How Sweet it is

When I received an email a few weeks ago from Michelle at Cleveland Foodie to attend a special media preview of Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop, I happily accepted.  I have been reading about Sweet Moses via their Facebook page for months and was awaiting their opening on Saturday, March 26.  I kept wondering if it would have that old-fashioned corner soda fountain feel that I only experienced through Nana's stories of "the good ol'-days".  The tables, chairs, and fountain itself are all restored giving the interior of Sweet Moses a nostalgic feel as if you stepped back in time.  Owner Jeffrey Moreau envisioned a place where you can go after a nice dinner for a nice dessert.  He believes in using the highest quality ingredients for his ice cream, candies, and baked good.  However, he also believes in keeping things simple which really gives Sweet Moses that 1920's soda fountain feel.

            

We were greeted to samples of Sweet Moses' homemade chocolate creations.  All of the chocolates are a Belgian blend created by Jeffrey.  I sampled the white chocolate with almond, Tuxedo Junction bark, and dark chocolate covered pretzel bark.  When I go back, I am already planning to try the Ritz bits that I spotted in the chocolate case.  On each table were bowls filled with carmel corn and cheese corn, all freshly popped from an old-school popper.  I already decided I had to try the ice cream.  What I loved about the specialty sundae menu was the names, all Cleveland based.  WhyCLE and I (along with boyfriends) are already planning on attempting the 10 scoop Terminal Tower sundae at some point this summer.  As much as I love chocolate, I decided to create my own sundae with a banana split feel.  I went with one scoop of homemade banana's foster ice cream topped with strawberries and (of course) sprinkles.  A unique feature of all the sundaes is the pretzel garnish on the spoon.  I am thinking for my next visit I am going to try the Shoreway Sundae which is coffee ice cream, hot fudge, toffee, and almonds.  (yes I probably will add on sprinkles too)  All of the hot fudge and caramel is made in house in a copper kettle.  My boyfriend opted for something from the soda fountain, a phosphate.  One great thing about Sweet Moses is you can be as creative as you want with your sundaes and phosphates.  He went with blueberry syrup and chocolate ice cream which turned out very delicious.  I also cannot think of many places that have true phosphates on the menu made with soda water and syrups from pure cane sugar.  

Another unique menu item is the peanut butter sandwiches.  If you are not in the mood for something sweet, you can build your own peanut butter sandwich.  We were presented with PB & Nutella, PB & marshmallow (just like I make when I am feeling nostalgic), the classic PB & J, and my personal favorite, PB & bacon.

If you are wondering the inspiration for the name "Sweet Moses", it pays homage to the founder of the city, Moses Cleaveland.  It has been noted Moses never looked happy in pictures, possibly because his name (or the city's name) is misspelled.  However, if he were alive today and walked into his namesake treat shop in the Gordon Square Arts District I would guarantee he would leave with a smile.  If not, I will eat the entire Terminal Tower by myself.

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

***Disclaimer: I was provided a media pass to this special preview from Cleveland Foodie.  The opinions and thought expressed here are my completely my own.*** 

  

A Hidden Gem on Detroit Ave.

One great thing about Cleveland and it's surrounding suburbs would be the wide variety of small businesses and restaurants.  Lakewood would have to be the epitome of this statement.  Driving (or going for a nice run) up and down Madison and Detroit Avenues, one cannot help but be distracted by the large number of storefronts ranging from boutiques to bakeries to bars to restaurants.  When most people think of restaurants in Lakewood, two more then likely come to mind Melt  and Three Birds.  However, Lakewood is filled with hidden gems and I was lucky to finally try one this past weekend, that being 56 West.

Located on the corner of Detroit and Westlake Ave, 56 West is one of those places you may pass by unless you are specifically looking for it.  I have heard nothing but good things about it and was very excited to finally try it.  The menu is fairly simple, mostly being entree salads, sandwiches, and burgers but their is an option for everyone including vegetarians.  Also, the names of all the dishes are quite fun (i.e.: "The Italian Lover", "Pure Pleasure", and "One Hot Chick").  Since I was feeling creative, adventurous, and a bit indecisive, I went with the Build your Own Burger option.  This ended up being a veggie patty on a whole wheat bun, with chipotle honey glaze, wildgreens, tomato, Vermont Cheddar, bacon (yes, I love bacon on veggie burgers), and avocado.  I have had my fair share of veggie burgers/back bean burgers, and I am going to say this particular one is one of my favorites.  Upon asking our server (who was very friendly and helpful), I found out it was a puree of veggies, with black beans and quinoa.  Quinoa is a something I have been hearing more and more about.  It is a grain with a higher protein and fiber content in comparison to rice and wheat.  I have been finding it to be a good alternative to using rice in recipes too.  Maybe a future blog will be 101 fun delicious ways to enjoy quinoa.  (Ok, maybe 10.  This one will take some research).  Anyways, the veggie burger was excellent and it would be safe to say it is my new standard for comparison.  The portion size also was great.  I like a sandwich/burger where the main ingredient is not hidden under the bread.  The veggie burger and other toppings were overflowing from the just right size whole grain bun I chose.  Instead of getting fries with the sandwich, my boyfriend and I shared the bucket of fries which included housemade ketchup infused with cinnamon (fabulous) and roasted garlic aioli.

I also must note, 56 West has a nice selection of craft beers to enjoy with your meal.  I personally opted for the seasonal favorite being Great Lakes Christmas Ale.  Another point to mention, the dinner was very reasonably priced.  I would highly recommend checking out 56 West especially if you are not sure what you have a taste for.  The variety and high quality of the food along with wonderful service and very reasonable prices truly makes this one of Lakewood's hidden gems.

Question of the Week:  What are some other neighborhood favorites you cannot get enough of?

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.        

Happy (early) Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving dinner...the turkey, the stuffing, the cranberry sauce.  Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (or candied yams), green beans.  Finally, the pumpkin pie.  In two weeks, I will be preparing this feast for my family while watching the Macy's parade in the background.  Then, when the last timer goes off, the table is set, and "Grace" is said, I will indulge in my favorite holiday meal.  Every year I look forward to the preparation and then the enjoyment.  I dream of turkey with cranberry sauce in the middle of April.  Thanks to Melt Bar and Grilled, I was able to get my taste buds even more excited with their November Sandwich of the Month, "The New Bomb Turkey".

I think I may have found my new favorite Melt sandwich, which is a shame because I may not be able to enjoy it after November 30.  The sandwich consists of roasted turkey, stuffing, butternut squash, muenster cheese, and a side of cranberry dipping sauce.  In other words, heaven between bread.  All that was missing was the sweet potatoes, but I really did not miss them much.  The stuffing was just like homemade and perfectly cooked.  The squash and the cheese complimented each other perfectly.  With each bite, i drizzled on the cranberry sauce adding that sweet-tartness to my dinner.  And of course, the star of the sandwich, the turkey.  There was NOTHING dry or bland about this bird.  With every bite, I was getting more and more excited for November 25.  To substitute for the pumpkin pie, I tried the pumpkin pie martini.  Overall, it could have used a bit more pumpkin and slightly less Bailey's.  Otherwise, it was still enjoyable.  Personally, when you get this sandwich, I would recommend pairing it with the Southern Tier Imperial Pumking Ale which is still on tap.  I also recommend saving room for dessert (the pumpkin cheesecake) which we unfortunately did not.  I usually limit my visits to Melt to once a month, however, the New Bomb Turkey may lead me to go back once more in November, this time leaving room for pumpkin cheesecake.  Another successful and delicious trip to Melt.  Matt Fish, you never disappoint me.

With that being said, I would like to take time to thank all veterans on this Veteran's Day.  Because of your sacrifices, we Americans have freedoms unmatched anywhere else in the world.

I also would like to inform you, Hungry in Cleveland is now on Twitter.  Follow me @HungryInCLE to see where I am eating and what I am cooking.

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.