I will admit that I was a little skeptical to go to a restaurant that was in a hotel. Thoughts of bland food and terrible service danced in my head. However, Alfredo’s took me by surprise. Located in the Holiday Inn hotel lobby, Alfredo’s is somewhat of a best kept secret in Cleveland. They make their own sausage and serve some pretty darn good Italian food.

I had the Pork Chop D’Afredo’s, a special entrée. It was a thick and juicy bone-in grilled pork chop served with a side of broccoli, green beans and a mushroom au jus. The dish is normally served with garlic mashed potatoes, but I wanted to stay on the lighter side and save room for the chop. I was thoroughly pleased. The chop was perfectly seasoned. It even had that perfect grilled, charred fatty section that added a great punch of flavor. The mushroom au was also perfectly seasoned and was a nice light sauce to sop up the pork. The broccoli and green beans was crisp tender and tasted fabulous for a veggie side.

The service was very attentive. I didn’t order a salad, but an extra was offered to me. I passed on that as well as on the applesauce offered while I waited for my pork chop. The ambiance was exactly what you would expect of an established locally known Italian restaurant. We were a large group, but just an equally large party just next to us. They were most definitely a group of old regulars that got together to celebrate a birthday. Just picture a scene straight out of The Sopranos complete with a velour jumpsuits. Classic!

As lesson I learn time and time again. Never judge a restaurant by the outside or any preconceived notions you might have. You just might miss out on a great foodie adventure with some good company.