Food

Eating deep fried rabbit ribs. Simply an amazing dish at an amazing tapas place called Tapas 24.

The burger at the Sunburnt Calf, an Australian restaurant on Manhattan's upper west side, goes vertical. Also recommended: the pavlova for dessert.

Ootoya is a Japanese chain specializing in well-priced teishoku, set meals. Their new outpost in New York is much fancier than its counterparts in Japan. The food is excellent and authentic; the price is fair. It's one of the most Japanese places...

Peruvian star chef Gaston Acurio’s newly opened cevicheria, La Mar Cebicheria Peruana. The plates at La Mar are beautiful to look at and the fluke ceviche and hamachi tiradito delicious. You should definitely have a cocktail while there! The...

In April 2017, the World's 50 Best Restaurants List (produced by the British magazine Restaurant) bestowed the title of the greatest restaurant anywhere on Eleven Madison Park. It marked the first time in 13 years that an American establishment...

The rule of three suggests that things that come in threes are inherently more satisfying, I agree! This Catch dessert consists of three divine piles of deliciousness. We walked through the cobblestone roads, joined the bankers and tourists to...

The baby of food brainchild Danny Meyer, Shake Shack has become a staple for New Yorkers and tourists alike. What makes it so special? The food is scrumptious, the shakes are heavenly, and the location is perfect. Shake Shack sits smack in the...

One of the best and reasonably priced tasting menu's I've had in NYC. Jean George always gets it right and ended the 6 course culinary delight with an explosion of chocolate. Chocolate ice-cream, chocolate covered almonds, chocolate mousse all...

Momofuko Noodle Bar is the creation of the sometimes controversial Korean chef David Chang. This restauranteur has taken hold of several blocks in the East Village where you'll find a handful of his enterprises including the noodle bar and milk...

A taste of Spain can be had right here in New York City. Despaña Specialty Foods & Tapas Café in SoHo has everything you need to transport yourself to the land of flamenco and Gaudi. The store is part wine shop and part market, with a Cafe in the...

The fried noodles with seafood and vegetables from Congee Village comprise this little bowl of heaven. I love stepping into a restaurant and realizing that most of the customers are people from the country where the restaurants cuisine comes from....

SAUCE Restaurant claims to use a tomato sauce recipe from owner Frank Prisinzano's grandmother. I believe it because their red sauce tastes finger-licking-good and that's usually a sign of an Italian mama's recipe. However, this is where the...

Opened in 1914, this is a New York institution. Its been owned and operated by four generations of the same family. You really feel like you're stepping into a NY deli 50 years ago.

Poutine is the stuff of legends, much to the chagrin of many Canadians. It is the one food non-Canadians seem to know the most about, and a snack of this heavy dish is at the top of the list for most visitors to Montreal. Even though it can be...

While New York has its pastrami, Montréal is the home of smoked meat. (The preparation of both is similar: A beef brisket is cured in spices for a week, then hot-smoked and finally boiled before being served.) Though others may question the...

I’m not a big fan of seafood but one of my culinary weaknesses is the Bahamian conch fritter. Perhaps it is because anything fried is therefore good, but I love conch fritters. I enjoyed them several times during my brief stay in the islands and...

I was in Shanghai for work, but decided to do a bit of exploring for soup dumplings. I came across this place via a local food blogger and decided to try it out. It was quite honestly, incredible. The place is pretty small, with only a handful of...

Café Du Monde is always open; it’s the clientele that changes—from visiting families and local pensioners early in the morning, to couples in the evening, to Bourbon Street refugees looking for coffee and ballast in the...

One of the best burgers around. If you are spending any amount of time in the wine country you need to head to Gott's Roadside in Napa for gourmet burgers, fries, and shakes.

Located in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, Marlowe's is a great little neighborhood spot with delicious burgers and a wide beer selection. But one treat they are known for are their Brussels sprout chips—they'll turn any veggie hater into...

these babies are seriously the best doughnuts in the world, at least in my honest opinion. I dare you to just eat one. As you can see by my picture I didn't. :-)

Bo-beau's is a unique little restaurant because it's been created to look like a French cottage. The ambiance alone is worth a visit! The food is really good- they cooked my salmon just right and the creamed spinach was very light. The brined pork...

In the Ribera del Duero wine region in Spain, lechazo, or milk-fed lamb is a traditional dish served in many restaurants. Morcilla from Aranda, a blood sausage traditionally prepared with rice and cumin is also very typical. Fortunately for...

No phone, no reservations. Things might seem strict and serious at Top Chef finalist Pierre Sang's first restaurant in Paris but it's all creative flavor pairings and playful presentations in the kitchen. On the inside - warm, exposed stone walls,...

Bologna is well known for its culinary expertise, and one of the best restaurants in town to taste authentic Bolognese cuisine is at the Trattoria Anna Maria. This little restaurant serves only the best food from the Emilia-Romagna region of...

If you guess this to be an explosion of delicious sweetness in the form of tiramisu cloaked in milk chocolate, then you're right. No, it didn't come from a countryside baker in Italy, but rather aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Touristy as it...

Make sure to sample some hot drinking chocolate in Barcelona. I chose a mug from Cacao Sampaka, a gourmet chocolate shop where you'll find all sorts of delightful dessert concoctions. The rich, velvety drink is nothing like American hot chocolate....

A new company based in Belgium is promoting exactly what I love about travel—good food, meeting interesting people, and gaining insights into the city's culture through the people who live there. It's called Bookalokal. Bookalokal started in ...

Upon first entering the famed blue doors of Per Se, located inside the Time Warner Center overlooking Central Park, the dining room has the air of a wake, filled stiff collars and hushed tones. But no matter the attitude, the fact is that everyone...

One of western Canada's most celebrated chefs, Ned Bell, oversees the kitchen at Yew Restaurant and Bar, located within the downtown Four Seasons Hotel connected to the Pacific Centre Mall. The dining room has the feeling of a forest—with high...

All Seasons Bistro is easy to walk by without noticing, but those who eat there are treated to an excellent dining experience in Napa Valley, one of the very best areas to eat in the United States. This restaurant has been here for 30 years, on a...

I considered posting a wider frame of the interior of this place. Then I looked at this photo, and thought of the burger... and I figured that you wouldn't mind a tighter take on the food. Besides, most people bitch and moan about the wallpaper...

For one of the best views and best meals in Santorini, try Red Bicycle. Located at the tip of Oia on the northern part of the island, the restaurant is housed in a 19th-century Santorini mansion with a 180-degree view of the famed sunset and the...

Zucchini flower stuffed with scallops, zucchini, trumpet mushrooms and sage ~ one dish from a memorable seven course lunch. Don't miss it!

Wagyu Kobe beef entrecôte, Shiraz glacé, Hokkaido pumpkin, garden cress and zucchini ~ the BEST dining room in Prague!

Tuna tartare Napoleon at Chez Chabran ~ a not-to-be-missed dining room, when traveling through the Rhone-Alps.

Exceptional fine dining in the beautiful gardens of La Pyramide, in the Rhone-Alps region, near Lyon, presenting Marinade de filets de Maquereaux Comme une Escabeche, Pulpe d'Aubergines et Fenouil Croquant.

As we drove from Cuenca on the way back down we stopped at this small mountain restaurant and had a wonderful lunch. The attached photo was only $2-$3. It was delicious!

On my recent trip to Maui the first thing I did was sign up for a surf class. Surfing has been on my bucket list for years and I couldn't have asked for a better locale to put my balancing skills to the test. Our instructors were Dustin and...

There's a certain kind of peace that one feels when basking in the Waikiki sun. You go there, banana daiquiri on one hand, and a trusty old camera on the other. You capture the moment and say to yourself, "ahh...this is paradise."

There's nothing like an evening at the Ritz-Carlton, but it's nothing like people think. Of course there's the glamorous element with its in-house La Prairie Spa and mouth watering delicacies from their hotel restaurant, the Auden, but it's luxury...

Arzak = simply beautiful food.

If you've ever been to Jamaica (or know any Jamaicans) chances are you've heard of patties - if not tasted them. Jamaicans LOVE patties. Beef patty, chicken patty, lobster patty, veggie patty. Any patty will do. Its about the cheapest meal on the...

Norwegians Hedda & Christian Wienpahl arrived on Nevis in 2006. Their very mellow beach bar/restaurant on Cades beach offers delectables such as seared sesame tuna, melted goat cheese on honey toast, melted brie with roasted onion toast, chicken...

Serving Thai and Filipino foods, kitchen Sunae calls with deviled flavors, fresh herbs and exotic spices, in a closed-door restaurant with authentic recipes of Southeast Asia in Buenos Aires.

No visit to Philadelphia is complete without savoring this classic American cultural and culinary icon. The neighborhood offering the best options for authentic steak sandwiches is South Philly, where some of the best cheesesteaks are served up at...

Tucked away in Baltimore's historic Fells Point neighborhood, this funky and upbeat spot makes you fall in love with breakfast again. The Cap'n Crunch French Toast definitely lived up to the hype (as featured in the Food Network) with its three...

Betty’s is definitely the institution of Yorkshire. It’s a traditional British tea room originated from Harrogate, 1919. The tea room is somewhere tinged with elegant atmosphere that you can enjoy classic british style afternoon tea with...

It is said that a trip to Beijing can’t be complete without having a real Peking duck experience. I tried the Peking duck at the biggest Peking duck restaurant in the world—Quanjude (全聚德). This restaurant is assigned by the Chinese authorities to...

Having a fancy meal in a restaurant with Michelin star is one of the mission I set for myself in Paris. I chose Benoit because it's near the apartment I stayed and many of my friends suggested me to give it a go. Benoit is a very traditional...

Franciacorta is a few minutes drive from Lake Iseo; an enchanting hotel and restaurant, off the beaten track. Located in the centre of Lombardy, a half-an-hour drive from Brescia and Bergamo, and less than an-hour from Milan, it is well worth a...

This gorgeous dining room is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, with some of the most creative and exquisite dishes in northern Italy; my pasta course featured nine luscious ravioli. Just a half-an-hour drive from Brescia and Bergamo, and...

Venturing to the other side of Harbour Island, I stumbled into The Landing just when they were beginning to infuse a new batch of Afro Head vodkas and rums by hand. Brilliant timing! I was quickly invited to partake in a little side-by-side...

Fancy a raw vegan B.L.T.? Imagine a live-food sandwich made with organic grape tomatoes, freshly chopped lettuce, guacamole, sprouts, and delicious cashew hummus, all wrapped up in a homemade raw onion bread. Leafy Greens Cafe, in sunny St....

American Bounty is one of the many quality student-run restaurants that the school has to offer. The menus are seasonal and constantly changing. Make a reservation and experience a culinary creation made and served by some of the world's future...

Federal Donuts, which sells wacky-flavored handmade doughnuts, coffee, and Korean-style twice-fried chicken, is just one example of how chefs in the City of Brotherly Love are pursuing their culinary obsessions. The original Center City shop has...

You can find sushi at Ichiro's, but this is not a sushi restaurant. They carry many traditional Japanese dishes. One of my favorites is the Tenzaru Soba (cold buckwheat noodles) pictured above. Really good after a hike on a hot day. For dessert,...

I don't come here often because this is a very dangerous place for my waistline. The desserts are made in the French style—light, fluffy, not too sweet, and seemingly zero calories. Sage Cake is found in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood of San Diego...

‘Canned Food goes Gourmet’ is the concept of this new restaurant, which was opened only three months ago in Terreiro do Paco, one of the central locations in downtown Lisbon. Some people might raise an eyebrow when they hear about canned food, but...

A vast majority of Berliners will gladly stop for a good old currywurst on their way back home from a festive evening at the pub. The history of this mouthwatering dish goes back to the 1950s when a German woman was given ketchup, curry powder,...

When we asked at our hotel for a restaurant recommendation, we were given directions to the restaurant at Pou des Lleo. "That's where they serve the famous paella," we were told. Pou des Lleo turned out to be a tiny cove at the end of a completely...

Georgetown Cupcake is famous from the TLC reality show "DC Cupcakes," but the cupcakes themselves are amazing! They are some of the best cupcakes I have had, and I visited the store twice during my visit. It's located on trendy Newbury St., which...

The great macaron debate may forever wage on but from the first time I tucked into a small box of Pierre Hermé's dimunitive cookies, perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside, I knew I'd remain loyal to his...

Before taking the train to Rome, we picked up a spread of antipasti at Peck, a vast and pristine food shop in Milan. In addition to a huge selection of cheeses, fruit, salumi, and bread, Peck sells prepared specialties like meatballs, potato...

The Armani Hotel Milano occupies a beautiful, box-shaped 1930s palazzo in the beating heart of Milan’s fashion district. As striking as it looks from the outside, it’s arguably even more glamorous on the inside. Every aspect of its...

The date-night dinner-and-a-movie standard has been taken to a new stylish height at this acclaimed restaurant in the Mission District. Grab a table on the patio under the strings of lights to dine on seasonal California cuisine while...

OK, so I sneak a picture before starting - wouldn't you or aren't you glad I did? This was great duck, not so much on the confit prep, more on the long cooked duck..... ! That mustard sauce was plate licking good (a-hem).

Through my varied travels, I have seen the rivalry food can cause in a country. In Central Asia, chefs fight over plov; in Japan it is ramen noodles; but in Germany it is the currywurst. You are probably asking yourself, what the heck is...

Addison is part of The Grand Del Mar resort and is the only 5 diamond rated restaurant in the city of San Diego. The restaurant is located inside a gorgeous and opulent European styled mansion with a Mediterranean flair. There are several dining...

Vintage trams - simply gorgeous on this rainy day.

Ireland is not necessarily the first country that comes to mind for those following their stomachs to their next destination, but maybe it should. A respect for the amazing local ingredients drives the menu here. It can get quite busy, if you...

We stopped at this stall near the Zócalo because there were tons of people buzzing around it so we knew it must be something good. My non-Spanish speaking friend ran across the street and pantomimed to the vendor that he wanted one of whatever he...

If you are trying to have fast food in Istanbul, at least make it turkish. The restaurant my friend too me is basically the McDonalds in turkish version. (but I am quiet sure you can't find burgers here) So everything served here are basically...

Sizzling, juicy steak will keep you coming back to Hacienda Real in Guatemala City. A favorite of tourists and locals alike, this steak house is famous for its tenderloin called "lomito." Giant shrimp or flaky fish grilled and smothered in garlic...

My roommates and I got really sick of people trying to constantly trying to convince us to go on overpriced tours while living and traveling in Turkiye. At the time we were students, and like most students, we didn't have a lot of money to spend,...

With only 48 hours to spend in Istanbul, you really don't want to have a bad meal. Doing my research before we left, one place that kept turning up with names like "Best Meals of 2012," My Last Meal on Earth Would Be,"—plus recommendations from...

Plan on stopping in Ladureé's rue Royale shop for breakfast pastries. You can eat in and order eggs but really you must try some of the sweet delights. Ladureé has several shops in Paris but the location on rue Royal is my favorite. Created in...

It's an uphill walk to get to Glo's, and, once you get there, you'll have to wait because it's pocket sized. But let's say you sit on the benches outside, watching the busy intersection under grey stormy skies (the only kind you get in Seattle)...

Dining at the Relais & Chateau restaurant inside the Château d' Audrieu is a wonderful fine dining experience. In reality, there aren't a ton of fine dining restaurants in this part of France, so it is a nice change if you are visiting for a week....

This two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Joel Robuchon is a replica of the L'Atelier in Paris and Las Vegas. Here they reinterpret French dishes with a bit of a Japanese influence. Counter seating makes any meal an event as you watch the chefs at...

Similar to the original L'Atelier in Paris and the other "workshop" in Tokyo, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Casino is a must-try spot for anyone who admires this Michelin-starred, Chef-of-the-Century-titled French master Joel Robuchon. You...

Flee the crowds in central Chinatown for an authentic and inexpensive Vietnamese or Thai meal on Baxter Street, which is lined with several eateries. Here on this quiet side street, no-frill restaurants are filled with locals enjoying flavorful...

The Portuguese sure know their desserts. If you’re a fan of the Belem tart, you’ll love what they’ve done for Hawaii. Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu makes malasadas, a light balled form of the doughnut. After an overnight flight from Sydney to ...

Satisfy your sushi cravings at Doraku Sushi. This reasonably-priced Japanese restaurant's owner is the son of Benihana's founder and located on busy Kalakaua Avenue—right in the middle of the action. Feast your eyes on this ahi poke: local tuna,...

In Charlotte, North Carolina's NoDa (North Davidson) district, several old mills have been converted into art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Stop by Cabo Fish Taco and try the BBQ Mahi Tacos. There is a load of flavor packed into each flour...

The intersection of St. Laurent and Fairmont is an intersection of awesome—Cafe Sardine, Boulangerie Guillame and Lawrence are all right beside each other on the east side. Further west, you'll stroll to find Fairmont Bagel and Drogheria for...

I learned a great deal in Mexico: 1) 30 SPF does not cut it. 2) 50 SPF does not cut it. And 3) Aloe vera, cold shower, aloe vera, cold shower. Luckily for me, I also learned the best way to get your mind off of pain is delicious food, and freshly...

After browsing strings of pearls of every shape, size, and color, I picked the ones I liked and the shopkeeper here made them into a necklace for me. I got to pick the clasp and knotting style, too. This is shop No. 29 on the third floor in the...

1881, the Northern Chinese and Sichuan restaurant on the ground floor of the Grand Hyatt in Luohu, serves the best Chinese food I've eaten in Shenzhen. The atmosphere is incredible with lots of cool lighting and a totally open kitchen so you can...

Authentic, savory, seasonal Provencal bistro dishes. Warm and welcoming service from familiar faces. A cozy atmosphere in a jewel box of a dining room. These are the reasons why I have come back to Le Gigot again and again over the years. The...

Pad Thai prepared over charcoal woks. We got here at 5 p.m. when the place opened, and by 5:30 even with eight woks going there was a huge line outside.

Had some Czech traditional cuisine there. Big portion with reasonable price. My friends and I especially like the honey cake with vanilla ice cream. It's a traditional czech dessert, very different with the one we had in Asia! We even visited...

Visiting Geneva? Enjoy your stay in that beautiful city, but after your Saturday night fondue supper, when you wake up Sunday morning ready to enjoy a stroll and work off the cheese, remember that just a few miles away is a part of France rarely...

Far from his native Bologna, gelato master Nazario Melchiondo crafts tastes that have found a ready home in the desert city of Tucson, Arizona. Always fresh, it's made on site, and the flavors change seasonally. One decadent way to enjoy the...

Celeste is a must-see and must-dine location in Prague. Beautifully situated on the top floor of Frank Gehry's sensational "Dancing House," the glass windowed restaurant overlooks the Vltava River and the Royal Castle. Second course at lunch:...

What a sensational spot for the best gourmet lunch in Vienna -- Steirereck in Stadtpark. My second course is a warm artichoke salad poached in white wine, with coriander and lemon grass, diced artichoke sauted with thyme, topped with an herb salad...

About a year and a half before I came to Spain, my father died. So, I found myself chasing my father's ghost in Barcelona. He had spent time here before I was born, before he met my mother... I had a week alone in this city, before meeting up with...

That's a flavor among many at Rice to Riches, a specialty shop that specializes in rice pudding. Located in the Nolita neighborhood, I loved the decor which was light and fun! Even if you're not a rice pudding fan, you have to try this place once....

I took one bite and about fell off my chair. This was the creamiest, most flavorful onion dish I had ever tried. I found myself taking smaller and smaller bites so that I could somehow make it last longer. In a tiny little town barely found on the...

After a morning of wandering Istanbul's winding streets, it is a treat to find a delicious eatery like Datli Maya, ready to welcome you with brick-oven baked bites in the form of lahmacun (similar to a thin-crust pizza) and other delicious menu...

Experience an aha moment at Lobby on York. Enjoy an all-night happy hour on Thursday's Oyster Night and Friday's Wine night.

Perched on the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg’s grande dame drips with old-world charm and Austrian tradition. The interiors brim with antiques, crystal chandeliers, fine art, and a traditional style that feels transportive,...

As Canadian expat in Belgium, one thing I miss is the sea (and good lobster), so when I saw "Lobster Six Ways" on the menu at the House of Eliott in Ghent, I had to try it. Far from the traditional 'crack it open and dig in' style lobster I was...

Naglreiter is a fast-food franchise known in Europe. They generally serve baked goods and these wonderful baguette sandwiches. It's a quality jump compared to Subway. This is my kind of "fast food". I wish the US would get this kind of stuff.

You can go to Lukumas for two things: 1) to see and even speak to one of the oh-so-few Greek small business owners in Barcelona surviving the equally insurmountable Spanish economic crisis, or 2) doughnuts. Named after the Greek word for these...

Gabriel Chocolate in the Margaret River Wine Region of Western Australia isn't unusual for being a chocolatier in wine country. There are always a great number of them in any region renown for wine. What makes Gabriel special is the way they treat...

Cumulus, Inc. in Melbourne was, without hesitation, the best dining experience I had while on the continent of Australia. Is it fair to build up a meal so boldly for a restaurant that changes its menu frequently, if not daily? Perhaps not....

World famous French chef Alain Ducasse, who has been honored with many Michelin stars for his restaurants around the globe, has just opened the first bean to bar chocolate shop in Paris. Nestled in a courtyard in the Bastille area, the former...

Ulrih Krauss is an interesting man. After years of struggling as an artist- he moved his focuses to the culinary arts. The joining of these loves are how the ZAGREUS PROJEKT was born. The ZAGREUS PROJEKT is essentially an gastronomic exuberance...

BELEGSCHAFT is a great little restaurant just around the corner from Check Point Charlie in Berlin. Offering a wide assortment of sandwiches, soups and quiche all made with fresh organic ingredients at a fair price. Freshly brewed fair trade...

Nestled into the base of Mount Sturgeon, at the southern entrance of Grampians National Park roughly three and a half hours from Melbourne, the Royal Mail Hotel combines a bush experience with world-class food and wine. The property is a...

A definite must-try in El Sal is yuca frita––or in this case, yuca hervida. Served on banana leaves, the dish is based around fried or boiled yuca (cassava root), a mainstay of Salvadoran cuisine. Curtido––a pickled medley of cabbage, carrot and...

On the narrow, pedestrian only bridge Pont St Louis that connects the eastern part of the larger island of Paris (Isle de la Cite) and Isle St Louis, a weekend afternoon in search of the famed Bertillon ice cream can mean live music and dancing...

Poutini’s House of Poutine is arguably the city’s most popular poutinerie. The Classic variety features thick-cut French fries, savory cheese curds, and thick gravy lovingly served piping hot. Poutini’s is so revered that it has recently become a...

I had my misgivings about La Patisserie des Rêves (literally, the pastry shop of dreams). Widely hyped since its opening in 2009, Philippe Conticini's whimsical space breaks with traditional codes both in decor and dessert. I had seen photos of...

No.au is a collaborative effort from two brewers (Teo Musso and Leonardo di Vincenzo), a celebrity baker (Gabriele Bonci), and two long-term fixtures in Rome’s beverage business (Luca Tosato and Paolo Bertani). If you can look past the silly name...

If there is one person responsible for the relatively recent improvement of Rome’s gelato culture, it is Claudio Torcè. He has trained some of Rome’s premier gelatai (Maria Spagnuolo of Fatamorgana and the Gori siblings, to name a few) and prides...

A few blocks from Villa Ada and the Via Salaria, Gelateria Fatamorgana sells Maria Agnese Spagnuolo’s edible works of art. Each flavor is made from all natural ingredients, without chemical additives or artificial flavors, and many are lactose...

Next time you travel to Israel and interested in an exceptional and different dining experience, I highly recommend to check the new website of EatWith, to book a dinner with locals. EatWith is a global community (started in Israel) that invites...

At this Michelin-starred restaurant, food is a performance art and the results deserve a standing ovation. That said, this is Prague, so although the food and presentation are comparable to other first-class dining experiences in Europe, the...

Perched across the street from the ROM (or the Royal Ontario Museum, to be official), Museum Tavern is a great spot to rest weary gams. The nostalgic brasserie is outfitted with a copper ceiling and tufted stools by the bar. Undoubtedly, these...

This new little cafe in Pankow has all the makings of a favorite hangout: the cozy couches and benches, the mid-century accents, the pop of hot pink in the decor. But what really makes this place a standout is not only its offerings of really good...

Metamorfosi is the best of Rome's fine dining options at the moment, blending outstanding ingredients from Italy and abroad with the culinary creativity of Columbian-born chef Roy Caceres and Swedish sous chef John Regefalk.

You don't have to travel Paris for authentic macarons thanks to Ladurée on the Upper East Side. These delicate French treats are almost too pretty to eat (but who can resist!). And with a storefront equally as delightful, you might even feel like...

Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Charlotte Patisserie is a great place for coffee, a light lunch, homemade Macarons or dessert. Inexpensive compared to New York prices, this cafe is will be worth the trek on the L train or rock throw away from...

Sometimes the best experiences are the simplest ones. After a couple of business days in Birmingham, my wife and I rented a car and drove out into the Costwalds. We expected to see charming little towns, which we did, but we did not think we'd be...

You can't beat the Original 5 Napkin Burger at this classic spot on Lincoln Road in South Beach. Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, rosemary aioli – need I say more? Yum!

Home-made pie from Berovo, region in Macedonia's north west. It can be appetizer or main dish, if it's appetizer, then you combine it with rakija (grape spirit of Macedonia) and spicy sour peppers. If it's a main dish, then it's best combined with...

“I know it sounds like a bit of an exaggeration, but everything on the menu really is delicious. The food is never fussy, and the ingredients are so fresh. Chef Michael Schwartz does incredible things with fish. I always order the whole fish. For...

These Crabmeat Donuts with Avocado Shooters were one of myriad scrumptious tastes I sampled at the Grand Tasting of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, held over a spring weekend at the Morial Convention Center.

You can never go wrong with ice cream, especially when it's a decadent brownie sundae with a scoop of mint chip and a scoop of banana pudding ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream, cherries, and toasted pecans. The Ice Cream Bar is a your...

It's no wonder that on any given weekday afternoon, the line for ice cream at this legendary San Francisco establishment goes out the door and wraps around the block. Once you try it for yourself, you'll understand: it's just that good. With...

Satomi Sushi is my go-to for sushi. It's a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but the sushi is the best in the area. Rolls come with such creative monikers as the Raiders, 49ers, Satomi, Mango Paradise, and Lion King. The 49ers roll features...

Authentic French fare can be found tucked away in an unassuming strip mall not far from Southdale Center. Patrick Bernet’s eponymous bakery has consistently turned out beautiful French pastries since 2002. The fruit tarts are always vibrant, the...

Salut isn't a buttoned-up French dining experience. Instead it takes a cheekier approach to brasserie classics, as its logo—a beret-wearing frog smoking a cigarette (a Gauloise, no doubt)—implies. The “Américain” refers to the casual spirit of the...

Mitchell's was very well rated online and rightfully so. The restaurant had a lovely atmosphere and pleasant staff. The seafood was extremely fresh and if you asked, they could tell you where it all came from. I would love to go back and eat my...

Doyle's is a great place to go for local, fresh seafood in Dingle. The servers were very friendly and my warm goat cheese salad (pictured) and seafood risotto was absolutely delicious. At my table we also had oysters, seafood chowder and crab...

Da Ilia was recommended as an old-school Milanese restaurant. Sure enough, the place doesn't look like it's changed in 40 years. Classic dishes like veal saltimbocca and carciofi round out the dinner menu. Come here for simple food prepared in an...

You want to find the best banh mi in Saigon - then go where the lines is. There was a huge line at Huynh Hoa on Le Thi Rieng street. It was a little hole in the wall shop, but the stand was packed with locals pulling up on their bike and getting...

The daily spread at this beloved bakery is the stuff of sugar-coated fantasies. Located in the Richmond District, Schubert's has been serving up a sumptuous selection of cookies and pastries for more than a century. The array of elegantly...

If you care to support local organic farmers and sustainable fisheries- while eating delicious food- then Passionfish is your place. The menu changes quite a bit, but they usually seem to have the asparagus fries, which aren't greasy at all. You...

B&B Restaurante, Cascais, Portugal. B&B, or “bom & baratoa,” stands for “good & cheap” in Portuguese. See this fish? Best thing I ate all week. Or maybe ever.

The Bistro is adjacent to Vincent's well regarded fine dining restaurant. The Bistro is both indoors and outdoors and has excellent casual dining for a bargain price. This wonderful little spot is for locals, and the Bistro is hidden from the...

Everything about Fig Tree Restaurant is great. The food is delicious, the menu is creative and eclectic, and the ambiance is memorable thanks to a historic building with a cozy interior and a riverside terrace. We always make a point to eat here...

My search for the world's best ice cream took me to Italy, then to Florence, then to a gelateria called La Carraia, in the neighborhood of Santa Trinita across the river. There, I found a blissful, creamy mix of pistachio and chocolate, the same...

Istanbul's premier music promoters have another trick up their sleeve: a top-floor wine-and-dine hangout overlooking the Golden Horn. The Istanbul Foundation for Arts and Cultures (IKSV) serves a mix of rock, jazz, super-trendy cocktails and...

With the thousands and thousands of pubs that scatter every corner of London, it's hard to pick the bad apples from the basket. Is this one overpriced? Is the food good? Are there just generic ales? Questions that usually remain unanswered unless...

Astro is the brainchild of two childhood friends, Eliot Spaisman and Jeff Halpern, who grew up playing hockey together (one currently plays in the NHL) and would enjoy doughnuts as a post-game treat. An union of two iconic comfort foods, relish in...

The photo says it all. As spoken by a true local. Open 7 days a week from 12 noon until 10pm there is only one shop and one flavor of the week (think coconut, nutella, berries) with unlimited toppings..its 985 fat free, made by a local dairy...

Drinks in the old Charles St. Jail? Kudos to whoever dreamed up the idea to create Alibi in the former "drunk tank" for the City of Boston, a building with a storied past. Set in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, the original floors and brick walls...

Imagine you are in Jodhpur, in a busy and polluted Indian city painted blue. Among the hundreds of small businesses, on one of the streets one can find place titled Spice Paradise. Its a place to buy a magical local spices & to learn how to cook...

Award winning chef Jody Adams has brought the influence of her travels to this neighborhood restaurant. Located at the edge of The Rose Kennedy Greenway, and close to the harbor, this groundbreaking LEED Gold building is a visual delight. Small...

Chef Angel Leon is known as the "chef del mar", chef of the sea, and is gaining fast reputation for his innovation and sustainable fish practices. He's also a pioneer in plankton; serving regular folks like you and I, and teaching us that there...

Modern decor, modern packaging, modern chocolate in an ancient seaside town. Cadiz based Pancracio Chocolates is a forerunner in Spain; products now available at such specialty stores such as Bergdorf Goodman in NYC.

Set on the most trafficked streets of Barcelona, Las Ramblas, lies Escriba a Michelin star worthy bakery and dessert shop specializing in homemade cakes, croissants and edible jewelry. You can sit down for a coffee and pastry, or take a box of...

Sagas is the modern vision of a farmer and entrepreneur. Slow food served fast; homemade sandwiches, special varietals of potatoes, Catalan wines - all make for an enjoyable and sustainable choice in the Born district.

Afternoon Tea at the Lanesborough is a first-class event. The Apsley restaurant room is stunning, with high glassed arched ceilings and tables set to perfection. It is unfortunate the photos do not do it justice. We were given a three-tiered...

Great little place serving brunch from 9h to 22h everyday. Personally, I recommend the Brunch Combo and some of their fresh squeezed orange juice or a mimosa. They also offer delicious coffees and sweets. The carrot cake is amazing! This place is...

In Reykjavik, this cozy restaurant serves delicious Icelandic fare.

Perhaps the most famous chocolate maker from Belgium, and also world famous is Godiva Chocolatier. The company was founded in Belgium but don't let the fact that it is now a Turkish owned chocolatier put you off because everything that they make...

This is Jones—home of the best place to sit outside for happy hour in the city! They have excellent food and even better drink specials. Make sure you sit outside or on the second level deck.

I've done my share of silly things in the name of good food - some of those exploits documented here on AFAR, I'm sure. Standing on a street corner in the pouring rain at 9am waiting for a lunch restaurant to open with 150 other hungry visitors...

When I first came to Lisbon with my husband, friends recommended this restaurant to us. The food was absolutely amazing and the service was pleasantly informal but polite. The restaurant itself looks very nice and is owned by a young couple. The...

Café Sacher is an obvious highlight on anyone’s travel itinerary in Vienna. But don’t be fooled, despite its international fame and success, your experience at Sacher will be one-of-a-kind. The Café and Hotel were founded over a century ago and...

There are many reasons to stay at Hotel de Su Merced in Sucre - the lovely staff, the soft beds, the central location. But the best part of staying here? You can have lemon meringue pie for breakfast every day. It is included in the delicious...

Blink and you’ll miss this tiny Indian-run eatery serving eclectic international fare between Mitte and Prenzlauer Allee along the trendy Kastanienallee. Notable for its upside-down McDonald’s sign (hence the "W" in the name; Der...

Wild Jordan Cafe (Othman bin Afan Street) is a casual restaurant known for its sustainable menu, excellent service and beautiful views of the city. The restaurant is a partnership with the Royal society for the Conservation of Nature RSCN, with a...

When the famous Japanese chef Masaharu Morimoto opened a branch of his eponymous restaurant in downtown Napa it was definitely a game changer for the dining scene, bringing a bit of Vegas-style flash to wine country. To be safe, make a reservation...

This San Francisco food truck specializes in sliders, making miniature pieces of heaven! You can buy them individually or in combos which gives you a chance to pick from five and try them all! There is beek, 2 pork varieties, fried chicken and a...

Right in the thick of studio row in Burbank is Gindi Thai which serves really great Thai food and inventive sushi. It is bright and cheery with lots of light, which is perfect for watching studio executives make or break people's careers as they...

One drizzly December day I came across this intrepid soul teaching archery to a knot of bored preteens in the Czech Republic. I couldn't put my finger on why, exactly, but the scene very much seemed to belong in a tenth story from "Nine Stories."...

The rainy or cold weather can make walking down the famous Strøget in Copenhagen, Denmark in the off-season a little tiring. There's a little bit of magic just off the main walking street in the form of the Royal Cafe. The high pink walls and...

It was my last day in Prague. I had traveled there alone to do research for my fourth book & I had spent a week walking the city. Prague had fed my senses to overflowing already by this point; the architecture, the art, the attention to detail...

I went to Israel for two weeks and I came back at least 10 pounds heavier. My downfall began with a trip to Mahane Yehuda (the “Shuk”), Jerusalem’s oldest and largest market where I discovered Israeli cheese, halva, pastries, cookies, olives,...

The delicious smells wafting from this hole-in-the-wall will woo anyone within a two-block radius. Little Uncle is a tiny shack on Madison Ave. that serves up fantastic Thai "street food" dishes. The menu is tiny (there's always a rotating daily...

How good is the brunch at the Thomas in downtown Napa? So good that sometimes I wake up on a Sunday morning thinking about their banana and nutella-stuffed French toast or the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado...with an egg on top, of...

Albuquerque isn't just the town you (and I) drove through on Route 66 over the years. And, its not just the town you fly to just to drive to Santa Fe. Restaurants like Torinos at Home are sprouting up both within the city, and along the I-35...

Alex Stupak's interpretations of Mexican cuisine are not only delicious, but beautiful. Start with a cocktail: I had the 60/40, a mezcal creation that started with an orange being set aflame in a cocktail glass, and the cocktail was poured over...

The Grind grills its burgers in a 1,000-degree coal-fired oven. Choose from nine varieties, including the Peppercorn with charred onion, matchstick fries, arugula, and a whiskey-peppercorn sauce (pictured). Located in a small corner shopping...

Farmhaus is a foodie's dream come true. Opened in 2010 by Chef Kevin Willmann, this intimate eatery is a crown jewel of St. Louis cuisine. The menu features food that is local, organic, and obtained through sustainable farming practices. The...

The Notorious P.I.G. is going to make you an offer you can't refuse. A mob of pork sausage, bacon, jalapeños, mozzarella, barbecue sauce, and onions congregate upon a sprawling estate of wide, crispy, buttery, thin crust—a lethally ambrosial...

This was simply amazing, three types of smoked fish with fresh lettuce and a wonderful vinaigrette. De Zeebodem restaurant is a must while in Urk. The restaurant is right in the marina so stay outside on the terrace to smell the sea, feel the...

While in Urk, you have to try the sea food and fish at the De Zeebodem restaurant. It is amazing!! Prices are great, 15 euro can buy you this amazing plate of 2 whole fish, fries and salad served with the most amazing tartar sauce I have ever had....

In Vanuatu, a mix of culinary influences have exploded together - from the French who co-ruled the nation with the English, to the Ni Van traditions, to contemporary South East Asia designs. This dish, at Port Vila's Nirvana restaurant is a mix of...

Tacos in Austin are like pizza slices in New York. They’re everywhere. I dined at La Condesa restaurant in buzzing downtown Austin to learn more about quintessential TexMex cuisine. Condesa is known for its hip Latin style and two-story bar...

Whether you call them 'pancakes', 'crepes', or 'pizzas', the delicious creations at the Pancake Bakery are sure to satisfy any hungry traveler. Directly down the street from the Anne Frank House, this restaurant is a small and consistently...

We picked this cafe restaurant by chance and what a good choice it was. The lunch menu had really light but satiable dishes, full of wonderful flavors. I admit, I never do my homework when it comes to places to eat, we just wing it and somehow we...

After walking all day in Giethoorn, in the scorching sun, we had to sit down for a snack and what I thought will be just a sandwich turned out to be this wonderful mix of flavors. Local, slightly melted goat cheese, local honey, walnuts, sun dried...

I've been fascinated recently with this sweet-savory combination. Sorry cupcakes, the doughnut is back, and it has gotten quite the makeover! Before this craze hit D.C., chefs Kyle Bailey and Tiffany MacIssac of Birch and Barley/Churchkey have...

The best meal I had in all of Ireland was at the Winding Stair in Dublin. A clean but eclectic space, the food here is a modern interpretation of traditional Irish dishes made with the best ingredients. Everything is fresh and locally sourced....

With a menu full of unusual entree names like "Limitless Compassion" and "Awakening of Faith," you know this restaurant is not your average place. Andy Nguyen's has been in Sacramento for a long time, happily serving fresh vegan food in an...

Here is one of the many lusciously delicious menu items at August, John Besh's flagship restaurant in New Orleans. And the $20.14 pre-fixe lunch is the best deal in town!

The Chez Panisse of Santa Fe has been helmed by the same Berkeley-bred chef-owner since the 1970s. While the restaurant isn’t for New Mexican food purists, the local dishes are solid and range from classic renditions to enchiladas gussied up with...

Savor Dutch and international dishes expertly paired with wines from around the world at this cozy restaurant in a medieval wharf cellar. The home-made fries are excellent, as are meat and fish main courses, and the warm chocolate cake with fruit...

If you're visiting Lisbon, chances are you'll make your way to nearby Belem to see some age of Discoveries sites like the Tower of Belem or Monastery of Jerónimos. But here's something you must do while you're in the district. Eat pastry. This is...

Michael White of NYC's acclaimed restaurant Marea was one of 46 chefs who gathered on April 22, 2013 in London for Relais & Chateaux's third Dîner des Grand Chefs at Old Billingsgate. The black tie gala brought together chefs from 13 different...

Junoon takes Indian fine dining and elevates it to where it should be. Every flavor is an experience with new and unique creations that manage to maintain authenticity. My meal ended perfectly with rice pudding served like I've never had it...

Uchi takes Japanese cuisine and dials it up a notch. Hama Chili, thinly sliced fresh tuna with chili, soy and grapefruit—who would have thought of such a combination? It's a party in your mouth, truly creative fresh Japanese dining. I'll be going...

The Black Hoof gets a lot of press and for good reason. Their food and concept is different and simply one of the best. From the tongue on brioche, the bone marrow with chimichurri and foie gras with nutella on banana bread (yup...you heard that...

Wether your feet are tired from touring the town, you are craving comfort food, need a glass of rosé in the sun or a Grand Marnier to escape the rain, you'll want to find any available reason to duck inside Le Papillon. Their patio faces the...

When thinking of American food a small, seasonal and well balanced meal isn't what you'd expect but Rouge Tomate serves dishes with modern appeal. Wholesome, locally grown ingredients (thanks to the in-house nutritionist) produce refreshing and...

The former Old Billingsgate fish market in London was the perfect setting for Relais & Chateaux's third Dîner des Grand Chefs. The dinner showcased great U.K. ingredients (Cornish lobster, Welsh free range chicken, Devon crab) so it was fitting...

I just returned from an exploration of Peru. While the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu were very inspiring and captivating, my favorite experience was a local cooking class at A Mi Manera Restaurant in Cusco. We met our local guide, Marcos,...

GT Fish & Oyster is a standout on Chicago’s seafood scene. Run by Michelin-starred chef Giuseppe Tentori, the restaurant serves elevated versions of many classics, including clam chowder with housemade oyster crackers and beer-battered cod with...

This is another Afrikaans term that means so much more than its simple translation. A braai (pronounced ‘bry’) means roasted meat and is used to refer to a barbeque. But it’s much more expansive than that. Braai refers to the social custom of...

After I had finished my shopping in the charming boutiques on Magazine Street, I came to Mayas for their famous mojitos, then decided to stay for dinner. It was early enough that the sidewalks were still uncrowded and I was able to sit outside at...

Biba has long been one of Sacramento's finest restaurants and, despite some serious competition in the city's growing food scene, it still holds its place at the top. It has endured for 27 years by sticking to what it does best: simple, fresh,...

I have yet to spend a night in one of the rooms in this five star hotel, nor have I had the luxury of a spa treatment, but as much as I dine in the restaurant there should be a plaque made in my honor. That is how much I love the Umstead in Cary,...

For French fare at reasonable prices, Mon Ami Gabi is my go to restaurant when it's my turn to pick a restaurant. If you're a breakfast guru you'll especially want to try out their crepes and—my personal favorite—their crab eggs Benedict. Chunks...

Art isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Vegas unless you're familiar with the term kitsch. However, Sin City has always looked to please almost every palate and many impressive art exhibitions and theatre are proving to be a...

I've eaten marinated artichoke hearts out of a jar since my childhood, and while they are a slice of culinary heaven (so to speak), they don't compare to the fresh deliciousness of an oil-soaked, pea and dill stuffed Turkish artichoke. They're...

I went to The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel last year with a group of friends who had just finished a special event and were looking to have a meal to celebrate. We came here ordered from their water menu, ordered plates of manchego,...

If you went to bed in 1950s Venice and woke up in Mr. C Beverly Hills, the only confusion would be where the canals had gone. The first hotel and West Coast outpost from the Cipriani family—of such legendary establishments as Harry’s...

Taormina is an ancient town, with an at-times Bohemian reputation (the writer Harold Acton once referred to Taormina as "a polite synonym for Sodom"). The town sits atop a steep seaside promontory roughly an hour or so south of the port city of...

We discovered this place by pure chance. Last February, on our very fist day at Paris Fashion Week, we didn't know where to eat, so we headed to Place de la Madeleine to visit its amazing gourmet shops and buy some little treats. But in our way we...

The Spanish heritage in the city of St. Augustine, Florida dates back to the landing of Ponce de Leon in 1513. So it makes sense that a Spanish restaurant would thrive here and The Tasting Room has done just that. The Tasting Room's al fresco...

Matias Perdomo is an Argentinian with a preference for Molecular Gastronomy, influenced by such greats as the Roca Brothers and Ferran Adrià, running a kitchen and a dining room overflowing till late into the night in an unusual part of Milan. Far...

My gluten free eating experience in and around the Vougeot area was filled with gorgeous plates of naturally gluten free food. From the dining room at Chateau de Gilly, where I served this delectable trout dish to Tres Girard in Morey Saint Denis,...

Right next to the glorious Arch de Triumph are exquisite shops and street performers lining the pathway to a small location of the most delectable macaroons in the world- Ladurée. One cannot go to Paris without stopping by one of these stores; I...

This is the Check Yo Self cocktail at Extra Fancy in Brooklyn. Don't let the name of the bar fool you. They got it from the side of some condiment bottle. This drink, however, is wonderfully hand-crafted and a full of deep flavor. It’s a mix of...

Any foodie traveling to Paris knows that she had better save up so that she can enjoy some of the world's finest cuisine--and this is Paris so it don't come cheap. Of all the reservations I had in Paris, the restaurant I was most excited to try...

Who needs cupcakes or doughnuts when there is pie? Especially when the pie comes in four-bite-sized portions. The tiny pies come a variety of ways:double crust, cream, and meringue and in a variety of flavors: fruit, pecan, key lime, lemon...

Sip on a delicious mixed drink, local brew, or choose from their incredibly vast whisky, scotch, and moonshine selection at Dram Whiskey Bar. Better yet, try the bacon-infused bourbon cocktail and take a seat outside on their spacious back patio—...

Just a few minutes drive from Munich's BMW Welt, I knew this restaurant was an authentic gem when I meandered in and was greeted by a large table of smiling Germans. Dressed in Lederhosens and Dirndls, they were toasting with German beers and...

At the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley, Chef Ron Salerno and his team have created a signature line of sauces and rib rubs. So many diners enjoyed the chef's unique sauces, they became a popular gift shop item. Salerno says, "Guests try our BBQ...

Park serves the best sushi in the city but they also serve a great brunch, including this absolutely delicious kimchi BLT!

Su no longer serves brunch unfortunately. If you want to travel to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, then the SU brunch will definitely take you there.

This famous and beloved dinner spot emblematic of Mile End is so popular for brunch, you’ll have to leave your name at the door and go for a walk around the neighborhood until they call you for your turn. It’s worth the wait, though; their...

La Chronique opened in 1995 and has regularly been on the lists of Montréal's top restaurants for more than 25 years. Chef/owner Marc De Canck is originally from Belgium but has long been one of the leading figures in the city's culinary...

Technically, this is in Laval, Montreal's north shore, but these falafel are worth the trek. I would even venture to say that they are better than the ones found in Lebanon!

You might gain 500 pounds just at looking at all the wonderful bakery items at Ambrosia Cafe on The Kay in downtown Sacramento! Cakes, pies, cookies and a tiramisu that is too die for, wash it all down with a cup of local coffee or tea and you...

Stay at the budget backpacker's Pun Pun Guesthouse and get a look into what pioneers in the seed-saving world are up to. Then go visit their amazing restaurant (pic of banana flower salad)!

Many of Vietnamese refugees came to Nongkhai so many great VN restaurant. "Tha na porn" is the local well known much chioces much cheaper than a famous one.

Third-generation chef Kimio Nonaga was the 2002 Iron Chef champion from the original program. Dine kappō-style at the counter and watch as Nonaga-san works with seasonal seafood in front of the diners. Open for lunch as well. Just minutes from ...

I thought I made a pretty good grilled cheese. Then I went to the Shutters Hotel. Their restaurant, Coast is perfectly named as it’s ideally situated beneath the hotel, along the California coast. Since I only went for lunch, ordering tomato soup,...

This place makes stunning flavors, from Blackberry with Creme de Mur to Burnt Tufnell Park Honey with Pistachio. They have frozen sponge and mini Baked Alaska.

The Primrose Hill location is my original favorite, but the one in Hamstead Heath is equally lovely. The homemade marmalade (with grapefruit and seville oranges) is amazing. And they have prepared and packaged treats to take away. The design is...

One of my favorite places in London since it opened, a gem hidden in a Tom Dixon furniture showroom...Stevie Parle does wonders with seasonal menus and the carefully kept recipes from his travels. The fixed menu is often amazing, and you must book...

Disneyland isn't just for kids so while your little tyke takes hours dressing a bear at the Build-a-Bear workshop stop in at the Uva wine bar where you can watch them from afar as you sip some California wine and nibble on something that isn't...

If you happen to be a cheese fanatic in Toronto, do yourself a favor and head to Cheesewerks, in the heart of the fashion district. Not only is this place entirely dedicated to cheese, it's also very much into homemade treats and quality foods....

Flour is the kind of Boston bakery worth a visit—or two. While they're famed for sticky buns, it's not their sweetly glazed, pecan covered pastries that keep residents coming back. It's their on-site homestyle baking that makes every crust, bread,...

You'll pass by farmland and vineyards as you drive the backroads to get to this cozy cabin-in-the-woods feeling restaurant. As soon as you walk in to the Röschti Farm, the audible crackle and the savory smell of potato pancakes welcomes you. This...

Scape the city center and venture into the elegant neighborhoods of the Zona Alta of Barcelona to indulge in the finest chocolates you can find in town.

When I think of apple pie, I think of Bob Dylan, middle America, red and white checkered table cloth and long summer days. Who would have thought the best apple pie and the one I dream about is from Winkel in Amsterdam. The Dutch version of an...

This place looks more like a jewelry place than a cake shop. When I finish my tours in the Born district, I can't hardly stop myself from heading there to reward me for a good job done (and when I'm with clients and we pass by, they NEED to see...

Dinner at El Mollete Taberna was my most memorable meal during a solo trip to Spain last year. This tiny Tapas bar is run by an amazing family and their passion for food and wine comes through in every bite. The family tucked me in at the bar, set...

Chef Vitaly Paley is one of the best chefs in town. I recommend his restaurant in the NW 23rd area to all of my out-of-town friends. Great intimate dining room and not-to-miss desserts. Check them out on Wine Wednesdays for a special treat.

Best known as the home of Brunello, the classic Tuscan winemaking town of Montalcino is also a lovely place to wander around for day, taking in sites like the baroque Church of Saint Bernard and the 16th-century Palazzo Avignonesi. At its heyday,...

Macabuca, the sister restaurant to the Cracked Conch, is a beachside gem. Located on the northwest point of the island, Macabuca offers prime snorkeling & diving, lunch and dinner service, live music, and—bottom line—it's a beautiful place to...

Storefront Company is a new addition to the Chicago dining scene. Outfitted in austere black and white decor, with an industrial looking mural on the main wall, this place delivers with some outstanding food and drink selections. The service is...

Next is famous for its ever-changing theme menus. The most recent is "The World's 50 Best Restaurants," featuring dishes created by the world's best chefs and curated by the Next team. When I was there we ate the centerpiece, and the floating...

Puglia maintains a strong grasp on the simple life. It's here that you can still find old-world shepherds, cheese makers, butchers and hand-picked olive farmers. This personal touch is why the food in this area is of the highest standard in all of...

We ate well during a visit to Paris in May, 2013. This bonito entree (appetizer) at the pop-up restaurant Clandestino in the 12th arrondissement, was outstanding. The fish was fresh and barely seared on the outside, the sauce and the Japanese...

Try something different and experience wildlife on board a traditional Icelandic schooner operated by North Sailing Húsavík.The crew is fun and very knowledgeable. They take you to Lundey, the Puffin Island, as well as the traditional whale...

Italian cafés abound in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, but few match the quality of A. Cavalli & Co. Tucked away on Stockton Street, the former Italian bookstore serves a short list of housemade desserts: tiramisu, panna cotta,...

Kitcho has 3 Michelin stars and they serve Kaiseki style meals in private dining rooms facing formal Japanese gardens. Our Kitcho adventure involved a tight time frame, a frantic run to the bullet train and the most luxurious meal I've ever had...

As you enter Barcelona's famous Mercat de Sant Josep de La Boqueria from La Rambla, one of the first stalls you encounter is Tocineria Marcos, purveyors of Iberico ham and a stunning array of other cured, cooked, and fresh meats. It's just one of...

When I first heard that our group was eating at a restaurant called Recess, I immediately thought of a playground. As it turns out, the chef decided to name the joint Recess because that's how he feels when he's in the kitchen creating new dishes....

Huntsville's favorite chef, the renowned James Boyce, opened his Cotton Row restaurant in 2008 and it has become the cornerstone of the city's fine dining and modern cuisine. The menu changes based on freshest available ingredients. Chef Boyce and...

You know you have found Tian Tian at the Maxwell Road Food Center when you see the line of people waiting for tender chicken. If there is one dish that can be considered the national dish of Singapore, this is it. The chicken is boiled until it is...

Most people don't think of donuts when they think of Singapore cuisine, but these heavenly donuts changed my mind. Soft and fresh, without being too sweet, they taste like air on the tongue. The donuts look like artwork, to the point where I was...

The Farm is at once a relaxed, down-to-earth night out, and a surreal dining experience. Adding to the allure of the place are the botanical gardens, waterways and lakes that surround the dining areas, giving you a sense of connection to nature—a...

Situated on the second story of a building overlooking a busy street in Prague, Cafe Louvre is a quiet respite. Full of clinking glasses, high backed chairs, and lofty ceilings, the atmosphere is light and elegant. I was delighted to see pancakes...

Originally built as a residence for Prince Philip of Württemberg in 1863, this grand structure was opened as the Hotel Imperial in 1873. It indeed still resembles a palace, with Greek statues, chandeliers, and high, intricately designed...

Don’t come to Nobuo expecting rice and sushi rolls. What you’ll find instead is fresh, mind-blowing sashimi—like hamachi with grapefruit, avocado, and white truffle ponzu—and heartier bites including fried shrimp,...

Browns bar & Brasserie is located in the Bull Ring, right next to St. Martin's Church. They serve a pretty good variety of dishes. We tried a few, the crab and avocado stack, the lobster tagliatelle, carpaccio of seared tuna and the teriyaki sea...

After a long day of hiking, biking, running, and rafting my body usually craves something healthy but also satisfying. I found my perfect summer dish at Element 47, the newly remodeled restaurant at the Little Nell. Don't be fooled by the simple...

On a trip to Hong Kong a couple of years ago I dined at Ming Court, which was at the time a 2 Michelin star restaurant, located on the 3rd floor of the Langham Place Hotel in Mong Kok on the Kowloon side. I went with the "Frog Trio," which...

Locanda’s reputation for authentic Roman food and fresh, local ingredients was already established long before it opened in 2005; this is, after all, a part of the small group of renowned restaurants opened by Craig and Annie Stoll of Delfina,...

Le Berthier is the fine-dining restaurant at the Hotel Chateau Cléry (see my review in another highlight). It's well worth a visit, whether you are staying at the hotel or not. If the weather permits, begin with a drink in the sunny garden, where...

Joy Road Catering has fast become a legendary Okanagan experience for their al fresco dinners within vineyards and passion for the unique produce and food of the Okanagan terroir. Each menu is different, the ingredients are seasonal and created to...

One of the most decadent dishes I've eaten in recent memory, this creamy risotto was topped not only with wonderfully flavorful carciofi, or fried artichokes, but also with a liberal serving of caviar. The setting--in the spectacular restaurant in...

My sweets Achilles' tendon is lemon and Second Avenue Sweets has a scrumptious lemon chiffon cupcake with the perfect amount of icing. Pictured with carrot cake, they also have coconut cream scones, a Friday-only hollow egg bread, numerous citrus...

One of the cool things about Level Lounge is that it tries to source most of its ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, and it's one of a few restaurants doing this in Annapolis, in addition to waste recycling and other eco-friendly...

With an emphasis on Mediterranean-inspired fare and boasting an approachably elegant feel, NEXT has become a favorite of local diners. A glance at the menu reveals thoughful, chef-crafted flatbreads, soups, salads and full entrees, all at...

Tucked away by the Wine Bar at the Lab in Costa Mesa, Old Vine Cafe is one of those hidden gems in the Orange County dining circuit, with both tasting and a la carte menus. The service was excellent and our waiter's vast knowledge of wine was...

On our recent trip to France we had the best ice cream we’ve had. Ever. Anywhere. We chanced on Fenocchio while we were driving along the French Riviera. On probing a couple of locals, we found out that it is something of an institution in Nice....

You may not know but British Columbia has a wine region that is a worthy rival of Napa and Tuscany. Mission Hill Winery is one of the stellar estates that not only has some of the best wine in Canada but also serves the best food with matching...

Food is always better when it's pretty. Kevin Taylor, a big name chef in Denver, offers up a six-course dinner with food that looks like art. Colorful veggies served like checker boards, whipped purple potatoes, and cantaloupe sorbet orange enough...

Roka Akor, the newest restaurant to bring robata to San Francisco, recently opened in Jackson Square. There are other locations in Scottsdale and London. The San Francisco space—built out in beautiful wood and concrete—revolves around an open...

Lauded for its outstanding desserts and for being one of Dallas' new, hip restaurants, this Italian-food source quickly developed a loyal following of diners. And why not? Between Princi's robust brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, the ambience at...

Tucked away in its eponymous location inside the Westin Galleria Dallas, this restaurant is a sleek, sexy retreat. The kitchen is putting an elegant, global spin on American cuisine favorites, turning out lovely plates like a pancetta-laced...

For a unique dining experience, try Divan—a Mediterranean restaurant and hookah lounge. Guests are transported to Arabia, surrounded by pillows and curtains. Order small bites like the lamb kufta and hummus while you smoke the hookah. Divan also...

Located next to the old offices of the Danish National Public Radio and Broadcasting, Restaurant Radio takes on a very locavore approach and incorporates many ideals from Claus Meyer's New Nordic Food Movement (not surprisingly, Meyer is a...

Step inside Mari Vanna, and the first thing that strikes you is the feminine décor. The place looks like what I imagine a Russian grandmother’s house to be—lots of flowery wallpaper, crocheted lampshades, shabby chic furniture, lace tablecloths,...

Chef Martin Picard is one of the leaders of Montréal's restaurant scene, introducing diners—and other chefs—to a new appreciation of the bounty of local ingredients grown and produced in Québec. (He is also a television celebrity...

Bleu Restaurant and Lounge isn't the type of eatery sports fans might consider for a pregame meal. But its location off the lobby of the Westin Memphis Beale Street Hotel across the street from FedExForum makes Bleu the perfect spot to serve...

Hotel Hofgarten is a warm, welcoming establishment housed in one of Lucerne's oldest manor houses. From the outside, the restaurant looks like a casual pub, but the minute you enter, you sense the elegance housed inside. The space is light and...

The fun and interactive fine-dining experience of Travail Kitchen & Amusements will be extended with the opening of Travail 2.0 in a larger new location, thanks to a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised its goal of $75,000 in just...

At Victory 44, there are no servers, only chefs, so each dish you order comes with a personal, thorough description from the man or woman who cooked it. The high-quality items, like the dates-and-bacon Devils On Horseback, all have their own...

Featuring a German-folklore-inspired name, Tilia delivers delicious dishes and shared plates, like the Today’s Potted Meat “confit” spread, daily hand-rolled pasta, and soups with surprise ingredients that pop. This homey neighborhood spot has 21...

The red walls and dark wood railings hold a hint of the ethnicity of the menu - Moroccan lanterns, Vietnamese wood carvings, and African masks. The menu includes savory dishes from the former French colonies served with a gourmet flourish. On my...