Mistral, South End
Chef Jamie Mammano has an impressive pedigree; a graduate of the Culinary Institute of New York, he’s worked as chef to the United States Ambassador to Spain, and in the kitchens of Four Seasons Hotels in Washington DC, Seattle, Chicago and Boston. But in 1997, he finally decided it was time to open his own restaurant, and he’s been wowing the Boston dining scene ever since. Mistral’s Provence-style décor, high ceilings and arched floor-to-ceiling windows, set the scene for dazzling contemporary French cuisine—a la roast sirloin au poivre, with potato-leek gratin, cognac and peppercorns—and a commendable wine list with some moderately priced gems. The food is pricey, but very good.
223 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116 | +1 617 867 9300 | www.mistralbistro.com

O Ya, Leather District
Sushi lovers with an expense account or those looking to impress a date will not be disappointed by Boston’s newest, and by all accounts best, Japanese restaurant—which happens to be helmed by two talented Americans. Once you find the discreet door of the former brick firehouse in downtown’s Leather District, be prepared to wait for one of the 20 tables or bar seats in the dark, narrow and sparsely decorated restaurant (reservations are taken for large groups only). Chef Tim Cushman raises the bar for raw fish artistry and his wife is a certified sake sommelier, which explains why none other than “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto was spotted there recently. Only one complaint: the innovative desserts are sushi-size, so don’t bother sharing!
9 East Street, Boston, MA 02111 | +1 617 654 9900

L’Espalier, Back Bay
Named Best Chef: Northeast in the 2007 James Beard Foundation Awards, Frank McClelland continues to lead the way in sophisticated and contemporary New England-French cuisine in his brilliant Back Bay restaurant on the corner of Gloucester and Newbury streets. Set on three levels (Front Room, Salon and Library) in a classic Back Bay mansion, L’Espalier offers prix-fixe, multi-course, and chef’s tasting menus for lunch and dinner—the perfect venue for a special occasion. It’s a semi-formal affair (jacket and tie are encouraged, but not required), setting the scene for a memorable meal by one of the best chefs in America. Weekly tastings and seminars also make the wine staff among the most knowledgeable in the industry.
30 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA 02115 | +1 617 262 3023 | www.lespalier.com

Sel de la Terre, State Street
Chef Geoff Gardner spent nine years working as sous chef to Frank McClelland at L’Espalier, and the magic has clearly rubbed off. This super restaurant on Boston’s downtown waterfront (next to the New England Aquarium) offers New England cuisine with a French Provencal twist, using the freshest local produce. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable—dark mahogany tables, stone floors, ceiling beams, an antique bar, and a seasonal patio—filled with the aroma of just-baked specialty breads that are on display and for sale in the boulangerie. The service is efficient, the wine list extensive and the food divine. Love it.
255 State Street, Boston, MA 02109 | +1 617 720 1300 |www.seldelaterre.com

Hamersley’s, South End
Another Boston classic in the city’s trendy South End, Hamersley’s has done nothing but grow in the past two decades—in size, stature and reputation—yet still offers a very familiar neighborhood atmosphere. Chef/owner Gordon Hamersley can often be seen in the open kitchen (be warned, it can get noisy if you’re seated close by), turning out signature dishes like roast chicken with garlic, lemon and parsley, and more intriguing couplings like peaches and mint. The restaurant attracts a local and out-of-town crowd, from jeans to little back dresses, ideal for an end-of-the-week wind down or romantic dinner a deux.
553 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116 | +1 617 423 2700 | www.hamersleysbistro.com

East Coast Grill and Raw Bar, Cambridge
As chef Chris Schlesinger openly admits, East Coast Grill is the culmination of a misspent youth chasing tropical waves, temperatures and anything he could catch from the ocean. The result is a wonderful seafood grill and raw bar in Cambridge, just outside Boston. This neighborhood restaurant attracts a loyal clientele lured by ocean-fresh seafood, exotic spices, and a hotter-than-hell grill that sends BBQ aromas wafting across the restaurant. Mix in a raw bar, great cocktails, and a lively and conscientious waitstaff, and you have the sort of New England restaurant that rarely fails to deliver—ideal for a TGIF dinner with friends.
1269 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 | +1 617 491 6568 | eastcoastgrill.net

Eastern Standard, Kenmore Square
I love this French-style brasserie, reminiscent of a grand Parisian train station, that has helped transform the Kenmore Square end of Commonwealth Avenue from a once-seedy neighborhood into one of Boston’s great new social hubs. From the street-front covered patio to the massive bar—delivering fabulous cocktails created by one of America’s top mixologists Jackson Cannon—and lively dining room, Eastern Standard offers contemporary European and New England cuisine in terrific style. The signature veal schnitzel, beef Wellington, and mussel (or steak) frites keep the crowds coming back. If nothing else, drop by for one of Cannon’s award-winning cocktails.
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Kenmore Square, Boston MA 02215 | +1 617 532 9100 | www.easternstandardboston.com

Pigalle, Theater District
Chef Marc Orfaly scored a nomination in the 2007 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northeast, a fitting testament to the fantastic job he does at Pigalle, an innovative French bistro in the heart of Boston’s Theater District. Love the Parisian-style décor—rich chestnut and chocolate, banquettes and rugs, sconces and curves—that perfectly complements Orfaly’s mouth-watering dishes (his seasonal cassoulet is one of the best in Boston). Think classic French with a twist of the Middle East and Asia, backed by a razor-sharp floor staff and good French-American wine list. Ideal for a pre- or post-theater supper, but the real theater is in the restaurant.
75 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114 | +1 617 423 4944 | www.pigalleboston.com

Blue Ginger, Wellesley
I’m not a huge fan of celebrity restaurants, but Blue Ginger—owned by TV chef Ming Tsai and his wife Polly—notches up its 10th anniversary this year, and continues to attract a loyal clientele. You’ll have to drive to Wellesley (about 20 minutes west of Boston on the Mass Turnpike) but it’s worth the effort for Ming’s tongue-tingling Asian creations. The food is a little overpriced for what it is, but entrées like his mom’s Famous Three Vinegar Sauteed Organic Shrimp and Glazed Crispy Skin Salmon with Yuzu-Chile Sauce will keep you happy. You can dine by the open kitchen, but the more serene back room is a better choice.
583 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 | +1 781 283 5790 | www.ming.com

Los Cedros, Arturo Soria
Well worth the journey to the northern suburbs; delicious rustic-modern Spanish food in an unpretentious setting. You can’t go wrong with food this simple and well-cooked: order the artichokes with clams or Fried hake a la marinera. The meat section is worth a try too, such as the carrillera- meltingly slow-cooked beef in sherry. Understated, traditional cooking at it’s finest.
Allendesalazar 4, 28043 |  +34 91 4 515 2200

Casa Lucas, La Latina
La Latina is the best neighbourhood for local restaurants and this is one is its best. The atmosphere is lively and the menu features modern tapas and Mediterranean favourites.
30 Calle Cava Baja, 28005 | +34 91 365 0804

Zalacain Restaurant, Salamanca
Zalacain is known as one of the very best restaurants in Madrid. Some of the fabulous dishes include stew of scampi in cider sauce, duck in red wine, and lobster salad. If you can’t decide, you have the option of a sampler menu for a fixed price. Don’t leave without trying one of their desserts, such as the delicious Chocolate Volcano!
4 Alvarez de Baena, 28006 | +34 91 561 59 35

Taberna Bilbao, Plaza de la Paja
This is a split tapas bar and restaurant on the pretty Plaza de la Paja. It serves authentic Basque dishes; cod in all it’s forms is its specialty, try it a la vizcaína (onions and red peppers) or al pil pil (olive oil and garlic). On Fridays and Saturdays, go for the superb Alubiada (white bean stew feast).
8 Costanilla de San Andres, 28005 | +34 91 365 6125

Viridiana, Salamanca
Unique, intimate spot. Chef Abraham has been heading Viridiana for thirty years and still greets guests personally and enjoys experimenting with ingredients of the highest quality. Expect contemporary takes on traditional recipes, such as baby squid with curry served on a bed of lentils or roasted lamb served in puff pastry with fresh basil.
14 Calle Juan de Mena, 28014 | +34 91 523 4 78

Asiana, Chueca District
This little restaurant is very exclusive with only ten tables- so make sure you book ahead! Designed by internationally trained Jaime Renedo, the menu changes weekly with inspiration drawn from many global cuisines. A truly special culinary experience.
4 Travesia de San Mateo, 28004 | +34 91 310 0 965

Canlis, Aurora
Historic, family-run restaurant. Canlis provides a wonderful range of foods in a beautiful setting. Stone walls and cedar beams characterize the restaurant which stands above Lake Union settled among Japanese pines. The food is delicious; expect contemporary Northwest cuisine such as an understated but flavorsome chowder, Alaska halibut and perfectly cooked steaks.
2576 Aurora Avenue North, Washington 98109 | www.canlis.com | +1 206 283 3313

Union, Downtown Seattle
In downtown Seattle Ethan Stowell’s minimalist haven is perfect. Stowell’s specialties are thoughtful creations with a wonderful fusion of traditional flavors; the menu changes almost daily so you can never be sure if you will ever see your favorite on the menu again! 98104
1400 1st Avenue, Washington 98104 | www.unionseattle.com | +1 206 838 8000

Lark, Capitol Hill
This beautiful restored warehouse hosts John Sundstorm’s truly innovative, international fare. Flavors of all origins blend fantastically in the creative mini plates. Take your pick from cheese, vegetables, grains, fish, and meats. Sundstorm works closely with local artisans, farmers, and foragers so food is always fresh and seasonal.
926 12th Avenue, Washington 98121 | www.larkseattle.com | +1 206 323 5275

Dahlia Lounge, Eastside
One of Tom Douglas’s five restaurants in Seattle, Dahlia Lounge stands out for its blend of Asian ideas and local products such as the giant geoduck clam. Friends swear by the succulent five-spice Peking duck with plum sauce and pancakes. The puddings are also to die for.
2001 4th Avenue, Washington 98101 | www.tomdouglas.com | +1 206 682 4142

Shiro’s, Belltown District
Wonderful sushi; expertly prepared with quality ingredients. Tokyo trained chef Shiro Kashiba has created an eatery which emphasizes substance over style; the seafood is local wherever possible, super fresh and deftly prepared. Sit at the sushi bar if you can.
2401 2nd Avenue, Washington 98121 | www.shiros.com | +1 206 443 9844

The French Laundry, Yountville
I hate to admit I haven’t eaten here, but you don’t need me to tell you just how good it is. There’s barely a food critic or past guest who doesn’t love this Napa icon. The hardest part is getting a reservation—with just 16 tables and bookings accepted only 60 days out, you’ll need to persevere, but it’s worth the effort. Chef/owner Thomas Keller offers three menus daily: prix-fixe, tasting menu and vegetarian tasting menu—most consisting of five and 11 belt-loosening courses (and costing a breathtaking $240 a head). The food, wine, service and country house setting are said to be faultless (Keller was named Outstanding Restaurateur of 2007 by The James Beard Foundation). I really must make a booking.
6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599| +1 707 944 2380 | www.frenchlaundry.com

Bouchon, Yountville
For a more relaxed, informal (and less expensive) lunch or dinner, Keller’s other Yountville restaurant—set in an 1880s Wells Fargo stagecoach stop in the center of town—is a delight. This is classic French bistro fare at its delicious best: steak frites, roasted chicken, quiches, brandade, boudin noir, pot de crème and plump profiteroles, washed down with a terrific French-Californian wine list. The interior is lovely, with a magnificent zinc bar as the centerpiece, mosaic floor, burgundy velvet banquettes and a hand-painted mural by French artist Paulin Paris. There’s also an outdoor patio for summer dining.
6534 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599 | +1 707 944 8037 | www.frenchlaundry.com

Terra, St. Helena
Set in a handsome stone foundry in picture-postcard St. Helena, Terra is a marriage made in culinary heaven for chef/owner Hiro Sone and partner Lissa Doumani, who creates the divine desserts and pastries that end each meal. A fusion of New American cuisine, European country food and a twist of the Orient to reflect Sone’s Japanese heritage, Terra offers dinner only in the most intimate of settings. Ingredients are just-picked and delivered to the restaurant each day by Napa farmers and wine-makers. The grilled Liberty Farm duck breast on a chanterelle and chestnut risotto is food from the gods.
1345 Railroad Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574 | +1 707 963 8931| www.terrarestaurant.com

Cyrus, Healdsburg
I love the little touches of this outstanding French-Asian restaurant, located just off the square in the new boutique Les Mars Hotel in Healdsburg—warm canapés served with your cocktail, amuse bouches to open the meal, an extensive cheese selection and mignardises (chocolates, candied fruits and petit fours) with coffee. The food in between is pretty darn good too, served on crisp white linen, china, crystal and silver under an arched and vaulted ceiling. The menu is a prix-fixe in a choice of three or five courses—chef Douglas Keane, maitre d’ Nick Peyton and sommelier Jim Rollston are on a winner.
29 North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448 | +1 707 433 3311| www.cyrusrestaurant.com

LaSalette, Sonoma
Ham with trout? Shellfish with pork? Fruit with eggs? They may sound like strange food pairings, but in the hands of acclaimed Portuguese chef Manuel Azevedo, they all come together in spectacular style. This lovely indoor-outdoor restaurant, located at the back of the Mercado Building in historic Sonoma Plaza, offers an array of Portuguese classics—stuffed with seafood, rice, potatoes, hot peppers, spices and tomatoes—with a Nova Portuguesa twist. The restaurant is named for Azevedo’s mother, and the staff welcome you like family as soon as you walk in the door. A great place for a casual and relaxed dinner.
452 1st St E # H, Sonoma, CA 95476 | +1 707 938 1927 | www.lasalette-restaurant.com

Tra Vigne, St. Helena
Mixed feelings about the Italian restaurant and pizzeria Tra Vigne; the setting is pleasant—a large and airy (if a little noisy) dining room, a well-stocked bar, and a pretty Tuscan-style courtyard—but the food and service are wildly inconsistent. A lunch I had there last year was fine but forgettable (I can’t remember a thing I ate) and the service was annoyingly slow and indifferent. I understand there’s been a couple of changes of chef, which always makes me nervous—although a Napa insider tells me things have settled again. Might only be worth swinging by for a take-out pizza as you tour the Napa wineries.
1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574 | +1 707 963 4444 | www.travignerestaurant.com

Everest, Chicago Stock Exchange
Everest’s reputation in the restaurant world is as blue chip as it can get, so it’s no surprise to find it perched on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange. One of America’s premier dining rooms, with breathtaking views that appear to stretch forever, chef/owner Jean Joho delivers a quintessentially French experience from the food, to the décor, artwork, and even the accent of the maitre d’. This is haute cuisine with three- or four-course prix-fixe or seven-course degustation menus on offer. Everest is a member of Relais & Chateaux and Relais Gourmand—expect nothing but the best, and prepare to pay for the privilege. It’s expense account or major special occasion territory.
440 S La Salle St. # 2905, Chicago, IL 60605 | +1 312 663 8920 | www.everestrestaurant.com

Blackbird, West Side
Paul Kahan missed out on The James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Chef in 2007, but his nomination, alongside Everest’s Jean Joho, speaks volumes about Chicago’s reputation as a serious foodie city. Excuse the pun, but Kahan’s Blackbird has plenty to crow about, and his loyal clientele keep flocking back to enjoy his inspired creations. While the storefront is austere, the interior décor is sleek and stylish, with a funky white bar, high-back chairs, and tables so close a blackbird could barely fit between them (the razor-sharp service makes up for the cramped, noisy surroundings). The desserts fly high—saying bye-bye to this blackbird is no fun at all.
619 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60661 | +1 312 715 0708 | www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

BIN 36, North Dearborn Street
A restaurant where the wine is just as important as the food. At BIN 36 on North Dearborn Street (on the west side of Marina City between the Chicago River and Kinzie and walking distance to the Theater District) the emphasis is firmly on wine with several environments in which to select, sip and savor in a contemporary but relaxed and welcoming space. Enjoy a casual wine-paired meal in The Tavern, a more formal dinner in The Cellar, and then shop for wine, books, homewares and fresh flowers in the lively Market. The 36 Minute Lunch—in and out in 36 minutes—is perfect for a retail or business break.
339 North Dearborn Street, Chicago IL 60610 | +1 312 755 9463 | www.bin36.com

Tru, North Saint Clair Street
Another city gem, just off the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, Tru is one of those restaurants that draws you in and makes you forget everything that’s going on outside. A cool and contemporary vision in ethereal white drapes, blue velvet banquettes, European black mosaic floor tiles and charcoal carpet. The bar and well-arranged dining room (lots of space between tables) allows for an intimate and personal dining experience, while the semi-private dining room—reached via a dramatic staircase—is great for a special occasion. The 1,700-bottle wine list shines next to Rick Tramonto’s French-inspired dishes and Executive Pastry Chef Gale Gand’s divine desserts. It’s also surprisingly formal; jackets are required for men.
676 N Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611 | +1 312 202 0001 | www.trurestaurant.com

Yoshi’s Café, North Halstead Street
One of my trusted Chicago insiders, Greg, recommended this neighborhood restaurant, and I loved it. Tucked away in North Halstead, a 15-minute cab ride from the city center, Yoshi’s Café has been serving great food for more than 25 years and is one of those finds that only comes through local knowledge. Yoshi Katsumura and his wife Nobuko welcome guests like family and then serve up an intriguing fusion menu (Japanese, Italian, French and American) that hits the mark. I’ve heard mixed reports about the service, but it was efficient the night I dined there and the place was packed to the rafters.
3257 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657 | +1 773 248 6160 | www.yoshiscafe.com

Alinea, North Halstead Street
Line up for one of the best culinary experiences in America. Launched in 2005, and named best US restaurant by Gourmet in 2006, Alinea and its young chef/owner Grant Achatz completed the hat trick last year by winning The James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. This Lincoln Park restaurant is almost a blank canvas to allow the two degustation menus—12 courses ($135) and 24 courses (yep, you read it correctly—$195) to jump off the plate; miniature works of art that zing with depth and flavor. Don’t eat during the day, and allow four to five hours to complete the bigger menu. Pretentious? Who cares when the food is this good.
1723 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614 | +1 312 867 0110 | www.alinea-restaurant.com

Naha, River North
I haven’t dined here, but Todd Nelson, head concierge at The Peninsula Chicago, recommends Naha in his list of top Chicago restaurants. Located on North Clark Street—just north of the river—and headed up by talented cousins Carrie and Michael Nahabedian, Naha offers a seasonal American menu (for lunch and dinner) with influences of the Mediterranean: think celery root soup with roasted squab and sweet roasted sea scallops scented with vanilla bean. It’s a long, narrow dining room with sleek lines, a minimalist décor, city views, and an almost spa-like look and feel, but it can get very noisy when crowded.
500 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610 | +1 312 321 6242 | www.naha-chicago.com

North Pond, Lincoln Park
Many restaurants have spectacular views in Chicago, but few can claim one as lovely as North Pond—tucked away in leafy Lincoln Park, perched on the edge of a small lake, and with dramatic views of the city skyline. Built in 1912 as a shelter for ice-skaters, it has been carefully and lovingly restored into an award-winning restaurant run by 2007 James Beard nominee Bruce Sherman. Using farm-fresh produce from local markets, and backed by a very good wine list, Sherman’s creations more than match the view, making for a meal to remember.
2610 N Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614 | +1 773 477 5845 | www.northpondrestaurant.com

Spiaggia, One Magnificent Mile
When your address is One Magnificent Mile, you’d better be good. Legendary chef Tony Mantuano has been serving up authentic Italian dishes for 23 years at Spiaggia, and his guests just keep on coming back. Located on the second floor of a high-rise on the corner of Michigan and Oak, this Chicago institution boasts 40-foot windows framing breathtaking views of Lake Michigan—and the inspired menus shine accordingly. Love the champagne-colored booths; hate the marble pillars and cascading Italian chandeliers—but Mantuano’s signature dishes like his wood-roasted guinea hen wrapped in pancetta are a joy.
One Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Illinois 60611| +1 312 280 2750 | www.spiaggiarestaurant.com

Frontera Grill, North Clark Street
While the dressier (and more stylish) Topolobampo next door tries to steal the limelight, her colorful older sister has been at the forefront of Chicago’s Mexican restaurant scene for more than 20 years. Chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and TV personality, Rick Bayless continues to serve up heart-warming cuisine from South of the border in a riot of color, music and fiesta. It may not be to everyone’s taste—one Chicago friend describes it as mariachi-meets-margerita—but the delicious food, service and ambience are wonderful, and it makes for a fun night out.
445 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610 | + 1 312 661 1434 | www.fronterakitchens.com

Roy’s, Pebble Beach
Golfers will love the casual yet stylish atmosphere at Roy’s, one of the signature restaurants at the iconic Inn at Spanish Bay. Whether you’ve negotiated Big Sur’s 17 Mile Drive or Pebble Beach’s super-challenging links, you can settle back for a sundowner on the terrace followed by superb Hawaiian Fusion food by master chef Roy Yamaguchi—wood-grilled barbeque ribs, blackened ahi and crispy crab cakes, not forgetting his hole-in-one hot chocolate raspberry cake. The service is efficient but unhurried, leaving ample time to ponder just how many balls you lost in the rough.
The Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 Seventeen Mile Dr., Pebble Beach CA 93953 |+1 831 647 7500 | www.roysrestaurant.com

Cielo at Ventana Inn, Big Sur
Cielo means ‘heaven’ or ’sky’ in Spanish, and there’s plenty of both at this lovely restaurant at Ventana Inn. The views of the Big Sur coastline and Pacific Ocean are magnificent whether you’re sitting in Cielo’s warm, rustic interior, or enjoying lunch or dinner al fresco out on the terrace. The outdoor cocktail lounge and fire are instant draw cards, but guests don’t linger too long when chef Anthony Calamari’s menus beckon. A blend of Californian and Mediterranean coastal cuisine—with influences from France, Italy and Greece—his dishes are based around organic produce, some of it grown in Cielo’s own garden.
Ventana Inn and Spa, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 | +1 831 667 4242 | www.ventanainn.com

Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
Nothing says Big Sur like sweeping views of the rugged coastline and Pacific Ocean, and perched 1,200 feet above the water with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn doesn’t disappoint. Don’t eat beforehand, because chef Craig von Foerster’s four-course, prix-fixe menu offers generous portions of French and Mediterranean-inspired Californian fare. The 1,200-bottle wine cellar will need serious attention, but the efficient and friendly staff are helpful, knowledgeable, and can guide you through wine director Dominique DaCruz’s terrific selection of new and old world labels.
Post Ranch Inn, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 | +1 831 667 2800 | www.postranchinn.com

Marinus at Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley
Given Bernardus Lodge has its own vineyard, it’s no surprise to find a wine cellar, but this one is outstanding—a perennial Wine Spectator Grand Award-winner offering more than 30,000 bottles and 1,850 different vintages. The Lodge’s formal dining room, Marinus, offers indoor dining by a grand fireplace or on the magnificent outdoor terrace for beautiful garden and mountain views. Choose from chef Cal Stamenov’s three-, four- and five-course California-Natural menus, based around garden, sea, game, meat and cheese themes—there’s also a Chef’s Tasting Menu ($150), but the whole table needs to order it.
415 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 | +1 831 658 3400 | www.bernardus.com

Pacific Edge at the Park Hyatt, Carmel
Don’t worry about getting a table with a view at this glass-walled, cliff side restaurant at Carmel—Pacific Edge doesn’t have a bad seat in the house (a fabulous place to be at sunset). Rich earth tones, wood trimmings and a stone fireplace compliment the natural beauty of the scenery. Chef Mark Ayers delivers seasonally changing contemporary American menus, placing Pacific Edge in Zagat’s top 100 restaurants in the US in 2006. Make sure you leave room for dessert, from white chocolate bread pudding, to lemon grass crème brulée.
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA 93923 | +1 831 622 5445 | www.pacificsedge.com

Sardine Factory, Monterey
I usually run a mile when a restaurant trades on celebrities, but the Sardine Factory in Monterey is such a hit with everyone from the late President Reagan to the very much alive Rachael Ray, that you have to take it seriously. Located in the center of town on Wave Street, just behind historic Cannery Row, the Sardine Factory is a complex of four dining venues: The Lounge, serving cocktails and tapas; the intimate Steinbeck Room; the pretty glass-domed Conservatory (or Bridezilla Central as my dining companion called it); and the maritime-inspired Captain’s Room. The food won’t blow you away, but it’s a fun place for a weekend lunch or dinner.
701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940 | + 1 831 373 3775 | www.sardinefactory.com

The Restaurant at L’Auberge, Carmel
If you can snag a seat at this tiny restaurant (there are only 12 tables and demand is almost always high) you’re in for a treat with Executive Chef Tim Mosblech’s tasting menu—running to between six and eight courses—a mix of European influences and top produce from local farmers’ markets. Don’t rush this experience, each dish is something to linger over, backed by a 4,500 wine collection stored in an underground wine cellar beneath the hotel’s courtyard. Zagat describes it as a “culinary journey,” so pack your bags and enjoy the trip. Bistro offerings are also served in the lobby’s salon.
L’Auberge Carmel, Monte Verde St. (Between Ocean and 7th), Carmel By The Sea, CA 93921 | + 1 831 624 8578 | www.laubergecarmel.com

Fresh Cream, Monterey
Don’t be put off by the location of this terrific French restaurant, tucked away on the second floor of a sprawling Monterey office complex, because its food, service and views of Monterey Bay are the cat’s whiskers. It’s only open for dinner, so book an early table to enjoy a sunset cocktail, and then tuck into classic French cuisine—dishes range from heavenly lobster bisque to duckling with blackcurrant sauce, topped off with a chocolate gateau Celestine, dripping with vanilla bean ice cream. The dining room is atrium-style, filled with light through floor-to-ceiling windows to take full advantage of the Heritage Harbor view.
100C Heritage Harbor, 99 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940 | +1 831 375 9798 | www.freshcream.com

Nectarine, Recoleta
Few tourists know about this charming French bistro, tucked away down a pedestrian shopping arcade… You have to press a discreet buzzer to gain entry… A real home from home - beautiful cozily decorated house. The food is divine- try the 200 peso (about $64) tasting menu for nouveau cuisine with a difference.
Pasaje del Correo, 1661 Vicente López, Recoleta, 1015 Buenos Aires | +54 11 4813 6993

Cabana Las Lilas, Puerto Madero
Deservedly famous steakhouse, albeit a little touristy. Huge loft-style space owned by cattle baron Octavio Caraballo; steak: just awesome. Could turn a vegetarian back. Simply a BA must. Don’t forget to order proveleta (grilled cheese sin pan) and the pancakes with dulce de leche… total pig out, but totally worth it.
516 Alicia Moreau de Justo, Puerto Madero, Capital Federal, 1157 Buenos Aires | www.laslilas.com | +54 11 4313 1336

Sucre, Nunes
A master class in contemporary Argentine cooking. Chef Fernando Trocca gives local produce (gorgeous lamb, beef and seafood) an international twist. In a country of big flavors and very big steaks, the detailed, nuanced tastes, presentation and textures at Sucre are a welcome relief. Sleek interiors and the see and be seen ambience make this a fun spot.
676 Sucre, Buenos Aires | www.sucrerestaurant.com.ar | +54 11 4782 9082

Cluny, Palermo Soho
Nouveau argentinian and international menu. Bag a table on the lovely patio or in the intimate loft space. The food, overseen by chef Matias Zuccarino, is the real highlight here- with complex offerings such as duck with grilled pumpkin. Fabulous and extensive wine list.
El Salvador 4618, 1425 Buenos Aires | 22 +54 11 4831 7176

Olsen, Palermo Hollywood
Sounds weird, but this is scandanavian greatness. Smoked fish, caviar and of course lots of vodka. Great menu and fab value to boot- I had caviar/blinis, an entrée, dessert, and two drinks for a paltry $25! Hip but comfy - not hipper than thou.
Gorriti 5870, 1425 Buenos Aires | +54 11 4776 7677

Mott, Palermo Soho
For a snack/lunch when you are shopping in Palermo Soho this is one super spot. White oversized couches and floor to ceiling windows make you feel like you are in downtown New York. Go for the great sandwiches and salads.
El Salvador 4685, Buenos Aires | +54 4833 4306

El Bistro, Puerto Madero Este
Faena Hotel + Universe’s fine dining restaurant is an extraordinary white leather, red-rugged Philippe Starck affair, complete with over-sized chandeliers and kitsch-cool unicorn heads. Challenging, global cuisine coupled with considerate service is the order of the day.
Martha Salotti 445, Buenos Aires | www.faenahotelanduniverse.com | +54 11 4010 9200