Hot From The Kettle ®
John Johnson is out of this world! Well, he's really from Neptune, NJ -- but his cuisine is out of this world.
Chef Johnson took over the post as executive chef at Avenue Le Club in January. His dishes are as beautiful as the expansive dining room. Billed as "San Tropez-in-NJ," a wall of windows looks out on the Atlantic, while, inside, white banquets, warm lighting, a fireplace, and perfect service create a seductive contemporary dining experience.
Read MoreI knew Cleveland rocked, after all, the reason for the four hundred mile road trip was to visit the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. But the three day junket to Ohio not only revealed Elvis' Lincoln and Keith Richards' bomber jacket, but a vibrant, trendy gastronomy that left my lapping tongue quite satisfied.
Cleveland has great walking, a cool breeze, museums, monuments, architecture, of course, awesome beer. Cleveland is home to the Great Lakes Brewery and the locals seem pretty proud of their product. Upon check-in, I grabbed a Dortmunder Gold from the lobby refrigerator and was only too happy to drink it down once we got to our room. It proved to be our favorite beer of the trip.
For a food enthusiast, the thrill of the hunt - discovering a great place to eat or drink in an unfamiliar city - is exhilarating, rewarding, and arguably, a great way to become acquainted with the culture and people of an area.
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UPDATED:
No power? No problem! Here's a quick list of local restaurants who will be open for dinner service tonight:
When the mid-day growl starts rolling, I consider the options: a sandwich? A salad? A yogurt? A bowl of Kashi? A whole salami? A wedge of cheese? Really? A triple grande skim latte? I think, not.
The Hot From The Kettle weekly “Lunch Hot Spot" will examine the best lunches offered in our fine, ever improving hamlet: my beloved, Montclair.
