These are my favorites because they are fun places to dine and have good food.
Scoma’s
San Francisco, CA
Great Seafood and I love the Garlic Mashed Potato’s and Clam Chowder. I’ve been going to Scoma’s since the 80’s and usually follow up dinner with a Chocolate-Strawberry Shake from Ghirardelli’s just up the hill. Please skip all of the touristy restaurants at Pier 39 and enhance your day with lunch or dinner at Scoma’s.
Tip: You can usually be seated without reservations between lunch and dinner.
Porter House Bar & Grill
Manhattan, NYC
Extensive wine list, possibly the best steak house in NYC. You can’t go wrong with the Porterhouse for Two with Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes. Celebrated a friend’s birthday here last fall and the staff made it an evening to remember!
Life Ristorante & Wine Bar
Rome, Italy
We had an exquisite meal here, celebrating my daughter’s HS graduation and my sister’s birthday. Great chef and staff who treated us to after dinner Limoncello as well.
Taverna Antonina
Rome, Italy
This is a cute little restaurant on a side street not far from the Pantheon. The best places in Rome tend to be on the side streets and you will never see a greeter, menu in hand standing outside trying to get people to come inside. Taverna Antonina has indoor and outdoor seating, great food and wine and a nice atmosphere.
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
San Diego, California
http://www.oscarsmexicanseafood.com/
Four locations in San Diego, nothing fancy at this taco shack but great food and a must do anytime I’m in San Diego.
Life Part II +Encore 