The Observation Deck

Now for a pause from our intense discussions in the other threads:

There appears a distinct possibility that a Mashiso Asian Grille is going to open in Lakewood where Sakura was located next to Drug Mart.

My wife, daughter and I were in the North Olmsted area on Saturday and on a tip from a friend on Facebook, we decided to eat at the Mashiso located there:

http://www.mashisoag.com/

The concept is basically Chipotle but Asian Food. About $6.50 for your protein, veggies, wrap/bowl and sauce. Great service, good food and really different from your typical asian restaurant.

Our family was commenting on what a hit this type of place would be in Lakewood when one of the workers overhead us and said they are planning to open in Lakewood soon. They said they were going to go into the area where Sakura's used to be. No timeframe was given.

Assuming this is true, we eagerly await their arrival and our ability to walk there and get some fun food and a reasonable price.

I like it.

Especially that they have Kalbi and Kim Chee (I'm part Korean, and these things are Korean)!

For those unacquainted: Kalbi is a barbequed/grilled beef rib dish, cut thin across the bones. $7 is really good if the portion is decent. Kim Chee is a hot, garlic-y pickled cabbage in chunks, mandatory Korean participant on the table for every meal.

Where did you hear this might be coming? Has your source been properly vetted!

Sounds like a bento place. I, for one, cannot wait if so.

I really hope this is true, sounds fantastic.

Wow. Mashiso has a location at an awkward location in North Olmsted, North East corner of Brookpark and Columbia. They opened about one year ago, I was SOOOOO excited about the opening. But then, ate there a few times and was extremely unimpressed. Service was excellent, but food just didn't jive with me. (I'm a world flavor foodie and Asian is one of my favorites...) Picture an Asian Chipotle - it is the exact same concept, just substitute Asian food/wraps. If they are still in business and expanding, I guess, that is good...

The Detroit Avenue chow line rolls on!

Mashiso Update! (photos courtesy of the Westlake Bay Village Observer)

From the owner's mouth...


Jason and Steve the brothers that started Mashiso Asian Grille. Some of you might
remember Jason, he lived in Lakewood for a couple years after college.


It fills and works just like an real fast food Asian noodle shop. Starch - Rice three kinds,
noodles, Protein - Kalbi Beef, Mashi Pork, Mashi Chicken, and Thai Curry Chicken,
Vegetables - All Fresh, cabbage, carrots, yellow onions, ginger, dikon, and Sauces -
Pepper Sauce, Hunan Sauce, Sweet and Tangy, Cilantro-Chili Mayo, Seasme Mayo and
Wasabi Mayo. in a bowl or sald, and this is where they different from traditional noodle
houses, also in rolls and wraps.






Finished bowl.


I bet this looks familiar to fans of Chiptole, looks just like a burrito, but what a pleasant
surprise to taste something delightfully different with an Asian kick and fresh veggies.



Now back to the rumor of them coming to Lakewood.

They have wanted to be in Lakewood for a couple years. They are well aware as proven
by Matt Fish, that there is gold in delivering high quality food on the Detroit Avenue Chow
Line. Jason remembers very well the bar traffic, and that there is really nothing like this
in Lakewood, and would like to see it happen, and they love a site right across the street
from the Lakewood Public Library.

BUT...

... there is no signed deal yet. Councilman Bullock has been out there, and ate the food,
and told them just how nice it would be to get them in Lakewood. They enjoyed
Councilman Bullock and the things he has said, and really like the space.

In the hour of more I spent with Jason and Steve I found two brothers that are passionate
about their food and establishment, love bringing their past into the mix like Mom's Yakis,
like serving good tasting fresh food, and love Lakewood and the potential here. Two good
guys with a dream and a vision, this is what Lakewood is about.

Stay tuned, it would be nice to see this rumor come true. It would be a good addition to
the Detroit Avenue Chow Line©.


.

Jim,

I've been wrong before, but I think the correct spelling is the DetroiT AvenuE ChoW LinE. You know, just so no one gets confused about the location or lost. Branding!!

I'm excited to see the changes when I get back into town this fall. Sounds like there are a lot of things going on in the city and the landscape is changing.