If you've ever been to one of my parties, you know that I love crostini. They're my favorite appetizer and have made an appearance at virtually every event I've ever hosted. Crostini are crisp toasts topped with vegetables, meat, or cheese. I enjoy crostini because there's an endless variety of topping options; basically you can put whatever you want on them!

Although I've never come across a crostini I didn't like, I recently tasted the most sublimely simple, insanely scrumptious cheese crostini. My cousin served these heavenly bites — a combination of Parmesan, blue cheese, and garlic — at a dinner party. Don't be afraid of the blue cheese, the Parmesan cuts the pungency. To check out the recipe, read more

Recently, I took you with me to Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, CA, a restaurant with a great view of the Pacific Ocean. I've always been a fan of restaurants that offer views of something other than the parking lot or the dry cleaners across the street — although, of course, it's also important that the establishment keeps it focus on the food, too.

In addition to Sam's, I also happen to love the sweeping bay windows that overlook Ocean Beach (and the Pacific) at The Beach Chalet. And in Chicago, nothing beats The Signature Room, especially at night. Tell me: What are your favorite scenic restaurants?