CLEVELAND -- Cleveland is well known for things like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or our beautiful Lake Erie shoreline, but for the past few years, we've been climbing the culinary charts, and being recognized for our hidden-gem eateries.
Food and Wine magazine recently noshed their way through our town in one perfect day. We thought we could do a little better. So, I set out on an epic eating adventure with my buddy and photographer, George Payamgis.
First stop? Coffee!
Rising Star
They don't have your average cup of Joe, and their Ohio City location isn't your average coffee house. In fact, it's an old firehouse! This West 29th spot brews some of the best stuff in town. Their lattes are bold, with a smooth finish.
"We do a microfoam on top, so that's why it's kind of a velvety texture," manager Dawn Fox said.
More information on Rising Star, HERE.
Next up? Lunch!
PHOTOS: Eating our way through the CLE
Larder
Imagine an Eastern European deli/bakery with friendly workers and an old-school vibe. That's Larder. Not to mention, their out-of-this-world sandwiches. We started with their breakfast sandwich loaded with pimento cheese, fried egg and breakfast meat, (which changes up daily). The we tried their housemade fried chicken and pastrami sandwiches, creamy beet salad, and homemade sodas.
"We're cooking food that we enjoy, and that other people enjoy, and it seems to be working," Chef and owner Jeremy Umansky said.
More information on Larder, HERE.
Time for dinner!
La Plaza Supermarket
You don't need to go far for an authentic Mexican street taco. Head to Lakewood Heights Boulevard for the real deal at La Plaza. Owner Adrian Ortega started with a taco cart right outside on the corner. Then, in 2011, he started serving up his customers using fresh ingredients, with a straightforward approach. Plus, it's all about the salsa. And, La Plaza has a lot of choices when it comes to that.
"It's very simple, the way we prepare. But, it's very authentic. The flavors are there, and I think that's what people like. Simple, easy and fast," Ortega said.
More information on La Plaza, HERE.
Time for something sweet!
Sweet Moses
Ever wish you could step back in time to an old-fashioned soda shop? Enter, Sweet Moses on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland. It's a treat shop, with some of the best treats in town. We went with the brownie sundae, and it was everything you could wish for in a bowl of sweet goodness.
More information on Sweet Moses, HERE.
It's time to wrap up.
Noble Beast
Right across the street from Channel 3, sits a brewery with thirst-quenching beers, and great food. We're talking about Noble Beast Brewing Company. That was our last stop. And, the sweet potato saison was the perfect way to end our epic eating adventure through the CLE.