Campo de Fiori - Aspen, CO

Located right in the middle of town, this Italian restaurant is always jammed packed and serves up amazing classic Italian food. I like to sit in the bar, but the scene in the dining room is just as lively. The quality of the food is off the charts yet the atmosphere is casual and fun. Order a bottle of wine and try my favorites… frutti di mare (pan sautéed calamari, simply amazing), the carpaccio (the best anywhere around) and any of the pastas.

The Little Nell - Aspen, CO

Après ski anyone? After a day of looking good on the slopes of Aspen, you must stop by to show off your stuff in the lounge at this slope-side five star resort. You may be thirsty, but pace yourself because the $15 cocktails that dominate the drink list can kill your ski budget in a hurry. It’s hard to describe a visit here as anything other than a “scene”, but none-the-less, if you’re in Aspen it’s a mandatory item on your to-do list.

Belly Up - Aspen, CO

Is that Mick Jagger?? Nah, but this Stones cover band I saw here rocked the house and I was close enough to “Mick” to realize he’s just as ugly as the real thing. The Belly Up is a must do on any visit to Apsen. This sister establishment to the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA is arguably one of the best live music venues I’ve ever been to. Think of it as a smaller version of House of Blues… standing room only in front of the stage, a few levels of seats and tables in the middle and the bar in the very back. Even with a sellout crowd it’s relatively easy to get a drink and make your way to the front of the stage. Buy tickets in advance though, because you won’t get no satisfaction waiting in line outside in the winter cold.

Johnny McGuire's - Aspen, CO

Hung over?? Went shot for shot with Charlie Sheen at the bar last night?? Then head to Johnny McGuire’s on your way to the slopes for one of the greatest breakfast burritos west of the Mississippi. This place is a dive, and to the best of my knowledge doesn’t even have any tables. Just place your order up front and grab a seat at the counter and watch the cooks coat the flattop grill with grease to prepare your cure for last night. If breakfast isn’t your thing then order up a one of their killer sandwiches to go and break it out later at the Sundeck. I knew this had to be a great place when I saw their motto: “Health Food Sucks”.

Jimmy's - Aspen, CO

I’ve never eaten in the actual restaurant here, but the bar is awesome and has a hearty selection of American comfort food. This is probably my favorite dinner spot in Aspen, with a good mix of locals and “in the know” out of towners. The bar menu is a toned down, and less expensive, version of the one in the regular restaurant with my favorites being the meatloaf, the surf & turf (seared ahi tuna and filet tips) and the crab leg special on Thursday nights. It’s usually crowded, so put your name in with one of the guys floating around the bar to get in line for a bar seat or for one of the high top tables. I always have one (or a few) of their house margaritas, their specialty.

Cache Cache - Aspen, CO

It’s Beverly Hills meets Newport Beach in this high-end see and be seen ski town restaurant. Ladies, just because you’re going skiing doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your high heels. This place is loud, crowded and hard to get into, but once your there you’re part of the Aspen elite and the food and atmosphere do not disappoint. The food at this French bistro is probably the best in town… lamb chops, ossobucco and fresh fish are among the popular choices. If you’re looking for more of a nightclub feel to your dining experience try grabbing a seat in the bar. Otherwise, make a reservation before you board your private jet… oh, and don’t let your date forget her heels.

Bocadillos - San Francisco, CA

Ok, back to San Francisco… I stumbled upon this tiny Spanish tapas outpost about two years ago and have been going back on every visit to the city. The food here is all small plates and everything I’ve had has been fantastic. I always try the seasonal vegetable… I recently had the caramelized roasted sweet potatoes and on another occasion had the best brussel sprouts I’ve ever eaten in my life (yeah, everything is better with bacon!). Most of the seating is at a community table in the middle of the restaurant and it gets busy, so be prepared to get cozy with your table mates. It’s located across from the Transamerica pyramid building in the financial district so it’s a convenient place for lunch. However, they have a great wine by the glass selection (for a hard day in the office or if you’re there for dinner) and I also must recommend stopping by for breakfast.

Rickhouse - San Francisco, CA

What do bikers, bankers, hipsters and college students have in common? They all hang out at Rickhouse… yes, at the same time. From happy hour until I get thrown out at closing at 2am this is one of the coolest new bars in San Francisco. Located in the Financial District, this little gem is a throwback to the speakeasy days of prohibition and is staffed with suspendered mixologists that make some pretty amazing alcoholic creations. Don’t come here to order your cosmo, instead take advantage of the highly skilled professionals behind the bar to create something unique for you out of your favorite spirit. Small, dark and with a throwback old west décor, Rickhouse is the perfect place for an amazing drink experience where you’ll be guaranteed to fit it with the crowd.

Wexler's - San Francisco, CA

I suppose you could call this relatively new casual restaurant in San Francisco’s Financial District a barbeque spot, but with a gourmet twist. This place is cool, hip and the food is great! Chili with smoked short ribs, pulled lamb sandwich and the smoked chicken meatloaf sandwich are some of the solid options on the menu. The place is small, so get there early if you’re going for lunch since they only take reservations for dinner.

Foreign Cinema - San Francisco, CA

Located in the Mission District of San Francisco this restaurant not only boasts a lively crowd and great ambiance, but serves up fantastic food as well. The cuisine is probably best described as cal-med-french and the constantly changing menu always brings new additions that never disappoint. The scene is hip and it has been packed on every occasion that I have been. If the weather is cold out sit indoors by the fireplace, or on a warm evening definitely sit in the outdoor patio and feel transported to a tiny European village with the help of a classic foreign film projected on the wall. If not for dinner I would highly recommend Sunday brunch. After all, a few Bellinis are a lot cheaper than a trip to Europe.

Memphis Cafe - Orange County, CA

By far one of my favorite restaurants in Orange County, Memphis Café serves southern comfort food for lunch and dinner. This dive-looking establishment from the outside is located in Costa Mesa on Bristol Street, and when you walk inside it’s dark, small and very casual. The food, however, is some of the best around... fantastic gumbo, blackened catfish po-boys, meatloaf, seared ahi tuna salad and one of the best pork chops ever (dinner and Sunday brunch only). Come late night when the dining room clears out and the DJ comes alive. One piece of advice, when you’re there for lunch, take your sunglasses in with you and put them on before you walk outside… not only will you look cool, but it will keep you from going blind.

Inka Grill - Orange County, CA

Ethnic food in Orange County?? Can it be?? I’ve never been to Peru, but I’m assuming Inka Grill does a good job of serving a wide mix of authentic Peruvian cuisine. This is one of my favorite and frequent spots for a casual lunch or dinner where I have tried many things on the menu and have yet to go wrong. If you get a dish that is served with rice try it Tacu Tacu style (mixed with black beans). I highly recommend the lamb stew, the chowder and the saltados (your choice of meat sautéed with onions, French fries/broccoli and served with rice). It’s conveniently located on Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, but don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s wedged between Del Taco and Wienerschnitzel!