NNTP-Posting-Date: 9 Sep 2001 16:51:22 GMT
Originator: rbl@hal
Xref: usenet.INS.cwru.edu rec.food.restaurants:54325 cle.general:8186 pgh.food:12328
Although it's been operating for a few months, I just tried "Phil the Fire", an all-you-can-eat "soul food" buffet in the basement of The Civic in Cleveland Heights, OH. For $14.95, there's:
- Waffles (not your ordinary waffles, but some secret seasonings)
- Fried chicken, fried chicken wings
- Baked chicken
- Ham
- Grits; grits with cheese; mac & cheese, red beans and rice,
green beans
- Catfish
- Fresh fruit
- Rolls
- Dessert buffet: German chocolate cake, pound cake, double butter
peach cobbler, pecan pie, banana pudding, ...
And live entertainment!
The Civic was once a Jewish temple, built in the 1920's, now serving as a Cleveland Heights community facility, with a large auditorium, recital hall, and a large social hall in the basement --- where Phil sets up every Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM. Funky, with paper tablecoverings, plastic utensils, and throwaway plastic plates. But the food is OUTSTANDING! Both chickens were very good and the grits were the best I've found in Cleveland. The waffles are VERY good, what with whatever Phil seasons them with ... The live music was fun ... R&B and rock oldies sung (this week) by a trio.
Phil said he would be expanding his selections in coming weeks.
If you are coming from Pittsburgh (as I think you should, given the uniqueness and quality of Phil's), you can get off at Mayfield Road (Route 322) and head West about 5 miles or so. You'll pass Taylor Road with the Heights Jewish Center and a fire staion on the right at Taylor, and down the road about a mile on left (south) is the Civic. 3010 Mayfield, just east of Lee Road. If you come to the Toyota dealer, you've come too far... Best to enter at the eastern entrance, as you could walk into a swinging church service (as we did ...) in the main auditorium ...
Phil's e-mail is [email removed] (per the poster in the lobby).
Calvin Trillin, where are you??
Cheers,
Rob Lake
[email removed]Cleveland, OH