Top 5 Bites So Far in 2026

Shining the light on my Top 5 Bites so far in 2026 -- this pic is from OX where I'm unable to select just one bite to highlight

Five months, four countries, more states than I can count on one trip's worth of receipts — and these are the bites that have stuck with me all year, from a Michelin-caliber tasting menu to a $6 plate of queso. Great food doesn't care about your price range or your zip code, and this list is proof.

The Campanelle at Margaux, JW Marriott Grand Rapids. This wasn't just a good hotel restaurant dish — it was a good dish, period. I'm still craving it.

The Entire Meal at OX Some meals are about one dish. This one was about all of them. Every course at OX built on the last, and by the end I couldn't point to a single weak plate.

I know this isn't the pic you want to see but the meal at OX is so incredibly special and perfect, you just need to experience it without me spoiling anything

Seafood Soup at Aarstova, Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands aren't exactly known as a food destination yet, and Aarstova is exactly why that's about to change. The seafood soup tasted like it came straight from the water outside — rich, briny, and completely perfect.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/39e2d0_92e7e53c343b42cfab742f981a68d115/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Chile Con Queso at L&J Cafe, El Paso L&J Cafe has been an El Paso institution for a reason, and the chile con queso is the proof. It's simple on paper and unforgettable in person — the kind of dish that you plan your road trip around. (yes, I did that)

Chocolate Cake at Nantucket Baking Company the best chocolate cake I have ever had. It is SO MOIST and the perfect balance of not being too dense or too sweet. I should have ordered a full cake to take home.

I devoured the cake without taking a pic, so had to go to yelp for this one.