Forbes Travel Guide Checkers’ Best Things to Eat and Drink in 2024 – Forbes Travel Guide Stories
A big part of a Forbes Travel Guide inspector’s job is dining out. Based on receipts we’re still counting, our anonymous inspectors visited more than 1,400 of the world’s top restaurants and bars in the past year. Of the many hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, entrees, desserts, canapés, wines, and other beverages we consumed, a few were so exquisite that they stayed with us long after our reviewers returned home in mind.
As we wrap up our 2024 dining bill, let’s take a look back at some of our team’s most memorable cooking and cocktail moments.
best dishes
The ceviche sampler is located at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand CaymanHoly June
grand cayman
“The Ceviche Sampler is made for beachfront sunsets. These three varieties are fresh, herbaceous, and flavorful. They come on a swiveling plate, making them a shareable appetizer. I’m dreaming of the first A bite of classic Peruvian snapper ceviche, but the heart of Ecuadorian shrimp and palm ceviche is unforgettable in its own right.”
Hens with Stuffed Morels in Alila Napa Valleyof violets
Napa
“My standout dish of 2024 was local hen with morels and green and white asparagus. At first glance, it seems simple, but the balance of flavor and texture makes it special. The morels are stuffed with homemade The whipped feta, infused with local herbs, adds a hint of herbaceousness that complements the earthy notes of the mushrooms, and the rich fino sherry finish provides a layer of acidity that ties everything together beautifully.”
Roasted Cauliflower in Fana Hotel Miami Beachof Francis Mallman “The Fire”
Miami
“Chef Francis Mallmann cooks using only charcoal and wood, which gives the main course cauliflower and Brussels sprouts an irresistible smoky flavor. The delicate char infuses every delicious-looking bite Another flavor. Additionally, the cauliflower is cooked three ways in the dish, showcasing Mallman’s versatile and creative approach to South American live-fire cooking.”
Thai Red Curry Duck Capella BangkokPhat Nakhon Province
Bangkok
“Gan Pedyanor Thai red curry with cherry tomatoes, pea eggplant and crispy Thai basil leaf topping. Creamy, fruity curry with a hint of spiciness. Topped with a tender, juicy piece of roasted duck breast. “
The octopus is Palm One Hotelenthusiasm
Dubai
“Zest offers an Italian-inspired menu in a luxurious setting with Arabic accents. Here I had the best octopus I have ever had. It was extremely tender, lightly grilled on the outside, juicy and interesting on the inside The side dish: fresh Sardinian fregola, seasoned with spicy tomato sauce. I was blown away by the expert cooking and fresh and delicious ingredients. ”
Tomato Tartare White Barn Inn Restaurant
Kennebunk, Maine
“The vegetarian tomato tartare was better than it had any right to be. The tomatoes were fresh and vibrant and had a hint of sweetness from the balsamic vinegar. The mozzarella was on top and drizzled with a drizzle of olive oil. The restaurant specializes in lobster, but this dish The food is very popular.”
Ricotta madeleines in Anantara Villas Kihavah Maldivesof ocean
Maldives
“One dish that really impressed this year was the Ricotta Madeleine Cake. These cookies have a surprising twist: they’re filled with caviar. Light and crumbly Ricotta Madeleine Cake, inside Hidden richness of imperial caviar creates unexpected but delightful flavor combinations. ”
bread served to Roubuchon in the Dome
Macao
“The overall selection and presentation of the bread service was excellent. The staff brought the van over and packed it in a beautiful bread basket with a variety of samples including mini baguettes, bacon baguettes, mini croissants Bread, spinach bread, soft brioche, apricot walnut bread, focaccia bread, comté cheese bread and sourdough bread. The cart also carries large butter vats and servers dispensing help at the table.”
Buffet breakfast is located at Atlantis Royal Hotelof delicacies
Dubai
“The breakfast buffet was impressive in its variety, presentation and creativity. The restaurant offers local and international dishes, ranging from Arabic tapas to Asian specialties to European pastries. What made the experience special was the meticulous attention to presentation . Each station is carefully curated and filled with creativity, such as a whimsical cupcake display on a miniature carousel, a Giuseppe Arcimboldo-style fruit and vegetable art installation, and an alchemist-style sauce arrangement.”
Vichy red wine in Hotel Europe AmsterdamMary’s Bistro
amsterdam
“The appetizer base is a soft potato soup garnished with artfully arranged potatoes, thinly sliced crisp green grapes, plump grilled mussels and sweet poached langoustine, topped with chives. Texture, color And the variety of flavors is like a piece of culinary art.”
Dark Chocolate Soufflé Four Seasons Hotel New York City Centertailoring
New York
“A delightful dark chocolate soufflé with a warm, airy interior and crispy top, artfully dusted with powdered sugar on one side and cocoa on the other. Served with dark chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and homemade whipped cream. This classic, made-to-order A good soufflé is now the standard by which I will judge all future soufflés.”
Gamberoni, saffron and caviar Hotel Paris – Monte CarloLouis XV – Alain Ducasse
Monaco
“this shrimp (or shrimp), saffron and caviar appetizer is a dish I will come back to. Served in a carved metal bowl, a layer of golden caviar sits in the center, topped with tender pickled shrimp from Sanremo, surrounded by amber grouper and translucent petals of saffron gel, which resembles a flower. sunflower. However, the harmonious combination of flavors and textures is the most striking feature. The delicate, slightly sweet flavor of the juicy Gamberoni is complemented by the aromatic gelatin and creamy, salty caviar. It manages to be decadent yet refreshing. “
Dungeness crab is located in Justin’s Restaurant
Paso Robles, California
“2024 My favorite of the year is Dungeness Crab, Blood Orange, Avocado and Buttermilk with a Green Goddess Sauce. The crab shells come in a variety of colors: pink from the radish, purple from the borage flowers. Blood orange liquid gel, green from avocado and vanilla oil, the flavors combine to be ripe. Familiar and cozy, it also represents the time between winter and spring when the citrus is not yet ripe, but the plants are beginning to bloom and the herbs are coming to life again. The staff described how one person is responsible for cutting each shell, which adds to the flavor of the dish. A sense of luxury because all this effort goes into a disposable shell.”
best drink
howling daiquiri Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and Peninsula PapagayoAñejo
costa rica
“In the busy bar, I fell in love with the Howler Daiquiri, a cocktail made with banana-infused Bacardi Carta Blanca, banana liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup. Pair it with some sweet banana drinks Different, this drink is light and bright with a tangy lime flavor and I loved it so much that I bought a bottle of banana liqueur when I got home so I could recreate it. ”
world tour in The Ritz-Carlton, DohaSerge and Mill
Doha
“According to the waiter, Le Tour Du Monde was created by one of the restaurant managers as an entry into the London Beefeater gin competition, showcasing creativity and global inspiration. The drink’s unique appearance – mounted in a shape Served on a whimsical stand that resembles a hot air balloon—symbolizing the journey its ingredients take together—the cocktail’s bright red hue is topped with a hint of foam, and a twist of lemon zest brings a tangy aroma and balances the flavours.”
Voyager’s Guide is located at Grand Lisboa Palace Macau‘Stable Author: Jose Avilez
Macao
“This light Voyager Guide cocktail features mustard-infused gin, extracting the flavor of mustard without being too spicy. The soda base makes it a refreshing option. Pour premium grooves Served in a glass, it’s topped with a delicate foam and decorated with edible yellow flowers that match the color of the drink.”
Meiji Manhattan The Ritz-Carlton, Bostonavery bar
boston
“I ordered the Meiji Manhattan because I couldn’t get over how Hayashi Koyo, Cynar aperitif, Bigallet Chinese liqueur, soy sauce and Angostura bitters tasted together. The bartender said it was a Manhattan style cocktail , strikingly similar to chocolate, hence the name – Meiji, a brand of Japanese chocolate. He was right. The soy sauce was slightly salty, but subtle, and the drink had a strong cocoa flavor.”
Chazuk is here Hotel Dusit Thani KyotoStudy room in Kyoto
Kyoto
“Cha Zuke is a creative presentation frustratedIs a traditional Japanese snack food made from rice in a soup made with dashi and tea. The main ingredients of the cocktail are divided into two handmade ceramic pieces – a rice bowl with vodka and ice, and a pourer with barley tea. I was instructed to pour the tea into the vodka mixture to my desired consistency, mix in the remaining ingredients, prune (pickled plums) and smallpox (tempura pieces), enjoy with a spoon. “
Chanel’s influence Capella HanoiDiva Lounge
Hanoi, Vietnam
“Chanel’s influence is presented in a delicate leather box in the shape of a rose and accompanied by a bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume. To complete the gorgeous display, caviar pearls are elegantly placed on a gold plate with a gold straw. This The experience is sophisticated and unique, exuding refined luxury. ”
Lutyens blue exist berkeleyblue bar
London
“The Blue Bar’s innovative cocktail menu is a color wheel of countless shades of blue. Named after the signature hue that adorns the bar’s walls, Lutyens Blue incorporates the favorite spirits and ingredients of each bar staff member. In a miniature 3D model of the bar Served, complete with working lights, it was the most dynamic and interesting cocktail presentation I’ve seen this year. ”
Jalisco Garden Party Nemacolin Castlelobby bar
Farmington, Pennsylvania
“The Jalisco Garden Party Cocktail is a refreshing summer drink with a sprig of fresh mint, kiwi slices and lime juice, paired with St. Germain elderflower liqueur and, for me, the gin instead of dragon Tequila. Large spherical ice cubes add visual interest to the light green drink.”
The native language is MGM Cotai Sky LoftPatua Bar
Macao
“The waiter told us that the traditional ingredients used in the signature Patua cocktail are woven into the city’s history and are fun to learn about. The cocktail’s interesting combination includes local white wine, citrus gin, 10-year-old port Liquor and Chinese Herbal Natural Cough Syrup. It comes in a bowl on a long stand with traditional Chinese symbols and a device on the side to help pour the drink into a rectangular tea pourer to refill my small tea cup, All with matching designs.”
