Don’t judge a book by its cover. Just because Kin Khao is tucked away in the corner of a corporate-looking hotel near Union Square, doesn’t mean you’re not going to find the bold, funky, spicy flavors from Thailand. Owner Pim Techamuanvivit’s background as a food blogger and writer seeps into every nook and cranny of … Continued
This modern incarnation of a 1950’s Bakersfield, CA honky-tonk serves up traditional southern dishes with a little bit of modern flair. Great bourbon list, and if you ask politely, they might even break out the really rare stuff. The Silver Dollar 1761 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206; (502) 259-9540
610 Magnolia offers a seasonal prix-fixe menu of inventive southern cuisine crafted from locally-sourced, organic ingredients. With only one seating nightly, guests have the opportunity to savor the elegant, rustic atmosphere and enjoy a leisurely 4-course dinner crafted by acclaimed chef Edward Lee (a Brooklyn-born Korean American who has made Louisville his adopted home). 610 … Continued
El Camino brings the flavors and energy of SoCal to Louisville. Be sure to check out their artisan tiki cocktails. Former Bayless/Topolobampo chef Brian Enyart consulted on their opening and got the initial menu underway. Outdoor fire pits are key on chilly nights. El Camino 1314 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40204; (502) 454-5417
Located in Surquillo – not far from Al Toke Pez, another of my favorites – La Picantería is one of many great restaurants in Lima open only for lunch (11 am – 5 pm). The emphasis is on family-style eating, however, so bring the gang, hang out in the cozy little bar with a few … Continued
If you want to know where the truly food-obsessed go for a great local eating experience, just ask a chef. I asked plenty on my visit, and they all agreed on one thing: Al Toke Pez. In the Surquillo District, the blink-and-you-miss-it storefront has just a handful of seats, all directed at chef/owner Tomas Matsufuji. … Continued
Chef Gaston Acurio knows how to spread the gospel of his beloved Peru. He’s got nine restaurants; some only in Lima, like his flagship fine dining Astrid & Gastón (skip it), but also more casual projects with locations outside of Lima, like Tanta (with a location in Chicago) and la mar cebichería peruana, which has … Continued
Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura’s father was from Osaka; his mother, from Peru. That mixture, known as “Nikkei,” results in dishes that marry both cultures. He draws extensively from the nearby Pacific Ocean, going to the fish market daily, then integrating that incredibly fresh seafood with the herbs, roots and vegetables that are found in Peru. Open … Continued
Chef Virgilio Martinez is part of the next wave of fine-dining in not only Peru, but in Latin America. Named the #1 restaurant at the 2014 Latin American 50 Best Restaurants, his menu explores the cuisine from the various elevations of Peru, from the abundant ocean to the highlands of the Andes. The nice thing here … Continued
April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman‘s quintessential gastropub set a high standard for the genre. Super late-night menu, so if you’re hungry after hitting the bars, this is the place to hit in the West Village. The Spotted Pig 314 W. 11th St., New York, NY 10014; (212) 620-0393
What could David Chang possibly do wrong? His mini-empire does cookies as well as it does noodles, dumplings, and here – country hams, pork, raw seafood, oysters and rotisserie duck. Momofuku Ssam Bar 207 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10003; (212) 254-3500