The Food Network will be proud to know that based on this one segment, showing off those ridiculously good looking tuna burgers, I planned an impromptu surprise trip to Napa…with Taylor’s Automatic Refresher naturally at the center of my itinerary. True Story.

Sushi Bistro keep sushi fresh and fun with innovative combinations of ingredients (and dish names). Case in point, the orgasmic Rock n’ Roll: sweet scallops smothered in kewpie mayonnaise spiked with sriracha (Thai-style hot chili sauce), and served on top of a California roll.

Front Porch accurately describes its fare as Caribbean comfort food: the signature Fried Chicken was cleverly presented in a fun, retro, popcorn bucket, complete with a handful of popcorn to snack on, sides of stewed coconut red beans studded with pork belly bits, and spicy rice dirtied up with bean remnants and chicken gizzards.

I love Giada. I love her simple yet sophisticated take on Italian food – authentic flavors, beautiful presentations, and dishes/ingredients described in wonderfully poetic terms. And happy to say, she was in town today promoting her new book, Giada’s Kitchen, at the massive flagship Williams-Sonoma in Union Square.