Hog Wild

We believe the key to success lies in a strong foundation. For a tasty example, try Grove Hill's pork chop ($23), which achieves a comfort food victory by starting with premium, heritage-breed Hampshire pork from Cleveland's Blue Ribbon Meats. "They're raised correctly," says chef and owner Tim Bando. "The flavor's better." He brines the pork for 24 hours in a solution of sugar, salt, herbs and spices before searing on a plancha (a flat cooking surface similar to a griddle) and then roasting in the oven. The juicy triumph is celebrated this fall with a sweet potato puree with diced, roasted Honeycrisp apples, braised leeks and sage pesto. (Bando plans on changing the sides at least six times a year.) "[It's] just kind of a classic combination," he says.

25 Pleasant Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-247-4800, grovehillchagrin.com