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Best Dishes 2024

In 2024, my extensive travels for work provided me with the opportunity to sample cuisine from various distinguished restaurants both in the United States and internationally.

The Best Dishes 2024 list combines fine dining and casual dishes that stood out as the most exceptional of the year (see past lists).

Below is a curated list of the 13 Best Dishes 2024, presented in alphabetical order, by restaurant name:

Central Provisions, Portland, ME – This place continues to wow. On a recent visit with friends, I insisted on ordering the Suckling Pig served with apple brown butter and Marcona almonds. The pork was melt-in-your-mouth, luscious and a must-order if it ever graces the menu when you visit. Additionally, their bread service is not to be missed.

Cochon Restaurant, New Orleans, LA – There are newer and shinier restaurants in NOLA but Cochon remains a top table. The Rabbit and Dumplings, ordered during a fall visit, were exemplary with a savory sauce, tender rabbit, and soft dumplings. Their charcuterie selection is also commendable.

Counter-, Charlotte, NC – Having followed Chef Sam Hart’s culinary ventures since moving to Charlotte, we were particularly impressed by the Doppio Ravioli, featured on the tasting menu, on a mid-year visit. The dish showcased thin pasta filled with house-made ricotta and sea island red peas.

Elia, East Rutherford, NJ – As enthusiasts of Greek cuisine, when friends suggested we dine at Elia on a recent trip to New Jersey, we gladly agreed. While most Greek restaurants offer dips and pita, the Greek Spreads & Pita at Elia exceeded expectations with Tzatziki, Roasted Eggplant, and Fava Purée paired with exceptionally soft pita.

Elk Ave Tavern, Rock Hill, SC – Transitioning from a popular food truck to a brick-and-mortar location, Elk Ave Tavern maintained its high standards and the delicious burger previously offered on the Cibi Cibi food truck. The Disco Fries, featuring French fries topped with braised beef, Mozzarella, and stout gravy, are indulgent and highly recommended (read my full review of this hot spot).

Ever Andalo, Charlotte, NC – This charming neighborhood restaurant impressed us with its ambiance reminiscent of cozy Brooklyn Italian restaurants, service, and food. The standout dish was the Sunny Cavatelli, featuring al dente pasta with house-made pork sausage, kale, and broccolini in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce finished with a shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano.

In Bloom, Paso Robles, CA – An exceptional meal at this Paso Robles restaurant included the shareable Snake River Farm Kurobuta Pork Shank, served with kimchi, carrot miso crema, zucchini pickles, and beet flatbread, offering a delightful blend of flavors.

Justine, New Orleans, LA – I had the absolute pleasure of dining at both restaurants by Chef Justin Devillier on a recent visit to New Orleans and both La Petite Grocery and Justine served incredible meals. Could it be my Top Dishes compilation and not include one tartare? Apparently not. Justine’s version of Steak Tartare featured fresh horseradish, Dijon dressing, egg yolk and pain de mie and the best example of the dish we enjoyed in 2024.

Kindred, Davidson, NC – Kindred consistently delivers outstanding meals. The fried soft-shell crab, served with a creamy yogurt sauce, was a highlight of our March 2024 visit. Do not miss their excellent bread service.

Llama Restaurant, St Augustine, FL – We’ve made repeat visits to this delightful Peruvian restaurant in St Augustine and again, it was a wonderful experience. The place is just super with its cozy space, excellent service and delectable food. The standout of our most recent visit was the Hongos Bachiche, chilled chargrilled and marinated king trumpet mushroom with a creamy Parmesan leche de tigre, toasted Andean corn and micro cilantro. The ceviche dishes are also highly recommended.

Otis., Exeter, NH – A long-awaited visit to Otis in 2024 allowed my mother and I the opportunity to experience Chef Lee Frank’s culinary talents firsthand, from the chef’s counter. The Pork Loin, served with scallion polenta, corn, arugula, and Romanesco, was particularly memorable.

Roots Southern Table, Farmers Branch, TX – Hosting a team dinner at this Dallas restaurant was a delightful experience, highlighted by Top Chef alum Tiffany Derry’s King Crab Pasta from the specials menu. Each dish was superb, receiving high praise from the entire team.

The Blue Taj, Charlotte, NC – At this renowned Ballantyne Village Indian restaurant, we were particularly taken with the Crispy Fried Paneer appetizer. This dish featured paneer coated in panko-chickpea batter, fried, and served with pickled onions, jalapeño, cilantro, and chutney.

Did you have any specific fabulous restaurant dishes in 2024? Wishing you delightful dining experiences in 2025!

Happy New Year!

Veronique

Best Dishes of 2019

My “real” job had me on the road over 50% of the year in 2019 and I also took several food-centric vacations where I had the opportunity to have many outstanding meals. I’ve tried to narrow down the list to the 17 best dishes I enjoyed during the past year.

Here’s the list in restaurant name alphabetical order.

Aloette, Toronto, Canada – So many great sharing plates but my favorite was the potato gnocchi with sweet potato, bacon, sage and chestnut.

Aquila Pizza Al Forno, Little Falls, NJ – The only thing as lovely as the soppressata and Meyer lemon pizza with its perfect, slightly-tart and salty crust charred in all the right places is the team behind the cozy pizzeria.

Au Cheval, Chicago, IL – If you’ve had the Au Cheval burger, you know why it’s on this list. Every time I have it, I feel it’s the best burger anywhere and worthy of all the accolades. Juicy, simple, beefy on a great soft bun.

Aug ust, New Orleans, LA – The potato gnocchi with blue crab, black truffle and Parmesan is the best single dish I had in 2019.

Brasserie Mémère, Closter, NJ – This new French bistro is simply fantastique and our favorite of the many dishes we sampled was the buttery, garlicky escargots served with perfect bread.

Café Chameleon, Bloomingdale, NJ – The 60-day dry aged beef with pommes Anna with a bone marrow sauce was the ultimate indulgence by the king of indulgent, delicious food, Chef Bryan Gregg.

Central P rovisions, Portland, ME – On special the evening we visited was a lamb larb with lemongrass, Serrano and mint that we could scoop in bib lettuce leaves. All the food we sampled at this Portland hot spot was great, but this was amazing.

Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder, CO – I never typically order salmon out, but was glad I got the king salmon at this award-winning restaurant. The best I’ve ever had and served at the perfect temperature.

Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge, NJ – These ribs were a special of the evening when I visited this top restaurant earlier this year. They were…perfect in flavor and texture.

Hélicoptère, Montreal, Canada – Simply a lovely meal of shared plates that ended with poultry liver mousse on a financier. Wow, way to leave us wanting more.

Her Name is Han , New York, NY – Everything we sampled at this Korean soul food restaurant was bursting with flavor and delectable but the dessert of black sesame ice cream with green tea biscuit crumbs and dried strawberry was the happiest ending we could have hoped for.

Jus tine, New Orleans, LA – The steak tartare served with mushroom confit was the best “classic” tartare I enjoyed this year.

La Cevicheria, Cartagena, Columbia – Trio of the award-winning restaurant’s best ceviches where some of the best we’ve ever had. Fish / octopus / shrimp prepared with mango, lime and ketchup sauce.

McLoons Lobster Shack, Spruce Head Island, ME – The lobster roll of all lobster rolls. Plus, in an amazing picnic-like setting on the Maine shore overlooking lobster/fishing boats.

Mercantile Dining & Provision, Denver, CO – This special restaurant’s made my “best of” list since 2017 when I first visited. This year, while there are several dishes I could have included, the Hamachi with compressed melon, blood orange needs to be highlighted.

Monarque, Montreal, Canada – The venison tartare and sea urchin with salsa verde, chilli on grilled focaccia was outstanding and called my name. Uni anything!

The Inn at Bay Fortune, Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island, Canada – This chowder was part of the best meal I had in 2019. The Fireworks Feast is THE experience to be had where the reception prior to dinner is held outdoors and where all the food is cooked over open flame (except for the greatest oysters served raw).