We make it a point to be experts in more than just cycling on our trips. We show you the best parts of every destination and wow you with locations you may not have discovered alone. The chances that you’ve heard of these five eateries on our domestic trips are slim, but take our word for it, each offers a unique culinary experience certainly worth writing home about. Dig in—here’s our top five favorite meals of North America.
“I want Rhubarb to be where the important stuff happens,” says Executive Chef John Fleer. After 15 years as executive chef at the famous Blackberry Farm, he now brings his fresh approach to boldly flavored dishes and love for all things southern (and local) to the table for you to enjoy at Rhubarb.
One of Thomas Keller’s prized restaurants, Ad Hoc was originally created to showcase the American comfort food of his childhood, but has now become a staple in the “culinary capital” of Napa Valley. Ad Hoc features a daily-changing four-course menu of various classic American dishes like fried chicken or barbeque, and is always served family style to create a casual comfort you just won’t find anywhere else.
3. The Oak at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Ojai, CA
Here, you’ll sit and gaze out upon the beautifully manicured grounds and mountain vistas of the Ojai Valley Inn while you’re treated to drinks and a mouthwatering meal of ever changing, locally sourced, Californian cuisine—with many ingredients coming straight from their on-site herb garden.
4. Hell’s Backbone
Bryce and Zion
In the tiny, remote town of Boulder (population: 180), you may be surprised to find one of Utah’s most highly acclaimed restaurants. But Hell’s Backbone Grill is more than an excellent Zagat rating or Salt Lake Magazine’s “Best Restaurant” ten years running. This unique place is a testament to how two impassioned people can bring a beautiful vision of sustainability and community into reality. With meals made from honest and simple ingredients straight from the restaurant’s own farm, Blake and Jen, the chef-owners of Hell’s Backbone have, despite the name, created a little spot of heaven for all to enjoy.
5. BLACKBERRY FARM
Walland, TN
Drawing inspiration from their Smoky Mountain heritage, the chefs and epicurean artisans at countryside enclave Blackberry Farm have created a culinary oasis with home-grown meals that “wander the line between refined and rugged,” with every dish being as sumptuous as the last. Served up in a grand rustic turn-of-the-century barn surrounded by peaceful pastures, you’ll be transported to an idyllic world that doesn’t feel of this time.
