Chez Michou @ Buzios, Brazil *****

Crepe with Doce de Leite, Banana, Dried Coconut, and Peanuts

Although I try not to read too many reviews, living in NYC and London has definitely spoiled me in terms of easy access to information about restaurants. In travelling to a completely unfamiliar country, I dusted off my detective skills and experienced the long-forgotten delight of discoveries achieved through good old-fashioned legwork. Not a hole-in-the-wall by any means, Chez Michou is the sort of place that becomes a resort town legend. From the exotic Affumatica (mozarella cheese, dried tomato, heart of palm, and basil) to the rich Carne (ground beef, tomato, carrot, and spices), not to mention the numerous decadent dessert crepes, it was no wonder that I broke my personal rule of not going back to restaurants twice in the same week. Indeed, the closer my departure date loomed, the greater was my appetite for this hearty alfresco fare.

Details: Rua das Pedras, 90- Centro, Buzios, Brazil (+552226232169)