Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)

I believe I found Heaven, or at least a close measure of it, amidst the rocky cliffs of the Southern California peninsula Rancho Palos Verdes. The motive of our three-day trip was the wedding of Ashley and Jeremy Dowdy, who hired my mother (of Shindigs By Sheril) to plan and coordinate. She executed flawlessly. Though aside from the In-n-Out food truck rehearsal dinner and jaw-dropping wedding (captured by Brandon and Kristen Kidd, both of whom I have a total crush on), my family was free to explore the massive grounds of pools, patios and impressive restaurants at Terranea Resort.

Kevin, the hotel's acclaimed concierge, learned and remembered every guest's name. You could expect to hear his voice call, "Hey, Sheril!" upon walking out of the lobby elevator.

Happy hour(s) next to the fire pits and succulent bushes became the ritual, especially when cucumber, lime and gin coolers were on the menu. And in the morning, Sea Beans (the resort's cafe) handed over iced coffees and plump blueberry muffins like clockwork. I treated myself to a classic California acai bowl by the Spa pool yesterday morning before leaving.

Our Thursday and Friday dinners, Bashi Japanese and Marsél, respectively, stood out most. Bashi's staff warned us of the large portions; but of course that did not stop the Greensteins. I could have ordered two helpings of the crispy tofu and wild mushrooms with snap peas! The "sizzling steak" had a more impressive presentation than taste, though we didn't regret the order. And the sweet short ribs were sensational. We fell into an eleven-hour food coma (unheard of for my family) following the late dinner.

Marsél, the fanciest of all, was saved for Friday evening. The pricier menu was well worthwhile, as most of the dishes offered local offerings such as Santa Barbara rock prawns (unreal), California jumbo asparagus and bay scallops. The arugula leaves in my burrata and prosciutto salad were from the restaurant's garden, which we passed on our way to the entrance. A crisp glass of Napa Chardonnay carried us from salads to seafood entrées and sides -- my favorite being the skillet-baked Japanese eggplant with ricotta and Thai basil. We couldn't manage to even wrap our head around a dessert menu, but our perky waitress insisted upon bringing dark chocolate truffles on a clam shell for our final bite.

Terranea truly outdid itself. I didn't even mind the morning "June gloom" of smog and marine layers that prevented ocean views; for the views of the surrounding resort landscaping blew us away on their own. Until next time, California.

City and State (Memphis)

People supporting people. That's what it's all about. Or at least, that's what it should be about. It is in Memphis. Lisa Toro recently opened the Broad Avenue coffee + retail shop City and State. Oh, did I fall in love upon first step. The space is refreshing and resonant of creativity and artistic appreciation, whether for the cup of pour-over brew or a timeless third-generation woodworker cutting board.

I'm infatuated by the gorgeous array of items, from bath salts to Nashville-based imogene + willie denim and Shotwell caramels. If you need a gift for yourself or a friend, City and State is where you'll go and score regularly. Hello, Mother's Day in one week.

On the other side of the storefront is a beautiful coffee counter with minimalist seating and decor. The brown sugar latté and mocha are both divine. I've heard the cortado is excellent. Of course, pastries are a usual accompaniment; though a recent collaboration with Porcellino's has elevated the food offerings to breakfast and lunch service.

On weeks one and two of the collaboration, Porcellino's has delivered chocolate croissants, morning buns, yogurt & granola, sweet corn muffins, turkey croissant sandwiches and The Goomba sandwiches. In the coming weeks, they're looking into surprise-filled menu expansions. Looks like I'll be here much more often.

Upon asking Lisa about the collaboration between two visionary, Memphis-loving, trendy coffee shops in town, here's her lovely recount:

"About two weeks ago, Matt Farmer stopped by for some coffee. He was complimentary and said he enjoyed the experience. The next day, he showed up with two boxes of beautiful Porcellino’s pastries and said they were interested in working with us on wholesale. Two days, later Chef Andy and Michael, along with Matt, came over to see the place for themselves. From the minute they walked in, there was no bravado and no ego. They showed nothing but respect for and interest in what we were doing.

As is true of many Memphians, I’d been dining in their restaurants for years and never had a bad meal. As a huge foodie, their reputation more than preceded them. We sat around the communal table in my three week old shop, and I listened as they offered up their staff and skill in providing food for City & State. Not only that, but the opportunity to work with them in the near future to come up with a few custom menu items.

I cannot say enough great things about the openness and support these two celebrated chefs and their team have given us in this new venture. They recognize, as do we, that the way to continue to move Memphis forward is through partnership and support across all in our community. They are a shining example of what is so incredible about this city. People supporting people."

Belly Acres (Memphis)

It's time to write about my new favorite gourmet burger spot in Memphis, Tennessee. Note the keyword: gourmet. We know Huey's has mastered a fantastic patty and bun (for 45 years now!), though a new burger has stepped up in town for its creative edge and "citified farm fresh" style.

Personally, I'm all about the toppings. My now sixteen-year-old sister routinely orders her burger (no matter the location) as "a burger, plain, no bun, no toppings, just the meat, with ketchup on the side."

I love you, Julia; but, no.

At Belly Acres, signature burgers are celebrated. The topping combinations create tantalizing titles from "Dare Ya" (and "Double Dare Ya") to "Voodoo Moo Moo."

Upon my first visit, I ordered "The Cure:" a housemade brioche bun held a grass-fed beef patty with smoked gouda, braised tomatoes, sauteed onions, and acre sauce. Rich, but curing, indeed.

If you're undecisive, you can "tour the acres" by creating your own concoction. Yet in my opinion, Belly Acres provides a pre-selected option for any type of eater. Chicken or turkey burgers are available, as well as vegetarian options "from the garden" -- Even a black eyed pea burger is offered. My coworker and I were very impressed withe Yellow Fin Tuna burger with wasabi mayo and cucumber salad. Fresh and fantastic.

And, oh, the sides. Plan accordingly with your party, as my office accidentally ordered three table-size fries and looked as if we were applying for the television series "Man vs. Food." If you are a fried pickles fan, Belly Acres prepares theirs extra thin and crispy, like a fancy, addictive potato chip. Order a batch of those while awaiting your burger.

The interior is essentially a farm version of Willy Wonka with a mesmerizing array of build-out; from watercolored cloud disks and a barn-esque open kitchen, to suspended barrel lighting and stacked television screens of trippy green grass designs. I applaud the design team for going with their gut. The restaurant's Overton Square location stands out amongst its well-established neighbors and burger joints around the area.

Belly Acres is family-friendly, large party-friendly, and friendly in general. I have highly enjoyed the customer care and speedy service -- and I believe you will too, Midtowners and greater Memphians.

The Dutch (New York)

It's Sunday, and I'm deeply missing the brunch experience of a lifetime at The Dutch NYC. This morning's protein shake cannot and will not ever compare to the cream cheese cinnamon roll and full oyster and raw bar, among other fine American bistro options.

Nestled in SoHo (my favorite neighborhood of the city), the swanky spot reminds me of an old-time American bar with country club-esque charm. The graphic and interior design are both fabulous. I almost loved the menu's design as much as the food in front of me.

My opinion of the restaurant was immediately validated when Neil Patrick Harris and his family arrived in the dining room in pastel Easter charm. I respected his family time and did not snap too many photos, though I especially enjoyed watching the twins in their respective bowtie and blonde curls!

We ordered quite the array of items, which satisfied my family's extremely diverse palates.

The raw, plump oysters with shredded horseradish and housemade hot sauce were a no-brainer. Mom took it up a notch by requesting the addition of crab to the platter. I washed mine down with a grapefruit mimosa, though the spicy bloody mary to my left accompanied the salty starters well.

I enjoyed a light entrée of beet salad -- a burrata burrito, if you will -- which held creamy pockets of burrata cheese with a crunchy pistachio sprinkle, root shavings, and a fine vinaigrette.

The cornmeal pancake short stack was appropriately loaded with hot blueberry compote. I enjoyed the change of pace from typical pancake ingredients; the grittier version of cornmeal added a complexity that still hasn't left my taste buds.

The farro and mushroom salad was brilliantly constructed. Layers of pesto, broccoli, farro (a barley-like wheat) and wild mushrooms were topped with snow-like parmesan, bringing the entire dish together.

And, of course, the Dutch burger (not pictured) was epic in itself. Home-style potatoes and fries accompanied, leaving us fantastically full. I'm so into The Dutch. So is Neil Patrick Harris. So add it to your list.

What to Try at Smorgasburg (Brooklyn)

Never have I believed myself to be so lucky until I curiously clicked on Smorgasburg's website after booking an NYC family vacation for my grandmother's eightieth birthday over six months ago. The bolded words, "We're back April 4th!" popped out as I scanned the screen. And then, I rejoiced. I would be in Brooklyn on opening day of the most fabulous food flea market in existence: Smorgasburg. My family of five strategized upon our arrival. We'd tackle long lines by venturing to different stands and, after twenty minutes, gathering in the center to taste and pass. The system was both efficient and hilarious. Below are my favorite bites from the 'burg:

1. Mozz pops. New to Smorgasborg, Big Mozz x Atlantic Avenue prepares fresh mozzarella onsite and serves it up in different styles. I preferred the "pops:" two quarters of buttery cheese with a side of lemony bright pesto for dipping. A light appetizer for the feast, if you will.

2. Beef short rib. Carnal grills up a massive beef short rib with an unbeatable chimichurri sauce. Slow roasted with bone marrow, the serving is summer savory and completely addictive.

3. Mac & cheese. Milk Truck may be known for their grilled cheeses, but the aged cheddar bechamel bow ties (topped with house made breadcrumbs) are delightful. You can add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and other delicious ingredients to the mix.

4. Ramen burger. It's the original; and frankly, it's life-changing. Sesame ramen noodles sandwich a fresh ground chuck patty with a shoyo glaze and market fresh vegetables. Who would've thought your college dorm room staple and classic burger could be combined into such greatness.

5. Truffle fries. Home Frite has a 50-person line for a reason: the "crispy fresh" fries kick ass. I am a huge fan of the packaging, which holds the hand-cut potatoes and homemade sauces with mobile ease. Go for the truffle dipping sauce.

6. Chicken parmesan slider. Sunday Gravy keeps it classic with grandmother-made quality chicken parmesan with heavy red sauce and parmesan. Served piping hot on a trendy slider, you'll want a second. Or a third, in our case.

La V (Austin)

I'm feeling extra nostalgic on this throwback Thursday, commonly dubbed as "TBT." As I cloak myself in a Parisian trench to avoid the Southern spring rain, I am whisked back to two summers ago, when I experienced a dreamy six weeks abroad without managing to gain one word of French vocabulary nor one pound of weight. Miracles, I tell you. Upon visiting Austin last month, the sought-after dinner spot on my and Jake's itinerary is a new bustling Eastside French restaurant, laV restaurant and wine bar. It opened right before I moved to Memphis, and I never found a moment to sit and enjoy the French fare and wines. Yet throughout this past year, I've watched laV's fame grow, with national publications rewarding its incomparable wine program, and Eater Austin repeating its must-try menu month after month.

While I wish I could call myself a wine connoisseur, I am not. Luckily for laV guests, you're paired with a sweet sommelier, who will pair you with a sweet bottle of French wine. We gave her our price range and preferred palate; and boom: pure bliss in a bottle. Jake and washed down multiple baguettes (almost every menu item manages to include its housemade loaves) with the vin de bourgogne.

Jake and I were more impressed by the small plate selection than the entrées on our February menu (which changes monthly). So, naturally, we ordered four small plates, and one entrée.

The classic, buttery, garlicky, basil escargot was a no-brainer. The crispy yet creamy composition was irresistible. laV has this French rustic recipe perfected, so please order it. I don't remember a better version since sitting on a Provence patio two years ago.

My favorite dish was the surf and turf. Rather than an expected filet and lobster, we enjoyed sweet scallops with crispy fried sweetbreads (a pork that Hog & Hominy in Memphis similarly masters). The contrast was divine, and the bright green pea salad was simply beautiful.

The short rib whole wheat garganelli provided a fantastic 1:1 ratio of tender beef and buttery housemade noodles, sprinkled with pine nuts. Mussels were light and fragrant of garlic and curried spices, though the crusty bread brought light to heavy very quickly as we soaked up the remaining broth...Rustic and refined, as the restaurant identifies.

I was impressed by the eastern halibut's complexity without the need for a major carb component. The fishwas placed atop a mix of saffron crispy chick peas, clams, onions and peppers. The fish and peas were both buttery to the taste. The colorful ingredients were delightful to the eye.

I'm dying to go back -- if not to France, to the next best place: laV!