resturants

While the Napa Valley is known worldwide for its amazing wineries, the Northern California region is also home to some award-winning restaurants. Everyone's heard of Thomas Keller's famed French Laundry and Michael Chiarello's Bottega, but lesser known spots like Pat Kuleto's Martini House are definitely worth checking out. Recently Lauren was lucky enough to enjoy lunch at the St. Helena spot named for Walter Martini, an opera singer and original owner of the bungalow that houses the restaurant. An avid foodie, Lauren snapped photos of her meal and shared them in the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community. She says, "the food was delicious and I especially loved my New York strip steak with avocados and onions." Her images are so clear and wonderful, I can almost taste the lunch myself! Browse her collection below and don't forget to start sharing your fabulous food finds in the YumSugar Community.

Desperate Housewives star and successful restaurateur Eva Longoria is taking her eatery national. Longoria opened Beso, a Mexican restaurant in Hollywood, with chef Todd English back in 2007. The popular joint quickly became a celebrity hangout. Last Summer she announced her plans to expand and open a second restaurant in Las Vegas.

Now, the establishment finally has an opening date: New Year's Eve 2010. Beso Vegas will diverge from its LA counterpart, with "different specials and drinks." The actress told People that she's "so excited about opening Beso Vegas." She described the city as having "the most energy in the world. It's a great foodie city, which is great for us because of our menu. Everything we offer is pretty unique. Nobody in Vegas has anything similar."

Also in the works? Besitos — a series of airport eateries that will feature a limited menu. The first will debut at an undisclosed Los Angeles airport. Have you eaten at Beso? What did you think? Would you grab some Mexican food from a Besito while traveling?