Throughout his travels Anthony Bourdain compiled a list of restaurants that he believed everyone should take the opportunity to eat at before the end of their lives. Thirteen restaurants made that list with, unfortunately, one closing permanently in 2011.

I have been fortunate to dine at those noted.

St. John – London (Michelin Star) Check. Bourdain felt that the best meals he had ever eaten were served at St. John. Not going to lie, this place is pretty special.

elBulli – Girona, Spain. Closed permanently in 2011 with the restaurant being later re-opened as the elBulli Foundation which serves as an exhibit space and museum with some focus on the culinary works of elBulli founding chef Ferran Adria and his brother Albert.

The French Laundry – Napa Valley, CA

Per Se – New York City

Sin Huat Eating House – Singapore

Le Bernardin – New York

Salumi – Seattle. Check. With Salumi being only a short distance from our office I have had the opportunity to enjoy them a number of times.

Russ & Daughters – New York

Katz’s Delicatessen – New York. Check. Iconic, busy New York deli. Stop here after you have built up an appetite from walking around Manhattan as their sandwiches are huge. Bring cash as they (still) don’t take credit cards.

Etxebarri – Axpe, Spain

Sukiyabashi Jiro – Tokyo

Hot Doug’s – Chicago. This may be a check, I have been to so many places in Chicago over the years and did pretty poor job of keeping track of all of them.

Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue – Kansas City, Kansas. Check. Now simply Joe’s KC BBQ. A bit out of the way and initially disconcerting as Joe’s is located in a corner gas station. While the inside still feels like you are still in a gas station the amazing BBQ certainly takes your mind off of that for awhile.