Daytime Favorite

Carnegie Kitchen and Dining // First Juniper Grille made a surprising exit; then Verve only lasted a year. The space at 1332 Carnegie Ave. has been breaking our food-loving hearts, so we were hesitant to become too attached to Carnegie Kitchen and Dining. But we can't deny that the downtown restaurant, which celebrated one year in late January, serves an attractive and tasty breakfast and lunch menu. Morning options include the basics (mostly priced $7 or less), while lunch is anchored by an ample salad and sandwich selection and rounded out by starters and four entrees. The 2 Salmon Club ($8.95) was a good value for grilled salmon and lox balanced with salty, creamy caper cheese; crisp lettuce and bacon; and tomato atop a bun. The turkey Reuben ($7.95), packed with smoked meat and sauerkraut, also had plenty of flavor but wasn't quite as successful because the marbled rye was a bit soggy on arrival. Swapping the standard fries with thick, roasted sweet potatoes or Yukon home fries was a good decision in both cases. Lunch offerings stay fresh with daily specials (check them on Facebook), making Carnegie Kitchen a destination we hope will stick around.

Carnegie Kitchen and Dining, 1332 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, 216-862-6788