I wanted to love Caddy Shack Lounge. I really did.
The new golf-centered drinking establishment that opened last week between Prospect and Euclid downtown Cleveland had so much going for it. It's opening in the middle of a "revitalize Cleveland" movement. The recession is in the past and Clevelanders have a deep craving for sunshine, summer and positivity. I assumed it would rival Corner Alley, except built around a golf theme instead of a bowling theme.
And the space was really cool. At first glance, I thought it was going to be the next "place to be." In reality, it had its pros and cons. Unfortunately the Caddy Shack Lounge won't get a mulligan.
Pros:
-- Great space. Roomy, high ceilings, plenty of seating, plenty of HDTVs.
-- Indoor golf. Unless you've been to Classic Fairways in Hudson, you haven't seen this before.
Cons:
-- Service. We'll get into this later, but shouldn't good service be your No. 1 priority?
-- Beer selection. Could you be less creative with your selection of beers on tap? (Bud Light, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Smithwick's, Sam Adams, Guinness)
-- Price. Nothing is cheap: not beer, not food, not golf.
-- Happy Hour. Miller Lite and Bud Light are $2 for a pint. The other drafts are $1 off (Smithwicks is $4.50). Bleh.
Build a service culture
I worked in the restaurant industry for eight years and now I write extensively about the hotel industry--both service cultures--so I recognize good and bad service when I see it (almost to a fault). So I'm not talking from nowhere when I constantly remind businesses: make service your first priority.
Forget how pretty your place looks. Forget the menu. Forget the pricing. Before you build a wall, build a service culture. Hire a staff and train them on the menu, the point-of-sale system and the customer service for a month before your establishment opens.
I have no clue what our bartender's name was; she had no clue about anything. She couldn't change the channel on the TV, she didn't recommend any particular drink, she had no clue when Happy Hour started or what Happy Hour prices were.
In fact, when another guest asked her whether they carried Coke or Pepsi products, she said "cola." She didn't know.
There were about seven people in the bar when I got there. By the time I left, there might have been 25. Once business picked up, the bartenders lost control. My glass sat empty for more than five minutes. And once she pulled it from the bar, she performed the ultimate restaurant/bar no-no: grabbed the glass from the rim, with her finger tips going inside the glass itself.
Happy Hour brings business
Rule No. 2: Establish a Happy Hour. Nobody dislikes free stuff. The next best thing to free is a deal. Make people feel like they are getting a deal--especially during Happy Hour. Across the street at Forti's you can get a multitude of beers for $2. Next to Forti's, at RJ Bolands, you can get quality craft beers for $3.
I know how much beer costs in a keg. I know you can get about 140 pints from a keg. If you sell it for $3 a pint for three hours a day during the week, and regular price the rest of the time, you are still going to make a killing.
Happy Hours build business. They get people in after work, especially in a downtown environment. If your establishment is cool and aesthetically pleasing but doesn't give me a deal, I'm going to go somewhere that does.
Showing posts with label cleveland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleveland. Show all posts
1.23.2010
mistake on the lake taking shape
Cleveland=back.
Forget Cleveland Plus. Forget NEO. Forget Lakewood. Downtown Cleveland is where it's at. And there's no longer a need to sugarcoat it.
For the longest time I hated this city. Seasonal affective disorder takes a toll here. And until recently, nothing was getting done to modernize the landscape of downtown Cleveland.
Scratch that, reverse it.
The new Euclid Avenue kicks ass. East 4th Street is a gold mine. There are actual nightclubs, not Jersey-Shore-trash bars like before. The King's court is here. Celebrities are flocking to Cleveland like it's going out of business.
If you rolled into the Barley House on Thursday night, you could have rubbed elbows with LeBron, Lil' Wayne, Kelly Pavlik, Josh Cribbs and Troy Smith. Who even cares that Kim Kardashian was there.
Melissa and I went out Friday night. There are so many newer restaurants (Encore, Greenhouse Tavern, RJ Bolands ...) that we mulled our options extensively, but decided on dinner at Zach Bruell's new restaurant on East 4th, Chinato. Then we caught a comedian at Hilarities and had dessert at the new Chocolate Bar. Couldn't have had a better time.
First, we found a parking spot on the street. Free. In what city can you park for zero cost?
Chinato by Bruell, who also did L'Albatros and Parallax, is going to be great. Our service was so-so, but I blame that on the fact that it just opened and it would literally take a month to learn that menu. I had no idea what at least 30 percent of the items on the menu were. And the wine list is organized by Italian regions. But the food spoke for itself. I had sausage and peppers, Melissa had swordfish, and both were quality. We shared a bottle of outstanding-yet-inexpensive Corte Alla Flora syrah. The mixed salad, in fact, was the best part of the meal and we both raved about it.
Every city has popular pockets of success--mini neighborhoods--and Cleveland is no different. I've graduated from clubby West 6th to a more relaxed East 4th, but both areas have made drastic improvements. Playhouse Square, the arts district, already has a few cornerstones and reeks of potential. If there are any vacant window fronts on East 4th, they won't be dim for long. People are there, spending money, drinking, having a good time, and I can't imagine the owners of those establishments aren't reaping the benefits.
We saw this fat Greek dude, Basile, at Hilarities and he cracked us up. He's from Cleveland originally and was back in town for a week. Besides his stand-up gig, he does the voice of Bullwinkle for the newly remastered Rocky and Bullwinkle shows. Check out a clip of his stand-up here; it's pretty hilarious. (No joke, we ran into him about two hours after his set, about 1 a.m., when he stumbled into the Chocolate Bar, sweaty, looking for any kitchen still serving food.)
Speaking of Chocolate Bar, shout out to Brandon slinging drinks behind the bar. Real cool dude, and he makes a mean crème brulée martini, according to Melissa.
And then there's LeBron, who singlehandedly put Cleveland back on the map. Forget the Kobe-LeBron-who's better debate. It's over. LeBron takes games over. His supporting cast is JV compared to Kobe's, and he beat the Lakers twice this year. He's so confident. He enjoys the game. Like when he rapped an entire Eminem verse on the court with a two-point lead and 25 seconds on the clock. In the biggest game of the regular season on national TV.
He's even better off the court. He says the right things, never gets into trouble and stays true to his roots. The new debate is LeBron vs. Michael, and when James gets a ring he'll be the best basketball player to have ever played the game. Read this Bill Simmons column, a great summary of LeBron's abilities on and off the court.
So, in summary, it really is time for people to flee to the Cleve. Better yet, let's hope they don't. Let's enjoy it for ourselves a little while longer.
Here's a gift for the LeBron fans--download a pretty cool widescreen desktop wallpaper I designed here.
Forget Cleveland Plus. Forget NEO. Forget Lakewood. Downtown Cleveland is where it's at. And there's no longer a need to sugarcoat it.
For the longest time I hated this city. Seasonal affective disorder takes a toll here. And until recently, nothing was getting done to modernize the landscape of downtown Cleveland.
Scratch that, reverse it.
The new Euclid Avenue kicks ass. East 4th Street is a gold mine. There are actual nightclubs, not Jersey-Shore-trash bars like before. The King's court is here. Celebrities are flocking to Cleveland like it's going out of business.
If you rolled into the Barley House on Thursday night, you could have rubbed elbows with LeBron, Lil' Wayne, Kelly Pavlik, Josh Cribbs and Troy Smith. Who even cares that Kim Kardashian was there.
Melissa and I went out Friday night. There are so many newer restaurants (Encore, Greenhouse Tavern, RJ Bolands ...) that we mulled our options extensively, but decided on dinner at Zach Bruell's new restaurant on East 4th, Chinato. Then we caught a comedian at Hilarities and had dessert at the new Chocolate Bar. Couldn't have had a better time.
First, we found a parking spot on the street. Free. In what city can you park for zero cost?
Chinato by Bruell, who also did L'Albatros and Parallax, is going to be great. Our service was so-so, but I blame that on the fact that it just opened and it would literally take a month to learn that menu. I had no idea what at least 30 percent of the items on the menu were. And the wine list is organized by Italian regions. But the food spoke for itself. I had sausage and peppers, Melissa had swordfish, and both were quality. We shared a bottle of outstanding-yet-inexpensive Corte Alla Flora syrah. The mixed salad, in fact, was the best part of the meal and we both raved about it.
Every city has popular pockets of success--mini neighborhoods--and Cleveland is no different. I've graduated from clubby West 6th to a more relaxed East 4th, but both areas have made drastic improvements. Playhouse Square, the arts district, already has a few cornerstones and reeks of potential. If there are any vacant window fronts on East 4th, they won't be dim for long. People are there, spending money, drinking, having a good time, and I can't imagine the owners of those establishments aren't reaping the benefits.
We saw this fat Greek dude, Basile, at Hilarities and he cracked us up. He's from Cleveland originally and was back in town for a week. Besides his stand-up gig, he does the voice of Bullwinkle for the newly remastered Rocky and Bullwinkle shows. Check out a clip of his stand-up here; it's pretty hilarious. (No joke, we ran into him about two hours after his set, about 1 a.m., when he stumbled into the Chocolate Bar, sweaty, looking for any kitchen still serving food.)
Speaking of Chocolate Bar, shout out to Brandon slinging drinks behind the bar. Real cool dude, and he makes a mean crème brulée martini, according to Melissa.
And then there's LeBron, who singlehandedly put Cleveland back on the map. Forget the Kobe-LeBron-who's better debate. It's over. LeBron takes games over. His supporting cast is JV compared to Kobe's, and he beat the Lakers twice this year. He's so confident. He enjoys the game. Like when he rapped an entire Eminem verse on the court with a two-point lead and 25 seconds on the clock. In the biggest game of the regular season on national TV.
He's even better off the court. He says the right things, never gets into trouble and stays true to his roots. The new debate is LeBron vs. Michael, and when James gets a ring he'll be the best basketball player to have ever played the game. Read this Bill Simmons column, a great summary of LeBron's abilities on and off the court.
So, in summary, it really is time for people to flee to the Cleve. Better yet, let's hope they don't. Let's enjoy it for ourselves a little while longer.
Here's a gift for the LeBron fans--download a pretty cool widescreen desktop wallpaper I designed here.
3.03.2009
cleveland eats
A list of Cleveland's standout restaurants:
Flying Fig :: Ohio City
Casual, relaxed bar setting. Cool without trying too hard, Flying Fig is done all in muted tones, including art. You can easily make a meal of the appetizers: The pupu platter contains three sweet and savory chicken dumplings, a crisp aduck spring roll and broiled shrimp.
menu>> Pancetta Wrapped Scallops $25 :: Braised Lamb Shank $22
Metropolitan Café :: west 6th downtown
A Hyde Park restaurant, the Metropolitan Café specializes in fined, aged steaks and chops, lobsters and fresh fish. Steaks you wouldn’t get at a traditional restaurant, but they also offer pasta and chicken dishes. Towering space, tin ceilings, white tablecloths. Cornerstone of the Warehouse District.
menu>> Chilean Seabass $varies :: Kansas City Ribeye $varies
Luxe :: Detroit Shoreway
Inexpensive, upscale bar food. Revitalized area five minutes from downtown. Luxe creates a cool marriage of vintage and modern; it delivers a "big city" dining experience at a Cleveland price. Luxe’s only downfall—it’s always crowded and they don’t take weekend reservations for parties less than eight; but it may be worth the risk.
menu>> Rigatoni w/ sausage $11 :: Stuffed Chx Sandwich $9
Southside :: Tremont
An old, small neighborhood tavern has been rejuvenated with sophisticated new decor and a contemporary menu to match. Southside is a long, narrow room dominated by a curving, granite-topped bar and a few wood tables. Burgers are upgraded with Kobe-style beef and other house specials are dressed up with sauces, rubs and marinades.
menu>> Fresh salmon $13 :: A huge slab of juicy meatloaf $14
Great Lakes Brewery :: Ohio City
A memorable ambiance whether in the Brewhouse, the Taproom or the new eco-friendly Beer Garden. Food is average. Full of historic brewing memorabilia and artifacts. Award-winning Cleveland craft beers including Burning River Pale Ale, Dortmunder Gold and Elliott Ness Amber Lager.
menu >> Sausage Sampler $10 :: Pretzel Chicken $14
Cozumel :: Valley View
Your typical Mexican joint with fast service, cheap food and giant margaritas. Staff knows the Freed family by name as it is five minutes from their home. Offers practicality, convenience and affordability.
menu>> Tacos $3 :: Pitcher of margaritas $9
Tremont Tap House :: Tremont
Casual pub serving upscale cuisine complimented by a large assortment of wine and beer (24 on tap). Local ingredients produce a creative, yet approachable cuisine. Tremont Tap House is a blend of contemporary and industrial design; the ambiance is warm, inviting and comfortable.
menu>> Salmon BLT $11 :: Hangar steak $17
La Strada :: east 4th downtown
Can’t beat this location. Just a few steps from the House of Blues, La Strada is the newest after-dark hotspot. Takes its name and lighting cues from an Italian filmmaker in an attempt to make you feel like you're somewhere else. Menu features 70 percent Mediterranean and 30 percent Italian.
menu>> Tortellini $18 :: Scampi Risotto $20
Flying Fig :: Ohio City
Casual, relaxed bar setting. Cool without trying too hard, Flying Fig is done all in muted tones, including art. You can easily make a meal of the appetizers: The pupu platter contains three sweet and savory chicken dumplings, a crisp aduck spring roll and broiled shrimp.
menu>> Pancetta Wrapped Scallops $25 :: Braised Lamb Shank $22
Metropolitan Café :: west 6th downtown
A Hyde Park restaurant, the Metropolitan Café specializes in fined, aged steaks and chops, lobsters and fresh fish. Steaks you wouldn’t get at a traditional restaurant, but they also offer pasta and chicken dishes. Towering space, tin ceilings, white tablecloths. Cornerstone of the Warehouse District.
menu>> Chilean Seabass $varies :: Kansas City Ribeye $varies
Luxe :: Detroit Shoreway
Inexpensive, upscale bar food. Revitalized area five minutes from downtown. Luxe creates a cool marriage of vintage and modern; it delivers a "big city" dining experience at a Cleveland price. Luxe’s only downfall—it’s always crowded and they don’t take weekend reservations for parties less than eight; but it may be worth the risk.
menu>> Rigatoni w/ sausage $11 :: Stuffed Chx Sandwich $9
Southside :: Tremont
An old, small neighborhood tavern has been rejuvenated with sophisticated new decor and a contemporary menu to match. Southside is a long, narrow room dominated by a curving, granite-topped bar and a few wood tables. Burgers are upgraded with Kobe-style beef and other house specials are dressed up with sauces, rubs and marinades.
menu>> Fresh salmon $13 :: A huge slab of juicy meatloaf $14
Great Lakes Brewery :: Ohio City
A memorable ambiance whether in the Brewhouse, the Taproom or the new eco-friendly Beer Garden. Food is average. Full of historic brewing memorabilia and artifacts. Award-winning Cleveland craft beers including Burning River Pale Ale, Dortmunder Gold and Elliott Ness Amber Lager.
menu >> Sausage Sampler $10 :: Pretzel Chicken $14
Cozumel :: Valley View
Your typical Mexican joint with fast service, cheap food and giant margaritas. Staff knows the Freed family by name as it is five minutes from their home. Offers practicality, convenience and affordability.
menu>> Tacos $3 :: Pitcher of margaritas $9
Tremont Tap House :: Tremont
Casual pub serving upscale cuisine complimented by a large assortment of wine and beer (24 on tap). Local ingredients produce a creative, yet approachable cuisine. Tremont Tap House is a blend of contemporary and industrial design; the ambiance is warm, inviting and comfortable.
menu>> Salmon BLT $11 :: Hangar steak $17
La Strada :: east 4th downtown
Can’t beat this location. Just a few steps from the House of Blues, La Strada is the newest after-dark hotspot. Takes its name and lighting cues from an Italian filmmaker in an attempt to make you feel like you're somewhere else. Menu features 70 percent Mediterranean and 30 percent Italian.
menu>> Tortellini $18 :: Scampi Risotto $20
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