South Korea

Kalbi Gui, $16.95 | Tree Country Bistro

A typical meal in Korean homes, kalbi gui gets the royal treatment at Tree Country Bistro. The three-day process starts with a marinade of onion, garlic, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce and brown sugar. "This dish has a special smell because of the marinade," says owner Pathita Proamploy. Three beef ribs and a bed of steamed baby corn, zucchini and carrots rest beneath tender beef strips sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions. A pool of tangy juices at the bottom of the cast iron skillet add subtle sweet notes to this classic.

1803 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-0644, treecountrybistro.com