Many mourned the passing of Max's Deli when it closed last year in Rocky River. With the recent opening of Sweet Melissa's (19337 Detroit Rd., 440.333.6357), those folks can begin to pick up the pieces. Run by Matthew and Melissa Ullom, former Max's staffers, the place not only picks up where the late deli left off, it propels it into the modern age. Bright, bustling and brimming with optimism, Sweet Melissa's is a fresh take on an old concept. A lengthy all-day menu is packed with appealing starters, salads, sandwiches and entrees, all made from fresh, often organic, ingredients. An absolutely wonderful bowl of chicken noodle soup ($4) features a rich broth and large pieces of off-the-bone chicken. Sandwiches are built atop organic Breadsmith Bakery breads and most are mile-high showstoppers. Holly's Hot Italian ($10) is layered with what looks to be a pound of thin-sliced salami, ham, turkey and pepperoni, plus veggies, two kinds of cheese and Italian dressing. Large dinner salads come topped with salmon, Thai shrimp and wood-grilled chicken breast. Entrees run the gamut from homemade lasagna ($12) to pistachio-crusted mahi-mahi ($18). Max's was best known, perhaps, for its desserts, many of which were crafted by Matthew, a pastry chef. While much has changed on the inside of the restaurant, the pastry cooler remains, and it is filled with decadent truffles, trifles, cakes and cookies. A new bar/counter at the far end of the room is perfect for singles, couples and kids who wish to be close to the milkshake machine.

This Sunday, May 18, Henry's at the Barn (36840 Detroit Rd., 440.934.6636) will host its first ever Dog Daze of Summer Wine Festival. More than just an excuse to party, the event will showcase the restaurant's new summer wine list, a selection of 20 wines priced at $25. "We're just trying to give people a break on prices," says owner Paul Jagielski. For $20, guests can sample all 20 wines on the list, mainly fun summer whites and light reds. In addition to free hors d'oeuvres, the restaurant will be grilling up heartier Southern fare for purchase. Call or stop in for tickets.

Brothers Wine Bar, part of the new Brothers Lounge complex (11609 Detroit Ave., 216.226.2767), is presenting an Open House Wine Tasting from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, May 18. For $20, guests can sample 20 new- and old-world wines. The fee includes appetizer pairings, a champagne tasting and live entertainment. — Douglas Trattner