In January, Andrew Revy of Immigrant Son Brewery announced that he was taking over the former Salt space in Lakewood. Just a few short months later, on Tuesday, April 15, he will open the doors to Sofia’s Kitchen + Bar (17625 Detroit Ave.), an upscale-casual restaurant that he describes as “corner bar meets American bistro.”
Revy said that he inherited a “relatively turnkey” space that needed only moderate changes to suit his vision. By shifting the main entrance from the Rockway Ave. corner of the building to the facade on Detroit Ave. he was able to increase seating in the bar area. Revy also added a little more separation between the dining room and bar so the new TVs there won’t interfere with diners in the main room. The black floors were refinished to reveal their natural cherry hue. New lighting, artwork and wall colors bring a different look and feel to the space.
"Ideally, when people walk into Sofia’s Kitchen + Bar, they embrace it as a brand new and vibrant space,” says Revy.
Heading up the kitchen is veteran chef Andy Strizak, whose resume reads like a Top 10 list of Cleveland's best restaurants. His experience stretches back to Parker's American Bistro and continues on through Lolita, Spice, Flying Fig, Lucky’s and more. At every turn, Strizak strives for fresh, local and seasonal foods.
On the opening menu are starters like deviled eggs, cheese boards, battered veggies, sauteed mussels and a Shepherd's Pie-style loaded fries with lamb, peas, carrots, gravy and cheese curds. In addition to soups and salads, there is a lamb burger, roasted pork sandwich with au jus, and a vegetarian sub.
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Main courses include rigatoni with beef and pork ragu, pappardelle with lamb and peas, spice-rubbed chicken thighs, sesame udon noodles, grilled ribeye and pork prime rib. New items and daily specials will be added in the coming days and weeks.
To drink there are five Immigrant Son beers on tap, more by the can, seasonal and classic cocktails, and an exceptional wine-by-the-glass and bottle list.
“A lot of people have started to enjoy wines again and I wanted to start with a robust glass program because I want people to know that we are serious about wine,” says Revy.
Sofia’s will serve dinner seven days a week. During happy hour, which runs 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, guests can enjoy food and drink specials.
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