The ultimate Boston food guide.. to use after quarantine

If you ask me what my favorite things in life are, I'd answer "My family, friends, iced coffee, dogs, reality TV, sex and FOOD." It's actually scary how often I go out to eat. It's also scary how I haven't gained 400 pounds because of it. I love to explore new foods and try crazy dishes to see how adventurous I can be. Some advice for my fellow foodies, go on your own and drive into some neighborhood in Boston. Doesn't matter if it's Southie, South End, North End, Somerville, Cambridge, Back Bay, just stop somewhere. Walk in to the first restaurant or cafe that catches your eye. Honestly, this is my favorite past time activities. If you like it, then awesome! If you don't like it, then awesome you just found a place you'll never go to again. My favorite thing is when the lady at the counter knows your order before you even open your mouth. Makes ya feel special for a quick freakin minute. So I'm going to give you a list of the best food spots or coffee shops in the greater Boston area. p.s. sorry if I'm the reason you gaining weight after this. Click the picture to be taken directly to the menu!

#1. Strega

My favorite Italian restaurant. It's right on Hanover street in the North End. Everyone is overly accommodating and you literally can tell them what you like and they'll make it for you. My recommendation: The burrata appetizer then hit up Modern Pastries after!

#2. Committee

An awesome Greek inspired restaurant in the Seaport. If you know where the Cisco brewery pop-up is during the summer, it's right around the corner. Good for both dates and dinners with friends as the atmosphere is absolutely unreal. They have a huge variety of appetizers and cocktails. My recommendation: the mojito patatas with the yogurt.

#3. Thinking Cup

My favorite coffee shop in Boston. So warm inside and a perfect place to get work done. If you're working around Newbury or in Back Bay, you're just a few steps away! The coffee is absolutely unreal. A little pricey but totally worth it. My recommendation: any coffee and the chia pudding.

#4. Limoncello

Another favorite in the North End. Limoncello is on North St. which is just a street over from Hanover. Everyone who works here is just amazing. If you ask for 2 meatballs, they'll give you 3. Everything is authentic and you feel like you're in Italy. My recommendation: The Meatballs (the best freaking balls out there), and the Penne All'arrabiata.

#5. Fox & the Knife

Probably one of the most memorable meals I've ever had at this newly opened restaurant in Southie. The chef is Karen Akunowicz who is currently on Top Chef All-Stars, is a culinary genius. She made a caesar salad made up only of broccoli and croutons. She also made an espresso martini was Mezcal instead of vodka which was delicious. This place is ALWAYS booked. I would look for a reservation on a Monday night, since I've noticed there are more time spots on that day. My recommendation: if it's on the menu, the raviolis! Otherwise, the olives as an appetizer and the campanelle.

#6. Cook

This place just recently opened in Newton. The atmosphere is awesome and they offer a ton of craft beers. You can usually show up and get a seat within minutes. My recommendation: The bolognese and the Lunch IPA that comes from Maine.

#7. Quebrada

If you know me, you know I'm fucking obsessed with Quebrada. It's actually unhealthy how much money I spend on coffee here. The people who work here are sweethearts and this is the type of place where they'll learn both your name and your order. They offer pastries, cookies, lattes. They have locations in both Belmont (about 10 minutes from Bentley,) Arlington and Wellesley. My recommendation: the hazelnut iced coffee (the large is 32 ounces,) the oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate covered strawberries.

#8. Yvonne's

Okay so this is somewhere you should go when you've saved a bit of money and want to ball out and be boujee. It's so sick inside. It is set up like a barber shop when you first walk in. They'll usually take you down the bookcase (it is a speakeasy) and seat you at a large table. The dishes are shareable so it's a great place to go with a large group of friends. Definitely get a reservation ahead of time as this is a very popular spot and there are only 7 tables on the lower level (there is seating upstairs & 2 large bars). My recommendation: the crispy tater cubes & the grilled viper chop (its $95 but can be shared with 8 or 9 people).

#9. Time out Market

A food hall in the Fenway neighborhood with 16 different vendors. Probably one of my favorite spots to bring family and friends during the summer time. They often have bands that play live music, a huge screen that plays the sports games and have events for you locals to attend. The food is delicious and it reminds me of the food halls in Europe, which makes sense because the concept started in Portugal in 2014. My recommendation: Michael Schlow's spicy pasta with meat sauce and the revolutionary health kitchen acai bowl.

#10. Trina's Starlite Lounge

I randomly came upon this restaurant while in Somerville and absolutely loved it. It's a cool, quirky spot. If you tell them what type of drink you like, they'll make it....and they're amazing. From the outside, it looks awful.. but the food is delicious. My recommendation: THE FRIED CHICKEN!!!

#11. Bloc Cafe

An awesome coffee spot in Somerville. A great place to get work done. They have outside seating for when the sun comes out (who freakin knows when that'll be) and a ton of food options. My recommendation: the iced coffee is delicious and the grain bowl.

#12. Jugos

If you know me, you see bowls or juices from this place every week. An amazing spot in back bay right across from Copley Plaza. It is tiny inside but it's meant to be a quick grab & go. They also just opened a new location in the South End that is more of a sit down with waffles and lattes. With Spanish music booming, this place is very similar to something you'd find in Madrid or Barcelona. The fruit is crazy fresh and it smells amazing in there. My recommendation: The montevideo pitaya bowl (I usually substitute the fig for strawberries), the azul crush & the stella smoothie.

#13. Dig Inn

This quick and very tasty option is right on Boylston street in Boston. I walked in a year ago and didn't think I'd enjoy my meal... I was wrong wrong very wrong. You can get such a healthy meal and feel like you're going to explode you're so full. You can make your own bowl, order in person or on the app for pickup. During the work day this place is flooded with people so I usually will use the app. My recommendation, the tomatoes, broccoli, cheesy cauliflower with brown rice.

#14. Giacomos

So, I used to think Giacomos was overrated because the line typically wraps around the corner in the North End. It's not. The food is authentic and the waiters and waitresses are so nice & really get to know you. I like the North End location because it feels like you're back in Italy, but I usually try to stay away from the long line and instead go to the South End location. The South End location is just as amazing and they usually will have a man standing outside asking how many are in your party. He'll always find a way to get you right in. My recommendation: Fettuccine With Prosciutto And Peas.

#15. Playa Bowls

Yea, I probably drive to Playa Bowls 4 times a week. There are now 2 locations in Boston.. one outside of BC and one outside of Northeastern. I love Playa Bowls because they legit have a million options. The only thing... very pricey. Definitely try different options every time you visit. My recommendation: the coco berry bowl (I normally substitute the honey for peanut butter and add coconut flakes.)