Lamb Neck Roti
Turkey and the Wolf, New Orleans
The Lamb Neck Roti at Turkey and the Wolf is one of the most memorable dishes I had this year. The tender lamb is cooked in chiles and caraway and served with a creamy herb yogurt on crispy, flaky roti bread. It all comes together for an unforgettable dining experience.
Cavatelli Macchialina
Macchialina, Miami
Chef Mike Pirolo’s cavatelli with baby meatballs at Macchialina is to die for. The pasta, freshly made in-house, is bathed in a rich porchetta red sauce and topped with tender, perfectly cooked veal cheek meatballs and pecorino. It truly is such a delicious dish. I have it every time I’m in Miami.
Abalone Chowder
Manresa, Los Gatos, Calif.
The abalone chowder at Manresa is unreal. This dish is so beautiful; the abalone melts in your mouth. I also love the delicate balance of heat from the poblano cream that tops the soup as it’s presented tableside—it really adds to the dish.