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
In a tiny Chinatown storefront, the outside doesn’t look like much, but inside, a family-run restaurant features the nuanced dishes from Xi’an. The two stars: handmade noodles – made in two distinctive ways – plus a homemade bun stuffed with ground lamb and cumin that is completely unique to Chicago.
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
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
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
It had been awhile since I ventured into Katy’s Dumpling House in Westmont. A few weeks ago, I had tried, but arrived just as they were closing. On Saturday, however, my son’s soccer game ended nearby at 7 p.m., so we had plenty of time (why the Chicago City team plays in Westmont every week … Continued
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
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
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
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