'Frommer's 500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers'

by Bruce Watson, Posted May 4th 2009 @ 5:00PM

When it comes to food and travel guides, some are known for their frugality, others for their edginess and still others for their humor. Frommer's could perhaps best be described as "Old Reliable," with picks that rarely stray far from the well-trodden path and are somewhat on the pricey side. Instead of budget-friendly options and spontaneity, Frommer's devotees could bet on an authentic, safe and somewhat luxe travel experience.

That's why it's surprising that the hot-off-the-press new book "Frommer's 500 Places for Food and Wine Lovers" offers an incredibly wide array of options for every budget. Sure, it tips its hat to the traditional institutions that one would expect from the venerable publisher, but it also offers some down-market choices that should give adventurous gourmands a run for their money. Within its pages we spied Coney Island's Totonno's Pizzeria, with some of New York's most-buzzed-about pies in spite of its location on a scuzzy stretch of Neptune Avenue, and old-school Frank Pepe's pizzeria in New Haven, Conn.

Other Frommer's finds after the jump.

New York's bustling Zabar's Deli is in there, too, as is Kossar's Bialys. Chicagoan molecular gastronomy fans will find three of their faves listed, and Washington, D.C. area foodies may be pleased to spot the Inn at Little Washington. There is also a nod to fans of mass-market desserts with a listing for the Jell-O gallery in Leroy, N.Y.

Some would argue that the key to being a true epicure lies in the ability to appreciate food at all levels in all its splendid diversity. Thus, while there is much to be said for the French Laundry's wafer cone filled with salmon tartare, it could be said that a true foodie would never pass up a bowl of Cincinnati five-way chili from the Empress Chili parlor.

Now, thanks to Frommer's, they won't have to.

Filed Under: Business, Food News, Chefs & Restaurants, Books, New Products, Restaurants
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