You may fall into one of two categories when it comes to Eastern European cuisine. Traditionalists are all about sticking with classic recipes for pierogies and schnitzel, handed down through generations of hardworking families, while modernists welcome tweaks to some of those beloved dishes for trendy, New World flavors. At the hands of chef Robert Bladt, the Bier Haus Euro-American Bistro tastefully tows the line of comfort food with a twist. Try the Swedish ($11), one of its stone-grilled pizzas. It's a genius play on an ethnic staple. Juicy, house-made Swedish meatballs get top billing alongside grilled red onion, smoked Gouda and feta, a garlic aioli and a sprinkle of scallions. One of our favorites, the chicken paprikash duo ($17) caters to the old-school devotee and forward-thinking foodie in all of us. The creamy paprika-braised chicken ragu and fluffy potato dumplings — reminiscent of the stews we grew up with — is paired with two house-made chicken sausages and a colorful arrangement of pickled cucumber and red onion. Whether new, old or somewhere in the middle, it's comforting, and that's all that matters.
When You Go:
The Bier Haus Euro-American Bistro, 17692 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-238-2177, thebierhausbistro.com
