ROCKY RIVER (CLEVELAND) OH: I was skeptical coming into the kitschy, cabinesque restaurant with a name like "Salmon Daves," but after partaking of their delicious fare I can only sing praises. It was outstanding and I can't wait to come back on my next Cleveland adventure.
It's no frills on the inside; a little dark and woodsy, with pleasant and laid back waitstaff. The big menu is not pretending to be cool or recently reinvented, but the items immediately catch your attention for their uniqueness and creole inspiration.
FOOD: I tried three items
Voodoo Salmon (5 stars): This was awesome! Delicious, perfectly prepared with just the right amount of spice and no fishy flavor. You can't judge a place called "Salmon Daves" without tasting the salmon, and it was excellent. Five stars.
Boudin Balls (5 stars): Wow! I had never seen a menu item like these and had to get them. Spicy rice balled up, fried and served with creole dip. They were wonderful and a conversation piece.
Lobster Bisque (3.5 stars): This was a good, well-prepared lobster bisque. No surprises.
I am eager to return. Salmon Daves clearly has passion for good food and traditional ingenuity that doesn't bend to trend but makes its own.