Even sophisticated diners love dishes with a hint of "home"— pot roast, meat loaf, steak sandwich — especially when the dish has some creative spark.

For chefs, the challenge lies in taking familiar foods and making them fresh with contemporary seasonings and presentations. Like pot roast, a retro dish making a comeback with accompaniments such as parsley dumplings, roasted root vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes. Deviled Pot Roast with Dark Beer and Caramelized Onions combines familiarity with the menu excitement that customers seek.

Looking to revitalize a steak sandwich? Check out the Sandwich of Beef with Watercress and Tomato Confit, a contemporary version that updates the concept with the economical Shoulder Tender.

Some chefs turn to the grill to give well-known dishes fresh appeal. Grilled Pizza with Beef and Blue Cheese Salad is an eye opener for pizza fans (and who isn't?). Grilled steak salads, enhanced with heirloom tomatoes, baby greens, haricots verts or radicchio, appeal to customers who want to dine on the light side.

In cold weather, hearty stews and soups with a foreign accent — like the Hungarian-style Goulash Soup with Sour Cream and Chives — fit right into bistro menus, a delicious reminder of America's melting pot.