Eat, Drink, Learn

In his long and successful career chef Paul Minnillo has always been ahead of the culinary curve. He  was interested in the wines from Napa long before it was stylish and his relationships with some of the region's premier producers have deep roots. He celebrates one of those connections with a Burgess Cellars wine dinner on November  5 at Flour, his Italian inspired restaurant in Moreland Hills. Winery founder Tom Burgess and Minnillo go way back- both attended Miami of Ohio and before he relocated to the west coast, Tom worked for an Akron based company. His son Steve has taken over the label now that his father is retired and will host the five course pairing. 

The 2008 vintages will be featured including  Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah. Grapes come from the slopes of Howell Mountain, where the soil and exposure bring out the best in these red varietals. No doubt the menu Minnillo and Chef Matt Mytro create to accompany these wines, along with sparkling rose. an chardonnay to get things started, will be superb. The Monday night meal runs from 6:30-8:30 PM. The cost is $85 plus tax and gratuity and reservations are required.

Another event at Flour you might want to book is the brining class the two chefs are leading on Sunday, November 11, from 11 AM-1 PM. Using this technique is a near guarantee that your holiday turkey (pork roast and chicken too) will emerge from the oven moist and flavorful (unless you overcook it). Sip wine, snack and pick up some pointers from the experts. $75 per person. Call to reserve your seat.

And while you're in a reservation making mode, don't forget it's Cleveland Restaurant Week Nov 5- 19. Participating establishments offer prix fixe 3 course menus for $33, and you can see them online. It's always a great opportunity to support local independent restaurants. Think of it as your civic duty. So get out there and eat- you're sure to find bargains and you just might discover a new place that becomes a favorite.

Time to Eat

Two little words never fail to get our stomachs growling: Restaurant Week. Why? First, it means an entire week of discount dining at some of the best area restaurants. Second, it’s the perfect excuse to visit that eatery you’ve been dying to try (or maybe just sample something new at your favorite downtown spot).

Starting today through Sunday, Feb. 27, the fourth annual Downtown Cleveland Restaurant week is in full swing with more than 40 participating Cleveland restaurants including The Greenhouse Tavern, Chinato, Crop, Mallorca and XO. Deals range from $15 lunch specials and $30, three-course, prix fixe dinners. Depending on the restaurant, deals may apply to the cost per one diner or two diners. So there's a plan to fit any budget. For a full list of participating restaurants and menus, visit the Downtown Cleveland Alliance here.

And as if our appetites weren’t whet enough, new this year are featured tasting and education events at different restaurants throughout the week. Be one of the first 20 table seated at Bricco tonight, and you’ll receive a complimentary copy of The History of PlayhouseSquare, or head to the Corner Alley from 4 to 6 p.m. for a vodka tasting at the Martini Bar. There is also a sake tasting, champagne special, and a dessert and martini buffet. For full details, check out the event listing here.

If you’re one of those diners that avoids the downtown rush because you hate to pay for parking, you’ve got no excuse this week. Several lots are offering $2 parking after 5 p.m. to Restaurant Week diners. Just be sure to print your parking voucher off the DCA website.

No Better Time to Eat Out

We all fall into ruts. It’s only human. Habits take over, familiarity is typically the default setting, and so we tend to do what we’ve already done before. This predisposition often expresses itself when choosing where to eat. Restaurants we know and like are the fallback option. The appeal is that we know what kind of experience we’re in for and are confident we’ll be happy with our meal. And there are definite advantages to being a regular.

But there is no better time to bust out and try something new and different in the dining realm than Cleveland Restaurant Week. Make that weeks. This year the promotional event sponsored by locally owned independent restaurants runs from November 1-14. Approximately 90 places are participating by offering three-course, prix fixe menus for $30 per person, with a few throwing in an extra course or charging a bit more, or even less, depending on the type of venue. The locations range from downtown to the ‘burbs, Cleveland Heights to Rocky River, Tremont to Willoughby. You can see a complete list online, and make reservations via Opentable.

It’s an affordable way to do some culinary exploring and add variety your dining routine. You may even find a new favorite, the kind of place you’ll go back to again and again.