Last night, I got the unique opportunity to check out Reddstone, a restaurant in Battery Park, for the first time!  

What made it unique?  The fact that the Chef invited me and 15 other food bloggers to test out their new summer menu!

I know you aren’t supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, but based on Reddstone’s outside appearance – I knew I was in for a good night!

Exclusive Cleveland Food Bloggers Summer Menu Tasting?  A phrase that makes me blush, and feel way more important than I actually am, all at the same time!

Their patio was absolutely PERFECT!  Just enough shade, just enough sunlight, great music, and a very cool vibe!

Plus – there was good company AND Sauv Blanc – which makes ANYTHING even better!

Now on to the awesome food!

DISCLAIMER: I did NOT eat any animal products last night.  Even though it was was absolutely terribly rotten – I stuck with the stupid Vegan Challenge. I did, however, drool over each dish, and I did eat any vegan part of the dish I could.  Opinions given are table consensus.

Course 1: Rare Salmon Lettuce Rolls – Salmon Carpaccio, Radish Sprouts, Sweet Soy, Chili-Miso Dipping Sauce

Verdict: Phenomenal.  After all the dishes were tasted – almost everyone said this was their favorite.  The salmon was perfectly done, and all the flavor combinations worked so well together.

Course 2: BBQ’d Duck Confit Sliders – Daikon Slaw, Poblano Creme Fraiche

Verdict: I could only eat the bun, but MAN, I was drooling over this dish. It smelled fantastic!  I did hear people at the table say the duck was a little chewy, but I thought it looked and smelled wonderful.

Course 3: “Slice of America” All American Burger – Grilled Sirloin, American Cheese, Pickles Slices, Reddstone Special Sauce

Verdict: This course was where I officially started swearing at myself for ever dreaming up this Vegan Challenge.   I don’t eat a lot of red meat anymore, but I know I would have devoured this if I could.  Everyone at the table really liked it, and it got at least 1 vote for “best dish”

Course 4: Shrimp & Soba Noodles – Mixed Veggies, Peanut Sauce, Pickled Napa Cabbage

Verdict: This was my favorite dish! (but keep in mind, I couldn’t really truly try the rest of them, so I’m slightly biased!).  All I needed to do was remove the piece of shrimp, and it was vegan!  Wooohoo! The peanut sauce was perfect, and I loved all the fresh veggies!  I could have eaten 5 more bowls of this!

Course 5: Braised 5 Spiced Short Ribs – Kim Chee Potato Latke, Plum Sauce, Crispy Leeks

Verdict: Great idea, but too salty, and no one could taste the Kim Chee.

Bloggers in action:

After we were done trying anything, the Chef himself came out to talk to us and get our feedback, which was hands-down the coolest part of the evening!

Based on just the small sampling we tried – I would go back to Reddstone in a heart beat! (Read their menu description of their Macho Nachos!  I thought I was going to CRY when reading it, it sounded THAT good!)

Thanks for the wonderful opportunity Reddstone!  I can’t wait to come back with Mike & my friends, once this crazy Vegan Challenge is over!!!