Fountain Restaurant Makes a Splash

Fountain of music, fountain of coffee or fountain of martinis – Fountain, the new restaurant located on the corner of SOM Center Road and Chagrin Boulevard, has all that and more.

The three icons emblazoned over the door and in the wrought iron fence tell only part of the story. This is a place to come and hang out and have fun day or night. Early morning hours start at 7 or 8 a.m. and it's open until midnight or later.

It is a kid- and adult-friendly place, as well. There is a sophisticated night menu primarily for adults, but which children might enjoy. If your kids like standards and you don't want to upset the applecart, then there is a menu just for kids, but with a touch of flair.

If you want to dash out or dine in the morning menu includes hot crafted beverages like coffee (hot or cold) and European pastries featuring baked items like croissants and German "brezel."

The lunch and late night menu changes seasonally but during the summer months you can choose from salmon crepe torte, spicy shrimp or chicken confit. The salads also reflect a seasonal change, but the Fountain house salad is the signature house salad and is made with summer greens. Roasted asparagus salad and baby vegetables are another tempting option.

In the evening the tapas menu takes over. Pick little plates for one, or choose a social plate that big and varied enough for a small group. European influences predominate with German and French in the forefront.

The beer and wine selections seem overwhelming. There are 60 varieties of beer, 230 wines and 150 kinds of cocktails. Happy hour runs from Monday through Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. Currently on Wednesdays there is piano music after 7 in the evenings.

Although Fountain is a lot of things to different of people, it seems to be a fountain of tranquility for most patrons. There is never a rush.