"Deliciousness" is such a subjective thing. It's not just a sensation that occurs on the tongue: it's aroma, texture, temperature... and more. It's memory and associations. And it's very, very personal. One person's fabulous duck a l'orange is another's Oreos and a glass of ice cold milk. In the end, there's no winner - just options.
So with so much great food available throughout Northeast Ohio, what makes these dishes standouts? I could offer a complicated formula for how these 50 landed on the list, but it's really pretty simple. Of the dozens of dishes our critics and contributors have sampled over the past year, these stood out - for excellence in some form. Many are creative and complex; others are true to their authentic roots.
All are very well prepared, and worth savoring.
These 50 things are the ones that came to mind when I asked our team of reviewers to name the best of the best. Pore over our gallery of photos and comments and you'll find nominees by Cleveland.com writers and contributors Marc Bona, Pete Chakerian, Beth Segal and myself, as well as The Plain Dealer's Laura DeMarco, John Petkovic and Debbi Snook.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
A menu of entrees, appetizers, desserts and drinks for 2016
From the dozens of dishes and drinks we sampled over the course of the past year, several stood out. This year's 50 Things to Eat and Drink in Cleveland 2016 draws together an array of entrees and sides, desserts and drinks - to create an "ultimate" feast to explore and sample.
Do note: Although most of the dishes mentioned here were drawn from each restaurant's standing menu, many of them were specials - so when you call ahead to make your reservation, you may want to make sure the specific dish will be available.
Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer
Croissants at Blackbird Baking Co.
Don't be fooled by supermarket varieties. A truly great croissant - buttery-tender "crumb" within, exterior layers so crisp they shatter into heavenly flakes with each bite - is worth the drive. Filled sweet or savory versions are available. For me, a stop at Blackbird's is more than a shopping trip: it's a pilgrimage (prices vary: plain, $2.50; almond, chocolate, apricot, $3; savory, $3.50) -- 1391 Sloane Ave., Lakewood; blackbirdbaking.com, 216-712-6599. -- Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
Chicken and Waffles at Deagan's Kitchen
Chicken and Waffle at Deagan's Kitchen & Bar is a Southern comfort food classic. Deagan's tweaks it to transcendence with delectably crisp chicken atop a wild rice waffle with fried Brussels sprouts, pink peppercorn butter and horseradish maple syrup. Elevated bar food (tacos and vegan options among them) is de rigueur here; this dish is darned near perfect. $15 (extra syrup, $3) -- 14810 Detroit Ave., Lakewood; deagans.com, 216-767-5775. -- Peter Chakerian, Special to cleveland.com
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Infused Vodkas at Europa Restaurant
Flavored vodkas make purists say "nyet." Except when you're talking about the naturally infused vodkas at the Russian restaurant Europa. Their Siberian ice room is the perfect setting to raise a glass with one of Europa's house-infused vodkas — cinnamon, honey-truffle, horseradish, exotic buckthorn, ginger and more. Prices vary. Europa, 30519 Pinetree Road, Pepper Pike, 44124; restauranteuropacleveland.com, 216-591-1273. -- Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
Pollo alla Fiorentina at Giuseppe's Ristorante
When choosing among the chicken dishes at this snug hideaway, it's a toss up between the egg-battered chicken breast with spinach in mellow yet tangy lemon-butter sauce (Pollo alla Fiorentina) and the suave Pollo Marsalla, a plump chicken breast bathed in fragrant, vaguely sweet wine sauce with loads of toothsome mushrooms (each, $18.50, including pasta and vegetables) -- 32 West Aurora Road, Northfield; giuseppescleveland.webs.com, 330-467-1108. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Mac and Cheese With Chorizo at Felice Urban Cafe
Not all macaroni and cheese dishes are created equal. Take the mac & cheese with spicy chorizo, white cheddar, apple chunks and onions and topped with grape jam at Felice Urban Café. It's decadent, delicious and totally original ($14) -- 12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 44120; feliceurbancafe.com, 216-791-0918. -- Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer
Crispy Basil Duck at Crop Sticks
Perfect, crispy duck is elusive. Got a craving? Some old favorites are long gone: Lemongrass in Cleveland Heights, and the Hunan Restaurant in Midtown Cleveland. But down on the east bank of the Flats, it comes with a bit of Thai fusion seasoning, and all the silken meat underneath ($29) -- 1059 Old River Road, Cleveland; cropsticks.com, 216-902-7111. -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Kefta Kebab at Momo's
Kefta Kebab with Housemade Harissa at Momo's is not just any ground-meat-on-a-skewer. These hefty kebabs are grilled to a crisp, but tender doneness, still juicy inside. They're even better with Momo's harissa, a fiery hot Moroccan pepper sauce with the lingering, languorous flavors of ginger, garlic and coriander ($9 lunch, $12.50 dinner) -- 2199 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights; momoskebab.com, 216-932-3512. -- Beth Segal, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
The Peanut Butter Burger at Fast Eddie's
Retro Parma diner Fast Eddie's pays homage to its old-school roots with a PB Burger - a thick 7-ounce patty of Angus beef on a buttery brioche bun, topped with thick slices of applewood smoked bacon, dill chips and, yes, peanut butter. It's delicious— juicy, sweet and salty ($12.50) -- 7729 West Ridgewood Drive (Shoppes at Parma), Parma, fasteddiesparma.com, 440-340-4423. -- Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
Grilled Lamb Chops, Eggplant Caponata, Olive Tapenade, Blood Orange Marmalade and Parsley Oil at Edwins
Profound flavors may be an acquired taste. The meeting of gamey grilled lamb chops laid over a pungent compote of eggplant caponata and piquant olive tapenade is a marriage of enticing aromas, textures and tastes - an intriguing medley of contrasts ($33) -- 13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland; edwinsrestaurant.org, 216-921-3333. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Jerk Chicken at Taste of Jamaica
This little eatery rolls out a menu of Jamaican items that are served as long as quantities last – which is important to remember, because their jerk chicken goes quickly. It’s succulent, flavorful and comes with rice and beans and cabbage. It’s a unique taste, an eclectic experience, and very hot ($8, $10) -- 5104 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 440-565-7230. -- John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Midnight Vorlauf Porter at Market Garden Brewery
The Ohio City brewery's amazingly smooth coffee porter is made with Cleveland's Rising Star Coffee. It will perk you up and relax you in one sip. The ale is 6.5 percent alcohol and costs $6 for a pint of this dark, rich goodness in a glass -- 1947 West 25th St. (Ohio City), Cleveland; marketgardenbrewery.com, 216-621-4000. -- Marc Bona, Cleveland.com
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Lemon Polenta Cake at Cafe Avalaun
Gluten-free is the nifty little secret at this playful, full-flavored crepe and sandwich café. And there's no better dessert showcase than the crepes and this cornmeal cake dolled up with the dynamic duo of lemon curd and fresh blueberries. Definitely sharable ($5.75) -- 4640 Richmond Road, No. 200, Warrensville Heights; cafeavalaun.com, 216-245-6666. -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer
Foccaccia at Gentile's Market
There was a time was when a smear of chunky, garlicky, tomato sauce, a hint of herbs and a mere dusting of grated cheese baked over chewy, pillowy yeast dough was called "pizza" by Italian immigrants. Gentile's calls is it foccaccia, a snack every bit as luscious and satisfying as it was when I was a kid ($1.75) -- 5626 Broadview Road, Parma, 44134; gentilesbakery.com, 216-351-1161. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Xim Xim at Batuqui
Brazilian food can be hot, but many dishes are richly flavorful yet not spicy, especially the stews. Xim Xim is a rich Afro-Brazilian stew with shredded chicken, ground peanuts, palm oil and carrots with a wonderfully unique taste ($16) -- 12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland; batuquicleveland, 216-801-0227. -- Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer
Vesper Martini at Drink Bar and Grill
Raise a glass to James Bond. Make it a Vesper at this often-overlooked, which boasts a stellar cocktail list. The martini – a mix of gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc – makes for a sophisticated potent sip. As the barman says in "Casino Royale," "Oui, monsieur" -- 4250 Pearl Road, Cleveland; drinkbarandgrill.com, 216-661-7543. -- John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Lonnie Timmons III, The Plain Dealer
Vegetarian Big Mac at Pura Vida
Where's the beef? It's been replaced by a masterful sense of neo-vegetarian humor and flavor. All the taste points of the original iconic sandwich are here, right down to the special sauce and sesame seed bun. Then - surprise! - the umami patty is a clever stand-in of rice and beans ($12) -- 170 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; puravidabybrandt.com, 216-987-0100. -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo courtesy Cha Spirits & Pizza Kitchen
Smoked Salmon Pizza at Cha Spirits and Pizza Kitchen
If a bagel with cream cheese topped with a layer of lox is your idea of brunch heaven, consider this approach at Cha. Capers, sliced red onion and a drizzling of sour cream combine a few of the familiar deli elements ($16, 12-inch pie; $20 for the 16-incher) -- 7524 Father Frascati, Cleveland; chapizzabatterypark.com, 216-631-9242. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer
Vladimir Poutine at Banter
This Gordon Square "dude-food" dream offers several iterations of poutine—a Quebecois classic. This one (named for the Russian despot) skews ethnic: braised Ohio lamb stroganov, mushrooms, borscht gravy, orange zest slathered over sturdy french fries and cheese curd. Glorious cold weather (or "next-morning") food, nod and wink sent ($11) -- 7320 Detroit Ave., Cleveland; www.bantercleveland.com, 216-801-0305. -- Pete Chakerian, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Shredded Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Blue Chese and Walnuts at The Standard
This feast-on-a-plate, one of many clever updates from local ethnic foods, charges every savory corner of the palate. Every decadent one, too. Pay an extra $5-$7 to add chicken, steak or shrimp. Schnitzel is great here, too ($7) -- 779 East 185th St., Cleveland; thestandardcleveland.com, 216-531-9643. -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
Fettucine Carbonara With Pancetta at Nora Little Italy
Amazing how a dish so seemingly simply can produce such satisfied "aahs!" Chef Eddie Zalar combines a few ingredients - al dente noodles, rich cream, pancetta and cheese, all topped with a poached egg - and conjures a bowlful of heaven ($22) --2181 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland; noracleveland.com, 216-231-5977. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Chick Pea Tacos at Fat Cats
Ricardo Sandoval's Tremont eatery pairs a wide range of styles with eclectic flavors. The Chickpea Taco is the perfect counterpoint to sweeter offerings and is delicious in its own right – a flavorful, textured combination that comes with avocado, quinoa and grilled jalapeno ($10; $5, during Happy Hour) -- 2061 West 10th St. (Tremont), Cleveland; coolplacestoeat.com, 216-579-0200. -- John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Photo by David Petkiewicz, Cleveland.com
Cereal Dessert at Graffiti A Social Kitchen
Chef Adam Bostwick's Momofuku Restaurant-inspired dessert is a big bowl of fabulousness. Cereal milk panna cotta is topped with bananas, blueberries and Technicolor bites of marshmallow treats made with Lucky Charms and Rice Krispies. Breakfast will never be the same… neither will dessert ($8) -- 1261 West 76th Street, Cleveland; graffitisocialkitchen.com, 216-651-6969. -- Beth Segal, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer
Pick Three Combo of Smoked Meats at Oak and Embers
Really good barbecue is an elusive pleasure here on the north coast. Oak & Embers owners Gretchen and Marc Garofoli hew true to the tenets of Old School southern 'que, producing a range of wood-fire meats such as brisket, ribs, chicken and more - deep and rich in flavor with a good lashing of smoke. The "Pick Three" may seem a bit too much, but you can share - or enjoy leftovers (Pick Two, $22; Pick Three, $25) -- 8003 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, 44026; oakandemberstavern.com, 440-729-4030.
Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Feta Saganaki at Santorini Greek Taverna
Yes, this Greek appetizer is easy-to-eat, very sharable and neat. But the pan-fried feta -- served with a sesame crust and a delicious fig and tomato marmalade – is so flavorful, aromatic and visually appealing that you and you friend will no doubt have to duel over the last piece ($11) -- 1382 West 9th St. (Warehouse District), Cleveland, 44114; santorinirestaurant.com, 216-205-4675. -- John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
The Blue Monkey at Premier Crepes Food Truck
Akron-based Premier Crepes, a Walnut Wednesday regular (in season, in downtown Cleveland) dishes out fold-up meals - both sweet and savory - in thin crepes. The Blue Monkey, a blueberry and banana number, wins with fresh-tasting berry compote and the richness of mascarpone cream cheese ($8) -- See Facebook or Twitter for upcoming dates; premiercrepes.com, 330-858-9943 or 901-833-6035. -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo courtesy Coquette Patisserie
Candied Grapefruit Tart at Coquette Patisserie
Grapefruit has too often landed in punchline territory, but in the hands of an artist like Britt-Marie Culey this distinctive citrus is a crowning glory. Her perfect pate sucre shells, buttery and crisp, are heaped with tangy filling and topped with sections of refreshing grapefruit done to a candied finish. C'est marvellieux ($6.50) -- 11607 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 44106; coquettepatisserie.com, 216-331-2841. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Marc Bona
Hop Falls IPA from Lucky Owl Brewing
How good could the beer be, from a bunch of guys brewing in a garage? Very. The clean-tasting ale bursts with refreshing Citra hops. Distribution is limited; no tasting room yet. Seekers of fine ales can find their brews at Burntwood Tavern, Flip Side and Chuck’s Fine Wines (prices vary) -- Lucky Owl Brewing, Chagrin Falls, 440-836-3440. -- Marc Bona, Cleveland.com
Photo courtesy Zack Bruell Restaurants
Kafeteria Burger at Dynomite Burgers and Sushi Uptown
"The Kafeteria" marries two of the best possible sandwiches: a juicy burger and a savory-salty Reuben. Bruell's concoction includes a crispy slice of salumi with the beef, kraut and swiss, topped with a creamy drift of Russian dressing - a deliciously addictive flavor bomb ($10, including fries) -- 11500 Euclid Ave. (Uptown District), Cleveland; dynomitecleveland.com, 216-331-0669. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Lonnie Timmons III, The Plain Dealer
Goat Korma at Namaste India Garden
Maybe you like goat meat, or maybe you don't know you like it. Ordering this house favorite is step one, since everything about it is so right: Stew-tender, earthy meat chunks and an aromatic coconut-milk-based sauce that makes a perfect marriage with white rice ($14.95) -- 14412 Detroit Ave., Lakewood; namasteindiagarden.com, 440-221-4800. -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer
Pierogi at Jukebox
Yes, it's true: Some of the prettiest, plumpest and most inventive pierogies in town turned up this year at a tune-driven bar in Hingetown. Jukebox's culinarian, Christa Kuebel, has a genius for the genre, riffing on the classic with iconoclastic fillings plus seasonal and dessert specials (3 for $7) -- 1404 West 29th Street (Hingetown), Cleveland; jukeboxcle.com, 216-206-7699.-- Beth Segal, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Vegan Beer Battered Avocado Tacos at TownHall
As if beer-battered avocado wasn't enough of a selling point, Townhall fortifies these bad-boys with a corn and black bean salsa, chia seeds, a deceptively good vegan cheese and a cilantro-lime vinaigrette. A vegan night special (Mondays only) that even carnivores dig, these really should be a regular menu item ($9) -- 1909 W. 25th St., Cleveland; townhallohiocity.com, 216-344-9400. -- Pete Chakerian, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer
Roasted Prime Rib Sandwich at Square Bistro
Banish the thought of prime rib sandwiches that don't live up to the name. This one does because of its plush and well-flavored meat, plus the equal craftsmanship in the horseradish mayo, onions, mushrooms, local Swiss, au jus and baked ciabatta bun ($11 at lunch, $12 at dinner) -- 205 Main St. Chardon; square-bistro.com, 440-279-0101. -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
The Clifton at Clifton Martini and Wine Bar
You're a martini purist making a case for using only gin? Well, don't enter The Clifton into evidence. This fabulous elixir is made with Ketel One and olives very neatly stuffed with bleu cheese. I prefer stirred to shaken, but, hey, that's your call ($10) -- 10427 Clifton Blvd.; cliftonmartini.com, 216-965-0221. -- John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer
Seafood Fra Diavolo at Lockkeepers
Few dishes are more purely luxurious than a mélange of fresh seafood. Chef Alberto Leandri has a deft touch that does honor to the traditional combination of shellfish (here, shrimp, lobster, calamari, mussels and clams) in a peppery tomato sauce with just enough fire to liven everything. A bed of al dente spaghetti is the perfect foil to this zesty dish ($32) -- 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View; lockkeepers.com, 216-524-9404. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
Vegan Reuben at Helio Terra Vegan Cafe
It's a leap of faith, but trust me: This vegan reuben is even better than the traditional cow-centric sandwich. Made with Stadium Mustard-marinated seitan and naturally-fermented sauerkraut, it delivers a great gooey, crunchy, umami experience - but without the guilt, or the cholesterol ($8) -- 619 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland; helioterravegancafe.com, 216-664-1929. -- Beth Segal, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer
Plancha Scallops With Cauliflower Puree, Corn and Mushrooms Fricasee at Adega
For all the beauty of chef Eddie Tancredi's Spanish-influenced menu, seafood gets some of the kitchen's most artful treatment. A zesty corn-mushroom fricassee brings jazz to subtly seasoned and perfectly seared scallops, while a mellow yet distinctive puree of cauliflower adds a whole different dimension to the plate ($37) -- 2017 East 9th Street, Cleveland, 44115; metropolitancleveland.com, 216-331-6289. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer
The Deutche Platte at Das Schnitzel Haus
Whether you have a hearty appetite or are willing to share, you'll want to tear into the Deutche Platte sampler at Das Schnitzel Haus. It's composed of a half-portion of wienerschnitzel (fairly sizeable all the same), a bratwurst and a spoonful of the flavorful but otherwise unremarkable goulash. Plus two sides: go for the house specialties, thick and creamy slices of sweet-and-sour German Potato Salad (almost as good as Aunt Emma Frantz's) and wonderful clove-scented Red Cabbage ($20.25) -- 5728 Pearl Road, Parma, 44129; dshparma.com, 440-886-5050. -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Marc Bona
El Blanco IPA from Cellar Rats Brewery
This hybrid is a white IPA made with Centennial, Galaxy and Mosaic hops, and lands smack dab in the middle of the International Bitterness Units scale at 50. The brewery's mulling production in cans. Grab a wine lover; head east: Cellar Rats is at Debonne Vineyards (Pint, $6) -- 7743 Doty Road, Madison; ratbrew.com, 440-466-3485. -- Marc Bona, Cleveland.com
Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer
The Dude at 16 Bit Bar and Arcade
"Big Lebowski" jokes aside, if Jeffrey had been drinking this rendition of this classic White Russian cocktail, would he have had the same adventure? OYO Honey-Vanilla vodka, Rumchata (cream liqueur) and Kahlua intermingle with chocolate bitters. Gourmet? "Very un-Dude," you say? "Yeah, well, that's just like, your opinion, man" ($8) -- 15012 Detroit Ave., Lakewood; 16-bitbar.com, 216-563-1115. -- Pete Chakerian, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by Joshua Gunter, Cleveland.com
Rum Glazed Cuban Pork With Black Beans, Coconut Mango Rice and Pico de Gallo at Bomba Tacos and Rum
Pork has become nearly ubiquitous on local menus, and it's often a crashing bore. Not so with Bomba's Rum Glazed Cuban Pork plate. Here it's absolutely delicious, with lusty, roast pork shreds formed into a cake then finished crispy and more than vaguely sweet. It's pork like you almost never get outside of someone's home kitchen, on a plate with stewed black beans and and a delightful, light pilaf of steamed white rice blended with diced fresh mango and toasted coconut ($16.50) -- 19880 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 44116; bombatacos.com, 440-409-0210 -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer
Pancakes at Jack Flaps
When you think of pancakes, do you conjure up images of mostly sweet, light-as-air pillows? Nah, these aren't those: Jack Flaps puts out substantial cakes, full of good wheaty flavor, still light but satisfying enough to send you off well-fortified. Choose menu toppings to customize ($7, plus $1 per topping) -- 3900 Lorain Ave., Cleveland; jack-flaps.com, 216-961-5199 -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer
Pan Roasted Chicken at Dante Boccuzzi Akron
Yes, we eat a lot of chicken at home - but this is not your kitchen's chicken. Locally sourced, it has deeper flavor. Seared in a pan and finished in the oven, the meat turns out notably succulent. It's served this season with Roasted Amish Chicken, sweet pea risotto, spring onions, marjoram infused jus. Mama mia ($22) -- 21 Furnace St., Akron, 44308; dba.danteboccuzzi.com, 330-375-5050 -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Oysters on the Half Shell at Alley Cat Oyster Bar
So many expertly prepared fish and seafood dishes vie for the discerning diner's attention here… but if a restaurant is going to hang its name on a single dish, it had better be perfect. Alley Cat's bivalves are pristinely, plump and as fresh as if you'd spent your day in Wellies, shoveling in a coastal cove (varieties vary seasonally, $2.95 each with accompaniments) -- 1056 Old River Road, Cleveland, 44113; alleycatoysterbar.com, 216-574-9999 -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
Housemade Sticky Buns at Fire Food and Drink
After one bite, I turned to my wife and said "If I ever have serious money, I'd like to have these delivered to the house every weekend." Buttery, fluffy-tender yet chewy, these are everything a great sticky bun should be - right down to crispy fresh pecans ($4) -- 13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 44120; firefoodanddrink.com, 216-921-3473 -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Duck Fat Frites at Great Scott Tavern
Potatoes fried in duck fat? There was a time, at our fear-of-fat peak, that we wouldn't think of such a thing. But there is moderation, as well as something irresistibly European about this stellar version with rosemary. Dipping them in lemon-garlic aioli elevates the indulgence. ($7) -- 21801 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid; greatscotttavern.com, 216-417-3019 -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer
White Truffle and Ricotta Stuffed Sacchetti Pasta With Tartufata Cream Sauce and Aged Fig Balsamic at Luca Italian
On the hunt for Cleveland's most decadent dishes? Could you possibly eclipse meltingly tender parcels of pasta, plump with fresh ricotta and white truffle, all bathed in a truffle-laced cream sauce? First time a group of us sampled chef Luca Sema's signature dish, conversation dissolved into murmured exchanges of "OMG!" ($30) -- 2100 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland 44113; lucacleveland.com, 216-862-2761 -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
Photo by David Petkiewicz, Cleveland.com
The Middle Eastern Quesadilla at Cafe Falafel
Admittedly, it's basic: a slender patty of grilled kefta, ground lamb loaded with garlic, herbs and spices, wrapped in thin pita, re-grilled and cut into tidy triangles. As fusion goes, it may not be the most creative - but it's hard to argue with just plain deliciousness ($6.99) -- 3843 Riveredge Road, Cleveland; myfalafelcafe.com, 216-688-0330 -- Beth Segal, Special to Cleveland.com
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Caramelized Onion Potato Galette from Murray Hill Market
Stoneworkers in Little Italy used to carry rustic little hand-pies to work for their lunch. The owners of this inspired little shop make lots of classic comfort foods including this herbed combination of onions and potatoes in a tender crust. Instant picnic ($6.95) -- 2072 Murray Hill Road (Little Italy), Cleveland; murrayhillmarket.net, 216-791-1900 -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer
Triple Pork Saltimbocca at Dante Next Door
Lots of chefs try to triple your pleasure with choices of excess, but this sandwich delivers on all its promises. Stacked in porcine royalty are breaded tenderloin, prosciutto and Italian sausage, plus sage seasoning and provolone cheese. Deserves the Dante brand on the bun ($12) -- 247 Professor Ave. (Tremont), Cleveland; nextdoor.danteboccuzzi.com, 216-274-1201 -- Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer
Photo by Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer
Chocolate Peanut Crunch at Lola Bistro
One glimpse of this seductive confection makes its name seem almost dismissive. One bite, and any thoughts of a homemade Reese's cup evaporate in a swirl of chocolatey bliss. At once creamy and crisp, the contrasting addition of roasted banana ice cream and caramelized slices of the fruit make you want to draw out the pleasure for as long as you're able ($9) -- 2058 East 4th Street, Cleveland, 44115; lolabistro.com, 216-621-5652 -- Joe Crea, Cleveland.com
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