15

1. OSTERIA FRANCESCANA | Modena, Italy
Parmesan 5-Ways

The WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS have been announced for 2016 and its a game of musical chairs with many of last year’s winners changing positions on the list. It appears that South America is popping off as a culinary hotspot with several high profile entries. As for Europe, I admit I was not shocked that Dinner by Heston Blumenthal dropped to No. 45, I never understood its rave reviews in years past. I’m most excited about Spain’s top tables particularly Asador Etxebarri in Axpe a tiny fishing village northwest of Bilbao. And congratulations to all the American chefs making the list, all deservedly so, but good luck foodies securing reservations now!

2. EL CELLAR DE CAN ROCA | Girona, Spain
Shrimp + Mushrooms

3. ELEVEN MADISON PARK | New York, USA
Duck for Two

4. CENTRAL | Lima, Peru
Sixty-Mile Fish (Squid + Clams)

5. NOMA | Copenhagen, Denmark
Pike Perch + Cabbage

6. MIRAZUR | Menton, France
Fish Carpaccio

7. MUGARITZ | San Sebastian, Spain
Stewed Lamb’s Tongue

8. NARISAWA | Tokyo, Japan
Squid with Burnt Red Pepper Soup

9. STEIRERECK | Vienna, Austria
Artic Char with Yellow Beeswax

10. ASADOR ETXEBARRI | Axpe, Spain
Grilled Baby Squid with Ink

Other Notables:
(that I can vouch for)

14. THE LEDBURY | London, England

15. ALINEA | Chicago

22. THE TEST KITCHEN | Cape Town, South Africa

24. LE BERNADIN | New York

27. SAISON | San Francisco

29. TICKETS | Barcelona, Spain

44. ESTELA | New York

45. DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL | London, England

48. BLUE HILLS AT STONE BARNS | New York

50. SEPTIME | Paris, France

52. PER SE | New York

67. RESTAURANT AT MEADOWOOD | Napa

71. DANIEL | New York

76. LA COLOMBE | Cape Town, South Africa

77. DEN | Tokyo, Japan

79. DIVERXO | Madrid, Spain

80. L’ATELIER DE JOEL ROBUCHON | Paris, France

81. CHEF’S TABLE AT BROOKLYN FARE | New York

83. MANRESA | San Francisco

85. THE FRENCH LAUNDRY | Napa

89. BENU | San Francisco

96. COSME | New York

97. MOMOFUKU KO | New York