MAbels Gone Fishing,

Almost every local chef I talked to said this place is on their list of best restaurants in the San Diego area. This Iberian-Californian spot has a menu that changes with what’s fresh, what the chef knows his customers will enjoy, and I respect that. Portions are small but ordering a Seared Seabass and plates of different ‘Carnes Curadas’ (cured meats) with spanish tortillas is your starter for a flavorful, memorable night.

Recommendations: I’d start with the Daily Oyster selection and/or the Kanpachi. Then order plates of the cured meats (i.e., jamon iberico bellota) and seasonal cheese, and the Endive + Snowcrab* (* seasonal.)

Papa Haydn, Alphabet district

Every time I’m back in my home state, I always have a meal at this restaurant in the Alphabet District. There are many stores to shop around the neighborhood, and a nice lunch or dinner at Papa Haydn’s is great for a nice date or family celebration. Tasteful menu options local to the area, and not extremely overpriced, which is key when you spent all your money at the farmer’s market.

Recommendations: Wild Chinook Salmon salad, French Onion Soup, or the Risotto.

olympia provisions - industrial district

First impressions of this place were the following: parking was pretty easy, the smell as you enter the door is euphoric and delicious, and why haven’t I heard of this place before?!

Great for any size of friends or family, and the aesthetics of the place is “so Portland.”

Recommendations: French Charcuterie board, Capicola Reuben on rye at Lunch, Braised Beef Short Ribs at Dinner. Drinks: Vino De Anna (Sicily), Bracco Italiano (Beefeater gin, etc.), or Olympia Old Fashioned

departure - downtown pdx

Not all restaurants are all vegan in the land of green grass and home of the Trail Blazers. This new find, Departure is an Asian Fusion spot downtown that is more than just tasty crisp pork belly. They have GF Ishiyaki Steak that’s worth saving your appetite, and a view from the restaurant is just adds to the experience of being in beautiful city.

Recommendations: Blood Orange Sherbet, Big Eye Tuna Poke, Ishiyaki Steak, Crispy Pork Belly, or Ozeki sake.

The Bayou

From the neon sign outside, to the casual vibe inside (and outside dining area), this place is one for any occasion. My first experience at this Salt Lake staple was tasting their crawfish étouffée and polishing off my palate with their… deep friend twinkies! Located not too far from late-night hot spots to continue the fun!

Recommendations: Spicy Chicken Gumbo, Deep Fried Twinkies, Cajun Veggie Burger, and an Epic Imperial Red.

Garage on beck

If you’re looking to listen to live music, sit back in your jeans and cowboy boots (or biker boots), this is the place. From the garden patio, to a true laid-back vibe, it’s located just outside downtown Salt Lake.

Recommendations: Beerhive Beer Mac, Cowboy Burger (add braised kale, if you’re feeling frisky!), and check the Event Calendar for who’s playing… Bruce Springsteen? lol maybe

Kale & Clover - Scottsdale, AZ

One of my first places I fell in love with while living in North Scottsdale, and it meets all the healthy requirements: local juices available, open space for indoor or patio seating, and fresh menu choices that you build or choose for meeting the macro and micro nutrients for you.

Recommendations: Kaleidoscope Illuminate, Superfood Salad (add Salmon/Chicken), Hummus Wrap, and the Cauliflower "Wings".”

Salty Sow - Scottsdale, AZ

This restaurant is for those special occasions, or bringing family into town for a delectable meal that isn’t what they’d expect. My first experience was eating stuffed mushrooms (which were cooked to perfection), and attentive staff to keep my drinks and courses flowing perfectly. Bring your appetite, but the portions are too large.

Recommendations: Sedona Sunset Mojito, Fried Green Tomatoes and Guac, Crackling’ Duroc Pork Belly, and the Butterscotch Boudino.

Worth Takeaway - Mesa, AZ

This place was just blocks from my old house, and when my sister and her husband took me here, I was hooked. I literally told anyone I knew about it. The food is so flavorful, the amount is just enough (or even share.) Also the vibe is relaxed with an open garden patio, and timely service for what you’re about to enjoy… tasty, local food.

Recommendations: Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, the French Dip (comes with au jus), any RAD juice, or Breakfast: the Breakfast Burrito (life-changing.)

Neighbor bakehouse - dogpatch

When you have had a long week of work, or just want to treat yourself on a crisp weekend morning, this place… is just the cherry on top. My friend let me know about this place, and we drove 30 miles from Palo Alto to get some morning goodies. Besides opening the door to the best smell, here’ some ideas for ya:

Recommendations: the butter crossiant, guava & cream cheese pastelito, ham and cheese morning bun, raspberry violet twice-baked, and don’t forget your espresso.

Pre-Ordering Available.

Saison - south beach

For the special ocassion evenings, celebrating a new job or engagement (to be?), this place was quite memorable for me. I was on a date, and I never felt more posh than being greeted at the door, wined and dined all evening, and somehow didn’t feel like “I shouldn’t be here. I buy Target tee shirts for goodness sakes!” While most evenings are “special,” this Three-Michelin star restaurant will surely leave you with the bar set high.

Reservations NEEDED.

Recommendations: Chef Discovery Menu (including Monkfish liver, Fort Bragg sea urchin, Dungeness Crab & grilled sea greens, etc.)

Kitchen Story - castro

Located off Market Street by the beautiful Dolores Park is this Breakfast & Brunch spot that can never cease to amaze me. Whether you’re in the mood for something large & savory, or curing a hangover and just need pancakes, you will find the perfect bite here.

Gluten-Free options available.

Recommendations: Mascarpone Stuffed Deep French Toast, Big Hass Omlete, Millionaire’s Mary, Belly Rancheros, California burger,

saint michael’s Alley, palo alto

This restaurants serves your cravings for breakfast food, and also nails the lunch menu as well. From Seared Wild Sea Scallops to Eggs Florentine, the ambiance of the streets of downtown “PA” will give you a feeling of city life in the peninsula area. Just down the street from Stanford University, you can’t go wrong with the following items:

• Chili Encrusted Fried Calamari (because… appetizers)

• Grilled Salmon with Basil Aioli (add a Pino Gris or a fruity Rose)

• The “ABC” Burger (1/2 lb) [ask or side salad, it’s default side is fries]

• Seasonal Belgian Waffle (brunch) [sliced peaches… delish!]

• Dessert: Baked Meyer Lemon Custard

manresa bread, los gatos

Located in the quirky, yet busy area of the south bay, this bakery is so “instagrammable,” yet the smells of hand-crafted monkey bread and pain au chocolate is sure to fit any carb-craving. They have other locations around the south bay, but this location is primo. I do recommend my favorites:

• Breton Style Kougin Amann (catering available)

• Pain Au Chocolate (paired with an Almond Milk Latte, or Cappucino)

• Levain (spread with fig preserves and prosciutto, or with Kerrygold butter)

• a local MB (Manresa Bread) mug (because we always need a new coffee mug)

tacos el grullense, redwood city

My first time coming to this place was after a roller derby. My roommate and her friends invited me for tacos down the street, and as it was Tuesday, I obviously said yes. So glad I found this place as it’s: well priced, sometimes crowded but not overrated, and tasty AF. My favorites are below (the menu has all your cravings btw):

• Flautas (add a Coca-Cola, the Mexican Coke is truly a match with ALL THE THINGS)

• Chimichanga (you better be hungry, or get some napkins. Maybe add some tapotio)

• California Burrito

• Tacos ($1.75 each!)

BlackBelly Market, Boulder

This place is a meat-lovers second home. I fell in love with the atmosphere, and the locally sourced foods they feature on their menu. They’re open for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. While I could just order their homemade ice cream everyday, below are some of my favorites to get:

• Blackbelly Burger

• Delizioza Buratta

• Rusty Heart (cocktail)

• Koji Cured Pork

El Five, Denver

If you’re looking for a “wow” factor on a date, or just want to delicious food with a killer view of downtown Denver, this joint is for you! From Harissa Eggplant fries, to the luscious dessert menu at Lunch or Dinner, I was in awe I had not been to this place before. Again, the view is awesome. Here below are some of my favorites to try:

• Shrimp & Calamari A La Plancha

• Spreads of the Med

• Dragees (perfect amount of chocolate for dessert)

• Cauliflower Yukfa

potager restaurant & wine bar, denver

Another hidden gem with a great atmosphere, and serving their guests farm-to-table. If I lived in the area, I would most likely eat here… every week. The daily specials are actually delicious, and the staff are just as pleasant. Below are some favorites to try when you’re in the mood for some wholesome nutrition:

• Spinach Fettuccine with a lemon-pine nut chutney

• Scallops with Concord Grape Misoyaki

• Coconut Curry Mussels with Pumpkin Chapati

• Analemma ‘Mosier Hills’, Mencia, Columbia Gorge

• Domaine Saint Nicolas ‘Fiefs-Vendeens’, Pinot Noir, France