Currently browsing Restaurants

Le Bernardin

Eric Ripert can do no wrong at the 20 year-old Le Bernardin, originally opened by Brittany-born Maguy le Coze with her brother, Chef Gilbert le Coze. When Gilbert passed away, Ripert took over and has only elevated the cuisine even more. This is one of the best places in New York City to go for … Continued

Buca Yorkville

Rob Gentile is one of Toronto’s brightest stars. He cooks with vigor and passion and is on the road several times a year, always learning and expanding his repertoire. A night at Buca Yorkville, adjacent to the Four Seasons in the toniest of Toronto’s neighborhoods, is a night to let the kitchen cook for you. … Continued

Bar Raval

I’m a big fan of Bar Isabel, so when I heard they were opening a tapas bar, I had pretty high hopes. It delivered on all of them. The biggest problem here is making decisions, and be careful, because your eyes will be bigger than your stomach. Many of the items are laid out on … Continued

Fat Pasha

At its core, Fat Pasha is “tasty Jew food” as my colleague Chris Nuttall-Smith explained. The food critic for the Globe and Mail fell in love with this place, as did I, and it wasn’t just because of the incredible hummus covered in seasonal greens, herbs and vegetables, or the whole-roasted head of cauliflower. You … Continued

Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery

An inspired French bakery from Chef Andrew Carmellini (The Dutch, Locanda Verde) and Pastry Chef Jen Yee, serving a wondrous tartine, among many other French temptations. His tartare is also a wondrous thing of beauty. Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery 380 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 (212) 533-3000

L’Etoile

Upscale American and the first restaurant in town to promote sustainable, organic produce from the region. This is the special occasion place you make your parents take you when they visit, since they have literally hundreds of wine bottles in their cellar. L’Etoile 1 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI (on the Capital Square); 608-251-0500

The Bachelor Farmer

Brunch! Come for brunch, without question, but there’s no shame in coming for dinner either. The menu tends to lean toward the owners’ Nordic roots – as well as the region of the North (please, don’t say Upper Midwest) utilizing the produce, grains and proteins from the surrounding area. But make no mistake, on a … Continued

112 Eatery

One of my favorite places in Minneapolis, I’ve sent dozens of people here and never heard a complaint. It’s a little rustic, a little modern, a little Italian and a little New American. As much as I love their sweet & sour crab salad, prawns with rooster mayo and lamb ribs, I’m just as much … Continued

Nong’s Khao Man Gai

Chef Nong Poonsukwattana understands the value of doing one thing really well. That’s why you’ll only find the titular Khao Man Gai (chicken and rice) on her menu. It may not sound like much, but crafting one dish with stellar ingredients makes Khao Man Gai a standout in the Portland food scene. Nong’s Khao Man Gai … Continued