Where to go for a remarkable dining experience

Whether you're in the mood for something close to home or on the other side of the globe, you can always find a meal that can take you just where you want to go. Who'd have thought, a restaurant chain that is truly authentic? Inevitably, you'll find your self traveling through town on a highway and you'll see about a thousand restaurants on either side of you. The decision of which one to eat at is sometimes the hard part. Have no fear, take it from someone who has been all over the globe himself and can find almost every type of food right in his own back yard. I provide for you a few of my favorites.

We start out at a small, yet elegant and highly praised Italian restaurant called Andiamo. The atmosphere is lovely. Soft lighting, kind staff, superb wine selection and outstanding appetizers. If a cool Cabernet Survignon is your fancy or a crisp "West Face" Ferrari Carano, Andiamo will not disappoint with their pleasing beverages. May I recommend for an appetizer, the carpaccio di carne, which is thinly sliced filet mignon with shaved parmigiano and arugula. It is to die for. Fear not, their appetizers are not large, but very satisfying and alluring to the taste. For dinner may I suggest the fiori di capeasante e salmone, which is salmon wrapped scallops sautee'd in lemon white wine sauce served with scallopped potatoes, fennel, and wilted spinach. The attractive dish will draw you in with a breathtaking sense of Italy's Adriatic coast and just a hint of Spring. You will depart this Italian restaurante feeling like you just took a time warp back to Italy in the early 19th century.

Secondly, I bring you back to North America, just south of the border to Mexico, and who can resist good Mexican food? Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy is a very authentic dinning experience worth having. To start out I suggest a cool soothing Patron Shaken Margarita. Abuelo's appetizers are never discouraging and always familiar with it's very special kick start to any meal. The green chile chicken quesadilla is just enough to put you in the mood with it's flavorful cheese and vegetables freshly cut. Their ribeye steak and enchiladas is the perfect combination to further excite your taste buds as you envelope yourself in this trip to the south. Cooked to your liking the ribeye steak is just the right size and cut to please you as is their enchilada selection and their side orders. You'll be completely surprised at how much money you will save by dining at this restaurant blazing in authenticity.

Next, I bring you to a magical country of great China via P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro. With a semi dark and welcoming atmosphere displaying intriguing Chinese artwork throughout the restaurant. For starters, may I suggest a wonderful tangy Pinot Grigio Maso Canali, Trentino 2007 with it's stunningly fruity hints of spring. As you're awaiting your meal, feel free to look around and take in the relaxing environment of the China secrets and historic displays of art along the walls while listening to the enjoying music. I suggest you try the Lettuce wraps for an appetizer, they are crisp, cute and desirable. For your entre I suggest the lovely honey chick or honey shrimp that will undeniably tantalize your mouth and immerse yourself in the Great Wall of Chocolate for dessert. Trust me, this six layers of rich chocolate cake frosted with semi sweet chocolate chip topped with mind blowing raspberry sauce will leave you, in a word, speechless. P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro is never one to let you down and is sure to be a subject of conversation for years to come.

Now I bring you to the ever so fantastic land of Australia. Aussie's Grill and Beach Bar is the perfect place to go to just hang out and cut up with a few friends or that very special someone. Aussies is always offering an array of activities from billiards, to sports, whether playing or watching, and has incomparable menu surprises. Lets start with something fun and simple lemonade, root beer or a fun Margarita. Either way, you'll be too busy enjoying the festivities to feel inadequate by ordering down. For starters, may I suggest the inspiring Southwest Egg rolls. Be not fooled by the name, you have never tasted egg rolls like these before. Consisting in chicken breasts, black beans, red peppers, corn, spinach & cabbage wrapped in flour tortillas served with avocado ranch, theses rolls will pop in your mouth and have you begging for more. Aussie's is known for and made famous by my next suggestion, the Roo Burger. Served with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion & mustard on your choice of sesame seed or whole wheat bun, this burger is absolutely made with 100% kangaroo meat and is surprisingly delicious. After you finish your meal, you can stay as long as you want to and play a game of pool, watch a game on one of several big screen plasma tv's, or you can catch a game of volleyball out on the sand court, which is one of the main attractions during the spring and summer. If it is a one time scene or an ongoing thing, Aussie's is such a fun and entertaining place to be and they'll always welcome you back.

Now I bring you back to my home land of Italy for another fine authentic restaurant aptly named Bucca Di Beppo, meaning Joe's Basement, this extreme Italian/Sicilian restaurant will definitely take you to a place of family, friends, food and... more food. Bucca Di Beppo is known for it's enveloping feel of welcome. once you walk into it's dark, basement like feel, you will be drawn to the endless Italian artifacts, photos, memorabilia and flags on the wall giving you a feel that you are in an Italian basement waiting for mama's cooking. to start out with you'll want to have some pure Sicilian chiabatta or garlic bread served with two types of oil that will smooth it out giving your taste buds something to jump about. Then to start, you might want to go all out and get into character by ordering an an Ultimate Raspberry Lemon -Drop Martini. For starters may I suggest the penne basilica, which is tender chicken breast, broccoli and light pesto cream sauce with imported Italian penne pasta. I must warn you, Bucca Di Beppo does cater to those with a hefty appetite, their plates are huge and full of food for your delight. For dessert, the chocolate chip cannoli is exquisite with its crispy shells stuffed to order with a sweet cannoli cream mixed with chocolate chips served with a drizzle of their chocolate Sambuca sauce. The staff is always willing to speak in our native tongue of Italiano and will welcome you back at anytime at all.

There you go, all around the world and back again for more. Trust me, America is known for it's food in one aspect, that's variety, and any hungry American can be proud of that. From Australia to China to Mexico, I know you'll find a favorite soon enough.