Long a delicacy in Spain and Portugal, percebes (gooseneck barnacles) are painstakingly harvested from rock formations deep in the ocean. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that they look like dinosaur toes. Pulling them apart reveals a tender cylindrical bit of meat that tastes like the best and briniest of clams. At his restaurant Huertas in New York City, chef Jonah Miller lets their flavors shine by simply boiling them in salt water for 2 to 3 minutes (depending on size), and serving them with a squeeze of lemon. As Miller says, "Why mess with something so perfect?" This recipe first appeared in our 2015 SAVEUR 100.
Yield: serves 2