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| - I was back in Cleveland and felt compelled to update this review. I brought my girlfriend with me from Jacksonville for a long weekend at some of Greater Cleveland's best establishments. Museum of Art, Indians Game, Rock Hall, Chinato, Tango Room, Red, 2AM Guy's Pizza... we covered the bases.
For Sunday Brunch, I chose Fire. Mainly because we were already going to be in the Heights area. It was a tough call... I generally prefer Nighttown. Roll of the dice basically.
So glad I chose Fire. I had the Croque Madame, which was one of the greatest things I have ever eaten in my life. Without a doubt, if someone asked me what the best thing I've ever eaten was, I'd have a hard time deciding, but this would be on a list of 3-4 things I'd consider.
Don't try to make this at home. I am an excellent cook and will try just about anything, but I know not to try to duplicate this. Because everything was perfect, and most components of this dish were simply things I wouldn't want to try to perfect.
The bread was the perfect texture, and was cooked perfectly. Almost charred on the very edges, fully cooked and sealed off on all surfaces so as to not get soggy, but soft, chewy, and delightful inside.
Fire's house-made ham was a perfect complement to the gruyere, which, with a touch of dijon mustard, made for a great hot sandwich.
Then, this was all covered in creamed leeks, which, I'm telling you right now, were amazing. My girlfriend described them as "leek chowder" (she's from New England, so this makes sense). Now, we have taken a perfect sandwich and then launched it into the stratosphere.
Only one thing left to do . . . put a perfectly fried, farm fresh egg on top. Because it's been a long time since I've done the Meg Ryan fake orgasm thing at a nice restaurant, and frankly, I was due.
Lucky for me, they put a little pile of arugula and pickled red onions next to the tower of awesome so I could occasionally reset my palate and be blown away several more times.
Also, awesome service, excellent French Press coffee (the Guatemala variety), and assorted Champagne cocktails. An entirely different experience than when I was last here a couple of years ago. I'm so happy to report this.
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