I’m a huge foodie and during my travels, I’m always looking for new and unusual places to eat and experience. Here’s The Greenhouse Tavern – Eclectic, Exceptional, Delicious my take on this unique establishment.
During my latest trip to Cleveland, Ohio the tourism board told me that I needed to definitely check out The Greenhouse Tavern.
Since I’m a luxury traveler, my first impression was that it was one of the wonderfully posh places that can be found through the Cleveland area.
At first, when I opened the door for the restaurant I thought I’d made a mistake. I thought I was entering a vintage shop.
Hanging from the ceiling were old bicycles and on every wall where old VHS tapes and unique art. I quickly realized that I was in a restaurant when the delicious smells wafted up my nose.
The Greenhouse Tavern is narrow with a long bar that you can either stay and eat at or enjoy a drink before sitting at one of the tables that line the opposite wall.
I chose a seat at the back and near the kitchen so I could get a sense of the place AND be near the kitchen where the genius is created.
As I always do when I eat a new restaurant, I asked my very friendly waiter what he would recommend to his mother should she come eat at the restaurant.
His recommendations proved brilliant!
I was told that there where three things that I must try…I started with the Foie Gras steamed clams made with butter, red onion brulee, and The Greenhouse Tavern’s homemade vinegar & grilled bread.
It is certainly a unique dish and one I’m happy I didn’t pass up. I love foie gras and clams so the combination was wonderful. As was the restaurant’s homemade vinegar which is used in many dishes.
Next came the fried Brussels sprouts made with maple aioli, lemon, fresh mint & raw red onion. This too had some of the homemade vinegar as a dressing.
I’ve had Brussels sprouts made in a variety of ways but this, I have to admit, is one of my favorites. It’s a signature dish of the restaurant and one that shouldn’t be passed over if you visit.
The last dish I tried was the hand ground beef tartare made with stadium mustard, aioli, 3-minute egg & fermented relish. Now, I’m a fan of tartar and loved the presentation and combination of very unique ingredients.
For those of you who are not familiar with tartar, it’s important to note that this dish is mostly raw. I loved it and the meat was perfectly ground and spiced.
Accompanying my meal was one of the Greenhouse Tavern’s signature drinks made with their homemade balsamic as part of the mix.
There several wonderful restaurants on East 4th Street to visit, but this one is one I’m happy I didn’t pass up.
Chef and manager Jonathan Sawyer is a genius and his passion for his craft and for the vinegar that he makes and sells is evident in each dish and the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Whether you’re visiting Cleveland for business, to enjoy its many museums, or it’s famous hospital, saunter down to The Greenhouse Tavern and enjoy an Eclectic, Exceptional, and Delicious experience.
To visit or for more information:
ADDRESS: 2038 East 4th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115
PHONE: (216) 443-0511 (p)
General Manager: Jonathan Blair
EMAIL: jon.blair@thegreenhousetavern.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
