The Best Thing I Ever Ate...

I love the show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on Food Network (http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate/index.html) for several reasons. First, Michael Symon is often a featured chef and gives lots of shout outs to some awesome Cleveland restaurants. Second, I love food. But third, and probably most importantly, the show gives great tips about where to go for excellent food while you're traveling. I'm a firm believer in "word of mouth" for dining. Always remember the locals know best when it comes to finding good grub. And don't be afraid to ask! But I would caution you when asking for restaurant advice at hotels. Of course they're going to promise you that that hotel restaurant has the best steak you've ever had and the bartender makes a great martini, blah blah blah. In the hospitality business reputation is everything and hotels have working relationships with area restaurants and therefore will recommend them. While I wouldn't recommend approaching strangers on the street and asking where to get a good burger, I would keep your eyes and ears open. Look around and see if a place looks to be filled with locals or tourists. Listen in on conversations...people talk about food...a lot. And if you're comfortable enough, just ask someone where they would recommend eating...say while you're waiting in line at a shop or in an elevator.

So I was watching the tail end of "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" this evening and it was all about burgers...so I thought I would share a great (and unexpected) place to grab a lunchtime burger in Cleveland...

WP Burger at Washington Place in Little Italy (http://washingtonplacelittleitaly.com/)

Probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think about a burger...but it is a-maz-ing! The secret? Quality ingredients put together for a delicious, simply prepared, mound of yumminess. The burger is cooked to order with grass-fed Swiss cheese, grilled red onion, and roasted garlic aioli on the side. My advice is to ask for an extra side of the aioli for french fry dipping. The restaurant is located in a recently renovated building that also houses and inn and offers great ambiance.