Picture this: You’re sitting in your favorite restaurant after devouring an incredible meal, already imagining when you’ll have it next. If you’re lucky, this happens pretty regularly, but not everyone can bankroll a daily trip out for the best steak or decadent brunch. Thankfully, some top restaurants have given us their famous recipes, from an epic Monte Cristo sandwich in Portland, Ore., to a buttery coconut cake from Asheville, NC.
Check out seven secret recipes below from Chuck Hughes’ adventures across the country, and for more, watch Chuck’s Eat the Street on Sundays at 10:30am ET.
DIY a jaw-dropping brunch with this French-toast breakfast sandwich from Sunshine Tavern in Portland, Ore. But instead of putting a bird on it as they do on Portlandia, put an egg on it!
Super-crispy fried chicken isn’t just for dining out anymore. Make this Japanese version from moto-i in Minneapolis anytime the craving hits.
You’ll feel like you’re lounging on Catalina Island when you make this seafood stew from Villa Portofino in Avalon, Calif. Think of it as a vacation for your body and mind.
When you can’t decide between grilled cheese and a burger, just combine them, as The Lodge in Scottsdale, Ariz., does. If you want to get really crazy, combine it with the Monte Cristo featured up top — that would be an insane hybrid.
Grilled Pork Chops with Calvados Demi-Glace and Maple-Bacon Almonds
Making your own demi-glace sounds daunting, but it’s easier than you’d think and makes all the difference with deep, rich flavor. Plus, there’s maple syrup in all three parts of this pork chop recipe from Terrapin in Rhinebeck, N.Y., so it’s a perfect brunch, too.
Feel like a Parisian when you make chocolate crepes with raspberry coulis plus dark and white chocolate ganache from Creperie du Village in Aspen. The fresh fruit makes ‘em healthy, right?
Sh, there’s a pound of butter in the decadent coconut cake from The Blackbird in Asheville, NC. Save it for a special occasion… or just, you know, this weekend.
Check out Chuck’s new show Chef vs. Challenge on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 9pm ET.
