Comment on 01-04-2012 2:45 PM by Jenny Kotval

1. Gastrotruck - a food truck in St. Paul, MN specializing in sliders.  The swordfish and marlin ones are amazing.

2. Vito's Chop House in Orlando.  Even if you don't like steak (like me) you won't be disappointed.

3.  Nob Hill Cafe in San Francisco.  Neighborhood Italian eatery with home made pasta and sauces.  And don't forget the tiramisu.  But they don't take reservations and it gets crowded so come early.

4. Mercat a la Planxa in Chicago.  Iron Chef Jose Garces has created an amazing tapas menu.  I was there with 7 other people and everything we ordered was great.  Things that stand out are the flatbreads, ham and chorizo croquettes and the smores, which don't look anything like traditional smores but are fantastic.

5. Twisted Fork Grille in St. Paul, MN.  An affordable neigherhood restaurant that you'll come back to again and again.  Don't miss the seared scallops and polenta or the roasted chicken with mushroom risotto.