James Bigley II, managing editor
The Oak Barrel's Duck Confit Mac 'N' Cheese ($18)
The succulent pulled duck is easily the best part of this dish. Paired with cavatappi pasta, peas, nutmeg, pecorino and a thick cheese sauce, this is a resplendent meal on its own. 5975 Canal Road, Valley View, 216-520-3640, theoakbarrel.com
Henry Palattella, associate editor
Fire Chicken Sandwiches' Fire Chicken Sandwich ($8)
There’s a reason this joint is named after its chicken sandwich, as this fired bird is one of the best chicken sandwiches in Northeast Ohio. I got mine with the mild breading (because I’m a weakling) but it still packed a flavor punch worthy of the highest fired chicken honors. I added cheddar cheese and ranch to complete the perfect fried chicken package. 1001 Bridge St., Ashtabula, 440-650-5002
Colleen Smitek, editor
Bourbon Street Barrel Room’s SW Louisiana Cajun Jambalaya ($16.95)
The food does not take a backseat to the Louisiana decor here. Its version of jambalaya (not to be confused with tomato-based Creole-style jambalaya) boasts dirty rice with onion, celery and green and red peppers topped with chicken and andouille. 2393 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-298-4400, bourbonstreetbarrelroom.com
Dillon Stewart, senior editor
The Green Kitchen At The Little Rose Tavern’s Vegan Alfredo ($13)
While the Impossible meatloaf and burgers are enough to win over any meat lover, the alfredo, made silky by a cashew cream sauce poured over orecchiette noodles and spiced up with garlic, peas and arugula, paired better than expected with my Miller High Life. 14206 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-1441, instagram.com/the_green_kitchen
