PLAIN DEALER: A bright new ray of Mediterranean warmth – Astoria glows with freshness, flavor

“On one of those cement-sky February days in Cleveland, we sat near the windows at Astoria Cafe & Market …and saw sunshine land on the table. That bright light came from a series of Mediterranean-inspired foods: lemony hummus with warm, grilled, fresh pita chips; imported salami sliced to a melting thinness with brilliant green baby arugula, and lamb chops sharing a plate with dabs of peso and mascarpone-rich mashed potatoes. Did I mention the lush little rounds of octopus, the best I’ve ever had? Something warm and authentic is going on here.” – Debbi Snook

A GOAT, A SHEEP AND A COW WALK INTO A BAR

NEW CHEESE BOARD ($11.00). Caprichio de Cabra — Creamy, Soft, Sweet Goat Cheese from Spain; Ossau Iraty — Rich, Nutty, Grassy, Sweet Sheep Cheese from France; Stilton — Creamy, Crumbly, Smooth, Cow Cheese from England. Served with Candied Walnuts, Tunisian Dates, Strawberry Preserves, and Crostini.