2011 Top 5 Restaurants

The next installment in my Top 5 collection from 2011. There was plenty of nominations, but here are my Top Five Restaurants of 2011:

1. Joe Fortes, Vancouver
An atmospheric seafood and chop house in Vancouver. I remember the night more than the food, but it was a great night mostly because of Joe Fortes. Tip-top service, sensational and flavourful food.
Website

2. Matsuhisa, Aspen
If this restaurant owned by Nobu himself was busier it would have been No.1, but what it lacked in customers, it more than made up for in food. The sushi was incredible, each chopstick load delectable and the waiter a perfect foil to a lovely meal.
Website

3. Girl & The Goat, Chicago
Owned by US Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, the menu was a delight with some inspired concoctions such as seared scallops with goat sausage. There was a lot of goat on the menu, plus for the more adventurous wood oven roasted pig face, grilled bison buttocks, braised beef tongue and cod cheeks. Pick your body part!
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4. Serafina, Ft Lauderdale
A  jewel of a restaurant idyllically positioned on the edge of Fort Lauderdale’s Victoria Park overlooking the Middle River waterway. Gracious hosts, indulgent Italian food.
Website

5. Bolero, Bermuda
My favourite local restaurant of 2011. Thought provoking brasserie type menu designed and cooked by Brit Jonny Roberts. The restaurant has a real warmth to it and waterfront views. The best service on the island by far, but they are going to miss my good mate George, the maître d’ who has sadly returned to Greece.
Website