If you’re in the mood for something sweet and spicy that will get you nice and saucy, look no further than the Jalapeño Martini at Land Ocean New American Grill. Made with house-infused jalapeño vodka, a hint of lime juice and simple syrup, this cocktail is smooth and refreshing with a fiery kick. $10

With every forkful of the Mango Stuffed French Toast at Four Sisters Café, I feel like I’ve died and gone to breakfast heaven. Maybe it’s the custard-dipped croissant (in lieu of standard sliced bread) that’s stuffed with mango cream cheese then grilled; or maybe it’s the sprinkling of toasted coconut, fresh bananas, slivered almonds, mango and hot maple syrup on top—whatever it is, this dish is far from basic and gets me out of bed on the greyest of days. $10.50

The Sweet Potato Casserole at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse could be a dessert by itself—it’s that decadent. Whipped sweet potatoes (spiked with yummy seasonings) are topped with crushed pecans (drowning in butter I’m sure) that are so fine it becomes almost like a pie crust; then it’s baked and served with even more chopped pecans on top. It takes me to fatty heaven with every decadent bite! $10.50

It’s hard to go wrong when you batter and deep fry shrimp then bathe it in a creamy sweet mayo sauce and top with caramelized, toasted walnuts, but the way Fat’s Asia Bistro makes their Honey Walnut Prawns takes the dish to another level. From the freshness of their ingredients to the exquisite presentation, even seafood-averse folks have been known to fall in love. To wet your whistle, the Lava Flow (essentially a pina colada with grenadine swirled in) is known to quickly sauce things up. $18.25 (lunch portion of prawns), $19.75 (dinner portion of prawns), $9 (cocktail)

Dos Coyotes Border Café hits it out of the ballpark with their Yucatan Chicken Salad. A giant tortilla is loaded with green leaf lettuce, charbroiled chicken breast, black beans, red onions, carrots, sweet peppers, cabbage, corn and cherry tomatoes, then drizzled with Southwest vinaigrette, fruit salsa, chipotle cream and tortilla strips—making it the perfect combo of healthy and hearty. Along with chips and the open salsa bar, this flavor-packed ensalada is one you don’t want to miss. $9.75

Fish & Chips is my go-to order when it comes to pub grub, and The Monk’s Cellar’s version is the best around. With a beer batter that’s light and delicate but still crispy, the flavor of the fresh fish really shines through. Paired with a pint, tasty tartar sauce and duck fat fries (need I say no more), this meal transports me across the pond without a passport. $11

To me, one of life’s greatest pleasures is drinking robust red wine alongside quality meats and artisan cheeses—especially when paired with a vineyard view and loved ones. The Artisan Plate and a glass (or bottle, depending on the day) of 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon at The Bistro at Wise Villa is my go-to order whenever I find myself at the picturesque Lincoln winery. With 4-5 different types of fine cheeses, plus an assortment of charcuterie, seasonal fruits, walnuts that are glazed in-house and sourdough baguettes, this artfully displayed masterpiece is the perfect way to while away a sunny Saturday. $14 (two-serving portion of artisan plate), $36 (six-person “artisan boat”), $15 (glass of wine) $39.37 (bottle of wine).

 A trip through the Salad Bar at Whole Foods Market is good for my waistline and not terribly bad on the wallet either. Pick and choose your greens, veggies—all freshly cut and in prime condition—add a scoop (or two) of their specialty salads, perhaps some almonds for a bit of crunch, and then decide on one of their scratch-made dressings. It’s DIY at its finest! $8.99 (per pound)

After a long day, sometimes you just need a beer and some fried food. Bar 101 is the place to do just that—my own personal Cheers, if you will—a place where the workers know my name and they have good grub and drinks to boot. I’m especially fond of their Spicy Panko Calamari—perfectly battered and fried rings of seafood goodness that are dusted with nutty Parmesan and blackening spice, then served with a spicy-sweet Thai chili dipping sauce. $9.95

I have a special place in my heart for a good burger—one that boasts a juicy, well-seasoned patty, soft bun that’s lightly buttered and toasted, fresh fillings, melty cheese and just enough sauce…you get the picture—and the Philly and Cowbell Burgers from Krush Burger satisfy my carnivorous cravings every time. The aforementioned qualities are all there, and with every order you get to pick TWO types of burgers, which is ideal for my indecisive palate. Oh, and the dipping sauce that’s served with the Sweet Potato Tots? Amazing. $6.95 (two mini burgers); $3.25 (tots)

The Chef’s Table makes Beer Battered Pesto French Fries that combine two of my favorite guilty pleasure foods—fries and cheese—into one praiseworthy dish. A heaping bowl of crispy, hot tots are topped with the most delicious garlicky-basil pesto and grated Swiss cheese, resulting in two thumbs up. Share it with your dining companions pre-entrées, and thank me later. $6

I typically hate red velvet, but absolutely love Nothing Bundt Cake’s Red Velvet Bundlet. Decadent and moist, it has little chocolate chips inside with cream cheese frosting that’s not overly cloying. I especially like that you can order it as a “bundtini,” so you can indulge without going bonkers. $4.49

I love hitting up the Flour Garden Bakery if I’ve gone up to the Auburn State Recreation Area for a bike ride, hike or run. All of their baked goods (croissants, muffins, scones, breads, Danish pastries, macaroons, bagels, etc.) are house-made, including my protein-carb-replenishment special: a Pizza Bagel that’s the size of a lawnmower wheel, with a Triple Iced Latte. $1.95 (bagel); $3.95 (Latte; 16 oz.)

When brunch beckons, the Crab Cake and Avocado Benedict (served with hash browns, home-style potatoes or fresh fruit) at Ginger’s Restaurant heeds the call with a hearty portion and plenty of fresh, California-inspired flavors. The crispy cakes feature actual chunks of crab and a tasty seasoning—all fried to golden perfection. Sliced tomatoes and buttery avocado make an appearance on the toasted English muffin, too, but the real stars are the perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce that’s rich, creamy and worth of every calorie. $14.25

Going out for brunch can sometimes mean an hour-plus wait, which often results in more hangriness than I can handle. Thankfully, Venita Rhea’s takes reservations so you can get seated (and fed) straight away. Definitely come with an empty stomach or plan to share—the portions are true American-style: large and in charge. The Chicken Fried Steak takes up an entire plate (or two, if you order the extra—and complimentary—third egg) and is loaded with country milk gravy that’s stick-to-your ribs tasty. Plus, you get your choice of side (my favorite here is the home fries) and fresh juice. $13.97

Teriyaki To Go has the best (and biggest) Chicken Rice Bowl around. The juicy meat is served over a bed of steamed, nutty rice before being bathed in sweet-syrupy teriyaki sauce. For an extra dollar, you can add broccoli, which amps up the flavor (and health) factor even more. $5.45, 916-772-2540 

When it comes to sweet endings, sometimes you’re just not in the mood for the standard chocolate brownie with ice cream, or cheesecake—and for those nights, Cibo 7 Ristorante Wine & Spirits’ Gingerbread French Toast is the perfect remedy. It’s an inventive mash-up of freshly baked, buttery and sweet gingerbread (spiced with cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and molasses), that’s then topped with a maple syrup and Maldon salt glazed maple tuile, brown buttermilk foam and bacon gelato. The real icing on the cake (gingerbread in this case!), is the brown butter maple syrup that’s poured at the table. It’s like eating breakfast for dessert and is the perfect balance of sweet, salty and decadent. $13

I’ve had my fair share of homemade dolcis (thanks to my 100-percent Italian college roommate who just so happened to be a fabulous cook), but the Cannolo alla Siciliana at Vaiano Trattoria is better than anything my former roomie ever served me. (Shh, don’t tell her!) A crispy cannoli shell is stuffed with sweet ricotta, crushed chocolate and notes of cinnamon, with the ends dipped in chopped pistachios. Do yourself a favor and save space for this treat—you’ll be glad you did. $5

I’ve had (so much more than) my fair share of pizza, but one of my new go-to spots is Bedda Pizzeria, specifically for their Pesto Siculo. Homemade dough is hand stretched before being splashed with vibrant pesto (made with incredibly fresh and peppery basil), creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto and Parmesan. The thin, bubbly crust and sparingly applied toppings allow each of the flavors to shine through—all the way down to the slight char on the bottom of the crust—in true Naples-style tradition. $10

The Vegetable Pasta at Paul Martin’s American Grill is probably often overlooked, but with seasonal veggies swirled with fresh lemon fettuccine, white wine, garlic, Parmesan and a rich toasted walnut pesto—it’s a vegetarian’s delight. For the carnivore, add grilled chicken for $3, and the flavor profile explodes. $20

I enjoy going to Ninja Sushi and Teriyaki and getting the Ninja Assassin Roll. Crab salad, deep-friend shrimp, cream cheese and avocado are tucked inside rice and seaweed, while salmon and special sauces adorn the top. It’s creamy, crunchy and perfect for sushi newbies. Even better, the owner, Steve, is very friendly and always gives customers complimentary miso soup and dessert with whatever menu items they order. He also does a little drum performance with chopsticks! $10.95

 The Ramos Deluxe Nachos (add shredded beef) from Casa Ramos rival any I’ve had south of the border. Freshly fried chips are piled high with melted cheddar cheese, jalapeños, salsa, green onions, sour cream, guacamole and your choice of beans (refried, black or rancho). Shared with a friend, alongside a top shelf margarita, and you’ll enter the gates of Mexican food heaven! $8.99 (add $1.59 for meat

Mole is a fantastically complicated dish, and when done right, the combinations of intricate flavors can be inspiring. Zocalo’s 26-ingredient masterpiece boasts hints of chile, dried fruits, toasted nuts and the signature chocolate that makes mole so famous and delightfully rich. Executive Chef Ryan Rose learned and perfected the recipe at the Convento de Santa Clara in Puebla, Mexico, (said to be the birthplace of mole poblano), which explains why their Enchiladas en Mole (served with chicken) are oh-so delicious. Eaten alongside the restaurant’s Blackberry Margarita, which is made with organic puréed blackberries, a generous dose of Maestro Dobel “Diamond” tequila and splash of agave in a sugar-rimmed glass, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart. There’s a reason it’s their most popular margarita, and you’ll likely want to find an Uber for the ride home. $17 (enchiladas), $10 (margarita; glass), $42 (margarita; pitcher)

I’ll never forget my first taste of Arancini. It was at Rubino’s Ristorante, and my eyes went wide at the sight of the two baseball-sized balls—stuffed with the restaurant’s signature risotto, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. Served with a tomato cream sauce, Parmesan and fresh basil, they were crunchy, creamy and cheesy. It may have been my first encounter with the fried Italian rice balls, but it certainly hasn’t been my last; I regularly dine here and begin each and every meal with them! $6

The Urban Fries at Jack’s Urban Eats are bomb dot com. How can you go wrong with French fries that are covered in blue cheese dressing and splashed with a little chili oil? $3.50 (regular size), $4.95 (family size)

La Provence has one of the best Happy Hours in town. Running from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, it features filling food items and tasty cocktails to boot. When I’m feeling particular ravenous, I order the Petite Hamburgers d’agneau—three lamb and bacon sliders stuffed with feta cheese, with tapenade and romesco—and the Strawberry Basil La Poire, featuring 42 Below pear-infused vodka, agave nectar, muddled strawberries and basil topped with a champagne floater. Mixed with the French-themed décor and stellar service, it’s a win-win situation every time. $12 (sliders), $10 (cocktail)

Before walking into Chando’s Tacos you can smell the meat on the grill—always a good sign in my book! Their Carne Asada Mulitas—think of a corn tortilla sandwich that’s stuffed with melted jack cheese and tender, juicy meat (marinated in Chando’s homemade asada spices with a touch of citrus)—keep me coming back for more. The topping of tangy salsa, fresh cilantro, guac and diced onions makes for a winning combo of flavors and textures. $3.49

Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group