Have you ever wondered how to locate the best place to eat? Whether you are new to an area or just looking for more choices to refresh your repertoire a time of culinary exploration may be the answer to your search.
New to an area
Being new to an area comes with many of its own challenges and changes and food can be an excellent way to experiment and shape your experience into your own. Trying new dishes can create new traditions for you and your family for years into the future or simply help you to find your new favorite place to go out.
Or been here forever
Likewise, if you have lived in an area for most of your life, someone may ask you where the best place for a certain food is and if you find yourself in the uncomfortable position of not knowing this is a great way to expand your horizons- or at least your answers.
What cuisine are you starting with
Pick a culinary type to start. It can be a local favorite like New York pizza or Memphis BBQ, whatever is in your area. Or, it can be a personal favorite. But you might want to see if there are more great options out there for you.
Make a list
Once you have picked a cuisine look for listings of top rated local places. Start online or with apps for finding restaurants, but don't forget to check with people around you who have tried local restaurants—neighbors, local newspapers, groups that you are a part of all can be a rich resource of information. Make a list of the places that you want to try; this may consist of locations that everyone mentions or that has great stars, atmosphere or prices. Don’t forget to include some hole in the wall places on your list as these can have some of the best food around. Start with your top 10 and one by one, maybe once a week, try them out.
Try it all- if you can
When you get to each place, make sure to try several things if you can. A great way to do this is to go with friends, and each person orders something different for the table to taste. Ideas of things to order can be the special of the day/chef's special, your favorite dish, something that a reviewer suggested that got the restaurant on your list in the first place, etc.
Get started, have fun, and don’t stop
Go on a culinary adventure through town and discover your area and yourself like never before while having fun in the process. Start by talking with your local real estate agent for tips on where to start or to get your list going. Don’t stop at just one cuisine, figure out your next one, keep going and have fun!
