Like most of us, Michael Symon — Cleveland’s own Iron Chef — says his interest in food goes far beyond what’s on the plate. He associates food with family, friends and fun.

“I come from a family that puts food first,” he says. “Many of my memories include family, holidays and gatherings. Now I host many of them, so it’s pretty cool.”

It’s pretty cool for all of us, no doubt, regardless of whether the food served in the family gatherings of our youth inspired us to be an Iron Chef or an Ohio ironworker. Outstanding or ordinary, the food we were served at our family’s holiday meals helped define our childhood and we remember all of our favorites.

Symon, a man’s man as well as a food-ophile, appreciates simple as well as elegant tastes. “Hey man, I am all about the pork,” he says. “I just don’t get why you’d want a vegetable — unless you wrap it in bacon.”

The extremely popular fried bologna sandwich on the menu at Lola, his downtown Cleveland restaurant, illustrates the point. The sandwich coexists nicely with other menu items created for much more sophisticated palates. Which is why a certain magazine editor — who thought the cafeteria food in high school was just great — can happily dine there with associates who hold their pinkies in the air when they drink their tea.

Food, glorious food. Over 40 years, my wife has dramatically expanded my food horizons, but I still can’t tell you why I like what I like. I just know it when I taste it.

Here at Ohio Magazine, I am surrounded by folks who know a lot more about food than that. I am the frequent and fortunate beneficiary of their knowledge and expertise. I may not eat good, but I sure do eat well.

Among our food aficionados is Executive Editor Vivian Pospisil, who tells me that the recipes in this month’s food feature — “Posh Squash” (page 71), by Lynne Thompson — are particularly creative and interesting. The feature highlights the creations of Douglas Katz, owner and executive chef at fire food & drink, another standout Cleveland restaurant.

For more about all things food, be sure to check out “The Hungry Writer,” by Marie Catanese, on OhioMagazine.com. Marie, a wonderful cook herself, writes a continual blog about food and wine. No wonder she’s hungry. So am I.

Enjoy the issue. Or, better put: Bon appetit!