one of the many bars and restaurants serving green beer, kegs and eggs and corned beef. Anyone who knows me know I am not a fan of corned beef. This seemed like the perfect way to spend the morning/afternoon. I woke up at 10 am and headed out shortly after 11. The drive was gray and cloudy, and it started to sleet and then snow. I seriously questioned my decision, but in the end I am so glad I decided to brave the weather this morning. It was totally worth it!

The pancake breakfast is served every Sunday in March from 9 am to 2 pm. They also have signs directing cars through a drive-thru. I got there shortly after noon and had to drive around the small parking lot until someone left. I felt lucky to get a spot. Other people parked on the square, crossed the road, and walked a bit. By the time I left (probably at around 12:30 or so) there were some spaces open. I am also happy that I am walking better now, because it was a bit of a walk to the Bond Building, where the pancakes are served. I followed the signs, and because there was no line I had to ask someone at the door where to go. They have a cordoned off line along the inside of the building to the right. I followed the cordoned area down to the ladies sitting at the cashier’s table and handed over my money. They also take debit and credit cards.

The cost for the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is $10 for adults and $6 for kids aged 6-12. The meal includes all you can eat pancakes (buttermilk, blueberry and apple – and they also had gluten free pancakes!!!), 2 sausage links, scrambled eggs, milk, orange juice and apple sauce. I also purchased extra sausage links for $1 each and extra orange juice for $1 (it said $0.75 on the sign, but they probably rounded it up to avoid dealing with quarters). Extra milk and water was also $1 each. I was glad I ordered the extra sausage and orange juice, because the sausage was fantastic. I didn’t remember about the milk and apple sauce being included in the price. Oh well, next time.

I grabbed a tray with a plate and plastic ware and grabbed my orange juices (and probably should have grabbed a container of apple sauce and container of milk). When I got to the serving window they had steamer trays filled with pancakes, eggs and sausage. I chose to get one of each pancake, asked for another half-scoop of scrambled eggs and ended up with four sausage links.

After I left the window, a nice gentleman asked if he could “buy me a cup of coffee” and poured me a cup from the urn. He made me smile. They also had hot water and decaf coffee. I grabbed some sugar and creamer and headed into the seating area to find a seat. The table had jugs of real maple syrup and bowls of individual butters and salt and pepper packets. They also had paddles to hold up high if you needed more pancakes or more coffee. I got a refill on my coffee, and the thermos of coffee was nice and hot.

The coffee was quite good – and strong, which was appreciated. The orange juice hit the spot (and wasn’t still frozen like at West Geauga). As for the food, it was fantastic! The scrambled eggs were just how I like them, and the sausage links were also outstanding. The pancakes themselves were fantastic – even the buttermilk, but the star of the show was definitely the apple pancakes!! These are definitely my favorite pancakes at any pancake breakfast so far. The smell was divine, and the taste was even better. The apple pancakes had a nice amount of cinnamon and were delicious.

I finished the eggs and ate half of the pancakes and sausage on my plate. I moved the pile away from the puddle of maple syrup on the plate and carefully carried my plate of pancakes and sausage to my car.

I plan to run through the drive-thru next week after the Burton Fire Department’s pancake breakfast and get all apple pancakes for later in the day. And I will probably start making apple and cinnamon pancakes at home, because they were a revelation.

Contact info:

Century Village Museum
4653 E Park Street
Burton, OH 44021
(440) 834-1492

Fish Fryday #6: The Fairview Tavern and Church of the Gesu

Lunch at The Fairview Tavern

One of my friends recommended I check out The Fairview Tavern when I talked about going to Gunselman’s last week and recommended their perch dinners. One of my girlfriends wanted to check it out, so we went for lunch there today. I am originally from Olmsted Falls and dated a guy from Fairview in high school. I had never heard of it despite it apparently being in business since the 1940s. It is located in the Fairview Shopping Center close to the intersection of Lorain Road and W. 220th. It is a tiny little sports bar with not much marking it by way of signage. New owners took over in 2006 and have been producing some excellent food since then. This place is the epitome of a hole-in-the-wall hidden gem.

When you enter, you are greeted by a long bar that extends its way into the establishment. There are a couple of high top tables to the left. We had to walk through the bar to get to the dining area with the tables and several booths.

We were greeted by a friendly server, and upon asking what was on tap I was given a list of the draft beers. I was tempted to order a Guiness because the place was festively decorated for the upcoming holiday, but I just bought a four pack so ordered a Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale. It is a clear dark amber beer with a slightly syrupy taste and was a tasty accompaniment to my meal.

I was intrigued by their regular menu and will definitely be going back. One thing I knew I needed to order was the bacon-wrapped kielbasa bites. How very Cleveland. These small coins of kielbasa were nicely prepared and were doused in a maple bourbon glaze. They were a tasty appetite whetter. I will definitely be back from the mini beef wellington – and I failed to order the New England Clam Chowder today, so that will need to be remedied as well.

Both my friend and I ordered the perch dinner. You can get three or four pieces of perch with fries and slaw. We chose the perch and pierogi dinner, which also came with fries and slaw as well as a side of sour cream and a side of tartar sauce. I know I have said this before, but I don’t understand the appeal of perch. There isn’t enough meat to be satisfying. And perch is easy to overcook, which these were hovering on the edge of. They were okay, but the cod sandwich that was served to the patron at the next table definitely looked more my speed. The fries and pierogi were lovely. The pierogi were served with large slices of onion that were grilled and a tasty addition. The slaw was just okay. Knowing I would be hitting Gesu tonight, I ate a pierogi and one of my three perch and got a box for the dinner and a box for the kielbasa bites. I’m sure they will reheat well.

Dinner at Church of the Gesu

I finally made it to the Gesu fish fry tonight. The Gesu fish fry is run out of the Gesu Catholic School’s basement cafeteria and catered by EDWINS. All proceeds go to support Gesu’s Families in Need Fund and EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute. I’ve been meaning to try it all season and finally made it. It took me a minute to actually find it though. What is it with Catholic schools and the woeful lack of signage?

I drove through several mobs of sorority girls and college kids in green from John Carroll walking to parties or the bars, and once I pulled onto Miramar and into the Gesu compound I drove behind the buildings to where most of the cars were parked near a building that had a sign visible through the windows indicating it was the Gymnasium. I asked two ladies who were walking in the lot where the fish fry was, and they pointed to the inside corner of the building. A sign on the door indicated there is a handicap entrance (an elevator) at the back of the building. If you have mobility issues, plan ahead and park close to the handicap entrance.

I entered the building and walked down the stairs to be greeted by a friendly woman at the door of the cafeteria. Once I told her I was a walk-in without a pre-order, she pointed me in the direction I needed to go (straight ahead). Pre-orders and to-go orders veer to the right, and there are rows of chairs available to wait for your order. I filled out my form and paid my money and was told to go to table 18. Table 18 didn’t work for me, so they easily managed to amend my order to table 4. It was brought out to me as I was sitting down. I sat with a delightful older couple with whom I enjoyed talking. They and their friends tried to recruit me for the choir. It was sweet, but the chances of this Lutheran making it to a Catholic morning mass (let alone an hour before mass to practice) are slim to none. But they definitely made me feel welcome.

I ordered the fish and shrimp dinner. Both were perfectly fried. The cocktail sauce for the shrimp was tasty, and the tartar sauce was indeed as good as the mayor of University Heights claimed it is. I ate two shrimp, nibbled on a few fries and had a couple bites of the fish as I chatted with my tablemates. I ended up taking most of it home to reheat tomorrow or Sunday.

Someone was lamenting on my Facebook food forum about a two-hour wait at the fish fry they were at. I got to Gesu shortly after they started serving (which is 5-8 pm) at 5:15 and left at 6. There were no lines and lots of tables with available seating. The fish fry is phenomenal (come on, it’s EDWINS), so if you want a great fish fry with no waiting be sure to check it out. If you pre-order a couple days ahead of time you also don’t have to worry about them running out. Pre-orders open at noon on the Saturday before the fish fry. Next week is the last chance for the 2024 Lenten season.

Contact info:

The Fairview Tavern
1867 Lorain Road
Cleveland, OH 44126
(440) 799-4200

Church of the Gesu
Gesu Catholic School
2470 Miramar Boulevard
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 932-0617

Abundant Life Ministry Center’s Pancake Breakfast

I first read about Abundant Life Ministry Center’s Pancake Breakfast on the Geauga County Maple Leaf’s Pancake Breakfast page. It caught my eye, because it was a pancake breakfast on a Saturday. Most pancake breakfasts are held on Sunday. It takes place every Saturday in March from 7 a.m. to noon. It advertises “Enjoy all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake breakfasts with real maple syrup at Abundant Life Ministry Center, 13724 Carlton St. in Burton. There will be three varieties of pancakes along with sausage for $10. Add a side of eggs for $1.” When I investigated further I discovered that banana is one of the three varieties. I was sold and decided I would be sure to check them out.

I didn’t know what to expect as I headed out. I left my house at 8 a.m. since I had gone to bed early the night before because my sleep schedule is all out of whack after three days of Zoom classes from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. this week. I made the mistake of not having a coffee beforehand. I decided not to get one on the way, because I knew there would be coffee there. Take my advice and get the coffee. Anyway, I drove to Burton, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and keeping my eyes on the lines on the road because it was raining so hard visibility was bad. I was also grumpily questioning why I was driving to Burton for a pancake breakfast on this chilly, rainy morning. My GPS took me out 422, which is a drive I love because it takes me past LaDue Reservoir. I even drove past several Amish residences with buggies in the driveway, and one of the small parks had blue buckets on the trees collecting sap for maple syrup.

As I said, I didn’t know what to expect. I kind of imagined a megachurch and a slick production with a ton of people. I was delighted to find the church is in what looks to be an old school (elementary school?). There were plenty of signs on several corners indicating where to turn. I quickly found a parking space quite close to the entrance (and it turned out to be even closer to the exit). I entered through the main door and followed the signs to the right. There was a cashier’s table at the entrance to the cafeteria. I handed her my $11 for the pancakes and eggs and grabbed a plate. I decided to try one of each pancake. I was given three lovely looking pancakes, several lumps of sausage (obviously handmade – no commercial, preformed patties here) and a ladleful of scrambled eggs, and was handed a fork and knife rolled in a napkin. Efficient!

I entered the dining area and quickly found a seat at one of the tables. The tables were covered in plastic tableclothes and had plates of butter, salt (Himalayan salt!) and pepper and squirt bottles filled with real maple syrup on them. There was a table as you entered that had some pancake syrup, ketchup, etc. as well as urns of coffee and hot water and jugs of orange juice and water. There were china containers of sugar and powdered creamer. I grabbed two styrofoam cups and filled one with coffee and the other with orange juice. If I come again I will bring my own mug and juice glass. And some liquid coffee creamer or half and half. But hey, for $11 I am not going to complain. And the coffee wasn’t terrible. I did enjoy it, and it did the job of waking me up.

The place was swarming with kids offering to get more pancakes or refills on your beverages. I agreed to a refill on my orange juice, but didn’t need more than my initial three pancakes. It was the perfect amount. Several of the kids even asked if they could clear my plate. There were more helpers than diners. There was even a Mennonite family there enjoying their meal. I was impressed how polite and helpful the kids were. Well done, Abundant Life parents!

As for the meal, it was excellent. I particularly loved the banana and blueberry pancakes. They were fluffy and packed with real fruit. I’m going to have to start making banana pancakes at home! I probably could have asked for more sausage, but I didn’t feel I needed it. The scrambled eggs were softly scrambled and were tasty after a quick shake of salt and pepper.

I am pleased to report that this pancake breakfast was unassuming and charming. And there was no line. It is a hidden gem and deserves more attendance. I mean, what better way is there to start a lazy Saturday than a plateful of pancakes?And for just $10 plus another $1 for eggs? I’m going to be full all day. I will definitely be back – maybe even before the end of March. It’s worth the 45 minute drive.

Contact info:

Abundant Life Ministry Center
, 13724 Carlton Street
Burton, OH 44021
(440) 273-8151

Fish Fryday #5: Old Brooklyn Cheese Company and Ferris Steakhouse

If you have been paying attention I have been on a tuna melt quest for the past few months. This works out wonderfully during Lent. Today’s tuna melt was an outstanding offering by Old Brooklyn Cheese Company. It is a Lenten special on Fridays from 11 am to close or it sells out. It is a delectable mix of tuna, finely chopped dill pickles, onions, celery (I didn’t notice too much crunch, so it was perfect for my “hate crunchy stuff in tuna salad” self), mayo, Old Brooklyn Mustard’s lemon preserve and a “houseblend cheese pull” of mozzarella, raclette and cheddar on fresh grilled sourdough from Leavened Bakery in Tremont (you can also get it on a baguette).

I usually prefer rye for my tuna melts, but the grilled sourdough was unbelievably crisp and held up really well to the creamy tonight. I’ll definitely be taking a trip to Leavened to buy a loaf for myself. The cheeses blended well, and I love raclette, which you don’t see everywhere. The flavors were outstanding, and no one flavor overpowered the other. They just worked together nicely to make a delicious, well-balanced sandwich. The counter dude grilled it up for me and did a great job. The place is also immaculate, which I appreciate.

I was afraid I was going to have to eat it in my car, but I was pleased to see they have added a dine-in seating area. I grabbed a Boylen’s Cream Soda and enjoyed the sun streaming through the windows as the counter dude made my sandwich. If you like a good tuna melt, you need to check it out. It’s definitely in my Top 3 Tuna Melts in Cleveland.

Life is all about pivoting. I had planned to get a fish fry dinner from Gesu tonight, but my sister texted asking me for a recommendation for one on the west side because she had an appointment in Lakewood at 7. She also wanted to dine in somewhere and not have to eat in her car. I suggested Gunselman’s and asked if I could join her. I told her I’d get there early to get a table. The wait was an hour and a half at 5:15. So I decided we should try Around the Corner, but then as I was driving there I saw Ferris Steakhouse and remembered they had a fish fry sign out when I dropped my taxes off next door earlier today (yes I drove to the Hilliard Road exit on I-90 from Cleveland Heights twice today). I have been wanting to try Ferris Steakhouse for several years now. It’s a Cleveland legend.

I pulled in there and was seated immediately. I ordered a Spiked Arnold Palmer while I waited, and chatted with the delightful waitress, who was also named Jill. She informed me that the Steakhouse has been at that location for 13 years, but they have been in Cleveland since 1940. It is still in the family and run by the third generation of Ferris. I loved the ambiance. We were seated at a candlelit table in a dimly lit room – a much-welcome change from what would have been a loud bar/restaurant at Gunselman’s.

When my sister arrived I told her the special was “three slices of fried cod, steak fries and cole slaw for $23 (no substitutions)”. She said “that’s a lot of food,” because she thought I said it was cod, steak and fries. Once the waitress explained it again, we both ended up ordering it. I also ordered a wedge salad, because I am not Catholic and don’t need to abstain from meat. I just like the excuse to eat fish. The wedge salad was delicious. The lettuce was crisp, and the diced tomato and cucumber were really fresh and refreshing. They were also generous with the bacon, balsamic and blue cheese dressing. I finished it, knowing I would be bringing most of my dinner home anyway.

The fish dinner were amazing. The cod was battered and very crispy. My sister even remarked on liking how crispy it was. I know most people rave about lake perch, but I prefer a bit more meat to my fish. Cod is great – especially when it is cooked perfectly. I love steak fries, which is what convinced me to order the dinner in the first place (otherwise I may have ordered the scallops or scampi off the menu). The bread roll was warm and soft, and even the cole slaw was really good. I also enjoyed the tartar sauce and squeezed the fresh lemon on the fish, which was a treat. And I got to have dinner with my sister, which was the best treat of all!

I ended up taking two slabs of fish and half of the fries and cole slaw home for lunch tomorrow. Happy Fryday, everyone!

Contact info:

Old Brooklyn Cheese Company
4464 Broadview Road
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 860-4000

Ferris Steakhouse
2589 Wooster Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
(216) 281-1437

West Geauga High School Pancake Breakfast

It’s Pancake Breakfast season! The holiest of Nature’s holidays. When the sap starts running in Geauga County and the calendar flips over to March, it is time for pancake breakfasts throughout the area. Spring is the time of the most activity when the syrup is being made and most of the harvest work is done. Most of the local pancake breakfasts feature real maple syrup, and you can’t throw a stone around Burton without hitting one. I attended my first pancake breakfast season today and chose to try the breakfast at West Geauga High School in Chesterland. I had heard a lot of good things, and it was my first time there. We pulled into the high school parking lot and followed the crowds of people. The entrances and exits were well-marked. We just followed the signs. We got there at 11:30. It starts at 8 am and runs until 1 pm. The cafeteria was packed, but the line wasn’t very long and moved fast.

West Geauga High School pancake breakfast is run by the Kiwanis Club and relies on community volunteers. The place was swarming with Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Pixies, Brownies and Girl Scouts. There were lots of folks collecting money at the cashier table, making the food in the cafeteria kitchen, restocking silverware and beverages, and most importantly running around the cafeteria with thermoses of regular and decaf coffee and trays of pancakes and sausage. Insider tip: the sausage is from Kocian Meats at E. 40th and St. Clair, and we heard several people raving about the sausage.

For $10, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat buttermilk, buckwheat, chocolate chip, and blueberry pancakes, French toast, Geauga County’s Pure Maple Syrup, sausage, juice, coffee and milk. Children 6 and under are $6 and there is an early bird special from 8-9 a.m. for even less (but if you’ve been following me you know that I am not a morning person and will never be up and moving for an early bird special unless I haven’t gone to bed yet – which was the plan for this Saturday’s pancake breakfast at Abundant Life Ministry Center in Burton, but I decided at 5:30 a.m. that I would rather go to bed than power through until 7 a.m.). I’ll hit it later in the day later in the month. That one is on Saturdays in March from 7 a.m. to noon.

My friend joined me because she was looking forward to the buckwheat pancakes. Unfortunately she said there wasn’t as much buckwheat as she prefers. She prefers the Burton Fire Department’s buckwheat pancakes. But she still enjoyed them.

I grabbed a plate of blueberry pancakes and a plate of French toast and got several sausage patties. I liked that they asked if I wanted them well-done or regular. I told the server that I didn’t care, so he gave me two regular patties. My friend loved the well-done sausage because they were crispy and just how she likes it. I like that they give you a choice.

We found a clean spot for two and tucked into our food. The volunteers kept coming around and topping off our coffee and clearing half-empty creamer pots and syrup jars and switching them for full ones. We didn’t need refills on pancakes or sausage, but if we had wanted them all we had to do was hold up paint paddles to call for more. There was always someone close by with more. They had big urns of coffee with which they refilled the thermoses.

I was thrilled to see my friends (and former neighbors) who introduced me to the idea of pancake breakfasts just a couple people down from me. I gave them all big hugs and caught up. Not bad for a West Sider who found herself on the far East Side. My friend and I drove back home with full bellies and happy hearts. It was the perfect start to the syrup season.

We were even served some coffee by The Cat in the Hat. He was just a spot of sunshine. Everyone there was efficient and very friendly. It was great seeing families enjoying themselves, and we enjoyed chatting with the folks around us.

Contact info:

West Geauga High School
13401 Chillicothe Road
Chesterland, OH 44026
(440) 729-5950

Fish Fry #4 2024: The Village Butcher and Benedictine High School

Lunch on Friday, March 1st was brought to you by The Village Butcher in Mayfield Heights. What a gem it is!! The Village Butcher was conceived by restaurateur Carl Quagliata (he of Giovanni’s, Crostata’s and Smokin Q’s BBQ fame) and Chef Zach Ladner. The butcher shop is a combination of an old school butchery and an Italian import store. They also have an open kitchen where they make a range of delicious sandwiches and their fresh made pastas and sauces that can be purchased retail, the recipes of which have been carefully crafted over the last 46 years at Giovanni’s.  The “grocery section” features a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and dry pastas.

It’s located just south of the Wilson Mills and SOM Center intersection in a small strip mall next to Heinen’s. Several of my friends have raved about the sandwiches they serve here. I specifically came for the fish sandwich posted on my Facebook food group a few weeks ago. It made my mouth water, so I knew I needed to check it out.

This was a delicious sandwich – tender and flaky with the most delectable tartar sauce. The cod was beer battered and perfectly deep fried. It was also a huge chunk of fish. The brioche bun kind of fell apart toward the end under the large amount of tartar sauce, but I didn’t mind one bit because it did not detract from and only added to the amazing flavor of the sandwich. The fries were nicely seasoned and also reheated well the next day for lunch. I also got a “cup” of cole slaw that was deliciously creamy and was made with crisp, fresh grated cabbage. As I stood at the counter I kept wanting more and more of the premade offerings. The cucumber tomato salad looked divine as well, but it was just okay. Maybe it will be better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

I am not Catholic (just like a good fried fish), so I also got some lasagna (huge!) and bacon-wrapped meatloaf and some sides. I had half of the lasagna heated in my microwave last night at 2 a.m. (I was moderating a Zoom class in India until 6 a.m.) and it was fantastic! The meat in the case looked great and the products they stock are well curated (soups and sauces in coolers and lots of quality canned tomatoes and dried pastas). They have been open for two years. I will definitely be back – specifically for the beef braciole I saw in the case after I had already ordered the lasagna and meatloaf!

I attended the Benedictine High School fish fry this week for two reasons: 1) because I needed to stick closer to home tonight because I had to be home and online by 9 p.m. and 2) I wanted to give them another chance after panning them before the pandemic and being called out for it in the comments. Just because they are a bunch of kids doesn’t mean the public should accept a middling experience. Benedictine High School is a private, Roman Catholic, college preparatory high school for boys, located on Martin Luther King Jr Drive near Buckeye Road. I have a friend whose son graduated from Benedictine, so I have a soft spot for them.

I had two main complaints on the first visit. The first was the lack of signage. I’m sad to report that has not been improved. Other than a small sign at the road there is no indication where to go once you park. In fact, I had to ask the security guard in an SUV in the parking lot where to go. Bigger and more signs would help a lot. Also, now you will know, because I will save you the trouble by describing what to do here. You can quickly enter the cafeteria if you pull into the first driveway and park on the side of the building and walk to the back. There is a roundabout where you can drop off people with mobility issues. The entrance puts you right at the start of the food line. If for some reason the parking spaces are full in the first driveway, there is a huge parking lot if you drive down the second driveway (also labelled “high school/visitor parking”). Head to the big white entrance and walk down several long hallways (don’t let the steps deter you, there is a ramp off to the left you can use). Once you see the doors in the third photo above, you will know you have arrived.

My biggest critique on my visit before the pandemic was the lack of sanitation – in particular, having the guests stick their hand in a bread bag to get some bread slices. I am pleased to report that they have remedied this by prepackaging several slices of wheat and white bread in ziploc baggies. I was very pleased to see this. However, the fish fry is still sparsely attended – probably just attended by their parents and fellow students. I wanted to love it but it was just okay.

The fish fry itself is extremely affordable. It was only $13 for two pieces of fish and two sides (choice of pierogi, onion rings, fries, or chowder and choice of cole slaw or apple sauce), a baked good and coffee or tea. I took the meal to go, because I was still full from lunch and ate it the next day heated up in my air fryer. It was okay. The fish was decently fried but nothing special, and the pierogi were Mrs. T’s. The cole slaw was acceptable, but not as good as St. Vladimir’s or Village Butcher’s. The dinner was “mid” as the kids say. Not that there is anything wrong with that if you like that kind of thing.

The baked goods saved the day. I would not be surprised to hear the PTA or some parents made the baked goods. There were quite a few to choose from – from cake slices to chocolate chip cookies to several different types of brownies. The peanut butter and oats brownie I chose (and was recommended by the young man serving them) looked and tasted amazing. I could have purchased more for $1, but one baked good was enough for me and it was included in the price of the dinner. I made sure to buy a can of generic cola though because I was thirsty and needed the caffeine to keep me awake that night. It hit the spot, and I finished it just as I got home (about a 15 minute drive). I kind of wished I had bought several.

The proceeds go to different clubs each week, and this week benefited their Key Club and Band & Drama. The kids made me laugh. When I asked one of the young men which they preferred – cole slaw or applesauce – because I couldn’t decide, he honestly answered “I don’t like either of them,” which made me howl. Thanks for your honesty and the chuckle. I also bought 50/50 Raffle tickets because it’s for a good cause. If you are in the area or want to support the high school clubs be sure to check them out.

Contact info:

The Village Butcher
818 SOM Ctr Road
Mayfield, OH 44143
(440) 565-7330

Benedictine High School
2900 Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Cleveland, OH 44104
(216) 421-2080

Fish Fry #3 2024: Chelo’s Kitchen and St. Vladimir Orthodox Ukrainian Church

It’s Lent. That means fish on Fridays. Not because I’m Catholic and don’t eat meat on Fridays, but because I love fish and can indulge most everywhere.

A week ago someone posted the Friday specials at Chelo’s Kitchen on the Facebook food group I am on. I have been on a tuna melt kick, and their tuna melt lunch special looked amazing. I had already had lunch when it got posted, but I needed the tuna melt in my life. I looked forward to it all week. It was just as good – if not better – than it looked. Their tuna melt features tuna, grilled onions, and American and Swiss cheese on seeded rye bread. It was amazing!!! I’m going back again before the season is out. Chelo’s Kitchen is a traditional American breakfast and lunch place with some South American options (the owners are from Uruguay). It’s only open until 2pm every day except during Lent, when they have dinner specials from 3:30-7:00 pm on Friday night (they call it Fish Frenzy Friday). It took over the space that used to be Kalie’s Restaurant on the corner of Mayfield Road and South Green in South Euclid. I’ve been meaning to try it and I will definitely be back! The servers were fantastic and really friendly. The hashbrowns look amazing. I have a new place to put on my rotation even after Lent.

But you are here for the Fish Fry. I chose to return to St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Ukrainian Church for my first Friday Fish Fry of the season. I took someone who just moved to Cleveland from Los Angeles 5 months ago and had never been to or even heard of a fish fry. I chose St. Vladimir because it’s on State Road (near St. Josaphat’s and St. Francis de Sales, so you know they have to offer their A game). It offers five seafood dinners (baked cod, salmon, fried perch, fried whitefish and fried shrimp) and seven sides (french fries, pierogi, potato pancake, redskin potatoes, steamed vegetables, cabbage and noodles, and mac n cheese) to choose from, and some of the best pierogis in the city. We were lucky enough to get a spot really close to the front door. As we walked in we passed the bar, so I got a Ukrainian lager to enjoy during my wait in line. I wasn’t driving, so I was able to enjoy it during the wait and during my meal.

They have six dinners to choose from – baked salmon (1 pc), baked cod (1 pc), fried perch – aka Captain Gene’s dinner (3 pc), fried whitefish (2 pc), fried shrimp (6 pc) and potato pierogi (6 pc). And they also have a kid’s dinner with a slice of pizza, french fries and applesauce. All dinners include cole slaw or applesauce, a dinner roll, coffee and a cookie – and your choice of one side. The choice of sides include french fries, 2 pierogi, 1 potato pancake, redskin potatoes, steamed vegetables, cabbage and noodles, and mac n cheese.

Last year one of the parishioners suggested I order the cod next time, so I went with his suggestion and ordered the baked cod dinner to dine in and a pierogi dinner to go. The cod was perfectly baked and had an herbacious crumb crust. I ordered the cabbage and noodle to go with it, which was tasty. But the pierogi are still my number one! The helper who carried my tray for me suggested the potato pancake as my side for my pierogi dinner, which, as I said, I got to go and will eat for the next few days. I ate half of the cod, roll, and cabbage and noodles and put the other half in the to go box holding the pierogi dinner.

My friend ordered the Captain Gene’s dinner, because I urged her to get the perch. She chose a potato pancake for her side. She also really enjoyed everything – including the cole slaw, which was nice and creamy. I really enjoyed the cole slaw too. It’s delicious. She definitely enjoyed her first Cleveland fish fry.

Contact info:

Chelo’s Kitchen
4446 Mayfield Road
South Euclid, OH 44121
(216) 382-4490

St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
5913 State Road
Cleveland, OH 44134
(440) 886-3223