It’s here, it’s here! LUC from Rover’s chef in the hat has arrived. French American Cafe, a Bar & Food 2 Go in the heart of Madison Valley. For those of you intimidated by the French flair of Rovers, this new corner spot is low key and high standard. The only nose in the air you are going to find at this restaurant is your own as you take in the smell of Thierry’s fine cuisine. Finally, a place we can all call home.

I’ve got one word for you-Sip. In a town with a whole lot less to do at night than LA, New York or San Fran, where do Seattlites head? To eat. Out of the woodwork came everyone to Sip, where on a Friday night the house was packed. The lobster mushroom flan and the black cod were a hit at the table but the best way to partake in this new establishment is to do what the name says…sip. With a funky drinks list and over 250 of the world’s most renowned, obscure and sought after wines, as well as familiar favorites, new up-and-comers and local boutique treasures, you are bound to find something special.  Get up, get out and sip sip sip.

A shinnenkai (Japanese “new year gathering”) is the Japanese tradition of welcoming the arrival of the New Year, usually by the drinking of alcohol. A shinnenkai is generally held among friends in January. What better place to hold this nonstop adventure than some amazing sushi, a little karaoke and a lot of fun. First stop for sushi would definitely be Nishino. A staple of perfection in the sushi world, Nishino holds the number one spot for fresh fresh fresh and chef tatsu knows his stuff. Next up is Izakaya for some Shochu and round two of Japanese food. Finally, send of the evening with a stop at bush gardens for a little karaoke. Sing the night away and bring in the new year!

On a breezy night in Turks most people think of hunkering down to the flavors of fried conch and a rum punch. But not tonight. In the heart of Turks and Caicos is Lemon, a modern take on Moroccan cuisine with Mediterranean influences. You can dine in the furnished gazebo, illuminated by candles and lanterns.  The foods colors are mirrored by earthy colours and textures inherent in the Moroccan style décor. Innovative blends of herbs and spices and an abundance of flavors provide a truly memorable experience. Chef John, who hails from Canada makes a roasted eggplant stuffed with grilled onions and cherry tomatoes that rocks the kasbah and a b’stille to die for. yum.

What is a conch and more importantly how do you pronounce it? Pronounced island style like a whack on the head (conk), the conch is a species of medium-sized to large saltwater snails or their shells. Think Lord of the Flies meets tasty delight. Da Conch Shack on Turks is the best place world wide to see, eat and experience all things conch. Watch the water change colour (is it the rum?) as you sip a smooth, mellow rum unlike anything you have ever tried before. As they happily boast, you can “enjoy it like a fine wine. Scotch drinkers converted daily.” At the conch shack you sit on the beach at picnic tables with sand under your feet watching the sun go down as the music rises and the taste buds are infused with happy flavors.  I’m dreaming of it already…even for breakfast.

Ahhh the call of the wild…Wildly gorgeous beaches and weather in Turks and Caicos that is. Touch down amid light blue waters and head to these top spots for the best conch, seafood and rum punch. Lala is hitting all the top spots for a little island time.

Heading to the inlaws and not sure what to bring? Making Thanksgiving dinner for the family plus 10 and not sure if you can pull it off? Fake it and bake it or admit that you bought it…it wont matter if eaters know it came from Macrina. They know that the best way to spend the holidays is by breaking bread with family and friends. Macrina makes the best porcini stuffing, pies, scones, savory bread puddings and heavenly other treats. Give thanks to Macrina.

BLT steakhouse may have been voted New Yorks number one steakhouse, but LA is where all the action is. Chef Laurent Tourondel is a master of all thing beef and stylish French meets urban chic style. If things that go moo and perfect kobe beef are not your thing there is always the grilled branzino, roasted beets, and a raw bar that makes you drool with anticipation. Their menu is a who’s who and what’s what of all foods of the earth and sea in all shapes and sizes. Kind of like LA. Anything goes and it goes good.

Lala Land has a special place in my heart and when i get a craving to go back that craving usually includes a mandatory stop at CHIN CHIN. After 25 years, CHIN CHIN remains the most popular Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles, with 4 locations throughout the city and one in New York-New York Hotel & Casino™ in Las Vegas, Nevada. It remains my favorite pit stop for the chinese chicken salad, shrimp toast and delish bubble tea. It’s heaven, you know it…and they deliver…wonder if that driver can make it out to Seattle

Its been more than a year since the opening of Spinasse, a tiny little slice of heaven on Capitol Hill. Pasta guru Justin Neidermeyer has since made his last bow and returned to Italy, leaving Jason Stratton at the helm. After last nights dinner it is clear that this ship is heading in the right direction. Fine hand cut egg pasta with ragu or sage butter melts in your mouth. Tiny onions stuffed with salt cod are morsels of pure delight. The black cod and chicken are cooked to perfection. The wine selection chosen simply and elegantly to match the menu.  I never thought of myself as a beggar, but what would it take to learn to make that pasta…its mad mad good. This Spinasse is paradise.

fine hand cut egg pasta with ragu or butter and sage.