Auberge du Soleil Bistro & Bar

The view from the outdoor deck at Auberge du Soleil's Bistro & Bar in Napa Valley is stunning. The great food just makes the experience even better. The Ahi tuna tartare tops a generous amount of avocado and dashi gelee, with fresh tortilla chips.

The Mediterranean octopus is chopped into a salad with chickpeas, olives, peppers and salsa verde.

Steamed manila clams are in an amazing broth with chunks of pork belly, lime and basil.

Frenchie Bar Á Vins

Frenchie Bar Á Vins is the perfect restaurant in Paris.Tiny and dark, get there early for a seat (it's packed not long after it opens). The food is incredible - starting with the tete a cochon with lentil salad, cornichon/mustard pearls, sliced apple and pickled radish.

The octopus is fantastic - salty and olive-y.

Scallops are beautiful with tons of citrus flavor over a bed of squash puree and pepitas.

Foie gras creme brulee-style with white truffles.

 

An amazing tartare, also with white truffles.

Fried brie and chutney.

Insanely good smoked trout with picked onion rings.

L'Estaminet, Marché des Enfants Rouges

L'Estaminet is the perfect local place that you hope to find by chance, with simple, rustic and really delicious food. Roast pork in a sweet sauce and noodles.

Eggs and blue cheese.

Hearty leek and potato soup in a mason jar.

Jacques Genin

The perfect breakfast in Paris: chocolate eclair, espresso, fruit pates at Jacques Genin. And chocolates to go.

Bread and Roses

Bread and Roses is a cute little cafe with great bakery that makes a perfect spot for lunch or a break from walking around. Broccoli and roquefort quiche.

Boulangerie Eric Kayser

The pastries at Boulangerie Kayser are my hands-down favorite. The chocolate-filled, sugar coated beignet didn't last long enough for a photo; the pan au chocolate had a rich dark chocolat and the right amount of flakiness.

Le Comptoir Général

Le Comptoir Général is another uber-hip place in the 10th; brunch by day, drinks by night, hidden door, taxidermy.

Happy new year!

Hope your 2012 is filled with deliciousness.