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| - Those of you who know me will find this as no big surprise but Greenhouse Tavern is to me, the best restaurant in Cleveland. I tend to dine there at least once a week and so I feel very qualified not only to speak to the quality of the food but also the consistency.
Chef Sawyer believes strongly in sourcing as much of their ingredients locally as possible and as a result butchers their animals in-house as much as possible. Due to these philosophies their menu changes fairly frequently a few items at a time based on the availability of certain items. Large menu changes occur usually around the change in the seasons. The last thing to remember about the menu is that it is French inspired so while it may sound intimidating upon first glance, don't let that scare you away.
As you may have learned from reading my other reviews I'm a very adventurous eater. I have yet to find something on a menu that would scare most people out the door, that I wouldn't be willing to try. How does this relate to Greenhouse? In their quest to use as much of the animal as possible they end up with some very creative, tasty dishes. While there isn't typically anything on the menu at first glance that may scare you away except for pig's head there is a hidden treasure amongst the deliciousness that many don't even notice. That item is the "Fifth Quarter" changing just about daily, this is my favorite menu item and a large reason that Greenhouse is my favorite restaurant. You may ask, how can it be your favorite dish if it changes daily? The fact that it changes and is always something new, creative and delicious available makes it a perfect choice for me. So what exactly is the fifth quarter? It is traditionally offal that is kept by the butcher to cook at home. I've had everything from beef or pork tongue, to chicken necks and Ox heart. All of which you would surely find delicious if you didn't know what it was ahead of time.
I could go on about everything I've had at Greenhouse but considering I virtually try every menu item at every change of the menu I could write a book. Instead I'll hit up the staples that typically don't change a whole lot.
First I'll start with.....Starters, after all it is the logical place to start right? Foie Gras Steamed Clams and Devils on Horseback (Bacon wrapped and chocolate stuffed dates) are always fan favorites of not just myself but all those I know who have gone. The salads are always very fresh and delicious. The taste makes it evident that the ingredients didn't have to travel far to get to your plate.
Time for the entrees. While there is sometimes a pasta on other parts of the menu, such as seconds all of the pastas I've had are excellent, try them. You may not think of it as a place to get great pasta, but I've had some of the best pasta dishes EVER here, don't discount that. The roasted half chicken is a very popular item but "buyer beware" the thing is huge, it could easily be shared between two people, it is unlike any roasted chicken you will ever have. The Pig's head is another great choice. Don't think pig's head though. Think the most tender, juicy pulled pork of your life. That's basically what we are talking about here. If you are in the mood to splurge and it is still on the menu (it is a fairly new item not sure if it will change or not yet) you must try the 40 Day Dry Aged Steak Frites. This is the Certified Angus Beef from Niman Ranch, super tender and flavorful but don't bother if you are going to order it any more done than medium, you are just wasting your money. (I feel that way about any steak, order something else before you order it medium well or well.)
Another can't miss item that is great to share with your meal or as something to munch on over a few drinks is the Frites aka French Fries. Whether you get the ones with garlic and rosemary, which are great, or go all out for the Animal Style Frites, complete with fried egg, cheese curd, gravy, whole grain mustard, fried eggs and bacon, you'll leave a happy man or woman, guaranteed.
As for desserts, there is always a Jeni's ice cream flavor which if you've never tried Jeni's Ice Cream out of Columbus, OH it is a great choice. The dessert menu changes as frequently as the dinner menu so the current item that I'm in love with is the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding. I typically am not a huge bread pudding fan and I LOVE this. So if you are a fan of bread pudding there probably isn't much more I need to say about it.
If you haven't been to Greenhouse Tavern, you must try it. The staff is always very friendly, the bartenders make great classic and creative drinks.
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