Lardo
What started as one of Portland’s many food carts is now a thriving sandwich shop that serves up a pork-centric menu and impressive beer list in three locations. Lardo 1212 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214; (503) 234-7786
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Quoddy Bay Lobster
Located several hours north of Portland in Eastport, Quoddy Bay Lobster is worth stopping by if you’re in the area. You’re guaranteed the freshest catch at this family owned seafood market and eatery with stunning views of the water. Quoddy Bay Lobster 7 Sea Street, Eastport, ME 04631; (207) 853-6640
Hell’s Kitchen
They call themselves the “New American Breakfast” and I say go, especially if you’re staying downtown. There’s usually live music during weekend brunch in the subterranean space. The food has both a quirky sense of humor but also a few touches you won’t find outside of Minnesota, like grains and corn dishes featuring Native American … Continued
Spoon and Stable
New York City’s loss is the Twin Cities’ gain. Bloomington native Gavin Kaysen moved back home in 2014, after spending eight years working for Daniel Boulud in New York, running the kitchen at Cafe Boulud, among others. He brings French-inspired dishes but with top-quality American ingredients, all served in a very chic converted office building … Continued
Portland Lobster Company
This old school Maine seafood shack serves up the freshest seafood and their top-notch lobster rolls along with live music, cold beer, and a view of the Portland Harbor. If you’re looking for the freshest lobster dinner you’ve ever had, you can buy a lobster from Lucky Catch Cruises across the pier and they’ll cook … Continued
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
This charming, totally local sandwich shop is exactly the break I needed from the overpriced garbage in Mid-Beach. Take the Causeway across, and instead of heading up to the Design District, Enriqueta’s is just a few blocks South, almost as soon as you get onto the mainland. Think batidos (fruit shakes), Cuban sandwiches and deep-fried … Continued
El Mago de las Fritas
What is a frita, you might ask? Think of a Cuban Sloppy Joe, topped with tiny, shoestring fried potatoes, served on a hamburger bun, and you’re pretty close. A good friend from Miami (also Cuban) turned me onto this place near Little Havana, far from the tourist traps and other well-worn destinations. This is truly … Continued
Marigold Kitchen
Just off the Capitol Square, Marigold is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch or brunch. The egg dishes are hearty and the produce is as local and seasonal as it gets. Also great for small groups, but be warned: it’s super-busy on weekends. Marigold Kitchen 118 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI; 608-661-5559
Wise Acre Eatery
How committed is Wise Acre to its produce? They actually farm themselves, so “farm-fresh” isn’t just a marketing term. I’ve been for both dinner and brunch, and have been pleased both times, seeing how they use only what’s in season and what’s available. Wise Acre Eatery 5401 Nicollet Ave. S.; 612-354-2577
Ceviche at El Mercado
When in Lima, you will certainly be spending time in the cebicherias. These afternoons-only restaurants are loud, boisterous, and typically show off the fish they’ve picked up at the market that morning. Places like La Mar and El Mercado are usually only open from 12 – 5 p.m. We happened to get a table at … Continued
Joe Beef
One of my all-time favorite restaurants, anywhere. This Little Burgundy hideaway along Notre-Dame serves up steaks and seafood with a nod to 19th century innkeeper and Montreal working class hero Charles “Joe Beef” McKeirnan. Think platters of oysters, headcheese, lobster spaghetti, oh hell, just eat whatever they tell you to. Don’t bring picky eaters! Joe … Continued