By Lydia Kacala
A new European bistro-inspired restaurant from Cleveland chef Douglas Katz is slated to open in early September. Kiln will take over the space previously occupied by Shake-It at 3396 Tuttle Road at the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights.
The restaurant will highlight the “modern American bistro,” often inspired by classic European bistro experiences, Katz tells the Cleveland Jewish News. The menu, developed by chef Cameron Pishnery in collaboration with the rest of the Kiln team, will offer a mix of classic options with a modernized twist. It will take a “modern approach to eating” with gluten-free, low-sugar and plant-based options, along with classics such as braised short ribs, fish and fresh vegetables, he says.
Sharable dishes are also important, Katz says, and will be plated on their own and come in sizes that can be enjoyed among the whole table.
The atmosphere of the new restaurant will be laid back, fun and exciting – not stuffy or formal, says Todd Thompson, Katz’s business partner of 12 years. Katz also owns Zhug, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Cleveland Heights, and Amba, an Indian-inspired restaurant in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
“With Kiln, we’re going to create a dining experience that, when the (COVID-19) pandemic happened, I think we sort of lost a little bit,” Katz says. “Our goal is to create this new, amazing dining experience that has great service, food and beverage, and a fun, exciting space.”