Cleveland Magazine's Silver Spoon Awards

‘Tis the season for Cleveland Magazine's Silver Spoon Awards: “The May issue of Cleveland Magazine presents Northeast Ohio’s “Best Restaurants” with the Silver Spoon Award in a variety of categories.” What a great excuse to write about one of my favorite topics: food!  Not just food for fuel of course – food for fun and for the experience of it.  While the Silver Spoon Awards comprise the whole Greater Cleveland area, I thought I’d start us out in University Circle.  There are so many fantastic places right here to dine, eat, nosh, or however you want to call it.  The weather is breaking into spring, and my hope is that this post will give you some food for thought on where you should head next.

Here would be my University Circle categories and nominees:

Best Casual:

Patio of L'Albatros Brasserie

Falafel Café – This diner-like restaurant serves an array of flavorful Middle Eastern dishes, and American options as well.  I recommend the Taste of the Middle East and a piece of baklava and Turkish coffee for dessert.

Best Fine Dining:

L’Albatros – This brasserie has classy décor, gourmet French dishes, stellar service, fine wine and a grand cheese selection.  Need I say more?

Best à la Carte:

Provenance Café in the Museum of Art – From piping hot mac’n cheese to made-to-order salads, this café’s open kitchen serves a locally sourced, seasonal menu.

Best view:

Provenance Café in the Museum of Art – The bright, open Atrium has grandeur not unlike Severance Hall.  The space feels both indoor and outdoor and, situated in the museum, it draws a diverse crowd.

Best patio:

Dessert at Coquette Patisserie

l’Albatros – Their secluded courtyard is full of sunshine and greenery.

The Jolly Scholar – Their patio is a casual oasis that is synonymous with summertime.

Best dessert:

Mitchell’s Ice Cream – It’s my favorite ice cream, and I recently discovered that slightly melted vegan chocolate ‘ice cream’ tastes remarkably like chocolate mousse.

Coquette Patisserie – Their beautiful pastries are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.  The macarons are something special, whether for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up or a light dessert.  They also make a great gift.