Life is all about food. I mean what is the point of living if you don't enjoy great food, even if it is once in a while. And if you are at Miami Beach, you should have a go at LaSandwicherie - they serve the best seafood salad. And what is surprising is that this is a French owned restaurant - their sandwiches are in between baguettes or croissants. If you think that is weird, you are not thinking it through. Crisp on the outside, firm on the inside and firm enough to hold the mountain of ingredients in between. And since they are located at the beaches, why not take a look at their drinks as well. There is nothing cooler than enjoying a delicious cup of juice while strolling down the beach. They also have a range of vinaigrette (since they are French) while might just knock the socks of your salads. Oh, they do catering as well. So if you are having a party nearby, you should give them a call.

LaSandwicherie

Who here doesn't like Southern style biscuits? Come on, admit it - it is just so wonderful. Crisp on the outside and soft and slightly chewy in the inside. If only all food taste like that. And yes, Pine State Biscuits serves them on nearly all of their food - the Reggie, the Reggie Deluxe, the McIsely, the Wedgie, Steak Club and many many more. All their biscuits are made with high quality creamtop buttermilk, so yes, you know they will turn out great. Of course like all southern food with tons of gravy and fried stuff, you probably won't be seeing anything remotely healthy on the menu, but I think it won't be such a bad thing to have a great meal once a week or so. Come on, you only live once. Have a little break once in a while. Pine State Biscuits is considered one of the best little restaurant around that area. So you probably won't regret it.

Pine State Biscuits

I love Mexican food. What is there not to like about grilled food and loads of spices. Eating too many burgers and sandwiches, these food become boring. It is time for us to try new variety of food. Yes, some people say that Mexican food is not healthy - too greasy, too much meat and they are often fried with too much oil. No worries, Lime is not like the usual Mexican diner. They claim to serve meats from humanely raised animals, their food are always made fresh daily, sourced from local farmers and distributors and they even have a menu for vegetarians. Yes, I kid you not - Mexican food for vegetarians. Their menu includes the regular Mexican fare though - Quesadillas, Tacos, Fajitas, Salsas, Tortillas, Guacamole, Refried beans and so on. They do catering as well. Seems like everyone is doing catering nowadays.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

It is all about nice food, great wine and wonderful beer here. Although this is not really a full scale showcase, it does offer their visitors the best of what the West Street can offer. Yes, the "International" means that the food is international and does not mean that festival includes international chefs or restaurants from overseas. This is a local festival only. All the participating restaurants will offer food, beer and wine samples to the visitors - and even cooking demos, craft showcase and live entertainment. As I mentioned, it is not a full festival but more like a "food tour" than anything else. You can check out the participating restaurants in their list. If you like what you see, you should join the festival. The pricing is pretty reasonable considering that there are over 15 restaurants in this "tour".

Annapolis International Food, Wine & Hops Festival

At first I didn't know what they meant by the name "East Side Pockets" till I realized that it meant the "pocket" whereby they put the ingredients in. And yes, they don't have sandwiches or burgers or hotdogs or even marcaoni & cheese here. It is all about Middle Eastern food! Come on, surely it is high time you try something different right? All those burgers and pizzas will soon bore you down till nothing. What is life without trying new things, especially things which taste so damn delicious? They serve falafel, kabobs (kebabs), gyros, soups and salads and all in Middle Eastern style. And just by looking at their menu, my legs get all gooey and stuff. Yes, Middle Eastern cuisine is indeed one of the most delicious cuisines in the world - the right mix of spices, roasted meats, bread, cheeses, yogurt and so on. And yes, it is indeed different from the regular fare that we are all so used to. Oh, if you need some catering, they will be able to help as well.

East Side Pockets

This is not your regular fish market where you buy fish from. It is a small cafe/deli that serves some of the freshest ingredients right from the boat. Na, not exactly but you get my meaning. I love seafood. And seafood is best eaten when they are fresh. And it SHOULD NOT be fried. But apparently lots of people do like eating fried seafood. They fried the codfish. They fried the shrimp. They fried the clams. They fried nearly everything. Kind of sad but at least they are enjoying their food. Anyway, if you do visit their restaurant, the first thing you should try is their clam chowder - which I heard from all accounts is the best in the world. The other items on their menu includes fried oysters, fried bay scallop, fish sandwich, soft shell crabs, fish and chips, fried whole belly clams, Maryland style crabcakes, stuffed clams and so on. They will need to improve on their decorations and ambiance but I guess most people don't visit Cove Fish Market for their looks.

Cove Fish Market

What is there not to like about Asian food? Japanese food is unique and mouth-watering! Chinese food is delicious and mind boggling. And this restaurant has it all - both Japanese and Chinese inspired menus. Come on, too many steaks will definitely get you down. Sometimes we just need to have some of the lighter menus, if not, we would all be bloated by next Christmas. Of course this might mean that you will have to learn to use chopsticks but honestly it isn't that difficult. Check out their menu - sushi, fresh oysters, Peking duck, dumplings, Thai fishcakes, Kung Pao Chicken, Paad Thai, Red Curry Shrimp, Teppanyaki and numerous Asian inspired dishes. And oh, their sushi are all freshly prepared, so you will need to wait for it to be done once you order the food.

L'Oriental Restaurant

Yes, finally some creativity when it comes to seafood. You will be surprised to realize that although seafood is much loved by many, the style hasn't really changed much. When you talk about seafood, you get the normal grilled seafood. Yes, while I admit that the grilled style is lovely, I would like to see something different once in a while. And Pacifica Seafood Restaurant delivers something unique. Here you have shrimp tempura, steamed eastern black mussels, Dungeness crab "Louie", Sugar-spiced Atlantic salmon, Honey-Soy glazed Chilean Sea Bass, Sauteed Diver Sea Scallops and many more. Yes, as I said different than the usual offerings by restaurants. That is what I want. Too many of the usual stuff makes the evening boring. And by the way, they claim that they have the freshest seafood ever. The only way to verify that is to visit and have a go at their food.

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

I can't just get enough of seafood. Don't know why but they are so delicious. Yes, I love a good steak and burger now and then, but seafood certainly takes the cake. If you are looking for some fine dining to bring your wife or girlfriend, then perhaps you should try Scott's. And since we are talking about very fresh seafood, supposedly flown daily in from their suppliers, surely their food would be great. And your date would certainly be happy at the end. That is what dining is all about right - happy ending. And Scott's have become some sort of a landmark in Sacramento, especially if you are into good food. Different locations have different menus but it should have the usual - crabcakes, fried calamari, prawn cocktail, salads, Halibut Fish & Chips, Ahi Tuna, Pacific Swordfish, shellfish, lobster tails, king crab and so on. Just writing this makes me drool already.

Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar

Ahhh....fine dining at its best. I so wish to be able to go to such a restaurant and have a fine meal without worrying whether I can pay for the bill. But hey that's just me. For some, going to this restaurant is no problem at all. Some even go there every week. Shows you that the world is so unfair. Anyway, if you are into fine dining, you should take a look at what Bones Restaurant offers. Their menu includes Seared Tuna Lion with lime, chili oil, and cilantro, Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Stuffed Trout with haricots verts and Marcona almonds, Bone-In Filet, Dry Aged Bone-In Rib Eye, New York Strip, Lamb Chops, Sautéed Spinach, Crab Cakes, Lobster Bisque and many more. All done with a dash of class. Although they are primarily a steakhouse, their seafood menu is something to take note of. And check out their impressive wine list. You can also ask for private dining if you need the privacy.

Bones Restaurant

By Michael Mina. If you are a food fanatic, you might have heard of this very popular chef. And Bourbon Steakhouse is probably one of the better steakhouses in the country. If you have enough of the steak in that crappy run-down shack that is somehow called a diner, try this restaurant out. Some people call their place luxurious, I call it totally awesome, if you have the money of course. Poor folks like us, we can only look from the outside and drool like little children. Their menu include Sustainable shrimp cocktail, shellfish platter, chilled thai squid salad, grilled portuguese sardines, cheese steak, fluke sashmi, seared diver scallops, border springs lamb, pan-roasted organic chicken, oaked fired fish and numerous cuts of beef. I know I know, I shouldn't be drooling but I can't help it.

Bourbon Steak

They claim to be the only sit down vegetarian restaurant in Dublin. I guess Dubliners don't really like vegetables eh? Well, honestly most people don't like vegetables - they are usually bitter and pretty much hard to consume. And most people don't know how to cook vegetables. Usually you get some salad and some vinegar or something drizzled over. That is it! Who calls that tasty, I have no idea. It Is not something which I would like to consume everyday. But this restaurant offers more than that. You can get Miso Broth, vegetarian Bruschetta, Organic Muesli, Pancakes, salad, scrambled tofu, spicy corn fritters, Quesadillas, Huevos Rancheros and so on. All vegetarian so you don't have to worry. At least it is not all salads right? Oh you can get smoothies as well. Which decent vegetarian store does not have smoothies?

Juice Vegetarian Restaurant

Getting drunk is fun. Alcohol is always necessary in every celebration. And what is more fun that having an alcoholic drink with bubbles in it? Before you say get a sparkling wine or a cider, do remember that this is a real celebration. We need something prestigious and over the top. Yes, we need Champagne. They are certainly more expensive than sparkling wines but they do taste good. Piper-Heidsieck is one of the more popular Champagne houses. Their range of Champagnes include Cuvee Brut, Rose Sauvage, Cuvee Sublime, Brut Divin and Cuvee Rare. The surprisingly thing is that they don't own any vineyards themselves - they source from the region the grapes. Visit their website to learn more about their Champagne. It is always good to read up on the things we love.

Pipper-Heidsieck

When it is time for celebration, it is always right to open a bottle of Champagne. You can go no wrong if you have a bottle of Champagne in your hand. Even the Americans understood the lure and prestige associated with Champagne celebrations. And once the Americans did it, everyone around the world would simply follow suit. Deutz is one of the more popular Champagne makers. Although they are not the oldest but tradition and excellence seem to show in their champagnes. And they do own their own vineyards, although they source some from local grape growers as well. Did you know it was the royalties in Europe made Champagne so popular? I guess it is always the upper class that actually set the trend, but it is the middle class that makes the manufacturers the money. How many bottles of Champagne do you think the royalties can drink? The masses on the other hand......

Champagne Deutz

A relatively popular restaurant in the United Kingdom. They do have several locations in the major cities. It is kind of interesting to see the British palate improving by leaps and bounds these few years. I guess the Brits are starting to realize that Fish & Chips and those spotted dicks are not that tasty after all. There are a whole world of cuisine out there and they are now eager to try them out. Hence, we are starting to see numerous restaurants popping up serving real delicious food than the usual British fare. Good for you, British people. At least I don't have to worry about cooking for myself when I travel there anymore. Anyway, The Restaurant Bar + Grill is actually an international restaurant, serving a wide range of cuisine - from Thai to Grills to the more traditional British gourmet dining. You can book private dining area as well.

The Restaurant Bar + Grill

Why not French food? Often considered the best in the world. Many people around the world seem to enjoy French cuisine. I know I do. But if you ask me, I think Spanish food is much much earthier and more flavourful. But the French beat them in terms of style and finish. For a lot of people, that actually counts more than the actual taste. Of course it has to be delicious too. Anyway, Cocottee is a some sort of a French inspired restaurant and bar. So yes, they serve French food, cooked in the old fashion rustic way. I really don't know what that means but it sounds good. Check out their impressive menu - Fried tripe, Escargot Gougeres, Roast Pork Collar, Poulet Roti, Citron Tarte and so on. Yup, it is French alright!

Cocottee

Admit it, what is better than spending the entire day tasting the best beers and wines the world can offer? Nothing. Seriously, if you have the chance to enjoy great wines and beers, jump to it. I doubt many people will get the chance. Anyway, the Fermentation Lounge is located in All Saints Arts District, where you can enjoy over 100 types of artisan beers and wines. Yes, not those you can easily find at the nearby liquor store. I always encourage people to go and taste different beers and wines, other than the supermarket varieties. It gets boring after a while if you keep on going back to the same types of alcohol. Sure, college students just want to get wasted, but for adults, it is time to try something new and excite you taste buds a bit. Getting wasted is just too dull. And the Fermentation Lounge is setup in such a way, you can truly enjoy great beers and wines in an intimate, mid-century setting.

Fermentation Lounge

You like Apple Cider? Of course we do. It is delicious, refreshing and almost always available. I agree that (grape) wines and beers are more popular than ciders but it is about time we try out other alcoholic beverages. Best of all, ciders are not expensive at all. And if you want to try ciders, why not try a brand which has been around since like when your grandpa was a baby. Possmann has been making ciders and apple wine for over 125 years and apparently it is very popular in Germany. Well sure, ciders will never beat fine wines but how many times have you drank fine wines anymore. We need an everyday refreshing beverage - you just need a delicious cider. Anyway, their products include pure cider, Frankfurter Apfelwein (apple wine), Heisser Apfelwein (spiced apple wine) and non-alcoholic apple juice.

Possman

Makers of exotic wines. Well, not really that exotic but their peach wine is rather popular. Yes, wine made from peaches not grapes. We are so used to drinking grape wines that we don't even know that there are other types of wines out there. And peach wine is always very aromatic. Hey, they are made from peaches, of course they will be aromatic. They claim that peach wines go very well with spicy food. Well, well...I love spicy food so I guess this peach wine should be on my target list. And Rose River Winery has other wines as well - red and white wines. Note that their grapes are peaches are all from their own farm (or vineyard). Other than wines, they are also a fully functioning farm aka they have cows and other farm animals there.

Rose River Winery

A relatively small steakhouse chain located in the United States. I love steakhouses. Why? Well because they serve steaks, my friends. Beautiful, delicious steaks. Now I am somewhat of a heath freak but at times I do indulge myself with some nice succulent steaks. What? Eat in moderation I always say. Their signature and aged hand-carved, slow-roasted Prime Rib, delicious USDA Choice steaks, Certified Angus Beef burgers, our famous Unlimited Farmer's Market Salad Bar are stuff of legend. And you shouldn't miss their "raisin bread". Well, at least they aren't fast food. This little chain was founded in 1966, so they should be doing something right for the past 40 odd years. But as you know, business sometimes do go wrong and they had to do some restructuring a while back. But from what I know, they are doing pretty well these few years. Hopefully they will survive. I hate to see fast food outlets everywhere in our fair country.

Charlie Brown's