By Carolina Buia
No Passport Required
As we wrap up 2022 and welcome 2023, we decided to bring you the best eats nationally and around the globe. Who best to consult then our friend and food czar, Karen Katz, former Food Network Executive Producer for shows like Emeril Live!, Cake Boss and Kitchen Boss. Karen, a boss in her own right, is currently working on a delicious book chronicling her culinary journeys, aptly titled Sauced! For Altima, she has agreed to share with us the best spots to eat no matter you land on your latitude. Check out her favorite feasts below and definitely check out her filling–and no calorie–book excerpts on her site thekatztales.com.
New York
Obviously I live here and have tons of things to talk about, but one of the best bites I ever had was at Jean-Georges – his namesake restaurant just off of Central Park. It’s one of his signature appetizers – Egg Caviar.
Los Angeles
I love going downtown to the Grand Central Market – best tongue gordita I ever had from Roast to Go. (the stall has been around since 1952)
Chicago
Take 15 Chicagoans and you’ll get 15 opinions about pizza. My pick – the Gold Coast’s Lou Malnati’s on N. State Street – the Deep Dish White Pizza with the family’s Louie cream sauce.
Las Vegas
Have to plug Emeril’s Delmonicos of course, but his prime bone-in rib-eye is the best steak ever!
Nashville
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – they have six levels of heat – Southern, Mild, Medium, Hot, Damn Hot and Shut the Cluck Up. I couldn’t get past Hot.
Paris
Chez Julien – been there forever, and is the quintessential Paris bistro. And for the best truffle risotto anywhere, 1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe.
London
Veeraswamy on Regent Street has the most amazing roast duck vindaloo – one of the oldest Indian restaurants in London that doesn’t disappoint.
Beijing
Peking duck at the Dadong Duck Restaurant – an experience you will not forget.
Hanoi
This sounds disgusting, but was so delicious – the duck egg embryo during a walking street food tour. It tasted like fois gras, but less fatty. C’mon, you live once, be bold.
Kyoto
Nishiki Warai – best Okonomiyaki, a savory version of Japanese pancake, made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of protein, and topped with a variety of condiments.
