I find it very interesting that you state you would probably never visit any of the eleven restaurants that received this rating. Why? I live in Atlanta and have been to Bacchanalia in Atlanta, GA many times. I have always found impeccable service and outstanding food. Why would a food editor/critic choose not to visit the highest ranked restaurnats and belittle them by comparing them to McDonald's - just because none of them are in NYC (highest average dinner price in the US)?

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Same problem here as Bob has, none of these are in a location I can just hop in the car and be there for dinner tonight. Unless I intend to drive 8 hours or more to get there.
I do make a mental note of them for the next time I travel that way, but inevitably when I'm nearby, it's not with people who are like-minded (aka "Foodies").

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Hey - think of it as a great excuse to travel -- or a wish list.

Entirely randomly (I don't have much call to hang out in Greenwich, as I'd probably just get mistaken for "the help"), I've been to Thomas Henkelmann, and can attest to the dining delightfulness. Now that I think about it, it's actually the reason why I have Laguiole steak knives at home. I was so impressed by that detail, that several years later, I bought some of my own.

On my wish list: Per Se, French Laundry, Alinea, Moto, El Bulli, Michel Bras, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Daniel, and Au Pied du Cochon. At least on the swankity side of things. There's a whole other dive list. Y'all?

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I have been to Barrington's twice for my birthday and it is some of the best food I have put in my mouth. It has a very comfortable laid back atmosphere, like a french farmhouse. If any of you are coming to Charlotte, NC, Barrington's is easy for reservations with two days notice (maybe not anymore after this list).

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I'm a little surprised The French Laundry in Yountville didn't make the list.

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What made my visit to Bacchanalia in Atlanta, GA even more interesting was a recent article in the Atlanta paper that the Chef/Owners live in a mobile home, grow their own herbs and vegatables and do their own linen laundry to remain profitable. They state that if you want to make money in the restaurant business, open a TGI Fridays - if you open a "fine dining" restaurant, be perpared to live poor. I travel a lot for business - this article gives me a list to keep in my wallet to try out when I am in the areas listed.

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Before I retired I lived about a half hour from Red Bank, NJ. If you're ever in central NJ make sure you sample the fine food and atmosphere at Restaurant Nicholas.

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I lived in Cincinnati most of my life, but now I'm in north Florida. I didn't think about until just now, but there is some outstanding eating to be had in Cincy. Must go back soon.

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