It has been a bit of time since my last post. Life happens, time flies, and I honestly hadn’t stumbled upon any worthwhile topics. That is until now. That is until two new businesses caught my attention for two very different reasons: RH Cleveland and Julia’s 1902.
RH Cleveland & RH Rooftop Restaurant
More years ago than I would like to admit, an outside upscale mall opened, Legacy Village. One of the inaugural stores was Restoration Hardware, a somewhat fancy furniture/home store. It had various price points, including small gift like items that my father loved to purchase, but most definitely did not need. As time progressed, Restoration Hardware evolved into a very upscale gallery, shedding the small priced items for high end furniture and accoutrements. In that time, it outgrew Legacy Village.
Also more years ago than I would like to admit, there was a Red Robin restaurant right around the corner from my home. My family would often eat there or get take out. It was yummy. But all good things must come to an end, and as a new outdoor shopping area was being built nearby, Pinecrest, Red Robin eventually became a Slyman’s. Unfortunately, Slyman’s also eventually closed and the building was demolished. That is when, locally, Restoration Hardware truly turned into RH.
Our three-story, 55,000-square-foot design gallery blurs the lines between residential and retail, indoors and outdoors, home and hospitality. Dine beneath a dramatic glass-and-steel atrium amid sparkling chandeliers, heritage olive trees and trickling fountains in our rooftop restaurant, which opens onto a beautifully landscaped garden.
RH.com
All over the country/world, RH has multi-level design galleries that also include a restaurant. These buildings are architectural achievements that must be seen to be believed. Locations include Brussels, Munich, England, and now Cleveland. Wait. What?! Cleveland?! Yes, once where a Red Robin burger joint stood, and right outside Pinecrest, an RH featuring couches that start at thousands of dollars and a rooftop restaurant, just opened.
One random night after temple, the wife and I went to investigate. Even when looking at the building from the exterior, my mouth hit the floor. I understand that there is expendable income in the area, but still, this architectural monstrosity is something to behold, especially in this location. As much as it is beautiful on the outside, the inside is just as stunning. Greek/Roman themes, and gold coloring, are woven throughout the building with various statues/sculptures located in the many rooms highlighting the expensive home design options. I was definitely impressed while Julie wanted to go home with a brand new couch that we still aren’t sure how much it actually costs.
The plan is to eventually eat at the restaurant, but for now, we can only gawk at its beauty and investigate the menu. We arrived at the restaurant right after “closing time”, 9p, and it was packed. The clientele screamed money, just in the way they were dressed and simply how they were. Every table was occupied and the vibe was electric. On warmer nights, there is even a Rooftop Park located off the restaurant. Unbelievable to say the least. On the way out, I of course purchased a hot chocolate at the Wine Bar because why not?!
The RH building, inside and out, is absolutely unreal, and everyone was super friendly, from the people on the floor, to the restaurant, to the housekeeper. And in a place like this, the staff could be very snooty, but from the little interaction I’ve had, that is most definitely not the case. We will definitely be back to eat and I will definitely post about it. If you only have a second, I would highly recommend simply driving by. This place is a must visit and a truly welcomed addition to a very clearly up and coming area.
Julia’s 1902
During Covid, my folks and I tried to support local restaurants via takeout as much as we could. This included trying new places that I had wanted to, but hadn’t yet had the opportunity. One such restaurant was Felice’s on Larchmere in Shaker Heights. They were very nice and had a fantastic menu, especially for someone who essentially eats vegetarian when dining out. Unfortunately, Felice’s has since closed. But, a pair that worked together at Felice’s, Paul Neundorfer and José Coronado, are set to open their new venture: Julia’s 1902. Set in Willoughby House, once home to the Andrews School for Girls, an assisted living facility, and other uses, it is now home to a 10-room inn and full-service bar and the brand new Julia’s 1902.
Besides the fact that I was fond of Felice’s and what might come next for members of the team, I read the following and knew I needed to highlight it:
“We will be running this as a no-tipping establishment,” says Michael. “Our servers are interested in earning a living wage. They earn a salary with time off and paid health care. We think the training and level of hospitality and the lack of turnover this creates is going to offset some of the fixed costs.”
Tips will not be accepted by any employee, from valet parker to bartender, they stress.
Cleveland Scene: First Look: Julia’s 1902, Opening Thursday, April 25th in Willoughby
As is the case with Birdie’s in TX and Larder here in Cleveland, the new post-Covid theme of restaurants seems to be insuring that the staff is able to earn a living wage while also having benefits/health care/etc. This is something that is most definitely overdue in the industry and hopefully something that becomes the norm, whether at an upscale restaurant like Julia’s or a fast food restaurant like McDonald’s. How these workers can be considered essential but not be paid like essential workers is simply mind-blowing.
As I continue to read and research what my next phase in life will be, it fills me with pride that the industry I enjoy and hope to work in for the rest of my life, is finally starting to make positive changes. With each new restaurant that makes a living wage a priority, we get closer and closer to this no longer being an issue. One day, no matter what path I take in the food/hospitality industry, I hope to add to the positive impact that Julia’s, Birdie’s, and Larder is already imparting on society at large. Without these wonderful establishments, the status quo will win out and that is not something society can afford.
Also, watch the below trailer for Food, Inc. 2 and make sure you’ve seen the original.
