Well. We did say that there may be big gaps in time here (IG is much more updated although not great).
Over the past 2.5 years we’ve had loads of wonderful meals, great home-cooked recipes, awesome wines, and some other fun adventures along the way.
Highlights:
The French Laundry: We finally made it. The epitome of high-end dining in the US. TK himself. And it did not disappoint. Celebratory occasion and all we dressed our best and had one of the best meals start to finish we’ve ever had. It definitely is worth the trip to experience (and see the immaculate kitchen if you can) but we must say that other restaurants can definitely stand up to this institution - food, service, etc. - when it use to be the lone standout (with a few others), others are catching up throughout the US and we’ve loved seeing it (looking at you Demi in MSP)
Demi: If MSP had Michelin stars this would warrant 2. Go out of your way to eat here. Gavin Kaysen (Demi, Spoon & Stable, Mara) puts together an intimate and unforgettable experience with seasonal menus and wonderful pairings along with top-notch service. If you can snag a reservation we highly recommend it.
Young Joni: Now very popular due to the Netflix acclaim, we’ve been here a number of times since they first opened and have loved every meal. Pizzas are wonderful. Fish is extravagant. Cocktails are well done. Vibes are high. Harder to get reservations now but later at night is easier and if nothing else try the Back Bar for a few cocktails and a pizza (down the back alley).
Rivers Marie Winery: Same trip as the TFL excursion, we hit a number of wineries but Rivers Marie was a standout. Small, intimate tasting room with very personable service and top-notch pinots (and a sneak of a specialty Cab from sister winery Caterwaul). Thomas Rivers Brown, who has cooked up a number of 100 point wines for others, and his wife Genevieve Marie combined to produce only a few hundred bottles of each varietal produced each year and amassing them is nearly impossible since there are over 4,000 people on the waitlist. Thankfully we found our way onto the list a few years ago and we will definitely be going back.
Flora Farms: Our first time to Cabo and it did not disappoint. We broke out of the resort routine and hit Flora Farms (definitely an IG and influencer in the wild’s paradise) for something different and it was definitely worth it. Good drinks, fresh farm-to-table food, cool atmosphere. If you’re in the area definitely stop by and check it out (and don’t worry, when the car takes you off random roads and seemingly to the middle of nowhere, you’re not being taken).
Animales BBQ: Midwest and top-tier BBQ typically don’t get said in the same sentence. Animales changes that. We’ve had bbq across the US (yes, Franklin’s) and this stands up to the best of the best. Beyond the incredible smoked meats, the tacos (with smoked meats) are incredible, and one of the biggest surprises may be how good the desserts are.
Takibi Portland: Top 25 bar in the US within the first year of opening courtesy of world-renowned bartender Jim Meehan (who has since left but seems to still be high-caliber) paired with incredible Japanese cuisine. Sit at the bar. Grab some drinks and bites. You won’t be disappointed.
Jewel of the South: NOLA has some of the best food in the country and obviously getting po-boys, gumbo, and beignets are must do’s, but we would add Jewel of the South to that list. Now a Top 50 bar in the world, the atmosphere, the drinks, the food. It is all wonderful and worth planning ahead for a reservation.