The Everyday Epicure

Because Food Should Not be an Acquired Taste...

180 Meatballs at Bricco

There's a good reason why in a 2 mile area with over 50 quality Italian restaurants this place packs them in and requires reservations and the meatballs are apart of it. Tender, with a nice slight burnt crunch to them, these meatballs are loaded with some of the best red sauce and cheese, thus landing them here at 180 and being the 1st of 3 dishes from Bricco in the top 200. 

181 Pepperoni pizza at Prince Street Pizza

Heralded by many as the best pepperoni pizza in New York City, Prince Street delivers a very unique and talk-worthy slice. Cumbersome to eat and a little too zesty of a sauce keep this one from achieving pizza perfection. 

182 Lemon chicken with whipped potato at Girasole

It's been many years since I've been here in Bound Brook, NJ, but this is exactly a dish you want to see featured more often. The sauce is not too thin, the mashed potatoes are pleasantly light, the chicken lightly pounded and the accompanying potato crisp a delightful surprise. Nothing too groundbreaking but a well done dish that many fall short on.  

183 Mashed potato balls at Maloney & Porcellis 

The only redeeming item at this extremely overrated midtown steakhouse. Again, another creative dish combining what we love- mashed potatoes and deep fry. Go for a glass of wine and this appetizer. Then walk down the street to get your steak fix. 

184 Macaroons at Laduree

Iconic. Simply put Laduree is an international icon that boasts these infuriatingly good, miniature dessert treats that leave your wallet lighter and your mouth pacified. 

185 Sweet tempura brioche french toast at Seito Sushi

Perhaps the most creative dish down here in the 180-200 section but Seito Sushi delivers an innovative take on dessert that mirrors the unique restaurant that Seito sushi is. Worth the trip when you are in Florida. 

186 Caesar salad at Arabella

Elegant and gorgeous Italian restaurant that makes you forget you are in the outskirts of Orlando, Arabella delivers an excellent tableside preparation of the Caesar salad. Go for dinner but book in advance! It's one of few top quality restaurants in the area. 

187 Pollo Empanizado at Tenoch

Here's what I love about this list, you have white table cloth Italian paired next to no table cloth Mexican. The pollo empanizado is a delicious departure from your normal routine and starts to show why this place holds a 30-60 minute line every night. 

188 Gnocchi Bolognese at Trattoria Osenna

Ciao! Buongiorno al Italia. Mi dispiace- wrong language. When taking a trip to Italy and Tuscany, stop off and view one of the greatest in-restaurant views of the tree canopy(?) while enjoying a fantastic gnocchi bolognese my dining companions would most definitely put higher on their own lists. 

189 Pear in Champagne Dijon Salad at The Tides

Again, Florida every now and again knows how to impress and this is one of two entries for The Tides; one of my top 50 restaurants in the world. Pear, champagne dijon dressing; do you honestly have to ask why this is so good? Excellent- didn't think so. 

190 Duck fat roasted potatoes at DB Bistro Moderne

See description above. Oh where you ask? Midtown Manhattan. But don't worry Daniel Boulud's restaurant comes back as we get closer to our finalists. :)

191 Rigatoni Toscano at Toscano

Don't we all love bacon? (Yes- you too vegetarians) And don't we really like red/vodka sauce? Pasta? Yes- all three? Ok well go to Harvard Square in Cambridge. Go ahead, I'll wait. 

192 Clam Chowder at Legal Sea Foods

Simply legendary. The clam chowder at Legal Sea Foods has grown in folklore and popularity however the expansion of the chain makes it a dish oftentimes hard to deliver consistently at some of the smaller offshoot locations. 

193 Lasagna at La Cucina

When you think of the sleepy Caribbean island of St. Kitts, chances are you don't think of lasagna. But this slight burnt top with a perfect blend of congealed flavor and ground meat make this a delightfully and ironically hearty option in the Caribbean. 

194 Mashed potato pizza at Bar Pizzeria

Our first Connecticut pizza appearance is via Bar Pizzeria in New Haven. This happening late night hangout is well known for delivering some creative pizza pies but unfortunately delivering them with varying degrees of skill. An April visit drops this one from 163 to 194. 

195 Potato Leek Soup at Le Chateau

When you go to a massive castle turned into a restaurant seating 250+ people in a scenic and well-to-do area, you hope it's going to have at least something to write home about. Well, grab your pen and postmark, because this is it. Although, unless you are going to see the bride and groom, unfortunately you cannot get this delight any longer. 

196 Mashed potatoes at JW's 

Let's try and get as far removed from 195 as possible and heading to shady Newark, New Jersey accomplishes just that. If you do happen to find yourself there, these creamy, buttery potatoes will be sure to impress and on our later lists, you will find its plating accompaniment. 

197 Tilapia Sandwich at ESPN Wide World of Sports

This is what I love about this list- castle, steakhouse and then quick serve Disney restaurant. As you can see, amazing food is not limited to haute couture (coughMichelincough). It's been a number of years but for this to stick with me for this long- you know its worth it. 

198 Buffalo wings at Dew Drop Inn

To the Connecticut Magazine reviewer who said these were better than Archie Moore's... you should be fired. You will see the real buffalo wings many lists later but these wings, will a bit of the slimier side still pack a good punch heat wise, arent too greasy and have very good flavor. 

199 Popovers at The Wayfarer

2 blocks away from Central Park you will find a perfect date/celebratory dining spot. The Wayfarer has the ambience, menu, drinks and food to provide all you want. It doesn't take long to figure out you are going to have a pleasant experience when you indulge in their airy, cheesy delights accompanied by an addicting tapenade. Enjoy! 

200 Pasta Bolognese at Aribella 

A local Shelton, CT favorite- this place deserves top quality food including some of the best pasta bolognese, a great fried mozzarella and a very creative dessert you will see featured later on. The one knock- serving temperature! They often struggle with cold dishes or cold centers.  

 

To keep torturing your taste buds, click here

 

#181 Pepperoni Pizza @ Prince Street Pizza

#181 Pepperoni Pizza @ Prince Street Pizza