Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

In Portland, Ore., a chef who butchers, cures, preserves and smokes everything in-house, in San Carlos, Calif., a neighbourhood spot featuring burgers, cheese steaks and signature sandwiches.

Braised beef short ribs and spicy shrimp and gravy, chicken noodle with matzo ball soup and potato latkes, pork belly and short rib kojas.

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, blue corn enchiladas with red chile sauce and chile en nogada, in Portland, Oregon, won ton soup, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, beef cheek manicotti and squid ink black pasta with calamari.

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, ma hi ma hi and Caribbean goat stew, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, turkey avocado with green apple chili chutney and a Duke City Reuben.

A bakery in Albuquerque, N.M. crafts a unique take on the Thanksgiving bird, turkey wild rice soup and pumpkin pie in Santa Fe, N.M., smoked turkey and beans in Kansas City, Mo.

In Portland, Ore., a cafe cranking out comfort foods like the heartless artichoke sandwich and a curried lentil dish, in Albuquerque, N.M., soul food with a New Mexico twist, in Kansas City, Mo., a barbecue and blues joint.

A neighbourhood favourite in Kansas City, Mo., serving pork hash with black beans; in Kansas City, authentic homemade pastas; in Albuquerque, N.M., smoked barbecue chicken and speciality hot dogs.

In Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a taco joint turns out fresh octopus tacos; stuffed fish with lobster sauce; taquito trifecta and sushi with a Mexican flair.

In Hendersonville, Tenn., a barbecue joint serves up a shoulder pull and a holiday ham; in Nashville, traditional Mexican tamales and quinoa sweet potato tacos.

In Nashville, a gourmet food truck with unique versions of grilled cheese; in the Sylvan Park area of Nashville, a Italian spot with namesake lasagna and lamb shanks; in Kansas City, Mo., chili pepper wontons and firebird chicken.