In our last article we discussed the unsung heroes of the American food world, places that have tapped into the pulse of modern American cuisine, where it's been and where it's going, and done so without causing much of a national ruckus. San Francisco, Cincinnati, Houston, Charlotte, Cleveland – burgeoning food burgs each, but somehow humble and unassuming compared the U.S. culinary Meccas of New York and Las Vegas.

Today we'll discuss five more great American food destinations that still haven't gotten the shake in the culinary lexicon that they so richly deserve, more than one of which might truly surprise you. As before, we'll discuss the taste experiences you should be on the hunt for as well as make some lodging recommendations in each city. Wrap your napkin into your collar and get ready for more mouthwatering vacation ideas.

Boston, Massachusetts

As food towns go, Boston is an interesting case. It's most widely known for pioneering some of the nation's most popular comfort foods. Clam chowder is an obvious choice, and thanks to fresh clams and other seafood straight off the coast, it's always delicious. The eponymous Boston Baked Beans obviously hail from around town (the dish, not the Chicago-based candy), and the ever popular basket of fish and chips are served up in Boston to great esteem.

Yet, the secret heart of Boston is one of fine dining beating proudly on the efforts of name chefs like Jasper White, Todd English, and Ming Tsai. Thanks to the diverse yet regional cuisines on offer at the restaurants of chefs like these and others, Boston proves to be a remarkably versatile city. That is to say, despite the sheer excellence of obvious choices like clam chowder, fish and chips, blue crabs, and a big ol' side of baked beans, you can find really excellent choices across any number of cuisines in Boston.

Two must-have meals: dim sum anywhere in Boston's vibrant Chinatown cannot steer your wrong provided you have an adventurous palate and a patient demeanor. Second, if you have the opportunity, stop by the Union Oyster House. While the upscale seafood is excellent, that's not entirely why you should visit. Establish in 1826 and in constant operation ever since, the Union Oyster House claims to be the country's oldest restaurant. Nothing like a little history with your meal.

For a convenient choice of stay, consider one of the many Logan Airport hotels, such as the Embassy Suites Boston Airport Hotel.

Denver, Colorado

A mile above sea level and tucked into the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, you might not expect to find yourself craving Mexican food. However, enough of the locals certainly did, because first-rate Mexican, Tex-Mex, and other southwestern influences are exactly what you'll find in glorious Denver, Colorado.

Descending from a traditional Mexican and South American dish, Caldillo, the talk of the town in Denver is Green Chili (again, the dish, not the fruit). Chunky with a thin sauce, Denver Green Chili is flavored primarily by either pueblo or Hatch green chilies and hot spices and is textured with ground pork and potatoes. This fierce combination of bold flavors hardly resembles traditional red chili and is delightful served on eggs, omelets, hot dogs, pasta, and of course straight out of the bowl. Almost any "New Mexican" restaurant you find in Denver will have its own version of this tasty treat.

If that sweet aroma of charred chilies doesn't change your mind, don't worry. Denver has plenty more to offer as one of the only major cities in the U.S. to embrace game meats. Elk, bison, venison, and the infamous Rocky Mountain Oysters are all served up around town as casual fare, ignorant to the fact that almost anywhere else in the country, asking for an elk burger is about as pointless as wings on an elephant. We recommend the bison in particular, either for steaks or ground into a succulent burger. Be prepared though: it may look like beef, it may cook like beef, but it is not beef, and you'll know it from bite one.

For Denver hotels, you can of course make the convenient choice at Embassy Suites Denver Airport Hotel, or you can choose a relaxing Aurora, Colorado hotel in Doubletree Denver-Southeast.

Dallas, Texas

In our last article we visited the cow-loving town of Houston, Texas to reveal how the Lone Star State does it bigger and better. But in a state larger than France, the birthplace of all things culinary, it seems only appropriate to come back for a second helping. Representing North Texas, "The Big D" has a lot of similarities to Houston: tongue-teasing Tex-Mex, old-fashioned steakhouses, and of course the presence of master and celebrity chefs. Dallas goes one step further, however, into the venturesome realm of the eclectic.

Don't get us wrong – if you like steak, this is the place to go. It comes dry aged and pan roasted, and every bite of USDA Prime beef is a velvety luxury that never skimps on bold beef flavor. Nobody will fault you for indulging the inner-carnivore around these parts, but the surprising thing about Dallas is how many other options you have. On the efforts of popular chefs like Tom Colicchio and Kent Rathbun, Dallas has grown far beyond the steakhouse into the daring realms of haute cuisine and even molecular gastronomy, the culinary approach by which various scientific properties are exploited to create new expressions of food.

The local top-rated restaurant for many years now is Kent Rathbun's Abacus. Continental cuisine meets southern smoke meets a shockingly sophisticated sushi bar at this landmark local restaurant.

Lodging options abound in Dallas. To stay near Love Field Airport, consider the Embassy Suites Dallas Love Field Hotel. For a convenient choice in SMU hotels, the Doubletree Dallas Hotel - Campbell Centre is always competitive. The Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Market Center is a cozy choice in downtown Dallas hotels.

Biloxi, Mississippi

After three hard years since Hurricane Katrina decimated more than 90% of the coastline, the spirit of Biloxi is finally returning in full force. What spirit is that? None other than the rich and spicy spirit of outstanding Mississippi cuisine. An unusual blend of the Alabaman South and the Louisianan South, Biloxi will pleasure your palate with melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken before slapping it around with hot broiled crawfish with comeback sauce.

In Biloxi you'll find a culture dedicated to fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The favorite dinner is fried catfish, light hushpuppies, crusty cornbread, and assorted vegetables straight from the farm (no importing necessary). If you're feeling a little more adventurous, dive into a heaping portion of collard greens, and don't miss out on biscuits and gravy in the morning.

Of course, Biloxi is the south, and the only cuisine truly synonymous with the south is lip-smackin', finger-lickin', salivatin' barbeque. In Biloxi they serve Cajun sausage sliced and piled high with an extra helping of smoky sauce. Southern cuisine is all the rage right now, so why not get it straight from the source?

For something a little different in Biloxi, consider one of the Biloxi vacation rentals courtesy of the Ocean Club at Biloxi. (Note: The Ocean Club is not a hotel, it offers vacation rentals and condominiums.)

Los Angeles, California

It's unlikely that anybody would question whether or not Los Angeles is a great food town if asked, after all, it's Los Angeles. It's on every other cultural map in the country, why not food?

However, it's the very popularity of L.A.'s other tourist haunts like major theme parks, Hollywood, Griffith Park, city tours, and the western coast that has distracted the average travel guide from what a profound food destination Los Angeles truly is. It should come as no surprise, 12.9 million people means a lot of food to choose from.

The trick in L.A. is to realize the nature of the town. Los Angeles in incredibly ethno-diverse, and as a result the best cuisine in L.A. is "ethnic" cuisine. The biggest player in town is the Latin American cuisine hailing from Mexico and a broad stretch of South America. But when it comes to pushing the envelope of quality to levels you won't find elsewhere in the United States, the local Asian cuisine is the way to go. Thai, Chinese, and Korean restaurants are in quick supply, but it's upscale Japanese cuisine that has really found a home in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

Looking for something even more unusual? The Los Angeles suburb of Glendale has the largest Armenian population in the country, so naturally the largest selection of high-quality Armenian restaurants comes with it. This diverse amalgam of Mediterranean staples gives the average American's taste buds a host of new sensations while still playing it safe enough to warrant a return visit.

For a choice of hotels near Long Beach Airport, try Doubletree San Pedro. If that Armenian food piqued your interest, you'll find a good option among Glendale, California hotels at the Hilton Los Angeles North / Glendale.

There you have it. Five more great American food destinations. It's a lot of world to eat out there. What better time to start than now?