Mot Hai Ba

Meaning 1-2-3 in Vietnamese, chef Peja Krsticthat's tiny Lakewood eatery has garnered rave reviews by local and national critics alike as a destination for first-rate cooking. The specialty is modern French Vietnamese cuisine, which translates to imaginative, colorful dishes such as steamed buns filled with braised brisket and topped with shallot marmalade; kimchi-foie gras dumplings; and a banana leaf wrapped grouper tossed with jasmine rice teaming with herbs, jicama, peanuts, and sweet lap cheong sausage. To drink? The Southern Buddhist, with hibiscus infused gin, citrus and lemoncello. Desserts like buttermilk beignets with chocolate ganache and coconut creme are also not to be missed.