Heat, cheese, batter, and oil. A fried cheese curd (or in some cases, a legally distinct chunk of fried cheese) is our perfect side to a meal. Our readers have given first place to Milwaukee Burger Company (2620 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire), whose huge bricks of fried cheese are somewhere between impressive and intimidating. In second place is the Live Great Food Truck, whose fried cheese curds are made in-house and fried to perfection. The District Pub & Grill (101 Graham Ave, Eau Claire), in third, brings a variety of fried cheese curd options, like fair-style, and even offers a flight. —James Johonnott