First Glances: Sarita

When the venerable Players on Madison closed this October after three decades, longtime executive chef Anthony Romano and business partner Sandy Smith purchased the space for their own concept, a polished and likely soon-to-be-favorite neighborhood spot called Sarita.

It was a move Romano says he'd been contemplating for years, prompted by regular half-serious offers to sell from retiring owner Gary Lucarelli. Sarita opened to the public Saturday, Nov. 14 after an overhaul of the interior space.

Gone is the 1980s-esque wall art, muted wallpaper and neutral chairs and linens. In its place is a bold and minimal black and white concept splashed with red, a tie-in with Sarita's logo (shown above on the restaurant's awning). The space is comfortable and clean, though loud due to the openness of the two distinct dining areas and a painted tin ceiling that, while full of needed character, reflects and amplifies bar chatter.

The menu, divided into "this," "that" and "the other" categories broadly defined as appetizers, small plates and entrees, is expansive with nearly 40 total options with wide appeal, such as crispy, fluffy Navajo fry bread — akin to fried pizza dough — with two kinds of pesto ($4), sweet and savory stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto ($10) and horseradish-crusted grouper ($29) with chanterelle mushrooms, mashed potatoes and a garlicy vinaigrette.

Horseradish-crusted grouper at Sarita, a Restaurant

Serious diners may find this new spot a bit too safe, and regular diners may struggle with the prices for an average night out, but Sarita has at least two standouts going for it.

Firstly, the service is astounding. Most new restaurants can aim only at keeping up with an opening-night crush while struggling to train overwhelmed servers and cooks. Because much of the staff are holdovers from Players on Madison, however, Sarita felt from Day One as if it were already a well-oiled machine (rapid menu changes based on customer feedback notwithstanding nor unwelcome).

Secondly, the olive oil cake ($7). Sure, there's a flourless chocolate cake that will likely sell well because, well, chocolate. But if you take one risk with your visit to Sarita, make it this cake. Citrusy, with a luscious scoop of cinnamon ice cream, just the right amount of crumb and a lingering aftertaste that reminds you the cake is made with olive oil, it was far and away the most impressive dish of the evening.

IF YOU GO:
Sarita, 14523 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-5200, sarita-restaurant.com
Mon-Thu 5-11 p.m., Fri & Sat 5-12 p.m., Sun 5-10 p.m.

Food to Swoon Over

Greenhouse Tavern

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's time to get your romantic dinner reservation on the books. These digs have all the ingredients to make your special someone feel loved — and they still have room for two.

Chinato
Zack Bruell's all-around Italian menu lets diners taste their way through the peninsula's cuisine without feeling overwhelmed. The restaurant will have a special menu to make your heart melt, including a special list cocktails, glasses of veuve cliquot and a four-course prix fixe dinner. 2079 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-298-9080, chinatocleveland.com; $75 per couple; 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

Hodge's
This restaurant's upscale comfort food will make you feel right at home with a twist on family favorites. They will have their full menu available, but it will include shareable additions for the couple with similar tastes. 668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4000, hodgescleveland.com; entrees $13-$40; 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Greenhouse Tavern
Six courses of delicious Rust Belt-inspired cuisine awaits the true Cleveland pair here. The prix fixe menu is not posted on their website, vegetarian and vegan options will be available upon request at the time of reservation. 2038 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-443-0511, thegreenhousetavern.com; $69 prix fixe per person; beginning at 5 p.m.

Sheraton Suites Akron-Cuyahoga Falls
Are you and your partner hooked on PBS's show Downton Abbey? At the Sheraton Suites Akron-Cuyahoga Falls, you and your duke or duchess can dine like the ruling family of Grantham in a special five-course feast, including Lady Mary's Crab Canapé. Beginning at $250 per couple and $125 for singles, the meal includes a 12-month membership in Western Reserve PBS. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls; reservations through Western Reserve PBS, 800-554-4549, westernreservepbs.org; beginning at $250 for couples and $125 for singles; 6 p.m.

Bistro 185
This all-around local eatery features a changing menu based on what's fresh in the kitchen. However, its Valentine's menu will make your knees weak, including the Cupid's Kiss cocktail. Your choice entrees include a full Moroccan lamb rack, bone-in rib eye, scallops with polenta, stuffed lobster tail and Ohio beef tenderloin trio to name a few. Vegetarian and vegan dinners are also on the menu. 991 East 185 St., Euclid, 216-481-9635, bistro185.com; entrees $22-$30; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Pickwick & Frolic
Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere here with a heartfelt four-course meal, including soup and salad, a choice of four main courses, and a dessert for two. In Hilarities 4 Street Theatre, which calls Pickwick & Frolic home, nationally acclaimed comedian Bobby Collins will be sure to brighten your night. (Tickets to Hilarities are not included with your meal.) 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-736-4242, pickwickandfrolic.com; $32 prix fixe per person, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Le Petit Triangle
Modeled after a Parisian cafe, Le Petit Triangle offers French classics like escargot as well as a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. The cafe is also a coffee-espresso bar and could be the perfect after-dinner stop. 1881 Fulton Rd., Ohio City, 216-281-1881, lepetittriangle.com; entrees $9-$27; 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

The Melting Pot
The signature fondue restaurant in Legacy Village offers a special four-course Valentine's Day dinner, including its signature cheese and chocolate fondue. A choice entree of cold water lobster tail, spicy IPA marinated filet mignon, mole marinated citrus pork tenderloin, honey orange chicken breast, lemon pepper shrimp or seasonal pasta also comes with the special. 24741 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst, 216-381-2700, meltingpot.com; Valentine's Day special $150 per couple or $75 per person; 12 p.m.-11 p.m.

Provenance
Situated within the Cleveland Museum of Art, Provenance offers many standard a la carte options for art lovers who wish to wander the halls in between courses. However, a three-course prix fixe menu will be offered for those who wish to sit and enjoy the great artists' ambiance. 11150 East Blvd., Unversity Circle, Cleveland, 216-707-2600, clevelandart.com; varying a la carte prices, $76 prix fixe per person; 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Touch Supper Club
This Ohio City staple will yet again host "Aphrodisiacs and Champagne," a supper for those looking to see sparks during dinner. The four-course prix fixe menu is kept secret until guests arrive, but never fear: salsa dancing lessons are guaranteed to begin at 9 p.m. 2710 Lorain Ave., Ohio City, 216-631-5200, touchohiocity.com; $80 per couple for meal, wine and dance lessons; 5 p.m.-11 p.m.