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Friday, November 13, 2009

Lorain County dining delights

With the month of November our thoughts often turn to indoor and culinary delights. This month you can find a wide variety of options for dining and trying out some fine, local wines. While you’re out shopping and enjoying the holidays here are a few restaurants and wineries to check out:

Aroma: Chef Mario Marotta brings his hometown of Laurino in the Campania region of Italy to Avon Lake through his Italian Cuisine. Over 50 boutique wine labels. This month Chef Mario features Sunday cooking classes. Call 440.570.9817 for details.

Fratello’s: Delicious Italian dining in Avon Lake. 10% Tuesdays! Every Tuesday evening in 2009 Fratello’s hosts a promotion to assist a different local charity. 10% of dine-in food sales go to a different cause. November’s charity is the Neighborhood House Association (NHA) located in Lorain County.

Jefferson 150 Restaurant: Critics and diners alike rave about this southern kitchen, featuring flavorful cuisines from around the world in a casual, charming setting, prepared by Chef Shawn Grieves, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Popular specials this month include $12 steak night on Tuesdays and $7 dinners on Sundays. Enjoy live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays and a Sunday Jazz Brunch. And while planning for the holidays, keep in mind Jefferson 150 can cater your holiday function.

Nemo Grille, Avon: Globally influenced American cuisine in the historic 1850 Alten House. The varied menu is creative, seasonal and made with the freshest ingredients. Click here to sign up for weekly specials throughout the holiday season.

Oberlin Inn-Garden Restaurant: Country Western Murder Mystery Dinner. November 21, 2009. $78 pp based on double occupancy. Package includes overnight accommodations, chicken and ribs BBQ buffet, fun-filled murder mystery dinner theater. Cash bar. For reservations: 440.775.1111

Dining on the water

If you’re looking for a good Lakeside dining option try the Rose Cafe at Lakeview Park. The Rose Cafe has gorgeous views of the Lorain Lighthouse and Lake Erie. Brunch is a wonderful holiday time treat! Another popular Lakeside dining experience is the Jackalope Restaurant. Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, it offers wonderful views of the marina and the historic Lorain Lighthouse.

Shop and Dine

Here are a few options if you are out in one of our many quaint shopping districts:

Old Avon Village: The Tree House Gallery and Tea Room is located in the restored Alten-Casper House built in 1850. The tea room features an array of fine salads and sandwiches, unique soups and scrumptious desserts.

Downtown Wellington shopping district: Bread-N-Brew serves sandwiches on freshly baked breads; gourmet coffee, tea, and espresso; hearty soups and refreshing salads. Breakfast and lunch.

If your shopping brings you to Main Street Amherst or into Avon Lake -Bring the kids and grab some pizza at Donatos on N. Leavitt Road in Amherst or on Walker Road in Avon Lake.

Shopping at the Midway Mall in Elyria? Check out Eat’n Park on West River Road, a casual, neighborhood restaurant featuring a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. You can print out a coupon for Eat’n Park from the Adventure and Visitors Guide by clicking here. On page 37 you will find a great 20% off coupon good until Jan. 31, 2010.

Thanksgiving Dining

Mr. D’s Restaurant at The Holiday Inn in Elyria, 12pm and 1pm seatings. Chef carved country ham, New England style pot roast with gravy, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, sweet buttered corn, Green Beans Amandine, fresh Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows, homestyle bread stuffing and bounties of salads and desserts. children 4–12 years-$7.95, Seniors 60+-$15.95, Adults-$17.95. Guestroom rates start at $59 plus tax for the week of Thanksgiving. Reservations: 440.324.5411.

Oberlin Inn, Thanksgiving Feast, Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11am–4:30pm. Garden tossed salad, acorn squash soup, slow roasted turkey, pork tenderloin with cranberry, sliced roast beef with mushroom sauce, battered fried white fish, homestyle green beans, Corn O'Brien, dill bettered carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, herb sage stuffing, pan dripping turkey gravy, marshmallow sweet potatoes, fresh vegetable crudites, Waldorf salad, cranberry sauce, marinated artichoke & mushroom, tri-color pasta salad, pea salad, assorted pies and cupcakes. Children 6–12-$9, Seniors 60+–$20, Adults-$22.

Thanksgiving Served Dinner: 11am–4:30pm, Roast Tom Turkey $16 served with tossed salad, marshmallow sweet potatoes, herb sage dressing, dill buttered carrots, rolls, butter & pumpkin pie. Call for reservations 440.775.1111

Quaker Steak & Lube, Vermilion: Thanksgiving Buffet, Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11:30am–5pm. All your holiday favorites including chef-carved turkey, roast beef, ham, drunken sweet potatoes, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, shrimp linguine, Lube wings, New England clam chowder, wedding soup, salad bar, dessert patch and more. Children-$5.99, Juniors-$11.99, Seniors-$15.99, Adults-$17.99. Call 440.967.3724 for reservations.

Sugarcreek Restaurant, Elyria: Traditional Thanksgiving dinners served 11am–7pm. Turkey, roast beef, roast pork. Reservations required for parties of five and more. Features Amish-style cooking.

Vineyards and Wineries

Our seven wineries always have great special events going on. Here are a few for the month of November:

Matus Winery: Here you can enjoy premier wines while relaxing with picturesque views of the vineyard and countryside. This month, enjoy “Friday Night Dinners” served at 5:30. The dinners feature a variety of different cuisines and restaurants.

Other November events at Matus include:

  • Ladies night, Thursday, November 19th. Personalize your own hand-painted wine glass. Call to reserve your spot
  • Open House, Sat, November 28th, 12noon–6pm. Kick off the holiday season. Enjoy some wine and a variety of snacks. Choose from ready made gift baskets or place and order for customized gift baskets. Entertainment at 8pm: Roadhouse.

Paper Moon Vineyards, Vermilion. Just off Rd. 2, in the historic harbor town of Vermilion, Paper Moon Vineyards serves a selection of regional and vinifera wines. The tasting room offers a view of the vineyards, pond, woods and an occasional bald eagle. This month:

  • Live music every Saturday evening.
  • November 28: Paper Moon will be decorated for the holidays. Open from 4–7 featuring harpist.

Single Tree Winery in Amherst, is located in a beautiful country setting, dedicated to providing customers with the finest quality wine. Check out their website for November events.

Vermilion Valley Vineyards: A new vineyard and winery set in tranquil surroundings featuring a variety of fine wines, locavore menu items, gallery, tasting room with loft for parties and meetings. Check out their website for upcoming entertainment and featured events.

Here are more Lorain County wineries to sample and enjoy:

John Christ Winery, Avon Lake

JW Dover Heartland Vineyards, Westlake

Klingshirn Winery, Avon Lake