Online - March 28, 2007

Table Hopping

The World’s Best Meals

Fly halfway around the world for dinner? Right.

Actually, there are worse reasons to beg for an extra week off. Like these restaurants that have us dreaming of near and faraway places.

Molto Mangia
Do you really need an excuse to visit the Amalfi Coast? No, but just in case, there’s elegant Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi. If the fresh-from-the-farm ingredients don’t get you, the Etruscan wine cave will. Stay at the hotel, so you can wake up and do the whole thing again the next day.

La Vie en Rose
The modern decor, attentive-but-relaxed staff, and enchanting artisanal menu at L’Utopie in Quebec City make you feel like you’re in a quirky-but-tasteful French movie. You’ll actually believe (for a moment) that the French love you (226½ rue Saint-Joseph Est.; 418-523-7878).

Blow Your Horn
The rustic menu at Matterhorn in Wellington, New Zealand, highlights seasonal, organic, local ingredients. You want to discuss how great the food looks, but you’re too busy stuffing your face. As for the coconut panna cotta, it’s its own paradise.

Hangover Heaven
Worth the drive from anywhere: the Big Jim Hash Platter at Big Jim’s in Charlottesville, Virginia. Gigantic pulled pork sandwich, spicy shoestring fries, and coleslaw — all for $6. The game on the TV is just a bonus (2104 Angus Road; 434-296-8283).

Baker’s Dozen
Betty is a kooky Chez Panisse alum who wears a blue wig while she works at low-key Bakesale Betty in Oakland, California. House specials: fried chicken sandwiches (known locally as crack) and strawberry shortcake (in season).

Go-Go to Gigi
Follow the long wooden bridge across a lagoon to the beach to find Gigi’s in the Algarve, Portugal. Lunch is fresh fish: You pick it; they grill with fresh herbs, butter, and lemon. How could it get better? With delicious garlicky rice on the side (Praia da Quinta do Lago, Almancil; +351-964-045-178).

Bottom photo: James Knox

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