We are nearly finished with eating Bethel Road. We have one more joint plus the Refectory to get to.

I’ve not been great about reviews mostly because I’m lazy but also because I didn’t want to put judgement out there for places that are often doing their best. I could mimic food writers and critics but to what end? My overall goal isn’t to share with the world my findings but to do a thing with a friend that had some parameters around it. You know a modern day quest. A quest with little impact on the world, but a quest none the less.

However, my takeaways-or better yet-places I’ve gone back to and will continue to visit. These are in no particular order:

Buckeye Pho-has been on my list of favorite joints for a decade.

Meshikou Ramen- The black garlic ramen is the ramen I judge all other ramen against. The pork belly is soft and the broth is rich.

Elenas- I will always suggest breakfast there. I will always order the Russian Grandmother and take the crepes home to eat later, because it is so much food.

Istanbul Market-not a restaurant, but the best grocery store with the friendliest people working there.

La Casita is now my go to Mexican joint for big plates of typical favorites.

Salt and Pepper is an Iraqi place that just messed with my brain. The place is big and it’s a tablecloth and water glass sort of place. We didn’t know what to expect but were over the moon with what we were served and intrigued by what we saw going to other tables. Defiantly a top find.

These are what come to mind as some of my favorites.

Scott and I are looking out for what is next? Do we just go to places we’ve wanted to visit these last 18 months? Do we try Cleveland Avenue from downtown to 270? Do we put it all on pause until after Lent? We go to Fish Frys around the city through Lent, so everything gets put on pause then.