Namaste

Before we went to see Stomp, we had dinner with some friends at Namaste.  The restaurant is owned by the same wonderful people who own India Garden, but instead of the Northern Indian cuisine, the new place focuses on food from South India.  Pictured above is the Chicken Mughalai that I ordered.  It had chicken and boiled eggs in a creamy sauce.  It was spicy, but not too spicy.   It does have some pepper bits that sneak up on you.  Those really turn up the volume.

Steve had the Lamb Chettinad, which is a spicy curry prepared in the karakudi style.  He really enjoyed it, but the spice level was a bit much for me.

We also split a Rava Masala Dosa.  It was a perfectly crispy crepe with veggie filling.   Very tasty.

Gregg had the Vegetable Stew.  It was not too spicy and on the creamy side.

Dawn had the Spring Dosa, so a crepe with mixed vegetables on the inside.  This one is definitely able to be a main dish.

The portions were generous and everyone got to take home leftovers.   I just finished mine today, so I estimate that you can get about 3 meals per dish.

It was a neat experience and I wouldn't mind going again, but I must admit I am very partial to their original restaurant because I already have my defined favorite dishes there.   Still, it's a fun experience and worth the visit.

Stomp

I saw Stomp for the first time Sunday.  I really thought I had seen it back in high school, but apparently not.  I would remember something like this.   I won't call Stomp a musical.  There is a wonderful plethora of percussion in tantalizing rhythms.   It's a performance of music.   I really enjoyed it.  

It's amazing how all of this sound is created.  No traditional instruments really except for drums.   The performers use everything from brooms, to pans, to basketballs, and cigarette lighters to make amazing patterns in ways you couldn't imagine stuff being used.  I'm a huge fan of traditional Japanese taiko drums and this really reminded me of them.  

Stomp is something that every arts fan should see at least once in their lifetime.   If loud noises disturb you, please bring earplugs.  But definitely go.

Jack Flaps

Yesterday we went to Jack Flaps for brunch with friends.   It's a small shop in Ohio City that typically closes at 3 pm.  They can't accommodate groups larger than 6 on the weekends.   We waited for about 20 minutes for our party of five, but it was worth it.  We arrived right during happy hour in the afternoon, but hey, our waffles were half off.  The food was very tasty.   Pictured above is the PB&J Eggy Bread.   The whipped cream on top is made from cereal milk, which I thought was very unique.   That's berry jam and peanut butter sauce.

For my side dish, I ordered the Mexican Coke Glazed Pork Belly.  It was tasty, but I was expecting something other than a standard bacon cut.   I was hoping it would be cubed.  Still, it was crisp and yummy.

Steve had the Carrot Cake Waffle.  He liked it.   The butternut cream topping was very interesting with the flavor of the carrots.

Rebecca had the Fat Elvis Waffle.  That's bacon praline, peanut butter, and bananas.

These are the Apple Pie Jackflaps.

Lastly, here are the Vietnamese style breakfast sausage.

I'm looking forward to going back and getting an entree from the savory menu.   Definitely worth the visit.

Cleveland Vegan

I love going out for brunch!  Today I was running an errand and happened upon Cleveland Vegan.  As you readers know from my blog, I am not even remotely vegetarian.  However, I am highly adventurous when it comes to food and am always looking for new things to try.  The restaurant does catering and has brunch Friday through Sunday.   They take cash only.   I'm told that soon they will be expanding brunch soon and to look for changes to their menu.

I ordered the set meal.  You can choose one item from each of the three menu sections.  Pictured above is the seasonal fruit bowl.

This is the tofu scramble.  It had spinach and red peppers in it.   I've never had tofu prepared in this way before.  I'm especially fond of the crispy edges.

This is the almond banana bread with apple compote.  I wouldn't have been able to tell it was vegan if served by itself.   It was really delicious with the coconut cream on the top.  The maple syrup was extra and paired very well with it.

I had enough to take home with me for later.  Let's call this one two meals.