Quick Bites - Hiroshi's Pub, Koko Bakery, Nate's Deli, and more

I know the reviews have spaced out a bit, sorry, but it's been hard with Labor Day (a great trip to by Mont-Tremblant, Quebec for the Mosaic Outdoor Clubs International Event), the Jewish Holidays and before that I was nursing a twisted ankle which kept me close to home.  The good news is that I should be picking the pace back up; starting with a review of Daddona's in Westlake and then I have a couple of Groupons I have to get used soon, plus I am always on the lookout for new places to try.  Remember suggestions are very welcome.

I did want to give a couple of quick updates on some previous places I have reviewed that I was back at recently.

Hiroshi's Pub (review here) continues to shine and seems to be establishing itself as a Beachwood favorite.  On a recent visit I got to try a couple more items.  The highlight was the Tuna Avocado bruschetta; a wonderfully balanced spicy tuna tartare topped crisp toast with fresh slices of avocado.  Rich and fatty with a perfect level of heat and a nice texture contrast between the crisp toast, lush avocado and firm tuna made for a triumph that I may have to have on every visit.   I had the Caesar Salad with the smoked Salmon, a very nice representation of this classic, good thick dressing and a generous portion of high quality Salmon; if I were going to nitpick, I would have preferred more smoke flavor in the fish, but that is a personal preference.  We also had a Futomaki, which as you would expect was expertly prepared with fresh ingredients, what was surprising was the large portion.  Another great visit and Hiroshi's has seemed to hit its groove very quickly, a high recommendation to give them a try and let me know what you think.

I have stopped by Nate's Deli (review here) a couple of times over the last few weeks and nothing has changed except the kitchen may have gotten even faster.  The food is still great, classic representations of Greek and Deli classics, the prices are low and the portions are generous.  What did strike me as funny was going through the West Side Market right after the Cleveland Man v. Food episode was shown and seeing waiting in line for the Gyro stand in the market for quite a while as the line was out the back door of the market; those same people could have gone a block down to Nate's, sat down and had a gyro and still have gotten back before they would have gotten through the line.  Plus at Nate's you get the pickled radishes and pepperochinis.  If you are in Ohio City pick up some very good food cheap at Nate's.

Finally I stopped by Koko Bakery (review here) on the way back from downtown for some treats.  The place was jumping and the newest treat they are offering is homemade ice cream.  Made in small batches of Taro Root, Red Bean Paste and Green Tea and costing only $2.50 for 2 scoops I couldn't resist.  They are still working the kinks out, as the Red Bean came out with a consistency closer to marshmallow sauce and the Taro was very hard, but the flavors were right on.  I will warn you that you need to be ready for a different texture experience, as the Red Bean had the genuine grainy bean texture and bean skins, while the Taro the starchy potato texture.  I liked these two together quite a bit as the Red Bean was a bit sweeter and softer which gave a nice contrast to the more subdued Taro which was also much firmer.  Your experience may differ, but if you want to try a much different ice cream in Cleveland I would strongly suggest getting to Koko and giving them a try.  If not, still stop by and get some great baked goods, wonderful drinks or even a nice light meal.

Nate's Deli & Restaurant - Ohio City Institution

Most restaurants today want to be cutting edge and trendy, but there is a place for restaurants that buck that trend, places that have not changed over the years and go about their business serving good food simply and at reasonable prices; Nate's Deli & Restaurant is a a local favorite for just these reasons. This is a place that serves good basic well prepared food. When I need some good Middle-Eastern food cheap it tops the list. Nestled just down the street from the West Side Market at 1932 West 25th Street, Nate's is underwhelming from the outside looking a bit run down from the front. If you park in the parking lot in back and enter through the kitchen you get a chance to see how clean they keep things. Once inside you have a shotgun of a restaurant with booths on one side and tables closely spaced together on the other, there are a couple of small tables in the front display windows. While very clean and attempts have been made to warm up Nate's it still feels a bit crowded and dull, especially because the few colors that have been used are a very muted. But going to Nate's is not about decor its about food. Although the menu features a full deli side, I go to Nate's for the Middle-Eastern side of the menu, most times getting the same thing, a falafel roll sandwich and a half order of baba ganoush. The falafel is a bit simpler than most, just falafel balls rolled with lettuce, tomato and tahini in a pita. What makes it work is that the falafel are excellent, well spiced and lightly fried and then well balanced with the other ingredients. By using a large pita and rolling the sandwich, you don't have the problem of some falafels were the pita gets soggy and overstuffed. The baba ganoush is also very good, with a smooth texture and a nice balance between the roasted eggplant, the tahinin and the lemon. Served simply with a topping of olive oil, parsley and a little paprika and two large pitas to scoop into it, you couldn't ask for much more. But of course at Nate's there is more, since you get a side dish of pepperocininis and pickled radishes to munch along with your food. The pickled radishes are the real treat, with their bright pink color, mild flavor and just the right amount of crunch. Nate's service is very fast and the food is consistently good, with prices for the falafel at $3.00 and the half order of Baba at $2.95 this is very affordable. A couple other things to know about Nate's, they are only open till 5:30pm on weekdays, 4:30pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Cash only, so no charge cards. Also take note of the little number on your table, when you are done you go to the register and give them the number and they will have the check. Nate's has been there seemingly forever, with good reason, they serve very good Middle-Eastern food at low prices and you can get in and out very quickly.