Introduction:
Andrew Zimmern, renowned for his work as a host of the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods,” has spent decades exploring unique culinary experiences around the globe. With his extensive travels and deep understanding of food, Zimmern has developed a discerning palate. Here, we explore his favorite dining experiences in the United States, showcasing a diverse array of cuisines and exceptional restaurants(Andrew Zimmern’s favorite US restaurants).
The Diversity of American Cuisine
A Nation of Immigrants
America’s food scene is a melting pot, influenced by culinary traditions from around the world. Each region draws from a variety of international influences, offering dishes that reflect its unique cultural heritage. From Cajun soul food to Philadelphia cheesesteaks and New York City’s iconic $1 slice of pizza, the country’s culinary landscape is vast and varied.
Beyond Fast Food
While fast food often dominates the global perception of American cuisine, the reality is much richer. Conversations about culinary excellence in the US are increasingly focused on quality, sustainability, and diversity. Chefs across the country are embracing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques to create memorable dining experiences.
Andrew Zimmern: A Culinary Expert
An Emmy-Winning Chef
Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer, and sustainability advocate. Known for hosting the “Bizarre Foods” franchise, he recently produced the PBS series “Hope In The Water,” which explores how fishers, aqua farmers, and scientists are working to feed the planet while saving our oceans.
Criteria for Excellence
Zimmern’s criteria for a standout restaurant are straightforward: the food must taste great and be sustainable and regenerative. In an era of growing concern about how agriculture and farming affect the planet, many American chefs are pioneering the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes rooted in their heritage.
Top Restaurants Recommended by Andrew Zimmern
1. Best for Pizza: Una Pizza Napoletana and L&B Spumoni Gardens
New York City’s Pizza Scene
Raised in Queens, Zimmern is well-versed in New York City’s diverse culinary offerings. He believes NYC is the pizza capital of the world, with a range of exceptional pizza joints.
Una Pizza Napoletana
Una Pizza Napoletana, praised by The New York Times and Michelin Guide, is renowned for its simple menu of wood-fired pies. Owner Anthony Mangieri, inspired by his Italian-American heritage, has pioneered Neapolitan-style pizza in the US, opening restaurants in New Jersey, San Francisco, and New York City.
L&B Spumoni Gardens
For a classic NYC experience, Zimmern recommends L&B Spumoni Gardens. Known for its Sicilian-style square slices, this Brooklyn institution has been serving pizza since 1939. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, non-packaged ingredients results in delicious pizza topped with fresh mozzarella and savory tomato sauce.
2. Best Farm-to-Table Dining: The Barn at Blackberry Farm
A Culinary Gem in the Great Smoky Mountains
Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, The Barn at Blackberry Farm is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that exemplifies farm-to-table dining. The menu evolves with the seasons, featuring ingredients sourced from the property’s garden.
Celebrating Appalachian Heritage
The Barn’s dishes are inspired by the traditions of the surrounding Appalachia area, showcasing heirloom vegetables, foraged mushrooms, and wild game. Chef Cassidee Dabney’s ability to blend flavors is exceptional, making the restaurant a globally unique culinary destination.
3. Best Classic New England Fare: Fore Street
Portland, Maine’s Culinary Excellence
Zimmern believes the greater Portland, Maine area is home to some of the most incredible food in the US. Known for its oysters and lobster rolls, coastal Maine offers a wealth of seafood delights.
Fore Street
Fore Street stands out for its top-notch seafood and commitment to ingredient transparency. The restaurant cooks everything over an open fire and uses seasonal ingredients. The glass walls on their walk-ins allow diners to see the fresh produce used in their dishes, adding to the dining experience.
4. Best Seafood Restaurant: La Mar by Gastón Acurio
Miami’s Premier Seafood Destination
La Mar by Gastón Acurio is one of Miami’s most acclaimed restaurants. Chef Diego Oka, who has opened several La Mar locations across the Americas, delivers exceptional seafood dishes in Miami.
A Fusion of Flavors
Oka’s menu at La Mar fuses authentic Asian and Peruvian flavors in colorful seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy cebiches (ceviche), causas (Peruvian layered potato dish), anticuchos (meat skewers), and tiraditos (fish crudo), all crafted with a modern touch. The restaurant offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay, enhancing the dining experience.
5. Best Filipino Restaurant: Kasama
The Rise of Filipino Cuisine
Zimmern has long believed that Filipino food would become a major culinary movement in America. Combining the best Asian techniques, textures, and flavors with Spanish influences, Filipino cuisine is rich and diverse.
Kasama: A Culinary Beacon
Kasama in Chicago, led by husband and wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, is at the forefront of the Filipino food movement in America. The restaurant was the first Filipino establishment to receive a Michelin star, and in 2023, the couple won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Great Lakes. Zimmern praises their culinary skills and their restaurant’s role in showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine.
Tips for Exploring American Cuisine Andrew Zimmern’s favorite US restaurants
Follow the Experts
When visiting a new city, Zimmern suggests following local food critics to discover the best dining spots. By triangulating recommendations from multiple critics, you can create a list of must-visit restaurants.
Embrace Local Flavors
To truly experience American cuisine, spend time exploring the culinary roots of the city you’re visiting. Whether it’s Southern barbecue, Asian fusion, or any other regional specialty, diving deep into local flavors offers a richer experience.
Sustainability Matters
Zimmern emphasizes the importance of sustainability in dining. When visiting seafood restaurants, ask about the sourcing of ingredients to ensure they are sustainable. Voting with your fork can help support environmentally responsible practices.
Conclusion
Andrew Zimmern’s favorite US restaurants offer a window into the diverse and dynamic culinary landscape of America. From the pizza joints of New York City to the farm-to-table excellence of The Barn at Blackberry Farm, these dining spots exemplify the best of American cuisine. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and local flavors, these restaurants create unforgettable dining experiences that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, exploring these culinary gems will provide a deeper appreciation of America’s vibrant food scene.
