Ohio's buckeyes named one of America's top 'heart-winning' dishes

By Charlie Cleary

DatingAdvice.com

“A way to a man's heart is through his stomach” is a timeless phrase. But have you ever wondered if there's a specific dish that can truly capture a man's heart? Is there a culinary creation so irresistible that it could be the secret weapon in the art of wooing? 

DatingAdvice.com took a deep dive into the world of classic American cuisine and interviewed 3,000 men to find out which dishes resonate the most when it comes to matters of the heart. The top 10 dishes according to survey respondents were as follows:

#1 New York's Cheesecake: Topping the list is the rich, creamy New York Cheesecake. With its crumbly graham cracker crust and velvety texture, this sweet dessert is one that satisfies cravings and captures hearts.

#2 Pennsylvania's Philly Cheesesteak: Coming in second, the Philly Cheesesteak is a savory powerhouse. Loaded with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll, it's the perfect hearty meal for any man who loves robust flavors.

#3 Michigan's Detroit-Style Pizza: Known for its thick, crispy crust, caramelized edges, and generous toppings, Detroit-Style Pizza is a unique twist on traditional pizza that wins hearts with its satisfying crunch and bold flavors.

#4 Illinois' Deep-Dish Pizza: This iconic pizza features a buttery, deep crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It's a filling and comforting dish that appeals to pizza lovers everywhere.

#5 West Virginia's Biscuits and Gravy: Soft, flaky biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy is a classic comfort food that warms the soul with its homestyle simplicity.

#6 Kansas' Kansas City-Style BBQ: Famous for its slow-cooked, smoky meats and tangy-sweet sauce, Kansas City BBQ is a barbecue lover's dream, offering robust flavors and tender textures that are hard to resist.

#7 New York's Pastrami on Rye: A classic deli sandwich featuring succulent pastrami piled high on rye bread with mustard, Pastrami on Rye is a flavorful and satisfying meal that captures the essence of New York's vibrant food scene.

#8 Wisconsin's Fish Fry: Crispy, golden-brown fish served with tartar sauce and a side of coleslaw is a beloved tradition that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

#9 Nebraska's Reuben Sandwich: This hearty sandwich combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, creating a tangy and savory delight that is sure to win over any male sandwich enthusiast.

#10 Kentucky's Fried Chicken: Rounding out the top 10 is Kentucky's Fried Chicken. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this timeless classic combines a perfectly seasoned batter with tender, flavorful chicken, making it a beloved comfort food that never goes out of style.

The poll revealed five Ohio signature dishes that make men swoon:

#31 Buckeyes

Sweet and creamy buckeyes, made with peanut butter and chocolate, provide a delightful and indulgent treat that showcases Ohio's love for sweet treats.

#50 Pierogi

These tender dumplings, filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat, provide a comforting and delicious meal that highlights Ohio's rich Polish heritage.

#100 Cincinnati Chili

Spicy and savory Cincinnati chili, served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, offers a unique and delicious meal that captures the essence of Ohio's culinary creativity.

#161 Polish Boy

Juicy and flavorful Polish Boy sausages, topped with coleslaw, fries, and barbecue sauce, offer a hearty and satisfying sandwich that highlights Ohio's diverse culinary influences.

#177 Goetta

This savory breakfast sausage, made with pork, beef, and oats, offers a hearty and satisfying start to the day that captures the essence of Ohio's German-American cuisine.

"Another reason men crave what we like to call 'comfort foods,' those high in carbohydrates and fat: They stimulate dopamine production,” said Dr. Wendy Walsh, relationship expert with DatingAdvice.com. “Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that can trigger motivation for a reward. And that reward may just be a woman. It’s true, dopamine has been involved in reward-seeking behaviors for food, drugs, and, yes, sex. It’s sometimes called the hedonistic hormone."