140 Chocolate gauteau with mint ice cream @ Captain Linell House
There are few places on this list that I cherish more than the Captain Linell House. After all, who doesn't love a beautiful Victorian on Cape Cod that plays host to some of the most elegant weddings around? Ok no one? Thought so. While you are here, finish your meal with the gateau cake- the mint ice cream accompanies it so perfectly you will think you are the chef de cuisine and start instructing other restaurants to do it this way.
141 Chocolate mousse @ Ostra
If you know me, you are thinking to yourself what the F%$*? Yes, there's a chocolate mousse out there that is so good, it cracks my top 200 dishes and I don't even like chocolate mousse! Elegant presentation with mini carmelized bananas and raspberry sauce- it is sure to delight.
142 Onion Rings at Parish Cafe
Just what I love about this list- onion rings can make it on here! These colossal deep-fried dreams feature the perfect combination of fresh onion and deep fry. Toss in some pleasantly spicy chipotle mayonnaise and you'll be in heaven.
143 Lobster and Crab cake @ Capital Grille
It's lobster, it's crab, it's a seafood paradise. Well blended, fresh and accompanied by a great mustard mayonnaise, this spin on a traditional favorite gets points for creativity while not veering too far off the beaten path.
144 Deep fried pretzel @ Little Barn
If Capital Grille gets points for its minor innovation, then Little Barn gets a full grade boost for its seemingly basic yet extremely unique offering. The mammoth pretzel is best to share as an appetizer for 2-3 and the two mustards it come with are about as stark a contrast as it gets; both excellent but make sure to strap in for the spicy mustard. Good news- if you're nose is stuffed up- it won't be any longer :).
145 Garlic bread @ Renato's
You know something must be good when it remains on the list even after not being there for 12 years. This upscale, beautiful Italian restaurant in unassuming Stuart, Florida delivers the best garlic bread.
146 Lemon Souffle @ Gary Danko
Before I get yelled at by snarling SF epicureans, I swear I come in peace. GD makes a few more appearances as we make our way up the list. Let's just say the souffle is excellent, but I've had better... I'm backing away now...
147 Fried scallop plate @ Seafood Shanty
Go to Cape Cod for the best fried seafood right? Wrong. On a technicality. On the bridge into Bourne, you will find Seafood Shanty nestled basically in the middle of nowhere. Don't let its meek appearance turn you away, the seafood is extremely fresh without a single chewy piece and not overwhelmingly greasy. All in all, it's the perfect combination. Just don't expect much of the fries. They are there for satiation not salivation.
148 Salmon @ Diorio's
An admittedly simple entrance on this list but I am a sucker for a great dijon mustard glaze and the horseradish crumble reassures me enough that it's not too rudimentary for this list. After all, this is the everyday epicure :). Enjoy this old world classic on a date or with family but three things: get a booth, the salmon and the banoffee pie.
149 Bread @ The Bancroft
Again- parker dinner rolls, lathered in butter, salted with large crystals of himalayan sea salt and served warm- these buttery delights are sure to be worth the indulgence. Furthermore, the rest of the meal certainly does not disappoint as Daniel Boulud and Lydia Shire trained chef, Mario Capone, showcases what he's learned after a career at some of the most renowned kitchens in America. Bravissimo Mario.
150 Caribbean Cake @ Marriott Grand Cayman
You wouldn't necessarily think the Caribbean is a beacon for excellent cuisine, but for some reason top executive chefs flock to the island to make sure those vacationing enjoy some of the finest cuisine. To be honest, after Italy, France and the US, the Cayman Islands have the best cuisine of the 20 countries I have been to. While anywhere in Grand Cayman, enjoy their legendary Caribbean and rum cakes- they are moist, delicious and quite unique. Caveat here: sweet-tooths only!
151 Lobster Roll @ Mermaid Inn
No one would really consider $29 for a lobster roll to be a steal, but this is. Loaded up with old bay fries and a lobster roll that spills over the top enough to satisfy most for not one, but two meals, this lobster roll not only impresses with size but also quality. Excellent lobster that is a nice blend of claw and tail that is featured warm on a buttery toasted roll.
152 Whipped Potatoes @ Delmonico's
For some reason, the best way to do potatoes is to whip them enough to have them fall in that balance between puree and mashed. Delmonico's is one of the few people who understands this all too well. It's not too often that side dishes steal the show from filet mignon, but this one does :).
153 Popovers @ Longwood Country Inn
Nestled away in upstate Connecticut's backyard terrace ambience, was Longwood Country Inn. Yes folks, these are now a thing of the past but while some popovers are more bread in a popover shape, these airy, cheesy delights were the OG. For my older audience, take a minute to look up OG before proceeding.
154 Fish and Chips @ The Publick House
This is the one dish on this batch 20 that I toy with moving way up. Everything about it screams perfection. The old world tavern serving up a multitude of beers in their original glasses from the 14th century puts together a dish with a small side salad, excellent belgian frites and a freshy, well-crisped fish. Yes, I'm salivating most for this one. Move it up in your mind friends and move on over to Brookline, MA for a taste. Get their early as it can get quite busy.
155 Teriyaki filet Mignon @ Haru Sushi
Tender slices of fliet mignon ensconced in a hearty serving of teriyaki and accompanied by mashed potato fritters- it's hard to dislike this dish. Impossible? Yes, yes it is. This chain spin off, provides an elegant but overtly opulent atmosphere that I would peg as a great second or third date spot. Enjoy.
156 Grandma's Slice @ Williamsburg Pizza
I have this one covered on the pizza list but for those interested in only the top slices and not particularly interested in "pizza places"- if you enjoy pizzas with perfect blends of different cheeses, fresh basil and served in square slices- you will love the grandma's. Caveat here, it's a bit too greasy so grab a coke and maybe a tums.
157 Chocolate Chip Cookies @ The Wayfarer
Ok, let's make this a dynamic, audience-engagement blog; I'll let you write this one. What makes a perfect chocolate chip cookie? *served warm with tons of chocolate chips in it, thick enough to sink your teeth into and yet not be too cumbersome*. Nice job readers- you nailed the review. And Wayfarer nailed the cookie.
158 Maple Bourbon BBQ Wings @ Dew Drop Inn
Flavor Flaaaaav! While I am not trying to magically evoke the rapper into my nearby presence, these wings make the list based upon their excellent flavor. Chicken quality is solid but the rather greasy texture at times reminds me of why these aren't a top 125 dish.
159 Halibut @ Ostra
Rarely do you say, oh man- that was an excellent halibut. But once again, Jamie Mammano knows how to pull it off. While Ostra ranks at the bottom of my CHG list, it is still a 9/10 and this dish is a 9.5 out of 10. The excellent pommes puree and addicting sauce make this an item I would get again; a tall task for me.