Been wanting to try poutine for a while now and finding a place that had a vegetarian version in Cleveland was a bonus. Located in the Gordon Square area, Banter is a cool place, which keeps it simple and straightforward. The decor is clean, mostly white with not much to distract. The menu is also simple and focused; there is poutine, sausages and a couple of salads. A nice list of beer and wine is available.
I ordered the vegetable poutine, which was sensational. The poutine is a large portion of excellent french fries, crisp and hot with a good potato taste. Topped with a very nice vegetable gravy and cheese curds you have a very satisfying dish. The gravy is smooth and nicely balanced with a mellow onion flavor and some depth. The highlight of the dish is the cheese curds, fresh and chewy with a nice round flavor that hits the spot.
Banter has decided to focus on a few items and do them very well, give them a try to find excellent execution at a nice casual place.