Flavor takes flight
A new spring menu has diners from across the area and beyond landing at The Aviator Event Center & Pub.
At The Aviator Event Center & Pub, a new spring menu has spread its wings. (Photography: Adrienne Rose)
If spring is in the air, that means the new menu at The Aviator Event Center & Pub has launched.
Culinary Director Rick Bennett and Chef Elliott Wade have reimagined classic seasonal dishes and the early reviews are glowing.
Putting the spotlight on fresh ingredients bursting with flavors, the new lineup of dishes offers something for everyone, meat and seafood lovers to vegetarians, and represents a fusion of influences. Over the years the culinary team has developed relationships with local food purveyors so they can bring in the freshest ingredients daily.
And now that we are nearly into patio season, these dishes would be wonderful enjoyed al fresco on any of The Aviator’s sweeping porches and meticulously maintained courtyards.
Top of the Lineup
A standout in the appetizer category is Andouille Bacon Bites. Generous silver-dollar rounds of sausage are wrapped in smoked bacon and topped in a spicy maple glaze and zesty lime crema.
“Two of the most popular entrees for lunch and dinner are the Braised Short Ribs, which are slow-cooked for eight hours, and you could practically eat with a spoon; and the Lemon Chicken, which comes in an herb-forward lemon-butter gravy that’s savory yet light,” says General Manager Sierra Thomas.
Seafood devotees have a lot to choose from as well. Top sellers include the Seafood Linguine, a hearty trio of scallops, shrimp, mussels and clams in a roasted fennel and tomato broth; and Scallops & Shrimp Risotto in a classic chimichurri topped with fried basil.
A Fresh Crop of Libations
The wildly inventive barkeeps have conjured some festive spring and summer craft cocktails to complement the lighter fare, and Co-owner Khadar Soussou notes the 747 Happy Hours have become a big hit.
“We’ve put together a select menu of favorites such as Beer Cheese Soup, Meatballs and French Dip Baguette, for $7.47, along with a host of drink specials,” he says. “Hundreds of people make us their happy hour destination Monday through Friday, from 3-6 p.m., and all day Sunday.”
Up on the Rooftop
One of the coolest vibes at The Aviator is its rooftop bar. From bachelor and bachelorette parties and cigar and bourbon tastings to family reunions and graduation parties, it is the ultimate venue, with a super-chic bar and firepits, all accented by the runway lights and planes touching down and taking off.
Stay tuned to The Aviator’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for daily specials on the rooftop.
Wedding Central
Senior Event Sales Manager Jen Seidel and her team of event planners have been busy booking weddings for this year and into next year.
“It feels like once someone attends a wedding here, they want to hold their own here,” she says. “This is such a distinctive and stylish venue, and we have lots of experience with customizing weddings to the bride and groom’s signature style and personality. We take care of everything from photography to flowers, bakery, lighting, photo booth, linens to suit any color palette and the totally customized wedding menu.”
She suggests if you’re interested, call her to make an appointment to go over the possibilities, for intimate affairs for up to 120 people to the 6,000-square-foot Flight Event Space that overlooks the airport and is ideal for bigger weddings up to 400 people.
The Aviator Event Center & Pub is located at 20920 Brookpark Road in Cleveland next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. For reservations or to schedule a tour, call 216-770-5300 or visit AviatorCLE.com.
Sunday Brunch and Rockin’ on the Runways!
The Aviator has earned a reputation for attracting hundreds of diners to one of the most elegant and festive Sunday brunches in the area. Co-owner Khadar Soussou says diners can expect the over-the-top spread to exceed their wildest expectations, from the carving station with roasted beef sirloin and ham, to the seafood station with oysters, shrimp, scallops and mussels, as well as made-to-order omelets and build-your-own-waffle and French toast bar, fancy coffee drinks and several delicious varieties of bloody marys and mimosas.
On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., The Aviator is pulling out all the stops with this elevated brunch event. A professional photographer will be on hand for picture-perfect remembrances and every mom will receive a long-stemmed rose. These brunches usually sell out, so make reservations early at AviatorCLE.com.
Looking ahead to the warmer weather months, The Aviator’s Rockin’ on the Runways music series will take flight with live entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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