After closing the Latin-focused Lopez on Lee in December, Michael Herschman reopened his Cleveland Heights spot as Mojo World Eats & Drink just 21 days later with a plethora of small plates showcasing cuisine from around the world.
The idea built off of one of Herschman’s earliest successes from when he opened Mojo in Tremont 20 years ago. “When you pigeonhole a menu or a concept, you can get stuck in a corner,” says Herschman of his desire to shake things up. His renewed creative freedom can be found in the more than 20 small plates — each with varying textures and complex flavors.
Take the tempura shrimp ($9) for example: Three plump white shrimp are fried in a tempura batter injected with ginger ale and Chinese five-spice powder for an effervescent and savory finish. Topped with a cold peanut sauce made from fried peanuts, coconut milk, rice vinegar and cilantro, it’s served alongside a crunchy bed of red and daikon radishes, julienned carrots, cucumbers and shaved red onion in a sesame soy vinaigrette. “It’s sweet, earthy and crunchy, and it’s got a little sharpness to it,” says Herschman.
2196 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-9000, mojocle.com
Mojo World Eats & Drink Revives A Small Plate Culture
The reinvigorated restaurant in Cleveland Heights has more than 20 small plates to choose from.
