The Vitals:
the spot:Turkey and The Wolf 739 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
the eats: Collard Greens Melt, Wedge Salad
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: the most dinner worthy sandwiches ever
I've never had a sandwich so worthy of dinner like Turkey and the Wolf. It's a magical combination of imagination and decadence that makes a Collard Greens Melt into a sandwich as decadent as a Pastrami Reuben or a Patty Melt. I had been hearing about this place since 2017 and boy did it live up to the hype.
The Vitals:
the spot: Hamura Saimin 2956 Kress St, Lihue, HI 96766
the eats: Specialty Saimin, chicken and beef skewers, fried dumplings
the bucks: $
the full nelson: Cheap Eats Kauai staple
The name of the game Hamura Saimin is Saimin: a Hawaiian noodle soup with serious ramen vibes. I got the special Saimin which adds, ham, egg, veggies, fish cake, wontons and roast pork into the mix.
This place is equal parts classic Cheap Eats and legendary local restaurant(they have a James Beard Award for "America's Classics) and should be on every foodie's list.
The Vitals:
the spot: Poeta 1123 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
the eats: Pork Chop, Goat Cheese Cheesecake, all the pastas, beet salad
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: all day Italian with New Orleans vibes in East Austin
In 2024, there might be a new G.O.A.T. and that would be the goat cheese cheesecake at Poeta. Of course the carnivore in me swoons about their epic pork chop or the lamb confit gnocchi but . . . that goat cheese cheesecake. I could make the G.O.A.T. joke again but the point has been made.
The Vitals:
the spot: Dizengoff 1625 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
the eats: Turkish Hummus
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: Casual version of the iconic Zahav: ground breaking Israeli fine dining restaurant
Zahav was the restaurant that made Michael Solomonov a pioneer in Israeli fine dining and his hummus dishes were part of how he solidified that position.
But the best hummus I've had from Solomonov was in fact at Dizengoff, a more casual easier to get into sibling. This hummus made the roast chicken look like an average side dish. Butter as all get out, I'd put this dish on my menu for last meal on Earth.
The Vitals:
the spot: Cullum's Attaboy 111 Kings Ct, San Antonio, TX 78212
the eats: Attaboy Burger with Glacé
the bucks: $16 + $5 for the glacé poured tableside
the full nelson: the most decadent burger I've had in 20 years
It was the most decadent burger I've had in 20 years. 'Nuff said folks. Chris Cullum is many things, James Beard Finalist for best Chef Texas, a man who was born into the restaurant business and thrives in it and a guy who is a true burger freak.
Don't think Cullum's Attaboy is a burger joint either, it's in fact a brunch spot. But if you don't get a burger for breakfast there, you did it all wrong.
The Vitals: the spot:Ben's Chili Bowl multiple locations in Washington D.C. the eats: A half smoke with chili the bucks: $8.50 the full nelson: a Washington DC food icon ain't your average chili dog
The fact that Ben's Chili Bowl even happened, let alone make it on this list was dumb luck that turned into pure destiny. I've heard about the legendary chili dog place in Washington DC for years but well, assumed it was just a chili dog joint to be had in when moments of guilty pleasure take control. Here's the thing: it's much better than you might think. In nine years of living in Texas in the midst of a BBQ renaissance, I know what a good smoked sausage should taste like and Ben's is a solid offering. I snuck this bad boy in during a National's game and it may well have been the best ballpark meal of my life.
The Vitals:
the spot: Knuckle Sandwich 440 E St Elmo Rd, Austin, TX 78745
the eats: All the sandwiches
the bucks: $17
the full nelson: best italian sandwich I've ever had
I'm the first guy to say a $17 cold cut sandwich is freaking absurd. But considering what some joints charge in Austin, it is sadly a reality one faces in 2024. Being someone who get to the East Coast frequently, I know what a good cold cut sandwich should be and Knuckle Sandwich is . . . beyond.
The bread and meats are impeccably sources and the sandwich is dressed in a custom housemade aioli with pickled mango. This all might sound obnoxious but it all works for a perfect bite. It's best cold cut sandwich I've ever had and worthy every penny of the $17 they charge. Also you can split it but you might not want to.
The Vitals:
the spot: Jim's South Street 400 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
the eats: Cheesesteak
the bucks: $13.49 (cash only)
the full nelson: a quintessential late night Philly cheesesteak experience
Meanwhile in Philly you can get a reasonable priced sandwich though this one falls in different spectrum of deliciousness. Late night, cash only Jim's on South Street brings a different vibe to the Philly Cheesesteak experience.
What really shook me was the combo of cheese whiz and American. Extra gooey with a added punch of salt, this is a true late night cheesesteak experience. It's perfect at midnight just make sure you have cash or be prepared for the fees from the ATM located inside.
The Vitals:
the spot: Jimenez y Friends Barbecue and Taqueria 4606 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410
the eats: Concha with sliced meats, Guisadas, Breakfast tacosm BBQ by the pound
the bucks: $-$$
the full nelson: tacos + texas bbq= whats's not to love
I went to Jimenez y Friends in Lubbock TX in early November as a part of my BBQ series for Pitmaster Collective(watch the videos here). Jimenez was one of six excellent stops but I keep thinking back to their unsual BBQ sandwich: A Concha with sliced meats.
Chef and Pitmaster Michael Flores suggested I try his juicy sliced turkey and the subtle sweetness of the icing in the Concha(made in house) shocking worked well. I thought I was eating something for likes and clicks but in fact it was just creative and delicious.
The Vitals: the spot: Alma Cafe 800 Louisa St, New Orleans, LA 70117 the eats: Pollo en Crema, Asado, Seared Duck the bucks: $$$ the full nelson: Honduran fine dining food in a cafe setting
Alma Cafe was my first experience eating Honduran food. While I can't say definitively if what I ate would resemble a trip to Honduras, my meal at Alma cafe was the best dinner of my New Orleans restaurant round up in 2024.
The Vitals:
the spot: Central Grocery 923 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
the eats: Muffuletta
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: An Iconic New Orleans sandwich from an Iconic New Orleans Deli
On my way home I stopped off at Central Grocery to bring a couple Muffulettas home. The iconic sandwich composed of a large round roll, assorted cured meats, cheese and a signature olive spread isn't just as delicious as it sounds but it travels well. After a three year hiatus, Central Grocery reopened just in time for me to bring a few sandwiches home.
Here's the thing though: I think it is overpriced. Yes, the large sandwich for $30 feeds four but the sandwich is so good, I could easily eat half. My kid nearly did.
Something about the place feels like they took a look at what people pay on Goldbelly and adjusted accordingly. It's good but I think there are better bang for you buck sandwiches out there for your New Orleans Restaurant round up.
The Vitals:
the spot:Peche 800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
the eats: Steak Tartare, Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Toast, Baked Drum, a few specials
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: A New Orleans restaurant whose appeal alludes me
I went to Peche back in 2017 and found myself back there seven years later in 2024. In both instances I left kind of shrugging my shoulders at the overall experience. It's a popping restaurant which means they must be doing something right. I just don't find a stride in the menu. It feels all over the place and nothing strike me as memorable with one exception.
The Steak Tartare. Grab a Sazerac and the steak tartare and that just might be the best way to enjoy Peche.
The Vitals:
the spot:The Yakamein Lady pop up only
the eats: Yakamein
the bucks: $
the full nelson: One of the best bites of 2024
Chef Linda Green makes Yakamein which is one of the most unique dishes I have ever had. NOLA locals know but if you are like me, you are not. Picture an Asian Noodle soup with just enough soul food to be placed in it's own category.
In this bowl you will find spaghetti noodles, tender braised beef, green onions, boiled egg, soy sauce and hot sauce. It is called "Old Sober" as it is billed as a hangover remedy. I wasn't hungover, just hungry and it slapped, as the kids say. Reminded me of Saimin in Hawaii.
Available only at popups, if you can find the Yakamein lady, try it. Trust me.
The Vitals:
the spot:Hermes Bar 725 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
the eats: Oysters Rockefeller, Sazerac
the bucks: $$-$$$
the full nelson: Legendary New Orleans restaurant coasting on reputation
It is not often that I write a negative review but in the case of Hermes Bar, I make an exception. And I do so out of respect for the rest of the establishments in this New Orleans Restaurant Round Up. Located at Antoine's one of the oldest restaurant in America, Hermes Bar is just that: a bar at Antoine's. If you can't snag a table in the elegant dining room, you can snag a stool here.
The sazerac was good enough. As were the Oysters Rockeller but at $18, it should be. The shrimp remoulade was abysmal, mostly because of the shrimp. I've been told by a well informed local that many a restaurant are using cheap imported shrimp and passing them off as from the gulf.
This seems to explain what happened here. Come for a drink and maybe the oysters rockefeller and then get out of dodge.
The Vitals:
the spot:Jewel of the South 1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
the eats: Anchovies on toast, Potatoes and Pimento Cheese, Foie Gras Parfait
the bucks: $$-$$$
the full nelson: my favorite restaurant of the New Orleans Restaurant round up
Alma may have been my favorite dinner but Jewel of the South was my fav restaurant of this New Orleans Restaurant Round up. Though I only went from drinks and a few bites, it was here that I had the perfect Sazerac, and one of the best bites of 2024: the Anchovy toasts.
They tasted like brioche but they might have been corn flour. Either way I was blown away by what was the best carb I ate this year. The potatoes with pimento cheese might not seem too sophisticated(it's not) but it was one thousand percent irresistible. The foie gras parfait sound more exciting that it was. I'll take seared over mousse anyday.
The Vitals:
the spot:Turkey and The Wolf 739 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
the eats: Collard Greens Melt, Wedge Salad
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: the most dinner worthy sandwiches ever
As much as I think of Philadelphia as a sandwich town, they don't have a sandwich spot that is so worthy of dinner like Turkey and the Wolf. It's a magical combination of imagination and decadence that makes a Collard Greens Melt into a sandwich as decadent as a Pastrami Reuben or a Patty Melt.
Then there is the Wedge salad which was the best I've ever had and it was delivered to my hotel. I didn't try the double cheeseburger pictured but I did have the fried chicken. Yes, that was good too.
Had I dined at Turkey and The Wolf, I might say that was the best of this New Orleans restaurant round up. But I also didn't have dinner Jewel of the South either. Alma was a great dinner but Jewel of the South is topping my list of places to go back to along with Turkey and The Wolf.
As I look back at it all, it's easy to stay on track with my initial thought: New Orleans is the best food city in America.
The Vitals: the spot: Pizzeria Salvy 1800 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 the eats: Salad and a Slice, whole pizzas, Salzones: calzone sandwiches the bucks: $$-$$$ the full nelson: Big time Philadelphia Chef slinging pizza and more in a fancy office building
Chef Marc Vetri is an indelible name when it comes to the Philadelphia food scene. His restaurants focus on Italian and land more often than not in the upscale category. If you can afford it, his pastas are incredible. The Pizza at Pizzeria Salvy ain't to shabby either. They are pricey though. Prepare for 12" pizzas to cost $20+. But I found them to be shareable. I tried the "salzone" which is a calzone meets sandwich. The oversized pizza turnovers swap out classic fillings like pepperoni, cheese and sauce for cheesesteak or in my case a cold cut combo that comes out warm. It was fine but I can't say I would ever get it again.
The Vitals:
the spot: Dizengoff 1625 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
the eats: Turkish Hummus
the bucks: $$$
the full nelson: Casual version of the iconic Zahav: ground breaking Israeli fine dining restaurant
Years ago I first encountered Chef Michael Solomonov's cooking at Zahav: his groundbreaking Israeli fine dining restaurant. Since then, I've gotten his cookbook and continued to dream about his exquisite house made pita breads and the hummus flight.
Much like Israeli culture, hummus is much more than what it seems. The flights of hummus at Zahav reflect diversity which in turn is a reflection of the Jewish Diaspora and how they bring culinary traditions from other countries to Israeli kitchens.
The brown butter hummus aka Turkish is just that. Please order it and if you ignore the entrees or the fact that the pita bread isn't as fresh as it is at Zahav, I will understand.
It ain't cheap though. For something that seems more casual than Zahav, I spent close to $100 on food and bev all by myself. Dizengoff was walking to distance to my hotel and not needing a reservation was a plus. So consider the easy access if you are debating between a visit to the flagship Zahav or Dizengoff the outlier.
The Vitals:
the spot:Royal Sushi & Izakaya 780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
the eats: Anything from the Izakaya menu
the bucks: $$-$$$ more affordable with a group
the full nelson: Cheap eats hack into one of the best sushi restaurants in America
I've long held the opinion that Los Angeles is the capital of sushi dining in America. While the number of sushi eateries can suggest that may still be the case, the sheer popularity of the cuisine suggests instances of greatness can be found coast to coast.
Philadelphia food writer Craig LaBan has long held Chef Jesse Ito a top chef when it comes to sushi. And after eating the tuna sashimi at Royal Izakaya, he can't be too far off the mark.
The Omakase at Royal is a fortune. But if I didn't make trips to Japan every other year, I would consider the $300 price per person(before tax, tip and alcohol) worth it.
But then there is also the matter of actually snagging a seat. With only two seatings a night, getting a table is near impossible. Believe me I looked.
Here is my solution: go to the Izakaya. The bar food/tapas style offerings allow you a glimmer of what Chef Ito can do, certainly when you order the sashimi. After eating tuna in Japan from the world famous Toyoso market, I can tell you with confidence that the fish quality at Royal Izakaya is on the level of Japan.
Adult Beverages at Kalahari Resort
