rev:text
| - the east bank sparkles
no - not the new construction
a bold new sparkle
Without a doubt, Bold is my new fave in Cleveland. Recently it opened in the previous Ken Stewart location, and I gave it some time to get set and roll. I'm glad I did not wait any longer. The other night I had a absolutely perfect dinner there, and am still in awe. Thank god the menu is not yet another designer burger, another pork belly, and another short rib entree, and the ubiquitous salmon entree. This seems to be the new normal. (boring,,,,) Bold has an adventurous and well thought out menu. The price point is spot on to keep it from being a special occasion place.
But the food! Chef Demetrios is a very talented man at combining flavors without them becoming to busy. Less is more. To much -just because you can- is a muddy mess. Lets start with the grilled octopus salad. The octopus was grilled to perfection, and it was just the right amount. Tossed with a light dressing, cherry tomatoes, feta, watercress it would have been outstanding. The addition of hearts of palm made it perfection. I'd eat a triple sized portion on a hot summer day. Grilled corn in January is a risk, but this was sweet as corn in August. I assumed it would be served removed from the cob, but it was not. Cutting the cobs in half and skewering them made it so much easier to eat as well. Served on a bed of chili crema with cojita cheese took a simple corn cob to a new level. We had a ribeye and a NY strip as well. I prefer a ribeye at medium to render some of the fat, and the strip at medium rare as it is leaner. Both were flawless. The bartender was charming and professional. She gave us a solid recommendation on wine.
This was one of those special nights when it all fell together. Food, service, atmosphere.... It's tough to hit that trifecta, but this place will do it.
Carry on.
|