1400 West 25th St., Cleveland
Chef Jose Miguel Melendez applied for one of the original kitchen spots at the Ohio City Galley, making it all the way to the final round before losing out. Two years later, hes preparing to open a restaurant there after all, one that builds upon his experience as a catering chef with Latin roots. The business, Twisted Taino, is the first to join Victor Searcy Jr. at what is now referred to as Sauce the City Galley. Twisted Taino is a quick-serve eatery that takes influence from various Latin cuisines, according to the chef. The menu ranges from smaller items like empanadas, gourmet tacos and Cuban sandwiches to heavy hitters like the mofongo bowl, a combination of mashed yucca and plantain stuffed with Puerto Rican fried rice and a choice of roast pork, chicken, steak or shrimp. The Bandeja Criolla is a hunger-slaying platter loaded with roast pork, chicharron, tostones and yucca fries.
Photo courtesy Scene Archives