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| - Somewhere way beyond the spectrum of hipster coffee and ultramodern lounge exists Flying Crane's Cafe. Time seems to stop in this eclectic little world - surrounded by pastel awning striped-wallpaper and large potted plants, what could go wrong?
Cleveland is one of the last places I would have expected to find a fusion of British and Japanese comfort foods, but the couple running this joint clearly knows how to appeal to the heart and taste buds. I was intrigued the moment I spotted legitimate-looking pictures of ramen on the Yelp page. We found street parking on Larchmere and I had a good feeling about the location, which I hoped extended to the destination. Every second I spent inside, and the more strange facts I learned about Flying Crane, the more I felt at home. Which made more sense when I found out that the owners are also running a bed and breakfast out of this quaint space.
I mentioned ramen. But this is merely the tip of the multicultural food pyramid here. Scan down the menu and you'll see quiches, katsu sandwiches, lemon tarts, donburi, egg salad and green tea lattes. I haven't even gotten to the best part yet. Japanese style hot pot and English High Tea. Yes. You heard me - the best of both worlds in one cozy room. With advance notice, of course.
The adorable chef brought out our food herself, clad in smiles and a much used apron. I unfortunately only had the pleasure of tasting their Champon Ramen (an umami festival in slurpable form), and the Regular Ramen (a little too salty for my taste, but still good). But judging by all the regulars coming in and out, the rest of the menu has a seal of approval and Flying Crane can add me to their list of fans.
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