We're not surprised chef Thomas Keller's temple of haute cuisine made this month's list, we're just surprised it took this long.

It was a perfect meal. Chef Krista Kern (Bresca, Portland, ME).

Mario Batali's Spanish ode to the ever-popular Cal Pep in Barcelona.

They make food that makes me want to die in a food coma. The fideos are slamming. Chef Gabe Thompson (Anfora, dell'anima, L'Artusi, Manhattan).

Chef Seamus Mullen wins the respect of fellow chefs with authentic Spanish food.

Holy crap, is it tasty. Classic tapas done with the attention and innovation another cook would want. Chef Jamie Bissonnette (Toro & Coppa, Boston).

Super, duper, crazy, stinky, mild, and strong. Not Disney characters, but cheese descriptions at this rare Hell's Kitchen find. Great wines and a Pig's Ass Sandwich.

For whatever cheese floats your boat that night. Ricotta makers Betsy Divine & Rachel Mark of Salvatore Bklyn (Brooklyn).

Smokin' Cajun food. Literally. They specialize in cured meats made right on the premises.

I am in love with the duck pastrami sliders, I have been known to order them for an app and a dessert, in the same meal. Chef Mark Roberthon (Cafe Des Amis, Breaux Bridge, LA).

World class cuisine served at a small inn at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Local farms meets sheer kitchen talent meets Southern hospitality meets beautiful, beautiful inn equals heaven. Chef Eric Skokan (Black Cat, Boulder).

Sustainability, locavore, slow food - Chef Alice Waters was doing it all long before it became trendy.

Possibly my favorite restaurant in the world. The best pluot ever. Sommelier John Slover (Bar Henry, NYC).

One of the most revered chefs on the planet leaves no body part behind.

I think Fergus Henderson is the closest thing to a living god in the world of head to hoof cooking. Chef Erik Desjarlais (Evangeline, Portland, ME).

Cheeses, wines, sweets, charcuterie all made by small artisanal producers.

Cheese purveyor that inspires creativity. Maître Fromager Max McCalman (Artisanal, New York).

It's Balducci's on steroids. Three floors of a culinary shopping mecca.

A huge pastry selection. I love the quail eggs with mayonnaise. Cheesemonger Sergio Hernandez (Bklyn Larder, Brooklyn).