When you have an empire of more than two dozen restaurants spanning the globe, you can hardly blame Nobu Matsuhisa for not logging a lot of face time at this tiny Aspen location. You can, however, count on seeing him there during the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, usually the second week of June. … Continued
If you’re tired of a weekend laced with smoked brisket, ribs and hot links, Austin is pleased to offer quite a bit more. These two sister restaurants offer quite a departure. Uchi is the refined older sibling, offering contemporary Japanese dining and sushi; Uchiko is the younger upstart, with its Japanese farmhouse menu, as well … Continued
Tucked away in Dorchester, a 15 minute car ride from the North End, you might ask if Banh Mi Ba Le is worth the trip. The answer is a resounding yes. Their fresh ingredients and proprietary artisan baguette have earned them the distinction of being the #1 Vietnamese sandwich in Boston. And how much for … Continued
A hybrid of traditional New England shore food and creative, seasonally influenced seafood makes Island Creek Oyster Bar stand out from the crowd of Boston seafood restaurants. With fish selections and oyster lists changing daily based on what’s coming out of the water, it could only be fresher if you caught it yourself. The namesake … Continued
Sportello serves up a sleek, modern take on the classic Italian dinner with its fresh, trattoria-inspired dishes designed by award-winning chef Barbara Lynch. One of my favorite, all-time affogatos served here. Also, the Bolognese is off-the-charts. Sportello 348 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210; (617) 737-1234
Like many great barbecue joints in Central Texas, you have to drive a little bit outside of Austin to reach them. Cooper’s, in Llano, is worth the drive. The proteins are presented directly on the enormous pit smokers for diners; you choose what looks good, they weigh it, you sit down and eat it. Hot … Continued
While everyone (mostly out-of-owners) goes gaga for Franklin, locals know that La Barbecue, named for LeAnn Mueller, is just as good, if not better than Franklin (mostly because the line isn’t as ridiculously long). Pit master John Lewis knows how to slowly coax the best from brisket and ribs by low, slow smoking, and while … Continued
Paul Qui combines his French and Japanese training with his Filipino heritage at this very personal restaurant on East 6th Street. In a town of barbecue, his is food worth seeking out. Yes, you’ll find crispy pig’s head and a lumpia (egg roll) taco with pork and fried shrimp, but you’ll also see delicate kanpachi … Continued
I realize Mueller isn’t actually in Austin proper, but it’s an easy 40 minute drive to Taylor, TX, and it’s well worth your time. Mueller is to Central Texas barbecue what Malnati’s is to Chicago deep dish: the standard by which all followers have based their original recipe. Aaron Franklin was inspired by the pits … Continued
You can certainly eat here – they’ve upgraded both the fine dining and the more casual menu outside on the lawn – but if you have the budget, by all means stay at the Jerome as well. I love its location, just a few minutes’ walk from the start of the Rio Grande bike/walking trail, … Continued
There are so many upscale restaurants in Aspen – most with tasting menus and breath-taking wine lists – that it’s hard sometimes to just find a great burger and a beer. You have to remember, most of the people working in Aspen are in their 20s, so there are great, affordable joints scattered around town. … Continued