You always remember your first. For Eddie Cerino, it was opening his Parma restaurant in 1985. Named Fast Eddie's, the burger spot was ahead of its time, flipping patties with creative, interesting ingredients all while offering comfort foods that hit a chord with its customers for nine years. Fast-foward to today, and Cerino has come full circle with the opening of Fast Eddie's Kitchen and Bar. The new space, part of an effort to rebrand worn-down Parmatown Mall as the Shoppes at Parma, straddles the line of nostalgia and hipster with a menu of throwback dishes among modern takes. Start with the bacon-wrapped dates ($6) layered with almonds, capers and an addictive blue cheese pimento sauce. If comfort food is more your speed, make sure to come after 4 p.m. for its popular Blue Plate Specials such as Swedish meatballs ($13) on Monday or city chicken ($15) on Wednesday — you'll find us here on Sunday diving into the chicken paprikash ($14). A stop here wouldn't be complete without trying one of the burgers that made the first Fast Eddie's so good. So while you should try all 11 burgers, go with the Eddie's Favorite ($12.50) on your first visit. There's nothing too fancy — just some Swiss cheese, sauteed mushrooms and onions, bacon and sour cream on a brioche bun — but the quirky combo of flavors prove genius. It may be your first Fast Eddie's experience, but it shouldn't be your last.
When You Go: Fast Eddie's Kitchen & Bar, 7729 W. Ridgewood Drive, Parma, 440-340-4423, fasteddiesparma.com
