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Matter of Taste: Unexpected food finds in a bowling alley and grocery store

Our new podcast, called Matter of Taste, focuses on our favorite food finds across Northeast Ohio.

Northeast Ohio's food scene is vastly underrated.

Sure, everyone knows they can get customized tacos at Barrio and a sandwich oozing cheesy goodness at Melt.

But how about the authentic tacos served in the back of a small grocery store? Or fried chicken served behind a small counter at a bowling alley?

WKYC wanted to tell you about a couple of our favorite "secret" food finds, which is why we decided to launch our first podcast episode about those grocery store tacos and bowling alley fried chicken. We're calling them "unexpected food finds."

Our new podcast, called Matter of Taste, focuses on our favorite food finds across Northeast Ohio. Producer Chris Cantergiani and Digital Producer Stephanie Metzger sit down every Thursday to discuss the food they just can't keep quiet on. From pizza to tequila and more tacos, they're happy to try it -- and talk about it.

Episode 1 of Matter of Taste took us to Lakewood's La Plaza supermarket and Mahall's bowling alley.

LISTEN:

Matter of Taste: Episode One - Unexpected food finds, featuring La Plaza tacos and Mahall's fried chicken

See more on Northeast Ohio's unexpected food finds Monday on Channel 3 News at 11 p.m.

La Plaza

La Plaza is a small Mexican grocery store serving up some of the best authentic tacos in Greater Cleveland. From asada to al pastor, the taco's fillings are full of flavor, meaning they don't require any of the extras you might find piled on your tacos at other restaurants.

Instead, La Plaza hands you small corn tortillas piled with meat. Additional self-serve toppings are simple, like diced onions, chopped fresh cilantro and a small sampling of homemade salsas.

Check out La Plaza at 13609 Lakewood Heights Boulevard -- and grab a container of guac to go while you're there. Learn more about them here.

Mahall's

Mahall's is a 20-lane bowling alley unlike any you've seen in Greater Cleveland. The throwback venue suits a hipster crowd in search of alternative music and a cold PBR. Live music and comedy shows can be seen in the venue's back room while retro bowling lanes span the basement, but what lies behind a counter near the bar is reason enough to visit.

Mahall's serves up fried chicken that kicks your standard KFC to the curb. The crunchy, seasoned chicken comes cheap at $2.78 per piece, or you can take a full bucket home to feed the family.

Spend an evening at Mahall's at 3200 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. Click here to learn more about them.

Photos: La Plaza tacos and Mahall's fried chicken

Matter of Taste records every Thursday afternoon. Special thanks to our host and neighbor, Noble Beast Brewing Company.

If you know of some local food we need to try, drop an email to smetzger@wkyc.com.

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