New Cheese on the Block, Melt adding Heights location for gourmet grilled cheese at Cedar and Taylor

The "Parmageddon" features thick slices of bread encasing pierogies and sauerkraut. (image courtesy of Melt)

Melt Bar and Grilled owner Matt Fish needed a new challenge after racking up regulars and local and national foodie awards at his Lakewood restaurant. Since opening in September 2006, his gourmet grilled cheese concoctions, with names like The Parmageddon (pierogies) and The Lake Erie Monster (walleye), have packed the restaurant every night, even after two expansions.

“Lakewood exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds,” Fish said. “We have won the ‘Academy Awards’ of Cleveland restaurants, so the natural progression is to translate our West Side success to the East Side. Mindset-wise, I consider Cleveland Heights to be our sister city.”

Fish cited the reputation of the Cleveland Heights city government—cooperative with and supportive of local businesses—as a major factor in his decision to add a location across the river.

“We’ll be joining an existing family of good restaurants and residents, and we’ll have a chance to make an impact on the city by building up the corner of Cedar and Taylor,” Fish said.

The new Cleveland Heights spot will mirror the personality of the Lakewood location by including hardwood floors, eclectic art, backlighted glass pieces and high tin ceilings. Fortunately, the 4,500-square-foot space will accommodate more guests (170) than the Lakewood location, with a much larger kitchen, a secluded patio, and a horseshoe bar that seats 35 and serves 30 beers on tap.

Construction is scheduled to start the first week of June. Fish said he expects the gutting, rebuilding, and rehabbing of the 1920s old Peabody’s building to last six to seven months.

Melt has already formed a Cleveland Heights connection via a partnership with the Grog Shop. At the restaurant, Melt diners can score tickets to select shows hosted by the club.

Fans of the restaurant can join the Big Cheese Club for updates on the new location, employment opportunities and monthly sandwich specials.

Per her grandmother, Christina Klenotic is a “good eater” who never met a carb she didn’t like. She enjoys sampling eclectic restaurants, galleries and neighborhoods, which is why she loves Cleveland Heights.

Melt Bar and Grilled
14718 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood216-226-3699
www.meltbarandgrilled.com

Read More on Culinary Heights
Volume 2, Issue 6, Posted 7:49 PM, 05.20.2009