Host Rachael Ray heads to Waialua, HI, for North Shore Country Okazo & Bento, serving quick and easy seafood on Food Network's $40 a Day.
For award-winning Pacific Rim cuisine, look no farther than Sansei. According to Rachael, "locals consider it the best sushi on the island," whether you like raw or cooked seafood. With killer sushi, karaoke, happy-hour deals and three locations, it's a safe bet your sushi dreams will come true.
This casual Greek restaurant serves traditional Mediterranean food with a side of belly dancing, plate-breaking and fun for everyone in Hollywood, Fla. Enjoy homemade hummus and a complimentary sample of ouzo alongside the spit-fire roasted lamb, which Rachael calls "absolutely wonderful."
Named for Hawaii's most famous citizen and the "father of surfing," Duke's offers a variety of island favorites using lush local ingredients and seafood. Enjoy a meal in the dining room or head to the Barefoot Bar, where Rachael enjoyed a tropical drink, the Lava Flow, on Waikiki beach at sunset.
La Mariana--a marina, gift shop and Honolulu's last original tiki bar--has been a favorite since 1957. Soak up nostalgic Hawaiiana in the dining room and bar as you feast on rare tuna and hibiscus-adorned island salads. Rachael suggests ordering a special, such as Surf and Turf, to keep costs down.
Savannah Candy Kitchen is candy paradise. Rachael delighted at the sweet smell of pralines in the air, saying it "smells like my nanny's kitchen." Candy maker Becca confirmed: "That's the smell that gets everybody in here." Rachael loved the classic recipe, saying, "Sugar and fat - can't beat that!
At afternoon tea at the historic Hamilton-Turner Inn, Rachael said she felt "like a regular Scarlett O'Hara." Innkeeper Sue Strickland bakes the signature Scottish shortbread daily. After eating an elegant feast of treats, Rachael admitted, "That is as close to heaven as I've been in quite a while."
On $40 a Day, Rachael satisfies her sweet tooth with the peanut butter chocolate ice cream cake from Icebox. Meanwhile, the Chocolate Delight (formerly The Bomb) has been called Oprah's absolute favorite. But for a true Floridian bite, locals know it's all about the creamy, deep-dish Key Lime pie.
When looking for a true Southern experience, get in line behind Roger Mooking, who thinks the restaurant at The Wilkes House makes the best fried chicken, lots of love included. Before being fried, the bird is marinated in evaporated milk, which Buddy Valastro calls “the creamy key to the chicken’s rich flavor.” Crowds have been flocking here for family-style portions of Southern staples since 1943.
While looking for breakfast in Orlando, Fla., on $40 a Day, Rachael skipped the tourist traps and checked out Lacomka, a bakery and deli that specializes in authentic Russian specialties like borscht and stuffed cabbage. Rachael quickly fell in love with the blinchiki, which are Russian blintzes.
Housed in a revamped 1950s' ice cream stand, this charming roadside spot now turns out "flawlessly fried seafood," Rhode Island-style clam chowder and lobster rolls. Rachael tried the hand-battered crispy cod with house-made tartar sauce and asked, "What could be more perfect?"
At this "fisherman's dream" seaside restaurant, choose from over 45 menu options for breakfast and lunch. Rachael started her day with the hearty Portuguese Fisherman's Omelette, a spicy combination of chorizo, peppers, onions and tomatoes, and said "the food doesn't get much better than this."
Tuck into breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes from around the world at this cozy diner, which serves fresh seafood, Mexican comfort food and savory Korean pancakes. Rachael called the crispy stuffed flounder "light" and "fresh," and the restaurant atmosphere "relaxed and fun."
The Big Wrap is a favorite among Aspen's local working crowd. Named one of the area's top affordable lunch spots, The Big Wrap has a monster menu for all tastes, with wraps, salads, tacos, smoothies and zesty citrus corn chips. Seating is limited, so enjoy it alfresco or call for midday delivery.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.