For a crash course in crawfish, Giada visits the Ritz-Carlton's Crawfish Concierge. Every Sunday from 2 to 4pm, the hotel hosts an authentic crawfish boil, open to the public, where the chef goes from table to table giving every attendee a quick tutorial on how to eat the tasty crustaceans.
Food Network chefs can’t get enough of this cafe’s tantalizing treats that have been featured on four shows. Giada is crazy about the super chocolatey, crunchy Oreo cookies made with cocoa, butter and powdered sugar, while Bobby is won over by the sweet and gooey Sticky Buns studded with pecans. Tom Papa tries the fruit-filled tarts that remind him of childhood.
Sonsie is "perfect for people watching and gourmet pizza," Giada observed. The restaurant has many delicious dishes but is known for pizza made in a brick oven. Athough pies change seasonally, some are served year-round, like the Corn, Cheddar, Brie, Smoked Bacon, and Scallion Pizza that Giada ate.
Caffeine is served in many carefully brewed forms at this downtown coffee bar. Giada sipped on a "fruity" and "smoky" Ethiopian blend from a Clover machine, which combines a vacuum brewer and French press to brew fresh grounds into a custom cup for each customer.
Giada stopped by this vegetarian tapas spot to share small plates that highlight seasonal produce. The menu changes with the seasons, but a popular mainstay dish is the take on breakfast: a poached egg on smoked potato puree and sourdough bread, which Giada said was "like tasting smoked bacon."
A Chicago institution since 1949, Garrett Popcorn Shop is known for gourmet popcorn made fresh daily in a variety of flavors, from Plain to Buttery to Caramel Crisp to the Chicago Mix.
If the breathtaking skyline view doesn't evoke sheer amazement, maybe the menu will. Located on top of the John Hancock Center, The Signature Room at the 95th (floor, that is) radiates art deco luxury with a menu prized for local dishes like the Roasted Amish Chicken atop a bed of creamy grits.
If you want a classic meal in a timeless Chicago environment, the Chop House is where to go. Giada loves the petit filet and gets a kick out of the photo walls: one with all the town's mayors, one with all its gangsters.
Giada visited the "birthplace of deep-dish pizza" for a cheesy Chicago-style slice that warranted a fork and knife. Diners can also enjoy signature pies such as the Numero Uno, a combination of sausage, peppers and onions baked in a pizza layered with melted mozzarella and crushed tomatoes.
For Bobby's FoodNation stop in Miami, he heads to the legendary Joe's Stone Crab shop where the flavor is all in the claw. Since 1913, Joe's has delivered these claws with the simple yet oh-so-tasty chilled mustard sauce. But for a real chilly treat, try Joe's Original Homemade Key-Lime pie.
If the waterfront ocean view or the mahi mahi stuffed with lobster and crab in a macadamia nut crust doesn't impress you, maybe the lilikoi creme brulee will. Marc Summers calls the creme brulee the best thing ever, as you can taste the passion fruit flavor, aka lilikoi, in every bite.
Duo Steak and Seafood offers a decadent dinner menu, but breakfast here is also a treat. Giada went to experience the "gigantic breakfast buffet," loading up her plate with island-fresh fruit like pineapple and papaya and a Macadamia Nut Pancake with a "little crunch but it melts in your mouth."
With no signage and hidden away from South Beach city streets, Casa Tua considers itself a unique getaway experience with a gourmet menu of home-style Italian. Giada's visit meant indulging in two classics: the creamy burrata salad with tomato and balsamic, then the irresistible tiramisu.
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.