After months of traveling to more than 30 states and eating at hundreds of restaurants, 2024 has already revealed some unforgettable culinary creations. These dishes—some soul-warming soups, decadent sweets, and even the simplest yet perfectly executed sandwiches—are those bites from this year’s gastronomic adventure destined to linger in the minds and hearts of food lovers for years to come.
One standout dish is the Molotes de Plátano at Komal located in Los Angeles, California. Here, chef Fátima Júárez draws on her culinary roots, learned from her Oaxacan mother who once ran a restaurant in Mexico City. The creation features airy mashed plantains, crispy on the outside yet tender within, with just the right amount of sweetness. The center boasts melting, freshly made quesillo—a delight all on its own. But it’s the accompanying light, mellow mole negro, richly flavored with dried chiles and cacao, that's truly intoxicasting; diners might just find themselves wanting to drink it.
“The airy mashed plantain is crisp outside and tender inside, barely sweet, giving way to a center of melting, freshly made quesillo,” noted Brian Gallagher of The New York Times. Those lucky enough to visit can also order fresh tortillas, made daily with heirloom Mexican corn, which are the perfect vehicle for savoring every drop of mole.
Moving along to the coast, the spaghetti with clams at Giusto, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is another gem worth seeking out. This deceptively simple dish is best enjoyed on the restaurant’s shaded deck overlooking Newport Harbor during the warmer months. It combines just three key elements: green garlic, butter, and clams. Uncommonly deep and complex flavors emerge from this minimalist assembly, resulting from cooking the stems and tops of the green garlic separately to create the dish’s signature pistachio-green sauce.
Julia Moskin, also of The New York Times, described the layering of flavors succinctly: “The pistachio-green sauce is achieved by cooking the green garlic tops and bottoms separately.” The tonnarelli pasta, handcrafted daily, adds the perfect al dente texture. Local clams are poached gently to retain their tenderness—each bite offering the person at the table the essence of what makes coastal dining exceptional.
These two dishes represent just a sliver of what food enthusiasts can expect from 2024’s gastronomic delights. Across America, chefs continue to innovate, creating mouthwatering meals with regional ingredients and traditional techniques, reimagining classic flavors for today’s palates. From cozy little spots to upscale dining experiences, there’s no shortage of amazing dishes to discover.
Indeed, the culinary scene is one of continual evolution, showcasing the best our diverse nation has to offer. Each plate tells not just the story of its ingredients, but the cultural significance behind them, as they continue to evolve and thrive. Navigators of this food frontier are invited to partake, encouraging adventures through flavor and tradition.
Food enthusiasts, mark your calendars! 2024 promises to be another year packed with gastronomic treasures. Seek out these featured dishes and immerse yourself within the rich culinary traditions of America and beyond. Who knows, you might find your new favorite meal waiting just around the corner!