P.B.R. Steamed Mussels @ 1157 Bar & Kitchen
A corner micro bar in Baltimore’s historic maritime Locust Point neighborhood, 1157 Bar + Kitchen serves internationally influenced small plates, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Seasonally changing menus keep it fresh and local. One can choose from the rotating drafts and cocktails that are chalked up on the blackboards. A recent visit had us start with small plates: Korean fried chicken wings, honey bourbon glazed pork belly on French toast and the P.B.R. steamed mussels. Every dish was on the money, but the mussels, as they call them “The Big Ones,” were big, plump, tender and so good we ordered another bowl. The mussels ($11) arrive swimming in garlic, green Tabasco, shallots and butter with a hunk of crusty bread perched on top to sop up the rich broth. Arrive early for early-bird discounts. Executive chef and owner Jason Ambrose knows how to knock it out of the ballpark with his culinary creations.

Lomito La Rambla  @ La Rambla
For those looking for a taste of classic Buenos Aires, this traditional porteño café in the heart of Recoleta is your spot. Old-school waiters decked out in crisp white shirts and bow ties serve hot cortado espressos and succulent sandwiches. The go-to thing to order is the Lomito La Rambla, a filet mignon sandwich topped with ham, cheese, lettuce and tomato tucked between two lightly toasted pieces of bread. The steak is cooked a perfect medium rare and the entire sandwich is delightfully juicy and supremely satisfying. The sandwich costs about 180 pesos, about $12 US

Pakoras @ Gran Dabbang
Opened by Chef Mariano Ramon and his partner, former gardener and British transplant Philippa Robson, this newcomer to the Buenos Aires food scene has become an instant hit among locals, foreigners, chefs and foodies. At this unassuming spot on Scalabrini Ortiz, fans pack the communal tables, couch and a few close-set tables. The minimalist décor lets the menu shine. Indian, Southeast Asian, Argentine and Latin flavors come together to create an eclectic mix of small plates that pack bold flavors. One of their signature dishes, Swiss chard pakoras, are battered in garbanzo flour, lightly fried and served with sweet carrot chutney, Sriracha and yogurt raita.

Harissa “Burger”  @ Medina
Café Medina is arguably the most iconic brunch spot in downtown that's not fine dining, yet still refined. It is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch and there is always a line up. The menu is modern and the execution and ambiance sophisticated. The Harissa “Burger,” with two fried eggs, preserved lemon and Harissa spiced beef in a grilled pita with Parmesan, tomato salsa, spiced hummus, baba ganoush and seasonal greens is delicious and unique to the restaurant. The fricassee and smoked salmon are also excellent and will forever remain on the menu. People love the Liège waffles here, but they're not made in house and actually are from Damien's Belgian Waffles in Richmond, BC (a 20-minute drive from downtown).

Pancham Puriwala @ Pancham Puriwala
Pancham Puriwala, established in the 1840s by Pancham Sharma, is arguably the oldest running restaurant in Mumbai. The small, two-storied restaurant opposite the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station is a no-frills, unairconditioned place with shared seating. Fans are lured by the Indian flatbread. More than 4,000 puris are fried fresh every day. There are three versions: sada (plain), masala and palak. These come with a variety of vegetarian side dishes or you can go in for the full-blown thali. The vegetables are made every day and nothing is stored overnight, one reason why they didn't keep a refrigerator until recently. Meal prices range between ₹ 60 to ₹ 160. Fans also recommend the lassi and buttermilk.

The Merrywell Burger @ The Merrywell
The Merrywell Burger, the signature burger at The Merrywell, is an iconic burger in Melbourne highly acclaimed by food critics. This is a mother of a burger in the classic sense: thick juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, cheese, pickles, L.T.O., special sauce, ketchup and mustard served with a large side of French fries. The patty is so thick you're hesitant to order a double; which we normally do. The Merrywell has everything we love in a burger: juicy overdrive (we went through a stack of tissues); soft bun that still holds the burger together; quality pickles; perfectly cooked beef patty; super crispy bacon and a sauce that provides exceptional finger-licking tang. The Merrywell is an expansive gastro-pub pioneered by globe-trotting American chefs Grant MacPherson and Sam DeMarco. The Oz Burger is also a sensation here, with pickled beetroot and a runny egg.

Jenny Special Sandwich  @ Five Islands Lobster
On the wharf at Five Islands, Five Islands Lobster is home to the Jenny Special Sandwich. Fresh grilled haddock is topped with a homemade crab cake, lettuce and your choice of sauce (the cilantro mayonnaise is recommended). In addition to being home to excellent fresh local seafood, Five Islands Harbor is considered the prettiest in Maine, right where the Sheepscot Bay opens to the Gulf of Maine. The water here is deep and cold, resulting in more flavorful lobster. You can either take your meal to go, or relax and eat at the picnic tables on site. Five Islands Lobster is open seasonally during the warmer months.

Kung Pao Chicken Dumplings  @ Bao Bao Dumpling House
James Beard Award nominee Cara Stadler, who takes inspiration from growing up making dumplings, helms this casual dumpling house in Portland’s West End. Bao Bao Dumpling House’s menu changes frequently, but the Kung Pao Chicken Dumplings are a mainstay. Lightly fried until crisp on the outside and stuffed with house-tender flavorful Kung Pau Chicken on the inside, the dumplings are one of the most raved about things on the menu, which is full of creative takes on dumplings. Bao Bao Dumpling House is one of the only dumpling houses in Maine, and certainly worth a visit.

Steamed Clams  @ Barnacle Billy's
This seaside restaurant has a sundeck overlooking the water where you can feast on fresh seafood. Locals often arrive at Barnacle Billy’s by boat to enjoy lunch on warm summer days. Order the steamed clams, which are always nice and clean, never gritty and always perfect. They come with melted butter and lemon and it’s the best way to enjoy this local delicacy. Please note that Barnacle Billy’s is open seasonally during the summer months.

Baked Blueberry French Toast @ Merriland Farm Café
You will find Merriland Farm off the beaten path, next to a golf course in Wells. The family run café is known for their outstanding breakfasts featuring local fruit. While everything on the menu at Merriland Farm Café menu will impress, it is the Baked Blueberry French Toast that is truly exceptional. Fresh bread is soaked in a maple custard, stuffed with cream cheese and blueberries, baked, and then served with warm blueberry comport and whipped cream. It’s decadent enough to be a dessert, and it is the ultimate way to enjoy fresh Maine blueberries. Merriland Farm Café is open most of the year, closing down from January through March.