Here is a list of our favorite restaurants by category and with remarks for exceptional dining establishments.
Top Restaurants
While all of these restaurants are superb, my favorite is Taste. I’ve been to the chef’s training grounds at L’Epi Dupin in Paris, and I frankly think his food is just as good, if not better in some aspects. Check out the recent review for further praise on this restaurant. (JT)
Taste
2317 Lee Rd.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216)-932-9100
Moxie
3355 Richmond Rd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-5599
The Baricelli Inn
2203 Cornell Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216)-791-6500
Lola
2058 E 4th St
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 621-5652
L’Albatros
11401 Bellflower Rd
Cleveland, OH
(216) 791-7880
Fahrenheit
2417 Professor Ave
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 781-8858
Chez Francois
555 Main Street
Vermillion, OH 44089
(440) 967-0630
Verve
1332 Carnegie Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 664-5500
Top American Bistro
Although difficult to define what this genre is, the key component that sets many of these restaurants apart from the rest is the quality. While all of these restaurants demonstrate great quality, Johnny’s Downtown manages to do so with great consistency. (LC)
Johnny’s Downtown
1406 W 6th St, Cleveland, OH
(216) 623-0055
Fire
13220 Shaker Square
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 921-3473
Parallax
2179 W 11th St
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 583-9999
Table 45
9801 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH
(216) 707-4045
Three Birds
18515 Detroit Ave
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 221-3500
Top Steakhouse
Red is so good, they are even starting a chain in the difficult Miami market. I’ve been here probably five times, and always had an excellent steak, no matter what choice. (JT)
Red the Steakhouse
3355 Richmond Rd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-2252
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
28869 Chagrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 896-9000
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse (Eastside)
26300 Chagrin Blvd.
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 464-0688
(Downtown)
123 Prospect Ave E
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 344-2444
XO Prime Steaks
500 W Saint Clair Avd
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 861-1919
Top Seafood Restaurant
Seafood is quite tricky to prepare given delicate nature of the cuisine and the need for fresh ingredients. Blue Point Grille has been able to accomplish this with a wide range of fish and shellfish. (LC)
Blue Point Grille
700 W Saint Clair Ave
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 875-7827
Mitchell’s Fish Market
28601 Chagrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 765-3474
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood
26300 Cedar Rd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-8100
Pier W
12700 Lake Ave
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 228-2250
Blake’s Seafood Restaurant
9 Main St
Westlake, OH 44145
(440) 892-3474
Top Pubs
There are pubs, and then there is my home away from home. Winking Lizard is one of my favorite pubs ever. The selection of beers paired with wing and pizza night is a combination that can’t be beat. (JT)
Winking Lizrad Tavern
1852 Coventry Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 397-8380
www.winkinglizard.com
Claddagh Irish Pub
25389 Cedar Rd
Cleveland, OH 44124
(216) 691-0534
Brennan’s Colony
2299 Lee Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 371-1010
Great Lakes Brewing Co
2516 Market Ave
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 771-4404
R J Boland’s
724 Prospect Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 938-8949
Tremont Tap House
2572 Scranton Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-298-4451
Top Pizzas
I’ve eaten pizza all over and while my favorite is still Pizza OK in Milan, Cleveland holds it own with several great establishments. My favorite pizza joint is Geraci’s due to the quality of toppings. Just make sure you bring your checkbook since they don’t take credit cards. (JT)
Geraci’s Restaurant
2266 Warrensville Ctr Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 382-5333
Dewey’s Pizza
2194 Lee Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 321-7355
Marotta’s
2289 Lee Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 932-9264
Mama Santa Restaurant &
Pizzeria
12305 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
Angelo’s Pizza
13715 Madison Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-221-5635
Eddie’s Pizzeria Cerino
7305 Broadview Rd. Suite H
Seven Hills, OH 44131
216-236-6007
Top Burgers
Cleveland offers some of the greatest varieties on a simple dish, the burger. It is the local favorite, Heck’s Café, which stands out from the rest with the quality of meat, toppings, service, and atmosphere. (LC)
Heck’s Café
2927 Bridge Ave
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-861-5464
Red Robin
4009 Orange Pl.
Beachwood, OH 44122 mall
216-378-9362
B-Spot
28699 Chagrin Boulevard
Woodmere, OH
(216) 292-5567
Bearden’s Restaurant
19985 Lake Road
Cleveland, OH
(440) 331-7850
Light Bistro
2801 Bridge Avenue
Cleveland, OH
(216) 771-7130
Top Sandwiches
The permutations of sandwiches are boundless in this city with unique fillings and a wide range of sizes. Out of the many choices, choosing Melt will grant you the greatest probability of giving you a winning experience. (LC)
Melt Bar and Grilled (Westside)
14718 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood , OH 44107
216-226-3699
(Eastside)
13463 Cedar Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 965-0988
Slyman’s Restaurant
3106 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-621-3760
La Bodega
869 Jefferson Avenue
Cleveland, OH
(216) 621-7075
Dish Deli & Catering
1112 Kenilworth Avenue
Cleveland, OH
(216) 523-7000
Mister Brisket Inc
2156 South Taylor Road
Cleveland Hts, OH
(216) 932-8620
Top Italian
Little Italy serves as the epicenter of great Italian cooking in Cleveland, and that is where my favorite spot is. Michaelangelo’s offers some of the best pasta and short ribs around, along with an extensive but decently priced wine menu. On top of all of this, they also have a private parking lot which helps a lot on a busy night in Little Italy. (JT)
Michaelangelo’s Restaurant
and Wine Bar
2198 Murray Hill Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 721-0300
Grotto Wine Bar
13101 Shaker Square
Cleveland Heights, OH 44120
216-664-1120
Bodega
1854 Coventry Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44118
216-932-3060
Risotrante Giovanni’s
25550 Chagrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-8625
Trattoria Roman Gardens
12207 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 421-2700
Primo Vino
12511 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 229-3334
Top Mediterranean Cuisine
Mallorca offers some of the best service around and it doesn’t hurt that their seafood and veal dishes are equally as good. Many a drug rep dinner was hosted here…memories. (JT)
Mallorca
1390 West 9th Street
Cleveland, OH
(216) 687-9494
Mad Greek
2466 Fairmount Boulevard
Cleveland, OH
(216) 421-3333
Marbella
Ste 101, 29425 Chagrin Boulevard
Beachwood, OH
(216) 464-9939
Zdara
1382 West 9th Street
Cleveland, OH
(216) 535-0001
Top Other European Cuisine
Out of the Eastern European places, even with its unique décor and cafeteria-style setup, Sokolowski’s remains top notch. (LC)
Sokolowski’s University Inn
1201 University Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-771-9236
Restaurant Europa
30519 Pinetree Rd.
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
216-591-1273
Marta’s Restaurant
800 E. 222nd St.
Euclid, OH 44123
216-731-9596
Frank Sterle’s
Slovenian Country
House
1401 E. 55th St.
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-881-4181
Der Braumeister Restaurant & Del
13046 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH
(216) 671-6220
Let Petit Triangle Café
1881 Fulton Road
Cleveland, OH
(216) 281-1881
Top Chinese
I grew up on Chinese food and cook it all the time, so I know this genre well. If you want authentic Chinese along with quality and service, the place to be is Siam Café. (LC)
Siam Cafe
3951 Saint Clair Ave
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 361-2323
Hunan East
724 Richmond Rd
Cleveland, OH 44143
(216) 381-2266
Bo Loong
3922 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-391-3113
Li Wah
2999 Payne Ave
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 696-6556
Top Japanese
Plenty of good sushi can be found in Cleveland, especially for being so far from the coast. The best would have to be at Pac East on Coventry (not Eton). They must have their fish shipped in every few days, it tastes that good. Also, try out the authentic Malaysian food if you are the mood for some variety. (JT)
Pacific East
1763 Coventry Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216)-320-2302
Shuhei
23360 Chargrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 514-0927
Matsu
20126 Chagrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 767-1111
Sushi Rock (Downtown)
1276 W 6th St
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 623-1212
(Eastside)
2101 Richmond Rd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 378-9595
Yellow Tail
4054 Medina Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
(330) 666-9988
Top Other Asian
Sometimes, nothing satisfies hunger like a simple bowl of noodle soup. Aptly named, Superior Pho is truly superior. (LC)
Superior Pho
3030 Superior Ave
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 781-7462
Bangkok Thai Cuisine
5359 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44124 Map
(440) 684-1982
Lemon Grass
2179 Lee Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 321-0210
Mint Café
1791 Coventry Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 320-9915
Tree Country Bistro
1803 Coventry Rd.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-321-0644
Mekong River
1918 Lee Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 371-9575
Seoul Hot Pot
3709 Payne Ave
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 881-1221
Phnom Pehn
1929 W 25th St
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 357-2951
#1 Pho
3120 Superior Ave
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 781-1176
Sweet Mango Thai Cuisine
14610 Pearl Rd
Strongsville, OH 44136
(440) 238-9921
Top Indian
Indian food is sort of an addiction of mine. While Cleveland doesn’t quite compare with Delhi, I go with Saffron Patch for consistent, good quality Northern Indian cuisine. (JT)
Saffron Patch
20600 Chagrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216)-295-0400
Madras Café
5156 Wilson Mils Rd
Cleveland, OH 44143
(440) 461-3737
Café Tandoor
2096 Taylor Rd
Cleveland, OH 44112
(216) 371-8500
Udupi Café
6339 Olde York Rd
Cleveland, OH 44130
(440) 743-7154
Jaipur Junction
9377 Sprague Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
(440) 842-3555
Flavors of India
26703 Brookpark Rd.
North Olmsted, OH 44070
440-779-5774
Bamboo Garden
5106 Great Northern Mall
North Olmsted, OH
(440) 734-0500
Top Latin American Cuisine
Even being this far north, one can find both high-end cuisines to mom-and-pop shops within this genre. Given their desire to encompass the vast variety of Latin flavors with a modern twist, Paladar is a must try. (LC)
Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar
28601 Chagrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 896-9020
Los Habaneros
20255 Van Aken Blvd.
Beachwood, OH 44122
216-991-4522
Sarava
13225 Shaker Square
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 295-1200
Momocho
1835 Fulton Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-694-2122
Brasa Grill
1300 W. 9th St
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 575-0699
Mi Pueblo Taqueria
12207 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH
(216) 671-6661
Top Middle Eastern Cuisine
The donor and kebabs are some of the best around and the meats on the rotisserie are always hot and fresh. They also listened to me and upgraded the baklava last year. It feels good when the customer has a little power. (JT)
Anatolia Cafe
2270 Lee Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 321-4400
Taza Fresh LLC
28601 Chagrin Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 464-4000
Aladdin’s Eatery
12447 Cedar Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 932-4333
Cedarland
9491 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 791-6606
Nate’s Deli
1923 W 25th St
(216) 696-7529
Maha’s Cafe
3323 West 25th Street
Cleveland, OH(
(216) 741-9810
If you have any questions, opnions, concerns, or ideas for restaurants to visit (especially in St. Louis or Salt Lake City), please comment below.
It’s been a privilege and great time writing these articles for the past two years. We hoped you enjoyed them and got to try some new restaurants along the way. Thank you.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Taste Restaurant- Cleveland
This is one of Michelle and I's favorite restaurants. We go there at least once a month and enjoy their event tastings and wine samplings. Michelle wrote this great review. Hope you enjoy.
Just What the Doctor(s) Ordered
By Michelle Tarbox MD and James Tarbox MD
Taste Restaurant
www.tastefoodwine.com
2317 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH, OH 44118
(216) 932-9100
Open Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm; Sun 5pm-9pm
Taste . . .
A simple word that conjures many different meanings. Scientifically it denotes the unique process of chemoreception by which the body reacts to the chemical composition of a food particle. On a more esoteric level it relates the flavor of a food, its culinary essence if you will. In other usages it can mean to eat a small portion of one or many things in order to sample them. It can also imply style and sophistication…oh and one more thing, it is the name of one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Cleveland.
My husband James and I first ventured into Taste (located on Lee road between Cedar and Fairmont) while we were waiting for a table at Morota’s (a absolutely fantastic Italian restaurant in the same area of Lee…but I digress). We had run into Lowell and Chen and while they hadn’t planned to join us at Morota’s, they were in for a little pre-game show if you will, so we found our way into Taste. When we walked in we were greeted by a warm and sophisticated décor with a comfortable intimate floor plan and by an equally pleasant and classy hostess. She showed us to a cozy corner booth and brought us our menus. Now of course since we were already on the waiting list at Morota’s (restaurant pager in hand) we settled on just getting drinks and a dessert. One item on the menu particularly caught our fancy: the red bell pepper cheesecake. This intriguing combination was too tempting to turn down. The friendly attentive waiter brought us our cheesecake, a coral colored fluffy triangle garnished simply with a mint leaf and without hesitation James and I dug in. The red bell pepper cheesecake was a gamble that paid off. It was sweet and fluffy like most cheesecake, but with smokiness and a depth of flavor contributed by the bell pepper which is roasted and pureed in preparation for the dish that rounded off the taste in a sophisticated flourish. We knew instantly that we would be back.
I can’t even count the number of times James and I have visited Taste since that first mouth watering meeting. Taste hosts theme dinner nights paired with wine tastings that is one of our favorite date night activities and a great opportunity to try a sampling or taste of many of the different dishes and wines available at the restaurant. The wine courses are selected by Larry Weider who co-owns the restaurant with his partner Raj Singh. Larry is a friendly, amicable host, and a passionate wine aficionado who truly enjoys introducing people to new varietals and types of wine. The dinners are thoughtfully prepared to match the wine course by Chef Anthony Vicente, who was born in Paris where he also trained. Chef Vicente draws from all cultures of cuisine for his offerings so while there are many French influenced dishes available; there are also flavors from Asia, Britain, and even local home–grown fare. A host is always present at the dinners and provides entertainment and information.
Chef Vicente changes the menu frequently to allow for the best use of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, and to keep things novel for his regular (and devoted) patrons, of which there are many. There are some dishes that are so popular that they stay in rotation including the red beet carpaccio, thin slices of red beets with spinach, curry dressing, goat cheese, and smoked bacon, the scallops and creamy leeks which are always the perfect texture and seasoning, and of course the red bell pepper cheesecake.
There is a Prix Fixe menu which offers three courses and two glasses of wine per person for $49 per person which James and I take advantage of fairly regularly. An average dinner for James and I goes something like this. For the first course James might get the parmentier d escargots with garlic-parsley butter (which is a rolled parchment filled with perfectly seasoned and prepared escargot) while I might get the chicken-stuffed crispy raviolis with sweet chili sauce (one of my favorites). For the second course James might order the rack of lamb with mashed carrots and mint emulsion while I might enjoy the grilled veggie alfredo with yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, and parmesan. For dessert James might have the chocolate mousse with hazelnut ice cream while I might go for the caramel and banana jam with Belgian chocolate and vanilla ice cream. During the course of the dinner James and I would each have been brought two glasses for wine from their wide selection to complement our meal.
Taste has something for everyone’s preference or taste, a wide range of culinary offerings and a broad wine selection. The Prix Fixe menu and the theme dinner nights offer a simple way to sample or taste the many flavorful dishes and full palate of wines offered. The sophisticated tasteful décor provides a comfortable relaxed atmosphere to unwind and enjoy your meal. It’s definitely worth your time to stop on by and have a taste of Taste.
Scale of 0 to 5
0: “When birds burp, it must taste like bugs.” – Calvin and Hobbs
5: “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Food and drink: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Bang for the Buck: 4
TOTAL: 19/20 . . . I told you it was one of my favorite restaurants ;o)
Dr. J. Tarbox's two cents: I learned long ago never to disagree with my wife, sometimes compromise, never disagree. Her review is spot on. We enjoy going to Taste several times a month, especially for the great wine tastings. Check out the Events section on their website for monthly updates.
Food and drink: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Bang for the Buck: 4
TOTAL: 19/20
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for restaurants to visit, please e-mail us at: tarboxj@ccf.org and changl@ccf.org or visit the blog at starboxmd.blogspot.com. Thank you.
Just What the Doctor(s) OrderedBy Michelle Tarbox MD and James Tarbox MD
Taste Restaurant
www.tastefoodwine.com
2317 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH, OH 44118
(216) 932-9100
Open Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm; Sun 5pm-9pm
Taste . . .
A simple word that conjures many different meanings. Scientifically it denotes the unique process of chemoreception by which the body reacts to the chemical composition of a food particle. On a more esoteric level it relates the flavor of a food, its culinary essence if you will. In other usages it can mean to eat a small portion of one or many things in order to sample them. It can also imply style and sophistication…oh and one more thing, it is the name of one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Cleveland.
My husband James and I first ventured into Taste (located on Lee road between Cedar and Fairmont) while we were waiting for a table at Morota’s (a absolutely fantastic Italian restaurant in the same area of Lee…but I digress). We had run into Lowell and Chen and while they hadn’t planned to join us at Morota’s, they were in for a little pre-game show if you will, so we found our way into Taste. When we walked in we were greeted by a warm and sophisticated décor with a comfortable intimate floor plan and by an equally pleasant and classy hostess. She showed us to a cozy corner booth and brought us our menus. Now of course since we were already on the waiting list at Morota’s (restaurant pager in hand) we settled on just getting drinks and a dessert. One item on the menu particularly caught our fancy: the red bell pepper cheesecake. This intriguing combination was too tempting to turn down. The friendly attentive waiter brought us our cheesecake, a coral colored fluffy triangle garnished simply with a mint leaf and without hesitation James and I dug in. The red bell pepper cheesecake was a gamble that paid off. It was sweet and fluffy like most cheesecake, but with smokiness and a depth of flavor contributed by the bell pepper which is roasted and pureed in preparation for the dish that rounded off the taste in a sophisticated flourish. We knew instantly that we would be back.
I can’t even count the number of times James and I have visited Taste since that first mouth watering meeting. Taste hosts theme dinner nights paired with wine tastings that is one of our favorite date night activities and a great opportunity to try a sampling or taste of many of the different dishes and wines available at the restaurant. The wine courses are selected by Larry Weider who co-owns the restaurant with his partner Raj Singh. Larry is a friendly, amicable host, and a passionate wine aficionado who truly enjoys introducing people to new varietals and types of wine. The dinners are thoughtfully prepared to match the wine course by Chef Anthony Vicente, who was born in Paris where he also trained. Chef Vicente draws from all cultures of cuisine for his offerings so while there are many French influenced dishes available; there are also flavors from Asia, Britain, and even local home–grown fare. A host is always present at the dinners and provides entertainment and information.
Chef Vicente changes the menu frequently to allow for the best use of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, and to keep things novel for his regular (and devoted) patrons, of which there are many. There are some dishes that are so popular that they stay in rotation including the red beet carpaccio, thin slices of red beets with spinach, curry dressing, goat cheese, and smoked bacon, the scallops and creamy leeks which are always the perfect texture and seasoning, and of course the red bell pepper cheesecake.
There is a Prix Fixe menu which offers three courses and two glasses of wine per person for $49 per person which James and I take advantage of fairly regularly. An average dinner for James and I goes something like this. For the first course James might get the parmentier d escargots with garlic-parsley butter (which is a rolled parchment filled with perfectly seasoned and prepared escargot) while I might get the chicken-stuffed crispy raviolis with sweet chili sauce (one of my favorites). For the second course James might order the rack of lamb with mashed carrots and mint emulsion while I might enjoy the grilled veggie alfredo with yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, and parmesan. For dessert James might have the chocolate mousse with hazelnut ice cream while I might go for the caramel and banana jam with Belgian chocolate and vanilla ice cream. During the course of the dinner James and I would each have been brought two glasses for wine from their wide selection to complement our meal.
Taste has something for everyone’s preference or taste, a wide range of culinary offerings and a broad wine selection. The Prix Fixe menu and the theme dinner nights offer a simple way to sample or taste the many flavorful dishes and full palate of wines offered. The sophisticated tasteful décor provides a comfortable relaxed atmosphere to unwind and enjoy your meal. It’s definitely worth your time to stop on by and have a taste of Taste.
Scale of 0 to 5
0: “When birds burp, it must taste like bugs.” – Calvin and Hobbs
5: “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Food and drink: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Bang for the Buck: 4
TOTAL: 19/20 . . . I told you it was one of my favorite restaurants ;o)
Dr. J. Tarbox's two cents: I learned long ago never to disagree with my wife, sometimes compromise, never disagree. Her review is spot on. We enjoy going to Taste several times a month, especially for the great wine tastings. Check out the Events section on their website for monthly updates.
Food and drink: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Bang for the Buck: 4
TOTAL: 19/20
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for restaurants to visit, please e-mail us at: tarboxj@ccf.org and changl@ccf.org or visit the blog at starboxmd.blogspot.com. Thank you.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Post-PRK Day 36- small steps & eye drops
Day 36
Be ready for a slow progression to good eye sight. After about Day 10, I would wake up each morning being able to see fairly well. Upon placing my eye drops and starting daily activities, my vision would be slightly off with some double vision involving lights at night.
After Day 15, my night vision was better and I wasn’t getting any more double vision with lights. My vision slowly seemed to be getting better, until Day 20 when it seemed to regress slightly.
I went to my ophthalmologist today on Day 36. I was a little surprised when my right eye was able to read 20/25 without a prescription. This is probably since 80% of my free time is spent looking at a computer screen 25 inches away from my face or an iPhone which is 14 inches away. So apparently I’m a little farsighted for the first time in my life, the amazing abilities of laser eye surgery.
It will probably be another month before my right eye has the ability to focus on closer objects. I’m also still on the steroid eye drops to reduce the risk of corneal haze that occurred in my left eye, it’s not impairing my vision and should go away on my own. I guess it just looks bad on the adverse outcomes list.
Hope this blog on PRK was helpful. I probably won’t post again on this topic unless my vision is still having issues, just waiting on time and my eye shape to take its course.
Be ready for a slow progression to good eye sight. After about Day 10, I would wake up each morning being able to see fairly well. Upon placing my eye drops and starting daily activities, my vision would be slightly off with some double vision involving lights at night.
After Day 15, my night vision was better and I wasn’t getting any more double vision with lights. My vision slowly seemed to be getting better, until Day 20 when it seemed to regress slightly.
I went to my ophthalmologist today on Day 36. I was a little surprised when my right eye was able to read 20/25 without a prescription. This is probably since 80% of my free time is spent looking at a computer screen 25 inches away from my face or an iPhone which is 14 inches away. So apparently I’m a little farsighted for the first time in my life, the amazing abilities of laser eye surgery.
It will probably be another month before my right eye has the ability to focus on closer objects. I’m also still on the steroid eye drops to reduce the risk of corneal haze that occurred in my left eye, it’s not impairing my vision and should go away on my own. I guess it just looks bad on the adverse outcomes list.
Hope this blog on PRK was helpful. I probably won’t post again on this topic unless my vision is still having issues, just waiting on time and my eye shape to take its course.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Quick Bite: RJ Boland’s
RJ Boland’s
http://www.rjbolands.com/
Chilean sea bass and filet mignon half price for $13.48 on Thursday’s (so is everything else on the menu), personal HD TVs, chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches, what’s not to like
RJ Boland’s is an interesting combination of a gastropub and sports bar located downtown next to the Winking Lizard. The first thing Lowell and I noticed were the flat screens adorning every wall, with personal flat screens tucked into each booth. Soon, we were watching Sportscenter commentary on the Super Bowl from the comfort of our booth while other TVs discussed the Super Bowl (an important event for a sports bar) or headline news.
The waiter showed up promptly and mentioned that all entrees were half off on Thursdays. I asked, “Even the Chilean sea bass?” He nodded a cool yes. “Alcohol,” I pressed forward, but predictably was denied. That didn’t stop me from getting a Newcastle on tap.
Not that we are cheap spenders, but since the entire food menu was half off, today we decided to dine like kings for lunch. Both of us started off with the New England clam chowder. If you are a fan of bacon (and who isn’t if you can eat it), this is some of the best tasting chowder you find. It’s overflowing with bacon and clams. Next we split an appetizer of 12 wings in sweet Thai chili; there are 8 other flavors you can choose from. While not as spicy as I would normally like, the wings were meaty and tender.
After the waiter brought out the sea bass and filet, Lowell and I mused on how we were getting to enjoy a top notch dinner for lunch. The Chilean sea bass while a little on the small side oozed of buttery omega-3 fatty acid goodness and the mushroom risotto accompanying it was equally sumptuous. Lowell’s filet was excellent, though the gorgonzola was a little overpowering.
After enjoying these gastronomic delights, we capped off the meal with chocolate chip sliders, tasty cookies encasing a nice helping of vanilla ice cream. The half price menu will continue on Thursday’s until St. Patrick’s Day, so get out and enjoy this great pub. Definitely, one the best bang for the bucks ever.
Dr. Tarbox
http://www.rjbolands.com/
Chilean sea bass and filet mignon half price for $13.48 on Thursday’s (so is everything else on the menu), personal HD TVs, chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches, what’s not to like
RJ Boland’s is an interesting combination of a gastropub and sports bar located downtown next to the Winking Lizard. The first thing Lowell and I noticed were the flat screens adorning every wall, with personal flat screens tucked into each booth. Soon, we were watching Sportscenter commentary on the Super Bowl from the comfort of our booth while other TVs discussed the Super Bowl (an important event for a sports bar) or headline news.
The waiter showed up promptly and mentioned that all entrees were half off on Thursdays. I asked, “Even the Chilean sea bass?” He nodded a cool yes. “Alcohol,” I pressed forward, but predictably was denied. That didn’t stop me from getting a Newcastle on tap.
Not that we are cheap spenders, but since the entire food menu was half off, today we decided to dine like kings for lunch. Both of us started off with the New England clam chowder. If you are a fan of bacon (and who isn’t if you can eat it), this is some of the best tasting chowder you find. It’s overflowing with bacon and clams. Next we split an appetizer of 12 wings in sweet Thai chili; there are 8 other flavors you can choose from. While not as spicy as I would normally like, the wings were meaty and tender.
After the waiter brought out the sea bass and filet, Lowell and I mused on how we were getting to enjoy a top notch dinner for lunch. The Chilean sea bass while a little on the small side oozed of buttery omega-3 fatty acid goodness and the mushroom risotto accompanying it was equally sumptuous. Lowell’s filet was excellent, though the gorgonzola was a little overpowering.
After enjoying these gastronomic delights, we capped off the meal with chocolate chip sliders, tasty cookies encasing a nice helping of vanilla ice cream. The half price menu will continue on Thursday’s until St. Patrick’s Day, so get out and enjoy this great pub. Definitely, one the best bang for the bucks ever.
Dr. Tarbox
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
PRK Post-op Day 7- a summation of all the important points: asymmetry, tissue and moisture
Day 7
Ode to not having the big eye, small eye effect anymore. For the last 4 months, since I had PRK on my left eye, I’ve walked around with an even more than usual asymmetrical face. Now, at least my eyes are almost the same size again through lenses.
I had one more episode of very sharp pain and eye watering late in the night on Day 2 (early morning Day 3) that seemed to last for half an hour despite artificial tears. Probably my eye mocking me for thinking the pain was over. I also experienced hyperesthesia where all of my sensory fibers seemed to be in overdrive. My whole body seemed to itch all over, so I put on lotion. No valium here. I presume it was due to the last of my new nerve fibers grasping at my contact lens or maybe my eye was drying out. I felt much better upon waking up though my eye still felt like there was sand in it most of the time and my nose would run frequently. Good tissue like Puffs Plus is quite helpful. By 72 hours, most of the eye irritation and light sensitivity appeared to be gone. Sleeping without goggles was also a great improvement; I guess they just don’t fit my face.
I went to my one week follow-up today. The vision check went well and the dang contact is finally out of my eye. It served a great purpose, but for some reason I feel like my eye is finally able to breath again. One downside is I went from 20/25 vision to haziness. A slight setback related to a bunch of healing cells being removed with the lens that will hopefully correct again in the next few days. Now if my vision can stabilize quicker than in 3 weeks. Work will be sort of difficult if I can only see a computer screen well every few hours. I haven’t had too much shadow effect, double vision (of which I still have no idea why this occurs) or night halos which some people will experience. Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of moisturizing eye drops. This is sort of similar to the effect Vaseline has on a cut, just don’t macerate the wound and it will heal quicker. I bid you adieu till hopefully three more weeks.
Ode to not having the big eye, small eye effect anymore. For the last 4 months, since I had PRK on my left eye, I’ve walked around with an even more than usual asymmetrical face. Now, at least my eyes are almost the same size again through lenses.
I had one more episode of very sharp pain and eye watering late in the night on Day 2 (early morning Day 3) that seemed to last for half an hour despite artificial tears. Probably my eye mocking me for thinking the pain was over. I also experienced hyperesthesia where all of my sensory fibers seemed to be in overdrive. My whole body seemed to itch all over, so I put on lotion. No valium here. I presume it was due to the last of my new nerve fibers grasping at my contact lens or maybe my eye was drying out. I felt much better upon waking up though my eye still felt like there was sand in it most of the time and my nose would run frequently. Good tissue like Puffs Plus is quite helpful. By 72 hours, most of the eye irritation and light sensitivity appeared to be gone. Sleeping without goggles was also a great improvement; I guess they just don’t fit my face.
I went to my one week follow-up today. The vision check went well and the dang contact is finally out of my eye. It served a great purpose, but for some reason I feel like my eye is finally able to breath again. One downside is I went from 20/25 vision to haziness. A slight setback related to a bunch of healing cells being removed with the lens that will hopefully correct again in the next few days. Now if my vision can stabilize quicker than in 3 weeks. Work will be sort of difficult if I can only see a computer screen well every few hours. I haven’t had too much shadow effect, double vision (of which I still have no idea why this occurs) or night halos which some people will experience. Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of moisturizing eye drops. This is sort of similar to the effect Vaseline has on a cut, just don’t macerate the wound and it will heal quicker. I bid you adieu till hopefully three more weeks.
Friday, January 29, 2010
PRK Day 2: Some pain, Federer, mattresses and IZ
Day 2
I had one episode yesterday evening where my right eye seemed to spasm for a few seconds. I blame it on using Facebook too much and then turning to the right and looking right into the overhead light in my study by accident. After applying some Artificial Tears and turning off the lights, I was ok again.
I didn’t sleep too well at night. I was trying to decide if it was the goggles, mattress, or Federer vs Tsonga match. After waking up at 5am and noting that Federer easily won, I still tossed and turned. I’ll flip the mattress tonight to rule out one more variable.
I made it back to the eye clinic for my one day follow-up. The ophthalmologist was mostly checking to see if my cornea is healing properly and that the contact is in place. I wonder if some of the people who have had horror stories with pain didn’t have one of these barrier contacts.
I recalled listening to Iz’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow during the procedure. Great song if you’ve never heard it, very soothing.
I was already mentally preparing myself for the tearing that will happen tonight. That is likely because my cornea will have healed enough that nerve fibers will start touching the contact. Better the contact than the air, I always say.
Around 5pm, a little over 28 hours after my procedure, I started having quite a bit of irritation. I tried some drops and the gnawing pain only decreased a bit, so off I went too lay down in a dark room. After a short nap, I awoke to find the pain gone. If I’m lucky like last time, the pain will only last a little longer, and I’ll only need a dark room and rest. A little ironic regarding how much I dislike taking medicine.
If I don’t post much between now and this Wednesday, that’s probably good thing because that means nothing noteworthy happened until my one week follow-up, i.e. my contact falls out, earth shattering pain, or wild swings in my vision.
I had one episode yesterday evening where my right eye seemed to spasm for a few seconds. I blame it on using Facebook too much and then turning to the right and looking right into the overhead light in my study by accident. After applying some Artificial Tears and turning off the lights, I was ok again.
I didn’t sleep too well at night. I was trying to decide if it was the goggles, mattress, or Federer vs Tsonga match. After waking up at 5am and noting that Federer easily won, I still tossed and turned. I’ll flip the mattress tonight to rule out one more variable.
I made it back to the eye clinic for my one day follow-up. The ophthalmologist was mostly checking to see if my cornea is healing properly and that the contact is in place. I wonder if some of the people who have had horror stories with pain didn’t have one of these barrier contacts.
I recalled listening to Iz’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow during the procedure. Great song if you’ve never heard it, very soothing.
I was already mentally preparing myself for the tearing that will happen tonight. That is likely because my cornea will have healed enough that nerve fibers will start touching the contact. Better the contact than the air, I always say.
Around 5pm, a little over 28 hours after my procedure, I started having quite a bit of irritation. I tried some drops and the gnawing pain only decreased a bit, so off I went too lay down in a dark room. After a short nap, I awoke to find the pain gone. If I’m lucky like last time, the pain will only last a little longer, and I’ll only need a dark room and rest. A little ironic regarding how much I dislike taking medicine.
If I don’t post much between now and this Wednesday, that’s probably good thing because that means nothing noteworthy happened until my one week follow-up, i.e. my contact falls out, earth shattering pain, or wild swings in my vision.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
PRK Post-op
Day 1 (since the pre-surgery post was so long, I will start a new post for the post-surgery updates)
I’d forgotten what it was like to wear sunglasses in dark room while typing on the computer. All of the snow on the ground reflecting sun outside isn’t helping either. My eye is fairly sensitive right now to light, this usually take a few days to clear up.
The surgery went off without a hitch. I recall looking up at a device with a green dot in the center, 4 groups of 12 white lights in the corners and two orange lights on the lateral sides. The ophthalmologist spent several minutes using a ringed spatula to remove my corneal epithelium. The actual red laser seemed to only take 5 seconds. Mitomycin-c required about a minute. More smoothing of the cornea, and then the contact was laid down. Spacers were removed and I was on my way.
If you wear glasses and are only getting one eye done at a time, try to get a prescription for a blank lens the week before. You can also ask to have a demo lens used if you are ok with that. Walking around wearing glasses with one lens is a sure fire way to be classified as strange. Then again, for some people it might be a good conversation starter.
I only stayed up for one hour this time to eat some food and then I took a three hour nap. Currently, my eye feels a little irritated. I’m trying to apply artifical tear drops every two hours in between my other drops since it’s winter here, and the air is very dry. Vitamin C 1000mg a day has also been recommended.
My eye is slightly puffy right now with a mild subconjunctival hemorrhage, not too bad for having a spacer and clamp to hold my eye open earlier. I can actually make out what is on the computer screen right now, but there is a slight shadow effect and my eye throbs at times. Also, I may not have mentioned this earlier, but your vision will seem very good one day and not so good the next. It’s a gradual process as the eye heals and can take months until your vision reaches its final resting place. For now, eye drops and more eye drops, then off for my one day follow-up appointment tomorrow. Hopefully, my eye won’t start tearing too much till tomorrow night.
I’d forgotten what it was like to wear sunglasses in dark room while typing on the computer. All of the snow on the ground reflecting sun outside isn’t helping either. My eye is fairly sensitive right now to light, this usually take a few days to clear up.
The surgery went off without a hitch. I recall looking up at a device with a green dot in the center, 4 groups of 12 white lights in the corners and two orange lights on the lateral sides. The ophthalmologist spent several minutes using a ringed spatula to remove my corneal epithelium. The actual red laser seemed to only take 5 seconds. Mitomycin-c required about a minute. More smoothing of the cornea, and then the contact was laid down. Spacers were removed and I was on my way.
If you wear glasses and are only getting one eye done at a time, try to get a prescription for a blank lens the week before. You can also ask to have a demo lens used if you are ok with that. Walking around wearing glasses with one lens is a sure fire way to be classified as strange. Then again, for some people it might be a good conversation starter.
I only stayed up for one hour this time to eat some food and then I took a three hour nap. Currently, my eye feels a little irritated. I’m trying to apply artifical tear drops every two hours in between my other drops since it’s winter here, and the air is very dry. Vitamin C 1000mg a day has also been recommended.
My eye is slightly puffy right now with a mild subconjunctival hemorrhage, not too bad for having a spacer and clamp to hold my eye open earlier. I can actually make out what is on the computer screen right now, but there is a slight shadow effect and my eye throbs at times. Also, I may not have mentioned this earlier, but your vision will seem very good one day and not so good the next. It’s a gradual process as the eye heals and can take months until your vision reaches its final resting place. For now, eye drops and more eye drops, then off for my one day follow-up appointment tomorrow. Hopefully, my eye won’t start tearing too much till tomorrow night.
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