“Head bartender at Camparino In Galleria , Tommaso Cecca, is quite possibly the best in town and makes a perfect Negroni.”

“PlanetaRica is a little shop is where they sell fresh buffalo burrata – they also make the most decadent Arequipe, which is our version of Dulce de leche.”

“LOLA management and staff is one of the warmest around. They know your name, they know your kids and they know you definitely want that soft serve at the end of the meal.”

“I go to Chef Tanya’s Kitchen for a cafe de cocoa that tastes like a nuttier, caffeinated, cold version of Mexican hot chocolate.”

“If you stop by Rito’s Bakery, ask for my dad Jim, and tell him I sent you!”

“I don’t know how legal it is to bring back to the US, but Antica Norcineria vacuum seals salumi to put in your suitcase.”

“I can only eat at Millie's Cuban Cafe on special occasions because calories but whenever I want to treat myself, this is the place!”

“If you want to understand what the Shanghainese food scene looks like these days, head to Bird, a beautiful little restaurant with a killer wine list and a lot of caning.”

“Cherries Ice Cream Bar & Grill is one of my favorite places in the world – great for soft serve and scoops to take on a country drive.”

“Kajitsu serves Japanese Shojin cuisine, which is the vegetarian food of Zen Buddhism, rooted in centuries of tradition.”

“We need more places where natural wine isn’t considered a luxury or a destination product, but more of a let’s grab a beer and a bite kind of thing.”

“You’ll have to show up promptly as soon as Sushi Gen opens its glass doors, or else an hour-long line may prevent you from getting in in time for lunch.”

“If you’ve met me, you’ve heard me talk about wings (and probably onion rings) more than you’ve ever wanted to. Tomasos makes them both so well; their onion rings are transcendent.”

“Blondery is a 100% minority and woman-owned direct-to-consumer virtual bakery.”

“During mango season (April-October) don’t just get mango at whatever Thai restaurant you’re at. Pay your tab, walk out the door and go to Bhan Kanom.”

“Regardless of its destination location, quite out of the way of much else, no trip to London is complete without a visit to the River Cafe.”

“There are all these little jewels in Boyle Heights. It’s almost like finding hidden treasure and I’m giving you the treasure map!”

“Raoul’s today, Raoul’s tomorrow, Raoul’s forever! To me, it’s the only restaurant downtown that has kept its soul for so long.”

“For people that love to geek out over wine, The Morris is a really special place.”

“I’ve never bumped into more people in LA than at the Hollywood Farmers Market. But what brings me back to that market is the wild array of produce that California is so well known for.”

“Featuring locally raised, whole animal butchery, the burgers at Mac’s have edges so sharp they’ll cut your tongue. While I’m a basic pickle and ketchup guy, their pimento burger is what draws the crowds”

“At Mother Wang’s, whole rabbits are perfectly roasted in either mala or five spice flavor, shrink wrapped for travel and best enjoyed with a couple of street beers.”

“Commander’s Palace makes it on every restaurant list in New Orleans because it’s iconic, but the reason I picked this spot is their 25 cent martini lunches.”

“Belly up to the bar and rub elbows with your favorite local winemakers at The Charter Oak.”