We sat down with Executive Chef Yeshi of Shakti Prana Lodge in Kumaon, India. Perched at 7,000 feet, the solar-powered Prana Lodge is an architectural jewel of stone, glass, timber and copper, designed to frame the Himalayan panorama. True to its name—Prana, or “breath” in Sanskrit—the lodge offers sweeping vistas of Nanda Devi and a program of seasonal guest chefs.

We sat down with Executive Chef Ramiz Jasic of Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Chef Jasic carries deep inspiration from his roots and childhood moments in his mother's kitchen. He believes that "food should always tell a story."

We sat down with Executive Chef Jimmy Crane of Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree, Colorado. Step inside Jimmy and Lasinda’s welcoming, family-run restaurant and savor signature favorites such as lasagna, linguine with clams, or their house Italian margarita. Don’t miss the tranquil, cozy patio seating for a relaxed meal.

We sat down with Executive Chef Giorgio Lo Greco of PepeNero in Traverse City, Michigan. The kitchen marries two traditions: the freshest ingredients of Northern Michigan and the timeless craft of Italian cooking. Expect local, farm-picked produce, sustainably raised meats, and carefully sourced seafood alongside authentic Italian essentials.

We sat down with Executive Chef Michael Moscatiello of The Roosevelt Room in Troy, New York. The restaurant has the energy of a big city—upscale, modern American fine dining. They aim to be creative while incorporating global ingredients. The bar is exceptional, featuring an extensive selection of craft cocktails for every palate.

We sat down with Executive Chef Salvatore Carollo of Calogero’s Old World Italian in Naperville, Illinois. Raised in the heart of Little Italy in the Bronx, with extensive travel back and forth to Italy, Chef Carollo came of age in a culture where food shapes life itself. In his kitchen, that reverence for tradition shows in every loaf and pizza: dough is handcrafted and allowed a patient 48-hour fermentation.

We sat down with Chef Vincenzo, a third-generation pizzaiolo, and Chef Angelo, a fourth-generation pizzaiolo, of Bruno’s Pizzeria in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bruno’s pays homage to Nonno Giordano Bruno, who journeyed from Milano, Lombardia, to New York and forged a life as a master pizzaiolo.

We sat down with Executive Chef Alex Green of Mileta in Lexington, Kentucky. Mileta presents a contemporary scratch kitchen where handmade pastas and seasonally driven plates take center stage. The menu highlights pristine ingredients and thoughtful technique—each dish composed with clarity and care.

We sat down with Executive Chef Giuseppe DiGristina of Pastaio Trattoria Italiana in Wintersville, Ohio. Pastaio. Standouts include a Sicilian-style swordfish tomahawk and a comforting bolognese—made from a rich blend of veal, beef and pork.

We sat down with Chef/Owner Nick Devellis of Marcello’s Italian Eatery in Monroe, Connecticut. Marcello’s is a contemporary, upscale Italian restaurant born from a lifetime in the hospitality industry. Here, each dish is more than food; it’s a carefully crafted work of culinary art.

We sat down with Executive Chef Benard Tamburello of Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato in Hoover, Alabama. What lifts their pies from simply delicious to authentic Neapolitan excellence is more than technique—it’s a rigorous devotion to tradition.

We sat down with Peter Renzo of Cosi Cucina in Clive, Iowa. Cosi Cucina is a Des Moines-area favorite, serving approachable yet inventive Italian fare in a relaxed setting. The menu centers on blistered wood‑oven pizzas, specialty pastas and authentic entrees, rounded out by house‑made desserts and an attentive, well‑curated wine list.

We sat down with Chef de Cuisine Steven Tang of Mi Xun Teahouse at Upper House Chengdu. Influenced by tea traditions and interpreted through modern vegetarian cooking, every menu offers a subtle conversation between the landscape and the plate. Diners depart with more than lingering flavors; they leave with a renewed connection.

We sat down with Chef de Cuisine Tony Ye of Sui Tang Li at Upper House Shanghai. Sampling xiaolongbao is essential—the heart of the city’s cuisine. At Sui Tang Li, their signature fusion xiaolongbao pairs delicate soup dumplings with Spanish Iberian ham, marrying East and West in a single bite.

We sat down with Executive Chef Oscar Perez of Blind Rabbit Kitchen in Salt Lake City, Utah. Blind Rabbit Kitchen pairs bold, adventurous flavors with humble hospitality. The New American menu is playful yet precise—craveable dishes built on solid technique—while the atmosphere stays laid-back, and every plate tells a story.

We sat down with Executive Chef Robert Willits of Vernon’s Speakeasy in Los Ranchos, New Mexico. Vernon’s Speakeasy isn’t just a meal—it’s a high-end dining experience hidden behind a secret door, shaped by a chef who learned the craft from the ground up.

We sat down with Executive Chef Rachel Conn of The Rathskeller at The Montana Club in Helena, Montana.

We sat down with Executive Chef Mitch Arens of Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky. Carmelo’s honors his memory by living his values—generosity, warmth, honesty, and good humor—present in every dish and their welcoming atmosphere.

We sat down with Executive Chef Mario Mendieta of Momento Tapas & Craft Cocktails in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Every element—from the ambiance to the service—is intentional. Savor tapas that marry international techniques with Latin flair, the cocktails are imaginative and expressive, and the staff operates like family, dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience to every guest.

Go behind the scenes at Utopia, Bangor’s farm‑to‑table restaurant, with Chef Rachel Moyse’s philosophy, seasonal menus, and what makes this Maine dining spot a must‑visit.