Dale Talde’s namesake Brooklyn restaurant, he fuses his Filipino upbringing in Chicago with his Asian travels and his NYC/Top Chef experiences, to create a menu that is thoroughly delicious. Talde 369 7th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215; (347) 916-0031
The elegant Eleven Madison Park, open since 1998 under Danny Meyer’s guidance, continues to shine under the helm of Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara. It’s a tasting menu-only format that weaves through the history of NYC. Make sure you have plenty of room left on your credit card. Eleven Madison Park 11 Madison Ave., … Continued
Dim sum with a farm-to-table mindset. Really fun space, casual, and perennially packed, so try to get a reso, otherwise put your name in and go for a stroll while you wait. Red Farm 529 Hudson St., New York, NYC 10014; (212) 792-9700
The 1930s East meets West, through the cuisine and culture of Shanghai. Located far from Chinatown, this is one of my favorite neighborhood spots, in a neighborhood not known for its Chinese food. Café China 13 E 37th St., New York, NY 10014; (212) 924-0818
This relatively swanky Northern Indian restaurant near Covent Garden may look like it’s for tourists, but when I saw a half-dozen serious Indian men all dressed in blazers during my lunch, I knew the kitchen wouldn’t be dialing down the garam masala on my account. It’s a culinary journey down India’s Grand Trunk Road, and … Continued
Located in San Isidro, this restaurant is actually situated on the ground floor of chef and owner Javier Wong’s apartment, in what used to be his garage, and the mass of pictures of him with famous faces like Bourdain and Ripert signal you’re in for something special. Guess what? You’re not. DO NOT, I repeat, … Continued
Lobster rolls at The Clam Digger, St. Andrews, New Brunswick Click below to hear my report on lobster rolls from Canada vs. Maine
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the U.S. and I’m not exaggerating. Eventide Oyster Co. combines the freshest shellfish straight from the Gulf of Maine with an airy, nautical atmosphere (that’s not in the least bit cheesy) for a fresh take on the traditional American oyster bar. Get the lobster rolls with brown … Continued
It’s worth venturing outside the city of Portland to visit The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, an award winning restaurant and local landmark since the 1920s. The Lobster Shack is as acclaimed for its fresh lobster and other seafood as it is for its incredible lighthouse and ocean views. Don’t miss this if you’re in … Continued
Located about 20-30 min. outside of Portland, this family-owned seafood joint and lobster pound offers fresh lobster rolls, shrimp, clams, and scallops along with harbor views where you can see the family’s fishing boats bringing in the daily catch. You can enjoy a fresh caught and cooked lobster, or bring a live one home. You’ll … Continued
One of my favorite places to visit as a student, and continues to be one of the best burger and fry combos anywhere. Be sure to get their onions rings and fried cheese curds, to go along with one of the local beers on tap. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry 317 N. Frances St., Madison, WI; 608-259-0000