Terroirs Wine Bar

Terroirs Wine Bar in London is built around the concept of serving natural wines and delicious, artisan foods. The pistachio and pork terrine was amazing, with a thick, chunky texture.

The langoustines were super fresh (I saw ours moving around right before it was cooked) and simply prepared -  perfect.

The scallops were also simply prepared, and excellent - seared with a parsley sauce and served with a lobster claw tip.

A rich steak tartare with capers.

The lentil salad is a little deceptive - fantastic, but the pork belly and sausage are the stars.

 Rich, creamy Laguiole cheese from France.

Dessert is a thick bowl of rice pudding with jam.

J. Sheeky Oyster Bar

J Sheeky Oyster Bar in London is a throwback to a more glamorous era. With a long, polished wood wraparound bar, walls lined with photos of theater stars and formal bar service, it's a great place to drop by for giant, Atlantic ocean oysters and other seafood.

The Fremont Diner

The Fremont Diner has amazing comfort food in a hip farm-influenced diner in Sonoma. The figs in a blanket are poached in red wine and cinnamon and then wrapped in thick slices of tasso ham.

The Nashville chicken is spicy, fried, and served with white bread, pickles and thick, creamy mac & cheese.

A (relatively) petite chicken sandwich is crunchy, perfectly fried chicken with mayo on pickles on a bun.

And of course, no fried chicken lunch is complete with out crunchy onion rings.

C Casa

The tacos as C Casa at the Oxbow Market aren't the average taco. Options like the spiced lamb with goat cheese, mint, jalapeños, garlic aioli, mixed greens, and avocado creme take the taco to a whole new level.

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.