New York is an eater’s paradise--whether it’s patrimonial pizza, upscale omakase or fiery exotica. However, there are some restaurants that remain infuriatingly indifferent to NYC. Maybe if we pound on the table loud enough and rattle the cutlery, they’ll change their ways.
Acme Oyster House, New Orleans
NYC was once the oyster capital of the world, with miles of mouthwatering reefs. And while the briny bivalves remain a bistro mainstay, we could learn something from the Big Easy. Acme Oyster House, a New Orleans institution with several branches in the region, specializes in chargrilled oysters that are entirely new to Northerners. Time for us to taste the legend.
In-N-Out Burger, Baldwin Park, CA
California’s first drive-through burger joint, In-N-Out has grown to some 300 locations throughout the Southwest. Connoisseurs of the form swear that it’s the best fast food burger on creation, with fresh ingredients and quality meat shaped into patties by angels. Plus, there’s the “animal” sauce. We can only dream from afar.
Rubio’s, San Diego, CA
Fast food tacos rarely delight, but Ralph Rubio’s fish tacos are an exception. Made from sustainably-caught Pollack, they allegedly go toe-to-toe with any seafood taco out there, Baja shacks included. The franchise now numbers roughly 200 locations, but none further east than Colorado.
ElBulli, Roses, Catalonia, Spain
The cradle of molecular gastronomy, elBulli made chef Ferran Adria a superstar whose fame transcends the world of cuisine. Case in point: the restaurant closed in 2011 to become a foundation dedicated to intellectual and creative exploration. But wouldn’t it be better if Adria stayed behind the stove (or whatever he uses--a Hadron Collider?) and opened up shop in NYC? It was considered the best restaurant in the world.
Federal Donuts, Philadelphia, PA
This Philly stronghold has become a popular pilgrimage for their take on the cake doughnut and fried chicken. Forget dense rings and gloppy cream, “Fednuts” fare is famously fluffy and flavorful. The chicken has also developed a cult status. Started by a pedigreed chef, the shop, which has several outposts in the City of Brotherly Love, proves that quality never gets old.
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