Before going to San Francisco, I searched on the internet the best restaurants in the city and found The Perennial, a restaurant that prides itself in promoting progressive farming. I would call that responsible farm to table to make it simple. So, if you eat there, there are few things you should know:

Based in Oakland, La Cholita Linda was our second Latin food stop during our vacation. Located in what seems to be a quiet neighborhood, this bright place with a casual atmosphere was quite welcoming, with a decor making you feel you were outdoors. 

If there was one thing I wanted to try in San Francisco, it was Mexican food and I was surely not disappointed. We ended up at La Taqueria, on Mission street, a casual joint where you need to fight to get a seat (or simply go eat outside, somewhere). 

Another place that Jodi's cousin Rebecca recommended for breakfast is Sightglass, a coffee shop that serves delicious treats. I like the place we went to: it looked like a processing plant rather than a coffee place, with its roasting and grinding machines, as well as the numerous bags of coffee beans laying there. It kind of gives a casual yet hipster atmosphere to the whole experience. 

If there is a place I am always looking forward to eat at when we come to San Francisco, it is The Franciscan Crab Restaurant. This place, overlooking the bay is one of my favorite seafood places. It is definitely a tourist destination, but their seafood is fantastic, being very fresh. 

And the view is great, especially if, like us, you get seated next to the Windows, with that fantastic view of Alcatraz. 

Breakfast is an important meal (well, all meals are important...) and we were looking for some fantastic places in San Francisco. Jodi's cousin, Rebecca, gave us few spots in the city that were quite accessible from our hotel, either walking distance or using Uber. B Patisserie was one of them. And I have to say, I did to regret it! Result of the collaboration of Belinda Leong (the B of the name), a pastry Chef with an incredible resume and Michel Suas, another pastry Chef with also an impressive resume (he established the San Francisco Baking Institute in 1996), this is the kind of place where choices are difficult considering all the mouth watering food in front of you. 

Well, I heard so many times about In-N-Out Burger in a very positive way that it was not possible not to try it when we went on vacation in San Francisco. Maybe one mistake I made was not to take a photo of the outside after we left: you should have seen the line in front of their location on Fisherman's Wharf. Yes, this place is a madhouse and I praise their staff who is doing a good job expediting the orders as fast as they can. Of course, it was impossible to try to get a table inside the restaurant and, fortunately, we realized that behind it, there was a patio with several tables available. 

Located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, Avlee is a small Greek restaurant that has its charm. Opened in February 2012, this place is the pride of the owner, Andrew Poulos that I had the chance to meet. Yes, it is a small size restaurant, but with a secret garden in the back (Avlee means garden in fact). I like the decor with its open kitchen, but mainly because, like many Greek restaurants, the decor gives the impression your are outside with its shutters. 

Open face sandwiches are nothing new: there are few in American cuisine, like the Kentucky Hot Brown (that you can have at Bar Americain, the Midtown joint of Chef Bobby Flay - I recommend a nap after that), or the tartines served at Le Pain Quotidien or Maison Kayser. But I have never see anything like what Duran Sandwiches proposes: small open face sandwiches with a wide variety of combination, probably 30 different kinds, made daily.

Meaning beautiful summer in Japanese, Natsumi Tapas, located in Gramercy, is a true find. No, it is not a Japanese/Spanish fusion, but rather a Japanese/Italian fusion restaurant. It is just that people understand what tapas means better: small plates. Great concept in this modern Japanese kitchen, result of the collaboration between Barbara Matsumura and Chef Haru Konagaya, formerly from Haru. 

One of my friends, Abe, who was born in India kept talking about a South Indian restaurant in Curry Hill called Kokum, taking its name from a plant whose fruit can be used in the kitchen. Little did I know that it was one of the ventures of Michelin Star Chef Hemant Mathur who already satisfies hungry crowds in places like Haldi or Dosai; Chef that I met a couple of times and, again this time at Kokum. So I was really excited to see what this place was about.

Times Square is not really a reference when it comes to dining places and I am not talking about 9th Avenue that has great places, but more the heart of Times Square that starts on 8th avenue (Port Authority) and 6th avenue. There used to be Urbo, a quite good restaurant that opened end of 2014 and closed recently (so sad). So, luckily, few weeks ago, KungFu Kitchen opened a Chinese restaurant that serves some pretty good food. We went a couple of times and I was never disappointed. 

With a name like this, you would wonder if Mother Burger is the mother of all burgers. This is an interesting place, that I knew for its frozen margherita that I enjoyed few times in the outside seating area. But this time, I did not go for a drink but for their burger. 

North Square is probably the kind of restaurant you have no idea exists. Located on the North square of Washington Square Park, this medium size restaurant is really a true find, although my first impression of the place was negative, the patrons being of a certain age, not that I have anything against it, but it definitely gave a certain vibe. Well, eating there changed my mind and I have to admit that I am looking forward to going back. The service was also on point and they addressed an issue with one of my dishes with great professionalism.

Ootoya is not your typical Japanese restaurant. There, it is not for sushi or sashimi that you would go, but for their full meals that are beautifully presented and are in fact a pretty good deal, especially considering that prices include taxes and tip. 

On a Friday night, we were looking for a restaurant Midtown on Opentable, when we stumbled upon Souvlaki GR, a new Greek restaurant in the area. Nice decor, transporting you in a street in Greece, but a bit narrow, prompting the wait staff to pass very close to tables...

So I was craving a burger and as we were near Grand Central Terminal, I proposed to go to Smith and Wollensky, the famous steakhouse located Midtown East. Alright, this was not our first time: we went there few years ago and still remember the rude waiter who served us as well as the average steaks we got: definitely not on top of my list, but I was thinking that perhaps, being a steakhouse, they would have a killer burger.

If you want to experience what a brasserie in Paris can offer you, Cafe 123 is your spot: classic dishes and rude service characterize this French restaurant located in the heart of Times Square, where theater goers can enjoy a good meal. Yes, you can feel that this reasonably priced joint attracts lots of tourists and pre/post theater people, especially when you arrive in a packed restaurant that becomes empty after 8pm...

Flaming Kitchen is a Chinese restaurant located in Chinatown. I guess the name Flaming Kitchen, especially the first word, could also refer to the heat typically found in Szechuan cuisine; but don't be afraid: if you do not like spicy food, they can tame down the heat or you can pick some dishes that will satisfy your palate. This place is big, with the top floor having the perfect private room for parties.

There are places I go to where I am thinking: Damn, I wish I had such place in my neighborhood! Padoca is one of them. Meaning  “neighborhood bakery” in São Paulo, this bakery opened a little over a year ago, pure product of Marina Halpern and Pastry Chef Rachel Binder, offering specialties inspired from Marina's Brazilian roots and Rachel's Israeli experience gained when living in Israel. I should mention that both of them had already an impressive exposure to the culinary world, Marina Halpern at The Dutch and The Mark, and Pastry Chef Rachel Binder at Maialino, Savoy and Tabla, credentials that surely helped them in this adventure.

If you are familiar with the blog, you probably remember that I have rediscovered bone marrow at Noma in Copenhagen a couple of years ago. Since then, I have been looking for it and enjoying it, whether on a steak (like at American Cut by Marc Forgione or STK) or on a burger (at The Brazen Fox). So, my next target was Swine and their bone marrow and brisket burger. 

I discovered The Cannibal few years ago, at The Gotham West Market, where I noticed their bone marrow that I kept in mind since then, thinking that I should definitely go back to try it. And I did...I went to their main location, on the East side, for lunch. As I entered, I noticed a large selection of beers, some of them being fairly old.

Located across from the New York Academy of Art, Tutto Il Giorno is an all Italian restaurant serving Southern Italian cuisine, cooked by Chef Nicolas Reisini, a Northeastern native. I thought it was a small place for two reasons: first, by looking at the facade and second, because of the lack of spots for reservation on Opentable, the few times we tried to go there. I was wrong: it is a fairly big place, long, with high ceilings and a minimalist decor, that celebrates nature.

It has been a while since I wanted to go to Bubby's in TriBeCa for dinner, especially after I tried their brunch at their location in the Meat Packing District. So we went there, on a Friday night and I was really surprised to see that many people with their kids there. I like the place: quite rustic with an interesting vibe.

I love steaks and was looking for a more original steakhouse, far from the classic restaurants when I stumbled upon Prime and Beyond, a Korean steakhouse. I did not know what to expect there, thinking about maybe a large piece of meat marinated like a bulgogi, prior to being grilled or broiled. It was not really that and I'll explain in few minutes. First, I should talk about the decor that was different from the dark and leathered decor of classic steakhouses. It is not a big place for sure, with a small dining room overlooking the opened kitchen where the magic happens. Well, the magic also happens downstairs where one can see the dry-age room: apparently, they dry-age their steaks for 50 days minimum and they also propose wet-age cuts such as the ribeye. 

Altright, so I might have found another great Italian restaurant in TriBeCa: Pepolino. Named after a variety of thyme that grows in Tuscany, this casual restaurant serves Tuscan cuisine in a rustic setting. And this place was definitely crowded when we went on a Friday to have dinner at 9pm. So crowded that we ended up in their heated outside seating area that in fact I liked, the noise level being very low and less crowded than their two dinning rooms.

I rarely go to the Financial District for a meal, this area not really being a synonym for dining, being mostly a business area. But, for a steak, I am ready to make another exception, following my last outing to Delmonico couple of months ago. That's how we found Reserve Cut, a stunning kosher restaurant that I admit was difficult to find (I always get lost in that area, but thanks to my phone and Google Maps, I was able to make it...). This place is impressive: huge, elegant with a modern decor that definitely differs from classic steakhouses, one dining room separated from the other by an amazing wine cellar.

Shake Shack is quickly expanding and I am not going to complain about it. Several weeks ago, they opened a new location on 36th and Broadway and I see that as a blessing as their location near Times Square is always crowded. Although this one might be too soon. Their burgers are fantastic and, with others like Five Guys, they set the expectation for a great burger. No more grey tasteless meat: what the crowd wants is a tasty burger made that not only looks, but tastes  like meat. We went there on a Saturday before 12pm and I was glad we were early as this place started to get packed as time passed.

Chinese food is one of those cuisines that I often crave, but, with so many restaurants in Chinatown, one never knows where to find authentic Chinese cuisine, far from the tourist traps. Well, I might have found the perfect spot: Bite of Hong Kong. What makes it different: it's seafood for sure, from fish to crab (the day I went, they had this huge Alaskan crab that was the size of beast you see in horror movies, results of nuclear experiments). Ok, I might exaggerate a bit, but still: it was a nice size. 

Last Saturday, I was invited to a dinner organized by Tabelog, a website that is more than just a restaurant review site like any others: they have created a community of foodies that I enjoy to meet as the conversation is often centered on food. This time, we were at Bread in Nolita, located inside the Nolitan Hotel. In fact, this is their new location, opened a month ago, after moving from their original one close by, on Spring street. 

We were looking for a Middle Eastern restaurant close to Union Square and found Salam Café, a family owned restaurant located in the West Village, that has served customers for more than 30 years.

I like the place, its decor that seems authentic, as well as the layout of the restaurant: the entrance looks like a café, with its beautiful round tables decorated with mosaic, a private room that gives the impression you are in a tent, and its large dining room where we got seated. 

Taking its name from a Province of the Persian Empire with its main city being Persepolis, Pars Grill House was the choice of restaurant from Jodi for her birthday. She wanted to have Persian cuisine, and, thankfully, we realized that Persepolis, on the Upper East Side, was only offering a slimmed down menu for lunch. After a quick web search, we found Pars Grill House and, looking at their menu, we decided to change our reservation and try it. 

What I love about Brooklyn is that there are plenty of restaurants that are true neighborhood gems, thinking more about giving back to the community than making huge profits. The Brooklyn Tree is one of them. Inspired by the book “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” written by Betty Smith, which is set in East Williamsburg, Chef Patrick Quinn crafted a menu with dishes that are a nod to the book, such as meatloaf, pickles or iced coffee. 

Located on Bleecker in the heart of Greenwich Village, Romagna Ready 2 Go is an amazing restaurant where Chef and owner Lorenzo Lorenzi serves authentic Italian food straight from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Chef Lorenzi designed the restaurant, that is divided in two main areas: the dining room, with its brick walls and various tools hanging there, as well as the covered garden interestingly decorated with things like his grandfather’s original racing bicycle painted with the colors of the Italian flag, an every day reminder of his home country and his family.

Beauty and Essex is for sure an interesting place. You would think, looking from outside, that it is a pawn shop, but the door in the back opens up to an incredible space were multi ethnic food crafted by Chef Chris Santos. Yes, the dining room is spacious and elegant. 

Last Friday, I was walking on 44th street toward 8th Avenue when I noticed Sammy's House of BBQ, a new restaurant in the heart of Times Square. I love BBQ so I could not resist and convinced Jodi that we needed to go there for lunch the next day. I thought the place would be busy, even if we went at around 1:30pm, as Times Square is always packed with tourists, but was surprised to see that place fairly empty. It is a big place with three main dining rooms: one in the front, one in the back and one upstairs. The bar was not yet busy as they did not have yet their liquor license that should, apparently, be granted soon.

Tonight, I got invited to a Bayou Bash with Top Chef contestant Isaac Toups and Heluva Good! This event that took place at Bourbon Street Bar & Grille was the perfect occasion to meet Chef Isaac Toups who was a contestant in the last season of Top Chef on Bravo TV. We not only talked about his experience on that show, but also about the food in Louisiana as well as New York, where he went to places like Gramercy Tavern or Roberta's for pizza, but also to some Indian places. I always appreciate successful Chef’s that are still modest and passionate about what they are doing. I could also see his love for Louisiana that translates into his food. 

Caviar is an interesting product: reserved to only a few years ago and symbol of luxury and gourmet; it is now more and more popular and often present in restaurants dishes, more often used as a topping than standing on its own. Well, this may change and if you want to discover the many variety of caviars that are available, Olma Caviar Boutique & Lounge is for you as they offer various ways of tasting these luxurious eggs at good prices. Of course, the higher the quality, the pricier it will be, but imagine that, unless you go for caviar tasting platter shown below, priced at $55, you can try caviar on egg for as little as $5 a piece, up to $32 for a Beluga.

I am sure you are wondering why I would eat in a diner considering all the options New York City offers in term of food. It is definitely not because of the prices, this place not being as cheap as one thinks, but rather the folklore that, as a Frenchman, I attach to a diner. Understand that this type of restaurant does not exist in France, but, during my childhood, I kept seeing TV series and movies where the characters would end up in diners, having some eggs, pie or coffee.

So we made it to Delmonico's Steakhouse, the famous restaurant in the Financial District that gave us the Delmonico steak as well as the Delmonico potatoes that I saw few times on restaurants' menus. This old school steakhouse is an institution and steak lovers cannot miss trying it, similarly to going to Peter Luger. Delmonico's is located in an amazing building on Baxter St, and when you enter inside, you are mesmerized by the decor that can seem heavy, and gives the impression the atmosphere will be stuffy.

Bruno Pizza is quite an interesting place in many ways: first of all, they mill their flour that had a whole grain color and taste, and then, their pizzas are not your classic pies. They may look like it, but they have a twist, like the standard margherita made with fermented tomatoes. Another particularity of this place is that prices include tip, providing I guess a fair compensation to all staff, following the path of Chefs like Danny Meyer. 

For my birthday, I had to pick the restaurant where Jodi and me would celebrate. I decided to go to BLT Prime that has been on my list for a while. Few years ago, I went to BLT Steaks, their sister restaurant, and I was disappointed: the steaks were overcooked, an issue that was not isolated to just us, but also to the patrons seating close to our table. But, it could have been an off night and it was a different location.

Turntable Chicken Jazz is a very interesting place. First, it is hard to be found, like a hidden gem that people keep secret. It is on the second floor of a building, in Koreatown, with a very discrete sign outside, to the point that my friend Benny was waiting for me in the wrong restaurant...

I have heard about Utsav so many times, my Indian colleagues liking this place and mentioning it very often when discussing the various Indian restaurants Midtown. So, I finally went there for lunch, benefiting from their buffet that, although pricey ($22) is still a good deal for the quality of food, especially since Balucci's and its 50% discount for lunch closed. Their dining room is quite big and I liked the fact that it was bright, but it definitely misses some charm, looking more like a restaurant you would find in a hotel.

Hoboken has a new restaurant in the W Hotel that is worth knowing. Replacing Zylo, a pretty good Italian steakhouse, this new restaurant called Halifax (it opened two weeks ago) will surely make its marks in the mile square city. First, the location is perfect: few minutes from the path train, it is on the river front with its stunning views of the New York City skyline.

Going to Philadelphia and not going to the Reading Market is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. I mean, it might be touristy, but it is worth it. 

I love that place with all these merchants, a sort of paradise for foodies, with a majority of unhealthy choices, such as the cheesesteak that I could not miss. I decided to try Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagie, convinced, maybe wrongfully, that the huge line wrapped around the booth was a good sign.

I do not think there was ever one time or one dish that was disappointing whenever we went to Morimoto, the eponymous restaurant of Acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. We went few times to his New York location and I was excited to try the one in Philadelphia as it is his first location. And I was again not disappointed, the whole experience being fantastic, from the vibrant decor to the service that was on point, without forgetting the amazing food.