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The Woods Restaurant in Rocky River

Written by Zephylia K

Monday, 22 June 2009 20:43

Dining in the midst of the wilderness isn’t typically my cup of tea.   The presence of moose and deer, I expect, would make me uneasy as I try to enjoy my dinner.
    But if executed tastefully, I discovered that dining in the wild can be quite agreeable. With cherry, oak, black walnut, and chestnut covering the walls, green plants hanging from the ceiling, and tiffany lamps providing a warm autumnal glow, The Woods Restaurant on Center Ridge in Rocky River is a cozy neighborhood eatery where you can meet up with friends, down a beer, and fill up that stomach.
    Bread is one of those things that can make or break a restaurant. In this case, The Woods got two thumbs up. Their selection of white or poppy seed bread, both crispy on the outside while warm and soft on the inside, was pleasing; the easily spreadable garlic, chive butter was a brilliant accompaniment too. Bravo.
    The Woods’ menu is extensive and is mostly centered on Italian food at moderate prices (every entrée is under $20). For an appetizer, the Shrimp Salvatore is the obvious choice to a first time customer as it brags to be “award-winning” in bold print. The four jumbo shrimp stuffed with crabmeat and wrapped in bacon come in a Parmesan cream sauce garnished with a lemon. This appetizer is divine. Even the cream sauce, which could easily be overkill, was an excellent companion to the shrimp.
    Their red California clam chowder was flavorful, fresh, and creamy while maintaining an overall thin base. The big seafood flavor paired nicely with the big pieces of potato, carrots, and tomatoes. This soup would have been satisfactory even at a much more expensive fine dining establishment.
    To start off summer right, I ordered a raspberry Long Island iced tea. It was $6 and on their summer drink menu. It came in a tall 12oz. glass - half the size and double the strength would have been nice, but it tasted good.
One of the first things my waitress said to me was, “The Chicken Florentine is the best thing in this restaurant.” How could I go against that kind of straightforward recommendation?
The Florentine was mediocre. Accompanied by a side of excessively rich, over-sauced fettuccine Alfredo, the chicken itself was OK. The breading was pretty good, just crispy enough, but the spinach and provolone toppings were lack-luster.
    The Sicilian-trio, the choice for the indecisive diner, was disappointing. The manicotti, lasagna, and veal parmigiana were served on a plate alone. No pasta. No veggies. The quality of the three items was reminiscent of the traditional style found in some of Little Italy. The piece of veal itself was flavorful in that good meaty kind of way.   The lasagna was paired with a mediocre meat sauce. And the manicotti, the best of the three, was OK because of the taste of herbs mixed in the ricotta.
    The Woods Restaurant offers two dining rooms, a cozy lounge with two big-screen TVs, a full bar with stools, four beers on tap, and a friendly, attentive staff.
    The wine list is short with only 7 reds, 6 whites, and 1 rosé, but the selection of teas is astonishingly satisfying. The tea box was stuffed full of Bigelow, high-quality, fine herbal teas.
    The bathroom was clean, small, and simple and the to-go boxes were Styrofoam.
    The Woods Restaurant also offers a catering service as well as a separate building for private parties. Behind the Woods, as it is so charmingly called, is a private gathering place great for receptions, parties, presentations, or banquets. With room for 150 people, Behind the Woods also offers two wood-burning fireplaces, a dance floor, a baby grand piano and much more.
    If you are searching for a cozy place to get a hearty meal, drink some Moosehead beer, and experience a forest-like setting, The Woods Restaurant in Rocky River is a good meeting place for you and your friends.

Style: Cozy Italian
Tea Selection: 10/10
Bread: 9/10
Wine Selection: Short - 7 reds, 6 whites, 1 rosé
Bar: Full with seating
To-go boxes: Styrofoam
Reservations: Taken, but not needed
Entrée pricing: $13-20
Parking: On-site

Last Updated on Monday, 22 June 2009 20:46