25 Best Restaurants: Fire Food & Drink

Fire has been proving for years that a simple way of cooking can be special. Using a traditional tandoori clay oven and an Argentinian wood grill — both fueled by an open flame — these humble methods let the complex and intrinsic flavors of chef and owner Douglas Katz’s menu come through. “We light a fire every day,” says Katz. “It’s very ritualistic, like being around a campfire.” But the results go beyond pork and beans or roasted marshmallows. With just salt and pepper for seasoning, a whole Carolina trout ($31) stands on its own with a roasted, firm and meaty flavor. But when he pairs the fish with asparagus, potatoes, watercress, a soft-boiled egg and anchovy paste, Katz proves he’s an Eagle Scout in the kitchen. Don’t miss: The humble claybread ($6) is cooked on the wall of the tandoori oven. It’s crispy on outside, soft inside and completely able to wow on its own — even before you dip it in the salty, pungent red pepper and garlic aioli. Vegan spin: Pay special attention to the vegan entree here, even if you’re a carnivore. While the offering changes, a recent confit eggplant ($19) with cashew raita and crispy lentils reminded us of Fire’s mainstay crispy duck confit. 13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-921-3473, firefoodanddrink.com