Any serious diner who frequents Chicago knows about Spiaggia. Not only is this one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, it’s one of the best in the country. For more than 25 years, it’s been impressing both diners and critics with exceptional food, service, and fabulous ambience. For a special evening out, Spiaggia is hard to beat.

The tiered dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows with drop-dead gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach. Read more…

Italians, many from the island of Sicily, started coming to New Orleans in the 1850s. And over the next twenty years, the city had the largest Italian immigrant population in the country. These immigrants brought Italian cuisine with them. But in New Orleans, where the holy trinity of onions, celery, and bell pepper rules, Italian food was combined with creole techniques and ingredients. Read more…

The Napa and Sonoma Valleys of Northern California are a traveler’s dream with luxurious resorts, beautiful scenery, world-class wineries, and outstanding restaurants. In fact, the little town of Yountville has four restaurants with Michelin stars.

The area is still largely agricultural, so there’s all kind of fresh produce in abundance. And the lifestyle and climate have attracted artisanal cheesemakers, butchers, and more. Eating well is as much a part of wine country life as enjoying great wine. Read more…