It's about more than just good food at Cafe 55. The June opening of the St. Clair Superior cafe marks the beginning of what Sterle's Country House owner Rick Semersky hopes is a revitalization for the neighborhood with Eastern European roots. With plans to also open the 10,000-square-foot Goldhorn Brewery later this year and a market specializing in local foods in 2016, Semersky has tapped former Amp 150 executive chef Jeff Jarrett to oversee the menu here and at Sterle's next door. Inside the fast-casual spot's bright and modern space, guests are greeted by a display case filled with pastries from Bonbon Pastry and Cafe in Ohio City and Cleveland Bagel Co. offerings. With a focus on healthy breakfast and lunch options, early-morning risers can pick from five breakfast egg scrambles, all served over oven-roasted potatoes. The 55 ($8), layered with cheddar, pico de gallo, roasted onions and deep-green chimichurri sauce, delivers a spicy kick to your a.m. routine. At lunchtime, the choices are more customizable with a selection of build-your-own lunch bowls ($11). We opted for one filled with brown rice, roasted beef and the Saigon mix — a medley of bacon, spicy slaw, toasted coriander and cilantro. The thick, chewy bits of bacon were a welcome contrast to the tender shreds of beef, and we spiced it up even more with a squirt of hot sauce. It's the foodie foundation of the neighborhood's revival that we're hungry to devour.
When You Go: Cafe 55 1361 E. 55th St., Cleveland, 216-600-5275, cafe55cle.com
