Look for the area's second Melting Pot location to open in mid-September at Westgate Mall on the Rocky River-Fairview Park border. Seth Bromberg, the local owner behind the successful Legacy Village store (24741 Cedar Rd., 216.381.2700), is putting the finishing touches on the 200-seat fondue emporium. While slightly larger than the East Side outpost, Bromberg says the West Side shop will actually feel smaller thanks to cozy nooks, private booths and numerous room dividers. "With this restaurant, I wanted to make a bigger splash," says Bromberg. "We went with a more understated look in Beachwood." Fans can look forward to the same great food, wine and experience, but will notice a richer, lusher and grander interior. "We focused a little more on the romance aspect," added Bromberg. "I consider us a special-occasion restaurant for those who might not be able to afford the Lolas and Fahrenheits." And for folks who know and love sommelier Manuel Nieves, he now can be found at the Legacy Melting Pot, where he is manager.
After seven years, Fahrenheit (2407 Professor Ave., 216.781.8858) finally has unveiled alfresco seating. Located directly in front of the restaurant, the fenced-in, full-service sidewalk patio boasts a dozen tables, with seating for approximately 45. "If you don't have a patio in this business, you're losing out on customers," explains chef-partner Rocco Whalen. The addition brings the total number of seats in and out to almost 200. Whalen's kitchen, however, is still stuck at just 415 square feet. "That's the kind of challenge I look forward to," he says. Responding to the seven-year itch, Whalen also replaced every table in the house with locally made models that utilize beautiful reclaimed hardwood. Linens will no longer be used in the dining room. In other Whalen news: The chef will replace Paul Minnillo as the Cleveland representative for the fund-raising organization Taste of the NFL.
Building off the success of its long-running Vegas tribute "Midnight Martini Show," Pickwick & Frolic (2035 E. Fourth St., 216.241.7425) is launching the new "Martini Show Supper Club." Thanks to an earlier 8 p.m. start time, Rat Pack wannabes no longer have to stay up past bedtime. Kicking off on Saturday, September 6, the cabaret-style party will feature wisecracking crooners, stately dames and classic cocktails. The $50 tab includes a choice of lobster Thermidor or filet Oscar, salad, rolls, dessert and a champagne toast. Additional dates run September 13 and 27. [email protected]
