What are the most iconic and legendary dishes in northern Michigan? 

You know the type: the dishes that locals make all their out-of-town friends or relatives try when they visit, or the ones that restaurants tout as “world-famous” on their menus. From soups and sandwiches to pastas and entrees, northern Michigan is fortunate enough to have many of these dishes. But which ones are most essential? The Northern Express - sister publication of The Ticker - set out to find the answer.

In this week's issue of the Northern Express, the first five picks - carefully selected from staff research and hundreds of recommendations from other local foodies - are unveiled. Including the Chicken Jalapeno Soup at Art’s Tavern, the Tomato Spinach Swiss at Poppycock's, the Herb-Encrusted Rack of Lamb at The Rowe Inn in Ellsworth, the Dry Aged Tomahawk Ribeye (pictured) at Vernales in Harbor Springs, and the Chicken Pot Pie at Amical, these five exquisite culinary creations are just the first class of what will become a recurring feature at the Northern Express.

Of course, no menu is complete with just five dishes. If you think something was overlooked, it may well be on tap for a future installment. Have your own suggestion for a must-try northern Michigan menu item that should be included? Send an email to info@northernexpress.com with the subject line "Legendary Dish." And, be sure to read more about the back stories of the first five featured dishes in this week's issue of the Northern Express. The publication is available online, or pick up a copy at one of nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.