Greenhouse. This is hands-down the best Caesar salad in all of Cleveland. Probably beyond, too. I’m beyond hooked. In one week, I think I ordered it three times. Large beds of grilled romaine, tons of capers, parmesan, shallots, garlic, herbed croutons and the most perfect dressing – and at the right amount, too. Lunch will never be the same if it comes off the menu.

Saigon. I’m told there are lots of tasty things at this popular Vietnamese restaurant, but I wouldn’t know. I can’t get past the shrimp cabbage salad. A mound of shredded cabbage (don’t worry – you will finish), sliced shrimp, peanuts, cilantro, shaved carrots and onions in a lightly sweet dressing. It’s filling, refreshing, healthy and incredibly flavorful.

Pura Vida. I’m a sucker for a spinach salad and this one is up there. Warm spinach, of course, topped with a fried local egg. But the star here is the bacon – thick slices of crispy bacon mixed in with pickled onions and rye toast topped with balsamic and olive oil. Perfect – every time.

I am fibbing just a bit… of course I have tried other places for lunch. I now get what all the fuss is about  Vincenza’s Pizza (get the thin crust), and Tea House Noddles can whip up something tasty in a pinch. And on a cold day, I crave the tomato bread soup at Chinato (no offense – I’m ok not having you again until the fall!). But there’s just something about these three that has me hungry for lunch by 9 a.m.

Where are your go-to downtown lunch spots?

Who better to be nominated (and win) the Rising Star Chef of the Year award then Chef Jonathon Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern? According to the site, this award is given to a chef 30 or younger who displays an impressive talent (check) and who is likely to make an impressive impact on the industry in years to come (check and check).

Visit here to vote. Registration takes 30 seconds, then scroll down to the rising chef category. You can also nominate your pick for best new restaurant. I nominated L’Albatros and The Greenhouse Tavern.

Sawyer truly is the perfect chef for this. His food is amazing, his passion is contagious and he brought the first certified green restaurant to Ohio, not to mention his commitment to all things local. And the Sawyers are just good people. They have become our friends – it’s fun to watch them succeed and witness the difference they are making in our great city. He’s got my vote and hopefully yours, too. And if you still haven’t been to GHT – go and see for yourself. Then nominate him because you’ll agree he’s quite deserving of this honor.