Just Over the Border

[Justine Cooper]

Don't stone me for mentioning businesses right over the Lakewood border, but would rather leave on a positive note. Three restaurants I dined at recently that were just over the border were worth mentioning. It is nice to leave the island sometimes and try new things.

1. Jalepenos where Klucks used to be. While not a ten compared to some authentic mexican restaurants, it was a very pleasant experience, with new and colorful surroundings that most of all, was family friendly. Very decent food for the price, chips in your basked until dinner arrives, and the fasted service for any dine in restaurant.

2. My Friend's Deli on Detroit right past Highland Ave. I didn't know they completely changed their environment and menu, and was completely pleasantly surprised to see the bistro type atmosphere with down home cooking at decent prices. Very nice updates there and worth having lunch or dinner.

3. Cleveland Grill and Wine Bar on 117th side of Highland Ave., our most recent dining experience and one of the best in a long time, outside of Lakewood of course. The menu is greek, but the sides are International specialties, from vegetable dishes to potato towers, Greek, Italian, Morrocon, you name it, and they come with all dinners! The dinners included a variety of make your own pastas to chicken dishes, seafood, and steak. The highest price I recall was the steak at around $21 and perfectly cooked and tender and full of flavor. The chicken marsala was the best I have ever had, in a creamy sauce with the perfect hint of marsala wine. The wines were really decent wines in the affordable range, the service was highly professional, and the art work on the walls beautiful to look at.

Just in case anyone is wanting to try something different I had to share those experiences and love supporting mom and pop places everywhere.

[Laurie Campbell]

And while we're supporting mom and pop places outside of Lakewood, how about giving Dish Global Deli on W. 25th a try? Not mom and pop, but sister and sister. One of the owners is a Lakewood resident.

The food is fabulous. It's where the old Opa! used to be. When you're down at the West Side Market, venture over to Dish and try it out. You will be very happy you did.

www.dishglobaldeli.com

[sharon kinsella]

My vegan daughter goes there a lot.

She raves about the place.

[Laurie Campbell]

They have a great brunch on Sundays too from 10-3. I'll be there today with my son. Come join us!

[Bill Call]

Don't stone me for mentioning businesses right over the Lakewood border,

My wife and I refer to dining out outside of Lakewood as a field trip. We prefer to stay close to home.

Jalepenos is good Mexican. The service and food is good and the price is reasonable. (note to future restraunt owners - The first two items are important).

We tried Brothers Lounge a few weeks ago. It's across from My Friend's. The decor is great, the service is great and they will be offering entertainment on a regular basis.

The food portions could be a little bigger but the sliced flank steak was tastey.

[Justine Cooper]

Brothers is on our list to try so thank Bill, and looking forward to some adult music too, adult meaning not rap or hip hop with an over thirty crowd. Is it designed for that age group did you think? Some good swing or blues would be a light around here.

[sharon kinsella]

Many centuries ago Brothers used to have the most jammin jazz around.