Rachel's Caribbean - South Euclid Gem

UPDATED 6/24/2010 - Rachel's is out of business.  They will be missed.

I can not believe I have not written about Rachel's Caribbean yet. It is a perfect example of a Cleveland area hidden gem, great food, nice atmosphere and reasonable price located where almost everyone on the East side drives by and never notices. Rachel's is located at 14417 Cedar Road in South Euclid. It is part of a very small strip mall and is located in a narrow space between a Subway and a DO Summers. There is just a small sign up and no windows, so its easy to miss. While just a couple of miles away, Bahama Breeze has a huge place that serves mediocre food to lots of people, Rachel's provides superior food in a quiet and relaxed manner, so most Clevelanders don't even know it is there. Walking in you find a small dining room with a small bar up front. The room is done in a soothing blue with half wooden paneling. The walls have a number of Jamaican pictures, posters and carvings, but with the low lighting and the gentle reggae music, the feeling is very relaxing and low key. The tables are nicely set and there is a choice of tables or booths. Once you settle in you can get a beer, wine or one of Rachel's Caribbean specialties, which are quite tasty and fairly strong. The menu is not extensive, but has a nice variety of really well prepared food, including salads, fish and seafood, Jerk Chicken and other island specialties. Portions are large and cooked fresh to order, presented simply and most importantly, taste good. One of my favorites, especially to get for takeout on the way home, is the fish sandwich. A big fillet of Talapia is either fried or blackened and then served on a fresh bun, topped with cheese and a home made sauce with lettuce and tomato. Sided with Rachel's red cabbage slaw and your choice of regular or sweet potato fries (get the sweet potato, they are fabulous), this provides a full meal at about $9. The fish is always well prepared and the sweet potato fries are crispy and flavorful. The last time I was in I had the Cilantro Shrimp. Large tiger shrimp are perfectly cooked and then covered in a bright Cilantro sauce. Sided with a large portion of the rice and fresh vegetables, it was very good and a bit different then anything I have had in Cleveland. Overall I have found Rachel's food to be excellent, with careful preparation, large portions and reasonable prices. Combine that with the laid back atmosphere and good friendly service and you have a definite winner in my book. With Winter weather on its way, we all need an occasional break; if you are feeling like you need a quick dose of the Caribbean, head over to South Euclid and get some excellent food at a reasonable price.

Jerusalem Grill - Falafel Hot Spot

One of my favorite foods is Falafel. When done right, it is the perfect vegetarian food, a wonderful mix of vegetables, fried balls and creamy sauce all nestled in a pita. So I had the yen for one the other day, and since it was a Monday I remembered that Jerusalem Grill near my house does a special with a full falafel and a can of pop for $4.99. Turns out to be a very good deal. Jerusalem Cafe at 14421 Cedar Rd S. Euclid, Ohio 44121 is located in one of the small shopping centers at the corners of Cedar and Green. A Kosher restaurant that serves meat (so no dairy is allowed), Jerusalem has falafel, shwarma (think gyro), hamburgers, chicken and middle eastern salads. The restaurant is a store front with tables up front and then a deli case and counter in back where all the food is prepared. They have at least tried to make the place look a bit nicer by painting the walls and decorating. Even if you don't keep Kosher or are not even Jewish, you should feel right at home. But the real question is how is the Falafel. Overall I found this to be one of the better Falafels in town. The falafel balls are prepared fresh to order, with the chickpea batter fried just about right. The texture is good, if a little heavy, with the outside crisp and the inside firm. Taste is good, if a little light on seasoning to my taste. However the rest of the sandwich more then made up for that; the Isreali Salad was crisp and fresh, the purple cabbage just a slight bit tart. Add on the Tahini and Shug (green hot sauce) and you have a fine combination of flavors that tickle the tounge. The pita was good and fresh, if a little undersized to handle all of the stuffings, in the end this was a bit messy to eat by hand, but that can be a good problem as long as you have a fork handy. So I know what will become a regular option on Mondays and any other day when I have a hankering for a Falafel, just down the street to Jerusalem Grill