From Buffalo to Birmingham, veteran chefs highlight surprising foodie cities
CNNCNN — No one needs convincing that New York City is one of, if not the, best food city in the United States. Geoffrey Zakarian, a chef and owner of restaurants in New York City, Miami and Atlantic City, also praises Birmingham’s growing culinary cred. Of the latter she cites “tons of young, innovative chefs.” Indeed, Beckon’s pre-paid dinner ticket setup for just 17 guests each night is one of Denver’s most creative dining experiences. It feels a lot like the place that I live in the sense of how we all feel about it.” Christensen can’t wait to go back: “Everyone is making this delicious, heartfelt food and I found that to be a consistent vibe across our experiences in Minneapolis.” One of the city’s most popular restaurants, Spoon and Stable, is upscale but not stuffy, and exudes a cozy, chic feel. Created by James Beard award-winning chef/owner Gavin Kaysen, Spoon and Stable is housed in an old horse stable and has a menu reflective of its Midwestern seasonal sensibilities and Kaysen’s French background.