Best of Cleveland: Reuben Mac and cheese

The Reuben reigns supreme at Express Deli. When Micho Aboukhaled’s dad, Pierre, came home from his engineering job 18 years ago and announced he had bought a deli, the family was shocked. But what started as your average deli menu has evolved into creative eats such as the Reuben mac and cheese ($5.95). While the Brook Park spot still boasts the classic corned beef, kraut and Swiss on toasty rye and as a Reuben wrap — which Aboukhaled regards as their Mona Lisa — the weekly special has been attracting foodie followers curious about its mac and cheesy canvas. What starts with a roux, whole milk and cheese ends with some secret herbs and spices, thick slices of house-made corned beef and a generous amount of garlic. “We like flavor punches,” says Aboukhaled about the Lebanese-inspired flavors his family injects into their dishes. “It’s simple in its origin, but speaks to who we are.” 5185 Smith Road, Brook Park, 216-267-7878, facebook.com/expressdeli216