Chef Natasha Pogrebinsky quickly made her mark on Cleveland's culinary scene after returning from New York City in 2017. As former executive chef at Southside in Tremont and through her work at Sterle’s and Hub 55 (now Gold Horn Brewery), she showcased her roots with classic Eastern European dishes like schnitzel and pierogies. Check out her go-to drinks, diners and more.
Courtesy Tiffany Joy Photography
Best small plates: It depends on what I’m feeling, or what part of town I’m in. I love Patron Saint and the set up they have there with the big windows so you can watch people walk by. Pierogi House, although it isn’t a restaurant, you can go in and get meat pies, or different vegetarian pies filled with potatoes and stewed cabbage; it’s very Eastern European. I just love, kind of stopping by there, grabbing one or two of those and having it with coffee or a Ukrainian soda.
Courtesy The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery
Favorite place for inspiration: I love the Blue Door Cafe. Their food is just amazing, and they put so much attention and love into everything they do. I like the West Side Market for seasonal menu inspirations and Copia for modern and youthful flavors and plating. I like White Oaks for vintage and retro dishes and cocktail inspirations; it makes you feel like going back in time.
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Take out: I love local diners. When I don't want to cook and want quick comfort food, I like Whip and Gasoline Alley. It’s a local bar, but it’s also a destination. There’s such great fish and chips, the bartenders are always amazing, and you always hear great stories. You can sit down and have a conversation with a stranger about politics and art, and that's it. You get your fill of socializing. You get great food, great drinks. And that's kind of that comfort you need after working.
Coffee: I would have to say Civilization coffee in Tremont. I've been going there since I was 9 years old. I love the atmosphere, the pastries and sitting outside for hours people watching. I love what they do at The Judith; I’m a cappuccino girl.
Places reminiscent of Brooklyn and NYC: There’s Katherine’s Diner in Parma Heights, or Cordelia. I love that it’s not your traditional menu of appetizers and entrees. I love their little plates. They had a permission toast with honey on one of their old menus; love that. And I would also say Avalon Exchange for vintage fashion.
Courtesy Astoria Cafe & Market
International Flavors: Astoria, absolutely. It’s not a traditional restaurant, but I love that there’s a market there too. So you can eat, but then on your way out, you can pick up French cheese, Italian olive oil, Portuguese tins of sardines or clams. And for other restaurants, anything by Doug Katz. The plating is beautiful and the menus are delicious.
Family & friends: When I have visitors from out of town, I love to take them to a few places. Usually Little Italy for lunch at Maxi's, or the Cleveland Museum of Art, and then maybe the West Side Market and then to Mallorca for dinner.
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