Culinary vacations are trending, and these top cities have unique flavors known for each region, according to Jetsetter magazine.
Deep-dish pizza in Chicago, shrimp and grits in New Orleans and Charleston, Philly’s signature cheesesteaks, and the numerous brew pubs and coffee shops in Portland, Ore., and Seattle are among the local delicacies that had some cities rising to the top of culinary destinations, the magazine said.
Many of these cities have grown into culinary meccas because of the work of famous chefs such as Rick Bayless, Curtis Stone and Andy Ricker, the magazine noted.
These are the cities, in ascending order, that were ranked as the pinnacle in U.S. cuisine:
10. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is known for politics and history, but food is trending in the diverse city, according to Jetsetter. Maydan, in Washington, D.C.’s, Cardozo neighborhood was listed in Food and Wine magazine’s best of listing for 2018. With a blend of Lebanese, Italian and Detroit influences, this open wood fire eatery is also known for its friendly staff, the magazine said.
9. Philadelphia
If you are taking a historical tour of the city, a visit to the Reading Terminal Market should be on your list, Jetsetter said. The market first opened in 1893 and is one of the largest and oldest in the country. Ice cream, hot dogs and even an oyster bar can be found within the centrally located market.
8. New Orleans
Creole and Cajun cooking, oysters and cocktails are on the menu in this city. Head to the Hotel Monteleone for a Vieux Carré cocktail or head to Arnaud’s, where cocktails are made with only fresh ingredients and homemade syrups, Jetsetter said. Get in line for fried chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch House, listed as a James Beard Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region.”
7. Charleston, S.C.
James Beard award-winning chef Sean Brock’s restaurant Husk serves local, seasonal southern food. He says on Husk’s website,” If it doesn’t come from the south, it’s not coming through the door.” The region is known for low-country food, which is a combination of West African, West Indies and European foods, such as grits, collard greens and shrimp.
6. Portland, Ore.
Portland has grown into a haven for foodies with a hipster twist, artisan cuisine and an array of coffee shops, according to Jetsetter. James Beard Award winning chef Andy Ricker opened the Northwest city to his Thai cuisine at Pok Pok. Chef-run Chalino is the Northwest’s version of Mexican cuisine and cocktails. If you are looking for a unique adventure, book a room at one of McMenamin’s boutique hotels or stop in for a drink and bite.
5. Chicago
The Windy City is best known for its Chicago style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, but the city offers so much more. Try the first Michelin starred brew pub, Band of Bohemia, Jetsetter said. Celebrity husband-wife duo Rick and Deann Bayless have served contemporary Mexican cuisine for 30 years at their signature restaurant Topolobampo.
4. Los Angeles
If you are a fan of the culinary reality show Top Chef, check out show runner-up Marcel Vigneron’s Wolf restaurant. Located on Melrose Avenue, Vigneron’s restaurant features “seasonal modern California cuisine.” West Hollywood features celebrity chef, Curtis Stone’s restaurant, Gwen, which has been on many reviewers list of best eateries.
3. Seattle
A trip to Seattle isn’t complete without a visit to Pike Place Market, one of the oldest farmer’s markets in the country. Within the market, visit Zagat-rated Chavez, serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Visit an iconic Asian upscale eatery, Canlis, a James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Wine Program with an 80-page wine list, according to Jetsetter.
2. San Francisco
Take a trip to Berkeley and visit acclaimed chef Alice Waters’ Chez Panise. Her farm-to-table cuisine is also echoed in renowned chef Thomas Keller’s French-inspired restaurant, The French Laundry, located in Napa. For an adventurous dining experience, try Lazy Bear located in the Mission District. Leo’s Oyster Bar or China Live is on Jetsetter’s list for best restaurants in San Fran.
1. New York
Culinary fans come from around the world to eat in New York City. For fine dining, try Eleven Madison Park overlooking Madison Square Park, said Jettsetter. Their wine list includes a Riesling from upstate New York’s Finger Lakes’ wine region. Dine at a true landmark in the city, The Grill, located in The Seagram Building, according to the magazine. For more of an understated dining experience, Jetsetter suggests heading over to Uncle Boons in SoHo, followed by a Gatsby-style trip to the famed Plaza Hotel, where you can have a cocktail at the Palm Court bar.
The full report can be viewed here.
