35 of the World's Best
In celebration of
American Way's 35th Anniversary, we asked
renowned critic
John Mariani, food editor for
Esquire
and
James Beard Award winner, to give us one amazing place to
celebrate each year of operation. As he says, greatness needs time,
and some worthy contenders are too recently opened, or the
chef is
great and the restaurant isn't, or other numerous factors. Read on
for those that made his A-list.
United States
ATLANTA
Seeger's, (404) 846-9779
A chef of great, rare talent, Guenter Seeger combines
German traditions with French refinement and American modernity to
supernal effect.
NEW ORLEANS
Commander's Palace, (504) 899-8231
The omnipresent Brennan family operates
New Orleans' finest and
most crusading Creole restaurant, famous for its hospitality,
strong drinks, and bonhomie.
NEW YORK
Daniel, (212) 288-0033
Widely considered the finest chef in New York,
Daniel Boulud sets
the culinary standards anywhere for 21st-century French cuisine.
Opulent and glamorous.
The Four Seasons, (212) 754-9494
Very high-class, very well-mannered, and very upscale New York, set
in Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Seagram Building, and filled with
great artwork. The Grill Room is for the power lunch, the Pool Room
for romance.
Le Bernardin, (212) 489-1515
Arguably the greatest French seafood restaurant in the world with
its impeccable treatment of American species. Gorgeous dining room
with an elegant motif.
Le Cirque 2000, (212) 303-7788
Society, celebs, and serious eaters congregate here nightly for
fine French and Italian food.
San Domenico, (212) 265-5959
Chef Odette Fada's finesse with contemporary Italian cooking and
owners Tony and Marisa May's smart service make this a unique New
York experience.