Lotus Pad, Liberty Township

The Buddhists see the lotus as a symbol of purity, and the Lotus Pad encapsulates that quality of purity in its menu. It crafts Asian cuisine using organic produce from local farmers and ranchers, serving up starters like shrimp-cilantro-mint spring rolls and entrees ranging from tom yum soup to spicy pork belly. The restaurant features, for example, the Crying Tiger, a 10-ounce wagyu steak rubbed with thai chili and served with tomato and cucumber, all topped with a mint vinaigrette. To complement the fresh fare, the eatery crafts unique renditions of classic cocktails, such as the Bangkok mule, a classic Moscow mule with coconut rum in place of vodka.