@ Shaker Online
‘Nawlins City Express is now open 11 am to 3:30 pm, Thursday to Saturday, with live jazz on Fridays. Lucy’s Sweet Surrender
is at 20314 Chagrin Blvd. Parking is available in the rear of the building.
Meanwhile, Boyd has also been busy building a following for the ‘Nawlins City Express food truck, which hit the road last
summer. “There are so many festivals and events in Cleveland,” says Boyd. “It’s been an adventure.”
Visit nawlinscityexpress.com for more information.
Larchmere Tavern, with its strong brick façade and green awning, has anchored the
eastern end of Larchmere since 1992 when Fred and Laurie Vrabel leased the first
floor and launched themselves headlong into restaurant ownership.
For decades prior, it was the Grist Mill restaurant, which had fallen into serious
disrepair by the time the Vrabels stepped in. It needed a massive overhaul and a new
vision. “The space was extremely rough, and badly needed investment capital, a total
renovation, tremendous foresight, blood, sweat,
and blind ambition,” says Vrabel. In 12 short but
exhausting weeks, and with the help of friends,
family, and loyal contractors, Larchmere Tavern
was born. It is now celebrating its 25th year in
Shaker Heights.
In its early years, Larchmere Tavern built its
reputation and business through a very brisk lunch
service, regularly serving 80-120 meals each day.
The area was bustling with manufacturing and
distributing businesses, and a number of smaller
local businesses. Larchmere Tavern established
itself as the go-to place for lunch and conversation.
Shaker Heights police officers, fire personnel, and
City Hall staff were regulars. Vrabel says, “The
loyalty of the Shaker Heights community was
fabulous and so gratifying to our efforts.”
With an award-winning chef, Kevin Markert,
running the kitchen, Larchmere Tavern became
known for its comfort food, serving Veal Meatloaf,
Chicken Paprikash, Lamb Stew, and Beef Burgundy
long before comfort food was a trend. Elaborate sandwiches and flavorful salads and
soups rounded out the menu, and the restaurant’s clientele quickly grew.
The Vrabels spent years making Larchmere Tavern home to good food and good
friends. Its deep roots in the neighborhood were never more apparent than on 9/11,
recalls Vrabel. As the tragedy unfolded for the country and Cleveland shut down,
Larchmere Tavern filled up. “Our friends, patrons, neighbors were all packed around
the televisions. People were crying, hugging, and comforting each other. They were
home, they felt at home, safe and secure at our restaurant. Laurie and I were very
proud that the citizens of Shaker Heights felt close enough to grieve with us. That’s
when we really felt a part of Shaker Heights.”
Tragedy hit even closer to home in February 2016, when Laurie Vrabel
succumbed to cancer just three months after being diagnosed. Having been the face
of Larchmere Tavern for decades, the loss was profound. “People came from all walks
of life to help us when we needed it most. That’s what being a part of a community
for 25 years and being a part of their lives and their family’s lives means in a
community such as Shaker Heights,” says Vrabel.
8 SHAKERONLINE.COM | FALL 2017
With the restaurant anchored by
the traditions he and Laurie established,
Vrabel is now determined to secure its
future by positioning it to appeal to a
new generation of diners. Changes to
the menu, regular live music, and special
events have added to the
neighborhood feel that is
at the heart of Larchmere
Tavern. WhenVrabel looks
out his front windows,
he sees “young walkers,
runners, shoppers perusing
the shops, restaurants, and
galleries. The local housing
market is affordable and
attractive to younger
buyers. Investments are
being made in nearby
neighborhoods. Now it is
my job to get younger diners
to recognize our hospitality
and appealing menus, and
come dine with us.”
The refreshed menu
features Vegetarian
Rissoles, Fred’s Famous
Chicken Chili, Shrimp and Sausage
Jambalaya, Wild Mushroom Ravioli,
house-cured Gravlax (a best seller), and
dessert made from scratch on premises.
Jazz livens up the dining room every
Monday night, and The Night Owls,
a 10-piece big band, plays on the first
Saturday of every month.
With their 25th anniversary upon
them, Vrabel has his eyes on the future,
and Larchmere Tavern is at the center,
just where it has always been. Visit
thelarchmeretavern.com for more
information. SL
25 Years and Counting:
Larchmere Tavern Builds on its Neighborhood Charm