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EATING OUT

by Fred

For those of you who remember the month of March here in Clevelandalthough it's hard to imagine more than a few who would want to it was pretty much a gloomy continuation of what January and February had dumped upon us. Needless to say, going out to eat was diminished to just another uncomfortable foray into the boring, long, winter, and one we decided to do without to a large extent. Oh sure, my friend and I went to the Vaults on Sundays quite often, (where incidently, Mary and crew cook up great homestyle meals for only $3.00 per person from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) but as far as having any material for this column in last month's issue...

Well, if that's the way March dragged on for you and you still haven't completely recovered, then it's time to finally treat yourself to Spring '78 and go somewhere that's fun and different. If you're a Westsider (Eastsiders are in no way excluded), a relaxing way to begin the new season could be a drive out to the area in and around Chagrin Falls...and before you start out, call The Samurai Japanese Steak House to make reservations for that evening on the way back into town. Located along glittering Chagrin Boulevard on the strip that has been known as "Restaurant Row" for some time now, it could be an incomparable climax to what probably will have been an exuberant and refreshing day.

Even upon entering The Samurai, you begin to understand why it has become one of Cleveland's restaurant showplaces. We were eased into the feel of Japan with the presence of a rock garden and just the slightest hint of Japanese music coming from below. After descending on an open-wood staircase, past a large waterfall and into the restaurant area, you find yourself standing on one end of a rather sumptuous room that has re-created several authentic styles of Japanese decor. Original artifacts and antiques displayed in cases or within protective areas add graciously to the aura of being in the Orient. Our table was being readied, and in the meantime we were invited to order a drink from the lounge bar which naturally features, besides the ordinary, a special list of tempting cocktails and concoctions. My friend had a Green Dragon ($1.75), and of course I had to be extravagant and order their latest (not on the list) a Samurai Sunrise ($4.00). All the exotic drinks are imaginative, potent (Very potent!), and substantial.

Almost too soon, we were informed that our table was now available. Seating arrangements are done in groupings of eight. Tables at the Samurai are not merely where people dine together, but also the site where your dinner will be prepared

before your eyes by a chef who looks very much the part and must've spent many hours getting it down almost to perfection. I'll get to that in a minute.

Unlike many eating establishments in this price range, once a decision is reached as to which of the six entrees you prefer, the same appetizer, soup, and salad are prepared for everyone. We both chose the Teppanyaki Filet Mignon ($10.75), but could have had one of two other steak entrees at a comparable price, or Samurai Sesame Chicken ($7.25), Shrimp Flambe ($9.00), and Samurai Lobster Tail (price varies). There is also an item called the Samurai Warrior Dinner ($14.95) available which features larger portions and one or two extras.

When all the orders are in, events suddenly begin to occur. The chef, complete with Japanese butcher knife, arrives at the table (which is known as a Teppan Yaki table-the middle of it being the grill) along with a cart containing all the necessities to create each persons dinner. Beginning with the shrimp appetizer, he slices, flips, and in short, performs what might be described as precision drill cooking right down to the last piece of the entree that's twirled onto your plate! A couple of times he would miss a bit of something in the process, but would grunt (?) in Japanese and keep on going. The whole presentation is quite entertaining, but don't lean in too close while it's happening or you may get a shrimp flipped at you as I did!

How was the food? Superb!! even ate the shrimp and liked it, I'm sure due to the unique preparation and seasonings. The steak which was done to individual specification and chopped into bite-sized pieces, was a taste se.sation to say the least. Everything of course is accompanied by green tea, and dessert consists of ice cream or sherbert with Mandarin oranges (your choice included as part of

HIGH GEAR/MAY 1978

Reservations-A must. Hours-Dinners...Mon. through Thurs. 5:30 to 10:00

Fri. 5:30 to 11:30 Sat. 5:00 to 11:30 Sun. 4:00 to 9:00

(Lunch available during the week 11:30 to 2:00).

After having triumphantly overcome several setbacks in the not too distant past which included fires, and landlord/tenant hassles, the legendary Tommy's Restaurant opened its doors for business at 1820 Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights about one month ago. The new location is right in the center of the Coventry area and continues to attract the earthy variety of people who characterized the restaurant when it was a few blocks south in the no

longer present Coventry Yard complex. In keeping with contemporary trends, the inside of this new Tommy's is much more pleasant and attractive looking than the old one and will also be able to accommodate more people once the extra eating space has been completed next door. Presently, within the confines of a fairly small location, they have managed to create an open, airy style of atmosphere due to the rather unique set-up that has a luncheon type counter on the main floor and a siz-

able wooden balcony stretching diagonally overhead which is used for table seating.

Since this place is such a popular spot with the locals, you may have a short wait to obtain a table on the balcony. However, only once did I ever have to wait more than five minutes. Sharing a table with strangers is not uncommon and a good way to cut down on the wait if there is one. It would take more than a type-written page to go through the endless combinations of food, dessert, and beverage selections that run on both sides of the menu. Basically, it's Lebanese/Middle Eastern with lots of vegetables and "Coventryfreak" touches thrown in. Each main category of food--meat ples, ham and cheese sandwiches, falafel (fried bean cake served on Lebanese bread with sesame sauce and vegetables), salads, etc., offers an assort. ment of choices. According to a friend who claims to be a Tommy's fan from way back, each of the variations within a given category are named after "old regulars" who would consistently ask for their favorite dish done in a specific way. So, you may want to get a Zippy Special-toasted cheese with vegetables, sesame sauce, and sunflower seeds ($1.05), or may-

be a Big Mmeat pie with barbecue sauce, cheese, and vegetables ($1.20). I can vouch for the Big M which makes an ideal snack or whatever as do most of the items on the menu. Be sure to try a sundae, shake, float, or any of the other ice cream goodies that come in all kinds of flavors including banana, honey, and peanut butter. A Tommy's milksahke served right in the metal mixing container like it used to be, is worth a stop in itself. The service is friendly, and the view from the backside of the balcony is an interesting one of the kitchen below and Tommy too! Vital Statistics:

FoodAn amazing array of some rather unusual, but surprising, combinations along with the more conventional fare. PriceAlmost everything's under $2.00.

Atmosphere/DecorContemporary, "cleaned up freak" CreditNone accepted. ReservationsJust walk in. Hours10:00 AM to midnight Closed on Sundays.

(Breakfast served from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.)

The Stagecoach 2nd Anniversary

& Show May 20th. 1978

featuring PATTY HURST and ....

THE SLA REVIEW

the dinner). A la carte desserts Vallrie Hill-Patty Hurst and Lisa Oneal

are available at extra cost, and there is a "Special Occasion Ceremony" ($1.25) handy for birthdays, etc. If you're the bashful type, the ceremony can be a little embarrassing since it comes with a lovely little color snapshot of you and your, hot number or whatever, right there at the table with everyone else watching... a definite must though, even if an occasion has to be made up!

Vital Statistics: FoodAny positive adjective sums it up.

PriceSuprisingly, because of the way things are arranged at The Samurai, our check was under $40.00 for two, and that included drinks plus just over the minimum gratuity of 15%.

Atmosphere/DecorThis accounts for half the pleasure of going there! A Disney creation

on a more subtle level.

1

Showtime-Midnight $1.50 cover

join in our champagne toast following the show

SUNDAY MAY 21st, 1978

free buffet at midnight..no cover charge

I'd like to thank each and everyone of you for your patronage. Please come and help us celebrate!

Hart Harris.

CreditMost all cards accep-. The Stagecoach259 East Market Street Akron Ohio

ted.