Floyd's-Cincinnati Restaurant - (513) 221-2434

One of the hidden gems of Ciny dining. A hole-in-the wall cafe located in the Clifton neighborhood across from the University of Cincinnati (125 Calhoun), this family-owned restaurant is outstanding. The rightly titled "Floyd's Special" is the finest rotisserie chicken this diner has eaten - ever. Fork tender meat with a crisp, savory seasoned skin, it takes the modest chicken to startling heights. The other offerings are equally memorable. The baba ghanough balances the garlicy, lemony, and smokey aspects of this dip beautifully. A surprising taste treat for the American palate is the lima beans - don't be put off by the memory of your mother's bland side dish - they are simply delightful. And then there is the dessert. Try the Lebanese pancakes, crepes filled with a sweet cheese and doused in a light syrup. Creamy, mildly sweet, with a spiced hint of the perfumed orient. As a poor student a decade ago, this writer frequented Floyd's weekly. Returning as a visitor to Cincinnati, my memory proves untainted by nostalgia - it really is as good as I remembered. You won't be disappointed.

A true mom and pop operation, Floyd's Lebanese is small but sensational. The Floyd's Special is a rotisserie chicken. But forget about Boston Market/Krogers. This is the most amazing chicken you'll eat any time soon. Tender flesh, savory, crisp skin. The side dishes are consistently above average. The Baba Ganough is as good as I've had in the States. Green beans, lima beans that are light years from what your mom served you. There are also excellent side dishes. From four years of living there and another ten years of making the pilgrimage there as often as I can get the excuse, I've never had a mediocre meal there.