Could we have just discovered the newest, hottest restaurant in Cleveland? This is what my husband and I asked ourselves after leaving AMP 150, the Cleveland Airport Marriott’s completely new restaurant, on New Year’s Eve (and our first wedding anniversary).
The restaurants bio is right there in its name – an acronym that stands for American Modern Palette that is conveniently located off of I-71 on West 150th Street. So really, what is it? Contemporary American food that focuses on seasonal and locally-grown and made items offered on an ever-changing menu. The restaurant is the creation of celeb chef Dean James Max and is operated by executive chef Ellis Cooley. It’s located in the a completely remodeled Marriott with chic, contemporary design elements that are both sophisticated and sexy – a definite recommendation for those looking for a hot Valentine’s Day dinner destination.
Our five-course journey was prix fixe and (unfortunately for my husband and I) started with oysters layered with caviar. While we’re both big fans of adventurous dining, we’d been down the “caviar road” once before and weren’t real interested in a return trip. Thankfully, the uber-sweet staff at AMP 150 obliged and we were each served up a piping hot bowl of mussels in a spicy and tangy broth.
Next up came a bold arugula salad sweetened with orange slices and candied nuts. This was followed by gigantic seared scallops served with pureed parsnips and side of Ohio-made honey – a completely unique taste combination that both left us saying, “Mmmmm.” We were then served the main dish, which was a thick, perfectly cooked filet served with AMP 150’s version of creamed spinach (swiss chard chopped with fresh cream). It left our tastebuds thoroughly impressed.
In between each dish, we picked our way through the restaurant’s extensive wine list, often switching (gasp) between both reds and whites throughout the evening. Heck, it was New Year’s Eve! Why not splurge?! We also enjoyed the camaraderie with the servers who, dressed in casual, not-too-stuffy attire, were intimately familiar with the menu items and could recommend corresponding wine and beverages.
But the evening wasn’t complete without the meal’s finishing touch – a dessert featuring warm valrona chocolate cake (you and I might call that “lava cake”) and chocolate ice cream infused with peppermint. Quite honestly, it was the most phenomenal ending to a wonderful meal. Kudos to Chef Cooley and an amazing, friendly and knowledgeable staff! Our completely cleaned plates were evidence of our merriment. But our pocketbooks said more. What makes AMP 150 even more interesting is that most menu items range in price from $3 – $20. So, go ahead and leave your “arm and a leg” at home! –Submitted by LRH
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