Two locations in Miami, but I love the Wynwood location, because you can walk around the galleries, check out the super cool murals and then stop in for a cold brew or an expertly-pulled espresso. The owners are originally from Portland, OR, so you know they’re into their beans and their roasting techniques. Panther Coffee … Continued
This charming, totally local sandwich shop is exactly the break I needed from the overpriced garbage in Mid-Beach. Take the Causeway across, and instead of heading up to the Design District, Enriqueta’s is just a few blocks South, almost as soon as you get onto the mainland. Think batidos (fruit shakes), Cuban sandwiches and deep-fried … Continued
What is a frita, you might ask? Think of a Cuban Sloppy Joe, topped with tiny, shoestring fried potatoes, served on a hamburger bun, and you’re pretty close. A good friend from Miami (also Cuban) turned me onto this place near Little Havana, far from the tourist traps and other well-worn destinations. This is truly … Continued
One of my all-time favorite places in Miami. There are seven locations in the area, but the one I go to is only about 10 minutes south of the airport, in Little Havana. El Palacio is where you need to go to get a true sense (and flavor) of the ex-pat Cuban community. The sandwich … Continued
Two years ago, I embarked on a magical, fatty/crispy sojourn to Beijing, in search of the real Peking duck. Nearly every great restaurant I visited had their own procedure – be it air hose between skin and meat, large fan for blowing on and drying out the ducks or poaching in hot water for 30 … Continued
Just off the Capitol Square, Marigold is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch or brunch. The egg dishes are hearty and the produce is as local and seasonal as it gets. Also great for small groups, but be warned: it’s super-busy on weekends. Marigold Kitchen 118 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI; 608-661-5559
How committed is Wise Acre to its produce? They actually farm themselves, so “farm-fresh” isn’t just a marketing term. I’ve been for both dinner and brunch, and have been pleased both times, seeing how they use only what’s in season and what’s available. Wise Acre Eatery 5401 Nicollet Ave. S.; 612-354-2577
When in Lima, you will certainly be spending time in the cebicherias. These afternoons-only restaurants are loud, boisterous, and typically show off the fish they’ve picked up at the market that morning. Places like La Mar and El Mercado are usually only open from 12 – 5 p.m. We happened to get a table at … Continued
One of my all-time favorite restaurants, anywhere. This Little Burgundy hideaway along Notre-Dame serves up steaks and seafood with a nod to 19th century innkeeper and Montreal working class hero Charles “Joe Beef” McKeirnan. Think platters of oysters, headcheese, lobster spaghetti, oh hell, just eat whatever they tell you to. Don’t bring picky eaters! Joe … Continued
During the early part of the 20th Century, as Chicago’s ethnic enclaves continued to settle into their respective landing zones, The Polish Triangle – at the nexus of Ashland, Division and Milwaukee – was a hub of ex-pat activity. Sadly, most of their descendants have moved well beyond that original settlement, to the Northwest and … Continued
Like all great sandwiches, the Cubano is a remarkable creation marrying flavorful proteins, satisfying condiments and crunchy textures. But unlike its Vietnamese cousin, the banh mi, or its Italian brethren – featuring slow-roasted beef slammed between sturdy loaves and draped in a bracing giardiniera – the Cuban sandwich has something the others don’t: griddled bread.