Cleveland Foodie (2/28/2012)

The following was originally posted by blogger, Michelle Venorosky, on February 28, 2012, on ClevelandFoodie.com.

I rarely play the lottery. Yet ironically, I’m always daydreaming about how I’d spend my winnings. First up, I’d call my closest friends and gather certain family members and have them meet us some place where we’d spill the news. I’d set up college funds for all their kids then take everyone to Bora Bora for the vacation of a lifetime. When we get back home, I would quit my job, which would actually not be as easy as you’d think since I genuinely like what I do for a living. And then, I would do one of two things: open a wine and cheese shop run by Brandon at L’Albatros (or just hire him to come over daily and beautifully present me with the day’s pairings!); or, I’d open up something that sorta mirrors Chicago’s Bongo Room in Chagrin Falls.

Someday… Until then, we recently discovered a small cafe that loosely mirrors our lottery spend, at least in terms of the atmosphere we’d hope to create: Lemon Falls in Chagrin Falls.
You walk into Lemon Falls and you’re almost surprised that this place is new as it fits so perfectly into the Village. The tiny space, which seats 20-ish, is part specialty market, part scratch, locally-sourced cafe and part gourmet to-go eats (with fantastic coffee and pastries in between).
This is just the type of place we like to support. And have four times already. Hands-down the must-try dish is the short rib sandwich with Gruyere served on a pie tin. It’s ridiculously flavorful, tender and keeps bringing us back. Natalie has been all over the deluxe grilled cheese and I’m working my way through the nicely-sized salads. For brunch, the tortilla wrap won’t disappoint and while it’s normally something that isn’t often called out, the yogurt parfait with granola, seasonal fruit and nuts (and paired with a cappuccino) put smiles on all three of us. I’m not sure what spices were added to that yogurt, but they really made it a standout item.
The space is just as great as the food. Fresh, cheerful and inviting with ’40s music, a personal favorite, playing above. There’s a giant chalk board donning the numerous selections and a small window bar to watch the passers-by.
It’s the quintessential Chagrin Falls eatery and I’m hooked. That is, until I win the lottery and open up the competition…