8 Restaurant Tourist Traps Worth the Trip
Snobs, all of us. We may prefer the more adorable labels, calling ourselves gourmets, gourmands, culinarists, foodists, foodies. Er, actually, could we maybe agree to quit that last one? We are an army of picky eaters and snobbish ones at that. Why, then, would we ever set foot in a tourist trap? Why infiltrate the masses requesting steaks well-done and ordering after-dinner cappuccinos? Because, like pizza and OK Computer, some things are popular for a reason. Read on for the eight best restaurants you'll find on the road well-traveled.
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1. San Francisco: Tartine Bakery
Devotees journey from near and far to queue for husband and wife team Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt's freshly baked offerings, ranging from Niman Ranch pastrami and gruyere on Chad's legendary country bread, to éclairs glazed with bitter Valrhona chocolate. 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, CA
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2. Moscow: Varvary
More popular with travelers from Paris, Tokyo and New York than herring-hating locals, Varvary's seasonal 11-course menus use local ingredients, traditional concepts and an entirely modern milieu to redefine Muscovite fine dining. 8a Stratsnoy Blvd., Moscow
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3. Beijing: Dadong Roast Duck
At Dadong, the lean birds inspire an international crowd to wait hours for a table. Reservations are recommended almost as highly as the house specialty, in which crispy duck skin is dipped in raw sugar and garlic sauce. 22 Dongsishitiao, Beijing
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4. London: Afternoon Tea at the Connaught
Tea and pastries at a grand dame hotel might sound like a snooze, but the Espelette's game of scones will have you on the edge of your seat. The menu is prepared by the same chef of the two-Michelin star fine dining room, Hélène Darroze, and includes sandwiches made with wasabi-infused British tuna and a 16-strong jam menu. The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London
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5. Chicago: Hot Doug's
In a city that takes sausage seriously, Hot Doug's is an institution. While the novelty names may not impress (i.e., the Brigitte Bardot, a "mighty, mighty, mighty hot" Andouille dog), it's tough to have beef with Doug's traditional onion-and-relish-topped Chicago dog. 3324 North California, Chicago
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6. Vancouver: Vij's
Bombay-born chef Vikram Vij has been on a mission to take North American diners beyond chicken tikka masala since 1994. His pan-Indian menu is revised every three months, and custom spice mixtures enliven everything from local BC spot prawns to lamb popsicles in fenugreek cream curry. 1480 West 11th St., Vancouver
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7. Rome: Pizzeria dar Poeta
Pizza fandom in the Eternal City can rival that of A.S. Roma. A Roman-Neapolitan hybrid, the smoky pizza crusts consist of a "secret recipe" blend of flours, but the knockout dessert calzone, made with ricotta and Nutella, gives dar Poeta its competitive edge. Vicolo del Bologna, 45, 00153 Rome
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8. Barcelona: Gelonch
Having bid adios to El Bulli, culinary travelers have been coming in droves to Adria ex-pat chef Robert Gelonch's two-story restaurant in Eixample. The innovative prix-fixe menus, artistic plating and incredibly knowledgeable staff comprise one of the most deservedly admired Catalan dining experiences available today.Carrer de Bailen 56, Barcelona
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