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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

Lose Some Win Some – Elk Ave Tavern

When it was announced that popular Charlotte area food truck, Cibi Cibi, would be closing down, fans, including us, were saddened by the loss. The good news, and the win, is that the fine folks behind the Rock Hill-based food truck, were opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant – Elk Ave Tavern.

Elk Ave Tavern opened three weeks ago to a fanfare from loyal Cibi Cibi customers and local diners.

The Space

Elk Ave Tavern is situated in the heart of downtown Rock Hill in the Space that formerly housed Sweet Tea Cafe. From the old bicycle turned into an adorable bar top to the handsome blue facade, the feel from the outside is a clear « welcome ».

The welcoming feel continues as one enters the cozy space with a warm greeting from the hostess. When we visited on opening weekend, the wait was 45 minutes for late lunch, the place was hopping on its second day of business. Bar seating is on a first come, first serve basis and we quickly found two seats to enjoy drinks and food from. The dining room is decorated in a way that creates a homey feel. Many of the decor items come from family heirlooms.

The Bar

First, bartender Russ, he was fantastic even with a very busy bar and many drink orders from the nearby tables. He immediately made us feel welcomed. While the cocktail, beer and wine lists are concise, they offer creative options, and local choices. The place was abuzz so in an effort to help the staff, we simply ordered beer, a couple of local brews. The made-to-order cocktails looked amazing and Russ was getting great feedback from patrons. I was pleased to see one of my favorite Oregon wine producers featured, Sokol Blosser, with its Evolution Pinot Noir served by the glass or bottle.

The Food

The introductory menu features fun new items and some cult favorites from the Cibi Cibi days. While this team’s been known for its incredible burgers and cheesesteaks, at Elk Ave Tavern, there are many vegetarian and healthy options. Having spent 15 years in New Jersey where they’re a diner staple, we had to order the Disco Fries. The shareable dish showcased nicely cooked fries topped with soon-to-be-famous stout braised beef and Mozzarella cheese. An incredibly flavorful, decadent dish we’ll be certain to order again. We had to order the Double Cheeseburger, just to ensure the kitchen staff hadn’t changed the winning formula that made Cibi Cibi famous. While it now features shredded lettuce, the burger is unchanged, thankfully, and still the best the Charlotte metro has to offer. It’s beefy, juicy on a great bun – perfection. We’d read about the new Lamb Burger, so we opted for one and were very pleased with our choice. It’s ultra flavorful, with great lamb flavor without it being overpowering and served with Feta and roasted red peppers. As our sides, we chose Crispy Brussels, absolutely delicious, and fries, great without the cheese and braised beef. We didn’t order dessert, but will next time. Some of the items we’ll be ordering on future visits are the Falafel, Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Street Corn. I understand the cheesesteak is back, so that’ll be up next also.

It was an absolute pleasure to see the place so busy with customers genuinely happy, like we are, to see such wonderful people having early success with their new restaurant. The residents of Rock Hill are fortunate to have such a gem to call their neighborhood spot.

Congrats to owners Anthony Legatie and Hunter Newton and team.

Cheers, Veronique

2 January 2025