The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
New restaurant reveals modern look, menu
New restaurant reveals modern look, menu
Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits is a fresh new eatery tucked in to Concord Plaza on Johnnycake Ridge Road.
Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits is a fresh new eatery tucked in to Concord Plaza on Johnnycake Ridge Road in Concord Township.
It was formerly the Beach Club Grill. Owners Bryan Geller and Nick Ovsenik of Mentor and Marty Graham of Concord closed the previous restaurant in January, pouring in more than $200,000 to re-create the decor and menu with the purpose of offering a new and “casual class” dining experience. The revamped establishment opened in early March
Ovsenik said that one of the reasons for the extensive change is to ensure that the spot is suitable and appealing to all ages.
“We know how many young families are around here. We want them to feel welcome,” he said.
Transformation of the interior space is accomplished through introducing a modern industrial look accompanied by the warm rustic feel of wood.
Some of the new aspects include the addition of timeworn pieces of equipment purchased from an old area foundry. Ovsenik revamped and repurposed what appeared to be old presses, gears and more with the help of Chris Vidmar of Vidmar Custom Woodworking in Chardon.
A unique round table seating eight people features a large wooden item viewable through a clear glass top. The new bar sports a polished walnut top with live edges while burnt copper panels add to its natural feel. Some of the bar’s bubbly brews are poured from an interesting beer tower, also created from one of the foundry’s former components.
“We have the most beautiful bar in the area,” Ovsenik said with an obvious pride in the results of their efforts.
In the space off of the main dining room, booths have been removed and replaced with tables. The area, often used for parties, meetings and events, is now easier to configure in various forms based on what works best for different functions.
Inside the restaurant there is seating for about 130 people. An extensive outdoor patio with renewed decking will open once the weather becomes favorable.
The menu is described by owners as “streamlined, less overwhelming and more modern” which they claim strives to offer “a New Age twist off of a classic cooking style.”
For example, in the “Handhelds” section, a PBLT ($10) composed of house-smoked pork belly, roasted garlic spread, arugula and tomato is a tasty turn on the typical BLT. The Steak ‘n Egg Po’ Boy ($13) is made with grilled Ridgewood steak, aged cheddar, arugula onion slaw, smashed potatoes, sunny side up egg and peppercorn aioli.
Entrees include Rustic Zucchini Puttanesca ($11) with sauteed zucchini noodles, roasted tomato eggplant sauce, fresh basil and shaved Parmesan. Grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon can be added for an additional charge. Wild Mushroom Chicken ($13), Oak Barrel Salmon ($18) and Signature Macaroni and Cheese takes on a different taste weekly a la various add-ins are also on the menu.
A dish somewhat reminiscent of the Beach Club Grill is pizza which was among customers’ favorites, Graham said. However, he maintains that even the array of pies have been improved with a light and fluffy crust and good body.
The Poutine Pie consists of braised beef, gravy, asiago, cheddar, provolone, fresh-cut fries and scallions. A meat-lovers selection is the Porky Pig with red sauce, house-smoked pork, sausage, pepperoni, bacon and provolone. Prices are $12.95 for a 9-inch pie and $16.95 for the 12-inch version.
Those seeking a Happy Hour experience will find just that from 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays. Among “Happy Hour Bites” are Smoked Chicken Nachos ($4) and Short Rib Fries ($5). Price reductions on some alcoholic beverages are also provided.
Other features offered with the intent of pleasing patrons are live music on Wednesday and Saturday nights and a dozen televisions to catch current shows and sporting events. A Tuesday Trivia Night is in the works.
“We felt that this type of atmosphere was missing on the east side,” Ovsenik said. “We’re just three local guys looking to take care of local people.”
Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and closed Sundays. For more information, visit www.ridgewood84.com or www.facebook.com/Ridgewood84; or call 440-3507015. Reservations are accepted.