The Observation Deck

"Just waiting on approval from the city." said Juan, the cook/owner at Barrocco with his father. Juan was standing in the doorway of his latest venture "Helvetica" a Juice Bar Cafe coffee shop geared to designers and art types.


Juan and Edward the driving forces behind "Helvetica," 11823 Detroit Avenue.

Both are design school graduates, and grab the name "Helvetica" because of the type face. Juan mentioned, "When I was in school Helvetica was really it. It was just the most perfect typeface ever, and the entire font family is the most versatile. I love it!" I understand, it is one of my favorite san-serif fonts. I asked if he had seen the movie and they both shouted "YES! many times."

Check out the trailer



They are still about a week away from opening and figuring out the art on the wall, but they wanted to keep it open, so they can change the art out, and share the space with other local artists that want to show their work.


The food is just perfect. This is not a restaurant, but will have sweets and things to have with coffee and maybe sandwiches. Anything Juan touches seems to turn out great.


Juan put his version of a quintessential Salvador Dali self portrait on the wall.


As I left after an hour of talking laughing, and seeing the new project. I can't wait to go. Barrocco is easily the best "NEW" restaurant, that is NEW in every way for Lakewood. The product is spectacular, their new place on West 6th in Cleveland is doing well, and it is great to see Juan, and his friend Edward back in Lakewood.

11823 Detroit Avenue

We took the kids bowling last week but the restaurant is apparently not open everyday at Mahall's so we walked over to Barroco's and were very happy! GREAT service and food of course so excited for this new venture! Yeay!

Was at Barroco last night and they guessed it'd be about two more weeks before Helvetica opens. If it's half as good as Barroco is, it'll be a great success, I'm sure.

FINALLY!


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As we have been having regular updates since Kosta gave us a sneek peek, here are some photos from Helvetica's first day.


11823 Detroit Ave.




Juan and Eddie pull it together, good food, good art, fun feeling. great service!




Edward Padilla and Juan Vergara two of the three partners at Helvetica.




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Jennie & I finally visited Helvetica yesterday, and really enjoyed it. Cozy space with excellent food; should definitely be a hit with creatives. Had a great conversation with an NYTimes reporter, in town covering the election.



Madúro Sandwich (barbacoa beef & plantains) & Aguapanela, a traditional Columbian drink made from sugar cane. Highly recommended.