THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spice Kitchen & Bar Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spice Kitchen & Bar Restaurant Review:

Led by chef/owner Ben Bebenroth, Spice Kitchen & Bar sources at least 80 percent of all ingredients from small family farms practicing sustainable forms of agriculture within a 100-mile radius of Cleveland. This leads to fresh-from-the-farm options on both the dining and drink menus that change frequently. Located in the up-and-coming Gordon Square Arts District, the restaurant is classic and clean with comfortable seating and attentive, knowledgeable service. (Spice doesn’t name farmers on the menu, but the staff knows the origin of almost every item and they’re happy to tell you the story if you ask.) Start with the barbecue pork rinds, crunchy and seasoned with just a small splash of house vinegar. Next, dive into the andouille burger. It eats like a burger, but tastes like sausage with a smattering of roasted onions and a smear of cheddar garlic aïoli. For sides, both the bacon mac ‘n’ cheese and the ginger sesame bok choy are delightful and big enough to split between two people. For dessert, the apple hand pie personifies comfort food. To wash down your dinner, seasonal cocktails are the way to go. We like Pear to Stay, made with Boulard Calvados, pear purée, lemon and clove. Wine and beer choices are extensive and feature some quality picks.