Just had a damn near perfect dinner last night at Ken Stewart's new place. Having grown up in Akron and celebrating all major life events at Ken Stewart's Grille, and making semi-frequent forays out to the Lodge and Tre Belle, I'm familiar with Ken's oeuvre. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area now and have dined at some of the best restaurants around. East Bank can hang with them.
The decor is upscale with a "Cleveland maritime" feel and a gorgeous bar. The service was enthusiastic and personable and the pace was just right. As far as the food goes, I went for a lighter seafood dinner to pair with a dynamite Meursault. Oysters on the half-shell, Chilean seabass and a side of creamed spinach. The seabass in particular was exquisite. I finished with a sea salt caramel ice cream, which the server told us was from Jeni's, a local favorite. That, paired with a Chateau d'Yquem, was lights out.
My only issue is with the pricing. Kind of over the top. Even without the French wines, you're going to pay a lot here. I don't think he could get away with it in SF. But since there might not be anything on this level in Northeast Ohio, perhaps it's worth it.