The Flying Fig (2523 Market Ave., 216-241-4243, theflyingfig.com) is getting a new neighbor by mid-June: The Market at the Fig. Owner Karen Small says she had been exploring potential sites for a gourmet retail market when a light went off in her head. "I thought, I have this other room with a separate entrance that gets used maybe once a week," she says, referring to the Fig's private dining room. "And it already has a kitchen."
Small describes the operation as a European-style shop that offers grab-and-go soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Ingredients will be the best locally available, such as Tea Hills poultry, Aaron Miller beef, and Blackbird Bakery pastries. The market will also sell beer, wine, and small-batch domestic cheeses. Hours will be 10 to 10 daily except Mondays.
Chef Demetrios Atheneos is leaving his post at Bodega (1854 Coventry Rd., 216-932-3060, bodegaoncoventry.com) to join the team at the soon-to-open Deagan's Kitchen and Bar (14810 Detroit Ave.). Dan Deagan is reworking the old Crazy Rita's space in Lakewood into a warm, upscale pub with exposed brick walls and salvaged barn siding. Chef Atheneos describes the food as "chef-driven pub fare with a twist," applying playful touches to traditional pub cuisine. Diners can look forward to things like truffle fries, Italian sausage sliders, soy chile-glazed wings, tuna tartare, as well as salads, sandwiches, and entrées. A new draft beer system will dispense 30 craft selections. Look for an early August opening.
Michael Symon's star pastry chef, Cory Barrett, has left Cleveland to accept a job at the Herbfarm, a highly regarded restaurant near Seattle. "I want to say thank you to all of the Cleveland diners," Barrett says. "They have more than impressed me over the years. While I am very excited about the position, it is with hesitation that I am leaving my friends and colleagues here at Lola." No word yet on his replacement.
This fall would have marked four years in business for Henry's at the Barn in Avon, the wonderful Low Country restaurant run by Paul and Tracey Jagielski. But that won't happen: Henry's is the latest victim of a brutal dining economy. "It's sad to say we had to close," says Paul. "Fine dining is taking a hit. This recession is worse than people realize." Jagielski plans to take a break, but may get back in the game if he finds the right space and concept.
