James Bigley II, managing editor
The Last Page’s The Last Chicken Sandwich ($18)
The definitive answer to our fried chicken trend of the moment, this sandwich from The Last Page marries a blend of sweet and spicy flavors with crunchy textures that pop. The pickled banana peppers are crisp match for the slathering of yum yum sauce alongside iceberg lettuce on a Hawaiian bun. 100 Park Ave., Suite 128, Cleveland, 216-465-1008, thelastpagerestaurant.com
Arbela Capas, associate editor
Luxe Kitchen And Lounge’s Luxe Benedict ($15)
There are few things that hit the spot perfectly for brunch than a good eggs Benedict. The Luxe Benedict flips the script on the classic dish by replacing the english muffin with a savory aged cheddar potato cake. From the perfectly poached eggs to the creamy, herb-filled hollandaise sauce and hot capicola, this elevated brunch has the perfect balance of old and new. 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-920-0600, luxecleveland.com
Henry Palattella, associate editor
The Pasta Co-Op’s Vermont Mac And Cheese ($11.95)
Sure, there are subtle nuances and differences in preparation, but at the end of the day all mac and cheese blurs together. And then I ate the Pasta Co-Op’s Vermont Mac And Cheese. The spiral noodles are cooked to perfection and they’re topped with heaping amounts of the Co-Op’s signature Vermont sharp cheddar sauce. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can shell out a little extra to get your mac topped with everything from mushrooms to barbecue sauce.
187 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, 440-892-2667, pastaco-op.square.site
Dillon Stewart, associate editor
The Rush Inn’s Traditional “Clothed” Wings ($7 half, $13 full)
For 40 years, this Lakewood institution has been the spot for dive bar booze and food. While it also offers “naked,” or non-breaded wings, the breaded, deep-fried “clothed” wings are famous for their crunchiness and mammoth size. Plus, the Fat Boy sauce — a mix of nacho cheese and barbecue — is a perfect guilty pleasure. 17800 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-3224, therushinn.com
