The World's 50 Best

Once again, the time has come to announce The World's 50 Best restaurants, a list that may or may not have any basis in reality but that definitely has some heft in the world of cooking.

And once again, Spain and the Basque Country sort of rule.

In at number 2, right behind NOMA, is Celler de Can Roca in Girona. I find this wonderful, great, and also kind of funny, considering that this year in Gastronomika the chefs presented a Bloody Mary creation that suspiciously resembled a bloody feminine product. SICK.

Can Roca hold strong in the same position as last year, as is the case with all the top three. And of course, coming in at number three is a personal favorite of mine, Mugaritz. Truly deserving of that spot.  Arzak also holds strong, at number 8, with Elena Arzak winning an additional accolade of Best Female Chef.

Etxebarri, in leaps and bounds that can be attributed to word of mouth as well as alignment with current gastronomic trends such as using amazing product and  leaving well enough alone, comes in this year at number 31.  Martín Berasategui, on the other hand, drops to 67 in what could be attributed to alignment with now out-of-fashion gastronomic ideals.

Finally, Quique Dacosta and Carme Ruscalleda's Sant Pau round out the list at 40 and 65 respectively.

¡Viva España eta Gora Euskadi! On egin!