The former Harvest Kitchen space in Solon to become Elle restaurant at 33730 Bainbridge Rd.
The new Elle Restaurant & Lounge will stimulate your senses with its Bohemian Mediterranean Design and its cuisine that emphasizes foods from Northern Italy and France.
Co-owners Izzy Schachner and Jay Leitson describe the vision for Elle as a homage to the women who taught them so much about life. Schachner says both of their families “have a history of amazing women who not only raised their family, but fed communities of families from their restaurants and catering business. Therefore, it is very important to us that Elle symbolizes and embodies their accomplishments.” The name Elle translates to “she” in many Mediterranean countries.
When discussing the Mediterranean focus, Schachner says, “We believe that the countries and cultures that surround the Mediterranean offer a large variety of ingredients that allow us to make creative dishes that are full of flavor.” Focusing on this region also enables the restaurant to offer a variety of options, including vegan, gluten free and other healthy choices.
Leitson and Schachner also own the successful 56 Kitchen restaurants in Solon and Mayfield Heights. They are also partial owners of the recently opened and hopping fast casual hot chicken and cold custard restaurant, Birdigo, in Solon.
Elle Restaurant & Lounge Co-Owners Izzy Schachner and Jay Leitson
The creative team enjoys catering to the Solon community and beyond and has a way of seeing gaps in the food scene and knows how to fill them. Leitson stated, “After talking to our customers at 56 Kitchen, customers expressed a need for a more upscale experience in Solon and wished they didn’t have to drive to other cities to get it. We are trying to make Solon more of a dining destination, and feel that Elle Restaurant & Lounge will go a long way in making that happen.”
The design and layout of Elle is “both elegant and approachable” as described by Schachner. He says that feel will carry on “to the tables, dishes, and menu. Our servers will also offer a more refined service.” Schachner describes the design as “Bohemian chic – sophisticated but still fun.” Diners can expect a lush interior with crushed velvet drapes, white tablecloths and an underlit onyx bar top. There will be 100 seats inside and out.
The duo are also excited about the Elle team they have put together. Izzy states, “We are so fortunate that in these times we were able to gather some incredibly talented and passionate people. From Patrick Capuozzo, our head chef, to Luke Haldeman, our bar manager, to Tonya Fiala our general manager. Our crew has a great understanding of what we are trying to do and is committed and passionate about making sure that dining at Elle will be a great experience.”
Head Chef Patrick Capuozzo and his team will be making everything from scratch, including the pasta, and only using the best ingredients for the French-Italian dishes. Capuozzo was trained under Celebrity Chef Michael Symon at Lolita, served as the executive chef at Parallax, and also chef at Flying Fig.
Menu items
The Mediterranean menu will focus on bright, fresh and seasonal dishes, many cooked over a live-fire grill. On the appetizer list will be a burrata flight with a variety of preparations, wood-grilled octopus, and tuna carpaccio with preserved lemon and pea shoots. A wood-grilled wild mushroom flatbread will be topped with gruyere, caramelized cippolini and arugula. In addition to a “decadent burger” there will be house-made fettuccine with Maine lobster, roasted tomatoes, mint and chiles and wood-grilled short ribs on creamy polenta with salsa verde. A New York strip, scallops and chicken paillard round out the offerings.
From the bar come creative concoctions like The Snappy Monk, made with snap pea-infused tequila, Chartreuse, muddled mint, fresh lime and agave. The Caprese Martini features Ketel One, basil-infused Bianco vermouth and tomato consommé.
Opening soon
The team is planning for a mid to late December opening at 33730 Bainbridge Road.