For a monumental stroll through D.C.'s favorite farmers' market, Giada heads to Dupont Circle where she finds the FRESHFARM Market and nibbles on blueberry scones and Manchego cheese. Open rain or shine, FRESHFARM Markets run more than 11 farmers' markets, representing over 150 farmers.
No New York City trip would be complete without visiting a pizzeria, and Giada always makes sure to eat at Grimaldi's. The thin-crust Neapolitan-style pies are baked in coal-fired ovens that add a certain smokiness to the flavor; Giada considers the Margherita Pizza an instant classic.
Located just off of the only publicly open grass tennis courts in the country, La Forge is where locals go for lunch or dinner after a round of tennis or a visit to the Tennis Hall of Fame. Giada recommends trying the "rich and meaty" lobster roll, which has been on the menu for more than 50 years.
Regular sunsets are so been-there-done-that. At dusk from mid-March to November, you can watch as bats flood the sky from under the Congress Bridge. TRIO at Four Seasons Hotel offers the perfect perch for a bat watch, and Giada enjoyed it with the award-winning "Batini" made with juicy blackberries.
Host of Food Network's Giada's Weekend Getaways, Giada samples the Bat-tini cocktail, in honor of the Bats Under the Congress Avenue Bridge, in Austin, TX.
The Sidewalk Café built a reputation as one of the best places to people watch in Los Angeles, and it's one of Giada's favorite haunts when she's on vacation there. This spot serves breakfast all day, including entrees like the café's signature Huevos Rancheros and Breakfast Burrito.
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.
Start your Sonoma experience off with a visit to the American Center for Wine, Food & Arts. Take in art exhibits, cooking classes and the three-acre edible garden. Once you've worked up an appetite, stop by the property's restaurant, like Giada did, for a glass of wine and a freshly prepared lunch.
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.
Foreign Cinema in San Francisco offers dinner and a movie with style — customers can watch classic films while enjoying dishes like oysters and fried chicken. Giada is a big fan of the brunch menu, and she thought the baguette French toast was soft, creamy and delicious.
At La Boca in Santa Fe, Chef James Caruso specializes in authentic Spanish Tapas, small plates with appetizers such as fried Marcona almonds and bruschetta with crimini mushrooms. Giada thought her meal was nothing short of "phenomenal'' when she stopped by on a weekend getaway.
Located in the heart of Newport, R.I., in an old car repair shop, Asterisk is known for its French-and Asian-infused menu and unique atmosphere. Try an espresso martini, a local favorite and a "great way to start dinner," according to Giada, then order the crispy salmon.
Owned by three Italian brothers, Trattoria Grappolo is "a restaurant that's full of life." Giada was enchanted with this vibrant "traditional Southern Italian trattoria" that serves hearty portions of authentic southern Italian food, including "a very special dish called Rollino Vento."
During her weekend getaway to Las Vegas at The Venetian, Giada's meal at Thomas Keller's Bouchon resulted in a breakfast as sinful as dessert. Her Croque Madame with buttery brioche and melted Swiss cheese made her swoon, just like diners experiencing Keller's signature dessert, Chocolate Bouchons.
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.