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EATING OUT

By Fred,

Cleveland, for better or worse, is a city composed of a multitude of ethnic backgrounds, and this is reflected in the rather abundant variety of restaurants here that specialize in the cuisine of one specific nationality or another. Just a brief glance at the restaurant section in the Yellow Pages, or even better, a drive down any of our major thoroughfares will attest to the fact that, if you're confining your appetite to only steak and potatoes, you're missing out on about 75% of the food in town. Italian, Chinese, and German establishments seem to make up about half or more of the specialty spots, but also to be found are good representatives of Hungarian dishes at Settler's Tavern and the Balaton in the Buckeye/Woodland area; Japanese exotica at The Samurai in Beachwood and the Geisha Room on Northfield Rd; or Mexican delights at La Fiesta on Wilson Mills Rd. and the Mexican Village on Broadview Rd. in Old Brooklyn. And although the best French fare in on the East side at haunts like That Place on Bellflower and Au Provence, the best pizza (and I know I'm going to get some backlash on this) is definately . on the West side at Mamma Mia's locations, New World on Clifton Blvd., and Maria's Roman Room on Detroit Avenue.

Recently, my friend and I, in a spur-of-the-moment kind of situation, had a great time having dinner in The Mexican Village at 3311 Broadview Rd. Out of the way for most gays, it is nevertheless worth finding and has been re-decorated since I last ate there not too long ago with one of my first romances on a "date" ... which of course, is a term we are all too sophisticated to use now. Having been quickly seated, we ordered Margaritas ($1.00), a

bowl of tortilla chips, and then shared an appetizer of Taquitos ($1.90), which are bite-sized tacos that come with guacamole to dip them in. They really get your taste-buds moving and put you in the mood for the entree. At this point, we started checking the place out. As usual with neighborhood restaurants, the theme of the place, (in this case a Mexican Village), is carried out in the atmosphere just enough to get the point across, and with

some

imagination could have been put together much more convincingly. One thing that will help set the mood better is spending a few quarters on the juke-box which is in the adjoining dining room that I would assume is used for parties, etc. There are at least a dozen vintage south-of-theborder recordings and some newer ones also to choose from that I guarantee will take up where the decor leaves off.

Once back at our table and after ordering some Carta Blanca ($.85), a Mexican beer, the entrees arrived faster than hoped for. (The waitress, who was rather blase' about the whole thing, turned out to be in a hurry to have her dinner.) About 20 entrees are listed and include variations on tacos, tamales, enchiladas, steaks, or combination selections where you can get a little of each all at once. Many come with beans and salad, and all are under $6.00. We had one of the combination plates ($3.30) and four enchiladas a la Mexicana ($3.90), both delicious, and enhanced by the "sala" which comes with most entrees and should be used sparingly if you value the lining of your mouth and throat... VERY HOT! Having beer when eating Mexican style is a wise decision since it counteracts much of the effect from the spicy seasonings. If you find yourself fanning your

HIGH GEAR/MARCH 1978

mouth still when it's all over, ask the waitress for some sherbert ($.50) for dessert. Vital Statistics:

Food: Hot and spicy! The family that runs this place is from Texas, and you can be sure that everything served is much more authentic than what's offered at fast-food taco stands. Price: Very reasonable. Atmosphere/decor: Enough to get you there.

Credit: Visa and Diners Club. Reservations: Not really needed.

Hours: Weekdays 10:00

·

11:30 to

Fri. 11:30 to 2:00 Sat. 2:00 to 2:00 Sun. 5:00 to 10:00 Less eye-watering and only a couple of minutes from Gold Coast door-steps, is Maria's Roman Room. Located at 11822 Detroit Ave., it has been conveniently patronized for years by gays and other neighborhood people who enjoy really zesty, thick, pizza and other Italian favorites such as: Ravioli ($4.75), Cavetelli, small Italian dumplings ($4.25), Lasagna ($4.75), or any one of several

spaghetti/rigatoni

variations. There are also a half dozen or so sandwich dinners available Italian sausage, meatballs, etc., that are good in place of the larger dinners, and all under $3.00. At one time a few years ago, I would have dinner here almost every Friday night with friends before hitting the bars downtown. Today, like then, the carrying-on sometimes gets loud, but the women who wait tables there have always been friendly and more than once have joined in with their own "observations"... as S.W. can testify.

NEW

OR

Although Maria's has been recently re-modeled, it remains pleasantly tacky mid 60's car seats to sit on in the tented room, plastic flower arrangements, marble-effect mirrors, and a sprinkling of cheap re-production Roman bust sculptures for that touch we all remember too well. The cocktails at Maria's are not to be passed up, and wine (nothing fancy) is also available by the glass, 1/2 bottle, or full bottle. A few steak and seafood dishes are also on the menu, along with Antipasto for two or four ($3.75/$5.50 respectively). The food here, and especially the pizza, will probably change your mind if you're one of those people who thinks that good Italian cooking can only be found in Little Italy. In fact, one of the dullest pizzas I've ever had was at Mamma Santos, a Little Italy landmark. Vital Statistics:

Food: It's not like mamma's, but otherwise very good.'

Price: Prices have gone up in the last year or so, but the portions are generous, and bargains can still be found on the menu.

Atmosphere/decor: Be sure to sit in the Chariot Room!

Credit: No cards, no checks. Reservations: Not needed. Hours: Weekdays 11:00 to 1:00

Fri. and Sat. 11:00 to 2:00 Sun. 4:00 to 2:00

on the side...

For something really unique here in Cleveland, try the Middle East Restaurant in the old Carter Manor Hotel on Prospect Ave. downtown. Don't let the location or the dreary exterior scare you off. Inside, everything's well lit and clean... so well lit up and plain in decor, that the responsibility for turning the evening into one of those exotic, Sultry, Arabian nights rests solely on the ability of the food.

and closing your eyes now and then.

The menu, which provides a more than adequate choice of far away specialties, includes such items as Baked Kibbee ($3.95), Fatiyar ($3.95), and Barb-qued Kafta ($3.50). I won't go into detailed explanation here except to say that I had the Kafta, and it basically is ground meat mixed with parsley and onions, bar-b-qued, and served with rice. It was great! After trying a bite of the Kibbee (lamb, meat, wheat, and pine nuts), received in an over the table even trade with one of the others in our party, I realized that the texture of the food at Middle East is one of the major differences from what we are generally accustomed to. To complement the entrees, there is either Hoomis With Tahini or Baba Ghanoj for appetizers, and upon request there may be some Baklava for dessert. There is a small but satisfying beer and wine list, and Turkish coffee too. If you're still a little doubtful, there's only one way to find out. It was my first time, and I'm sure I'll be returning someday. Vital Statistics:

Food: A real unusual experience!

Price: Moderate Atmosphere/Decor: This place should be another Tangiers-like the one in Akron, but I suppose the location has a lot to do with

it.

Credit: Call for info. Reservations: Probably a good idea especially on weekends.

Hours: Weekdays 11:00 to 10:00

Fri. and Sat. 11:00 to 1:00 Sun. 11:00 to 9:00

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8. MON. TUES. THURS. 11:00am-10:00p.m.

FRI, SAT.

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