Dirty Bird Expands Michael's Genuine Food & Drink's Offerings

Jordan Kirk is nothing if not resourceful. The chef de cuisine at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has a storied history studying under some of Cleveland’s finest chefs. As the former sous chef for Jonathan Sawyer’s Greenhouse Tavern and Michael Symon’s Lolita and Mabel’s BBQ, Kirk has learned to adapt to some of the city’s biggest trends.

So when the pandemic forced him to offer a trimmed down menu at Michael’s Genuine, he thought to expand what the restaurant was offering with Dirty Bird. The pop-up extension offers just a taste of the fried chicken trend with two sandwiches, two bowls and a few Southern comfort sides, but the Nashville Hot Bowl ($11) is the perfect convergence of simple ingredients. Crisp Tuscan kale, drizzled in a house-made Caesar dressing, is tossed with pickled onions, shaved radish, breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

Topped with a hefty fried chicken thigh that’s coated in chili oil and cayenne chili spice, it’s a mouthwatering dish that soars. “Not every dish can hit all the things like sweet, savory, sour, salty and bright, but this one kind of gets pretty close,” says Kirk. “It hits all those notes so it’s really enjoyable.” 3427 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights, 216-230-8022