While travelling (or even at home in San Francisco) there are definitely favorite foods, wines, or must-see’s I always like to try or discover no matter where I am. I thought a list of best of/favorites would be great since it isn’t restricted to one destination, but rather a compilation of the many places I’ve seen.

Best of Lobster Rolls (in preferential order) -

Pearl Oyster Bar - NY, NY. Ironically I’ve never been to this restaurant only tasted their FABULOUS lobster roll at food events in the city. Most recently, they participated in Tom Colicchio’s Toast to the Children where I not only tried one but went back for seconds of their amazing lobster roll. While watching them prepare the rolls, I saw that they use an old school Pepperidge Farm bread. And the delicious butter they spread before warming up the bread definitely added to the deliciousness of their roll. 18 Cornelia St # 2 New York, NY 10014. 212-691-8211.

Duryea’s - This is also a great roll  in Montauk. It’s very authentic as it’s made at a very old-school restaurant along the water. It’s quite off the beaten path (I’m a fan of a great spot not everyone knows about). Check it out!  65 Tuthill Road. Montauk, NY. 631-668-2410.

Surf Lodge - Although this is a hotspot for drinks and a post beach/evening scene (meaning you wouldn’t expect it to have fabulous food) their lobster roll is one of my Top 5 favorites. It’s very citrusy with celery tasting veggies in addition to the lobster. I prefer a lobster roll that’s not very mayo tasting (I hate mayo) so the fresh tasting roll here suits my palate. Def. a must try.  183 Edgemere Street Montauk, NY. 11954.  631- 238-5216. 

Favorite Hotel/Restaurant Bar’s (based on their cocktails & scenery) -

Nopa – As a new local to San Francisco this is hands down one of my favorite restaurant/bars. Their drinks are always divine and it’s a very long bar (probably 20 seats) so no matter where you sit (or stand) you have a full view of the restaurant, the bar as well as the open kitchen. The bar tenders are very friendly, make a mean drink (their Gin Gimlet is my FAV) and if you’re lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar you won’t be able to resist their amazing food.  560 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA. 94117. 415-864-8643. 

The Nomad Hotel Bar - I recently discovered the Nomad Hotel Bar and am in love! After reading about The Nomad Hotel in both Travel & Leisure and Food & Wine Magazines as well as from a friend I finally checked it out and couldn’t have been more impressed. The Hotel is gorgeous. Very elegantly decorated with dark wood/mahogany coloring and rich antique looking decor and furniture. The rooftop Restaurant is to die for featuring spectacular views and gorgeous white table’s (you feel like you’re in a french garden not a NYC rooftop).  Since the rooftop only serves dinner (what I would guess is a divine tasting menu at $150 per person) we decided to check out the Bar.  On the way down we met the Bar Manager Leo who was the most gracious host. Talk about excellent customer service and a Manager spoiling his customers….  The drinks were divine with fun, fresh drink options or they’ll happily surprise you. 1170 Broadway New York, NY 10001. 212- 796-1500.

Crosby Hotel Bar & Terrace - This is one of my favorite hotel bars in NYC. I’ve been for cocktails numerous times and also on a Saturday/Sunday afternoon if I’m shopping in Soho and want to chill with a delicious latte and enjoy some people watching. They also serve the BEST gimlet I’ve experienced in NYC. The bartender was nice enough to share the recipe with me although it’s never the same when you make it yourself.  79 Crosby Street.  New York, NY 10012.

The Breslin at the Ace Hotel – NY, NY .  After having drinks at the Breslin multiple times it wasn’t until my most recent visit attending a Meals on Wheels  Chefs’ Tribute 2012  Chef’s After Party (Shout out to my hosts Jane and Chef Alex, Eataly) that I ordered a gimlet. Who knew that I’d been missing one of the most delicious vodka gimlets in the city all this time? It was extremely fresh, tasty, and the perfect blend of vodka/lime juice (which is pretty hard to do). I ran into The Breslin Chef/Owner April Bloomfield (she was hosting the after party in their private basement dining room) and complimented her on the bartender’s delicious cocktail. That may have been the first time a drink was mentioned before her fabulous food but I was that impressed! 16 West 29th Street. New York, NY 10001. 212- 679-1939

Les Sources de Caudalie - While in Bordeaux I stayed at Les Sources de Caudalie, which was an amazing hotel with fabulous restaurants and one of the coziest, most intimate bars I’ve ever been to.  Each of the three nights I was there was a new memory meeting interesting travelers from all over the world (see my Swiss friends below) not to mention a fabulous bartender Ugh (shown below with me). If you make it to Bordeaux I’d highly suggest staying here if not at least visiting the restaurant and bar for sure.  Les Sources de Caudalie Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte – 33650 Bordeaux-Martillac Tél : +33 (0)5 57 83 83 83.

The Setai  - The Setai Miami is in a league of its own from the ridiculous lobby (in a good way) to the extravagant pools, so I shouldn’t have been surprised even the drinks were very unique. The gimlet here (yes, that’s my drink of choice, so easy to use as a standard to evaluate a bar/bartender’s skills) was served with a pimento pepper, which to me was that extra touch differentiating the gimlet and the hotel bar (clearly it worked since I’m raving about it to you!).  2001 Collins Avenue. Miami Beach. FL. 33130. 305-520-6000.

Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental - London, England. If you happen to be in the Knightsbridge area (possibly after a shopping trip to Harrod’s) this is a fabulous bar for a cocktail. Although they cost 25 pounds during my last visit (2005) – no, I’m not joking — it’s well worth it for the experience and their delicious drinks.  66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, England. 020 7235 2000.

Jade Bar at The Gramercy Park Hotel - NY, NY. Yes, you’re reading it correctly I prefer the Jade Bar to the Rose Bar. Why? Because it is way more intimate, and a better bar experience   with its smaller, cozy, more intimate feeling room. I also am a Gramercy Park local so not only is this a great scene with fabulous drinks it’s also two blocks from home; so super convenient. 2 Lexington Ave. NY, NY 10010. 212-920-3300.