American Restaurants Abroad
Catch, Dubai
The Move: The Manhattan seafood hot spot has opened in the Fairmont hotel in Dubai.
The Translation: It’s about half the size of the three-story original, but graffiti-covered brick walls and industrial fans convey a distinctly American vibe.
The Draw: Only-in-Dubai dishes include the Land & Sea sushi roll (made with miso lobster and Wagyu beef) and the Pearl Necklace cocktail (vodka, passion fruit, and oyster-and-star-anise cordial).
Motorino, Singapore
The Move: The Clarke Quay party district gets a branch of New York’s cult Neapolitan pizza joint—open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Translation: This is the first Motorino with outdoor seating. Naples’s San Gennaro Cathedral inspired the marble floor, and the chairs are from a Belgian flea market.
The Draw: The Soppressata Piccante pie is made with Italian salumi that’s illegal to import to the U.S.
Smith & Wollensky, London
The Move: The steak house chain goes international in the Adelphi building on the edge of Covent Garden.
The Translation: This is, hands down, the most opulent location to date. The green-and-white color scheme is punched up with Carraramarble bars and plush banquettes.
The Draw: The irresistible Sunday special: roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and potatoes cooked in goose fat.
Voodoo Doughnut, Taipei
The Move: Portland’s outlandish doughnuts are now served in the shadow of the Taipei 101 skyscraper.
The Translation: It’s got the same Peptopink walls and takeout box, but there’s more room, with 52 seats under chandeliers.
The Draw: Doughnuts here are 25 percent smaller (with 25 percent less guilt!). Try the Taipei Cream (Bavarian filling with maple-and-vanilla frosting).
