1. Barbecue at Killens (Houston, Texas)
Vegetarians and vegans beware because Killens is anything, but meatless! This popular Texan barbecue joint serves an impressive selection of all your smokehouse staples- ribs, pulled pork, turkey, sausages, and brisket. Whether you order by the pound at their counter-service lunch or a sampler plate of your favorites at their table-service dinner (be sure to make a reservation), you will not be disappointed by the abundance of flavor and the tenderness of the meat. Their appetizers, featuring Southern classics, are equally as tantalizing. After all, who can resist fried mac and cheese dipped in tangy jalapeno ranch?!
What To Order: Two meat plate with the moist brisket, pulled pork, mac & cheese, and creamed corn. Enjoy with one of the Killens’ three homemade sauces.
2. Ramen at Ichiran (Kyoto, Japan)
Ichiran is something of an institution when it comes to Tonkotsu (pork-based broth) ramen and is known for its unique, no-frills dining experience. You order your meal at a vending machine outside the restaurant and then eat solitary at your own cubicle. Despite this seemingly antisocial ambiance, every Ichiran location is graced with long lines of both tourists and locals. The ramen is exceptionally good with a rich, sweet broth I was not expecting. The dining experience may seem a tad bizarre for Americans used to overly attentive waitstaff, but I found it refreshing as I could focus more on the flavors of my food.
What to Order: Ichiran Ramen with the recommended selections for broth, spiciness, toppings, etc.
3. Churros at Chocolateria San Gines (Madrid, Spain)
At San Gines, you are treated to a plate of crispy, sugary fried dough served with gooey, hot dipping chocolate. The combination is decadent and addictive. My friend and I found ourselves there two times during our trip! The best part- the café is open 24 hours, making it the perfect snack after a few drinks or a late night of partying.
What to Order: Churros and hot chocolate
4. Seafood at Restaurante Navarro (Valencia, Spain)
After settling in to giant glasses of sangria, we opted for a generous sampler of various seafood. This included three large pieces of fish, crab, mussels, and squid. The platter was not dressed elaborately nor was the fish overly seasoned. Everything was incredibly fresh and authentic! It was definitely the culinary highlight of my trip to Spain. Visitor beware- though incredibly popular, Restaurante Navarro is only open Monday through Saturday for lunch (literally three hours) so a reservation is a must!
What to Order: Grilled Fish and Seafood Platter (for two)
5. French Pastries at Canelle Patisserie (Queens, New York)
The bakery, which offers a wide assortment of elegant French pastries, is owned by Jean Claude Perennou and Gnanasampanthan Sabaratratnam, both former pastry chefs at the Waldorf Astoria. Their talent is notable in all of Canelle’s picture-perfect delicacies from their light, flaky almond croissant to their buttery Paris Breast. All their offerings are affordably priced as well.
What to Order: St. Honore or Espresso 31