Best of the Americas 2010

At Cobre (Gold), the pan-Latin menu “zings regional ingredients with raucous spice: albacore tuna ceviche, pulled duck tacos, and salsa’d sablefish all stand out.” La Taqueria (Silver) was honoured for well-sourced ingredients and humble prices on a short menu including arrachera (marinated skirt beef) and de cachete (braised Chilliwack pork cheeks). Habit/Cascade cousin Latitude (Bronze) liberally but sensibly spices small plates with Latin heat. Ana Herrera’s handmade pupusas still pack the house at Rinconcito Salvadoreño (Honourable Mention); and fellow Honourable Doña Cata delivers beautifully seasoned and layered traditional tacos—go for the al pastor and carnitas.