Mixing fresh, local ingredients with Indian spices, Tabla has received 3 stars from the New York Times and made a celebrity out of chef Floyd Cardoz, but it doesn’t stop with the food.  During the summer months, the patio opens up and is always a lunch favorite for local I-bankers and the chic downtown crowd. On the side of the casual patio, there’s an even more casual on-the-go street cart that puts new meaning to fast food. No matter what the season, though, the “King of Hospitality” proves his name with an attentive and down-to-earth wait staff that makes anyone feel like a New Yorker.

The sleek store looks like a showroom, with bare walls, ultra stylized mannequins and amazing collections of everything under the sun. Madison carries brand names like YSL and Marc Jacobs to up and coming LA designers, including some of Madison’s staff members! There are different shapes and sizes of shoes, sunglasses, jewelry (costume to real) as well as jeans, dresses, shirts and jackets. Madison covers every trend and every style, making it a favorite for those who want a one of a kind look, that will of course be copied by many others.

But it’s Meskis’ involvement in the community beyond the bookstores’ walls that really stand out, from making donations to local charities through the Tattered Cover Gives Back program to her participation in the annual citywide literacy promotion event One Book, One Denver.

Revamped from a 1920’s Neo-gothic building structure, the hotel now houses the PM Lounge, award winning-Charlie Palmer’s restaurant, wine bar, poolside café, and a sumptuous wine shop. The heated rooftop pool and high-tech fitness center are guest favorites, as well as the Joule Art Collection that can be seen throughout the property. This hotel may have historical roots, but modern charm and delicious dining rounds out an already spectacular landmark.

Not only is the Dimaggio family-approved décor and old-world Italian menu enough to top the city’s 7×7 Best of Eat + Drink list, but the hand-selected servers offer courteous and chivalrous service reminiscent of the famous player’s time.  You’ll be in awe of the fine presentation of DiMaggio memorabilia, perhaps learning many things about the famous player for the first time.

The technique and tradition in the cuisine takes advantage of the seasons with fresh seafood, produce and locally inspired dishes.  As a Five-Star Diamond Award recipient, Culinary Director Frank Palmer is acclaimed for his exceptional dishes that whimsically blend American, French and Italian into such dishes as the Braciole, Sicilian Fisherman’s Stew, or the featured 24oz. porterhouse steak.

Whether looking for a casual dining experience or celebrating a special occasion, DiMaggio’s is an ideal destination in the heart of historic North Beach.

Educational programs and community concerts are two offerings that are not to be missed-The Dallas Symphony Orchestra “believes that with the proper training and education, every child has the potential to be the next Mozart or Beethoven.” The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has a special arm, DSO Kids, that includes special events and even training to let the music become a family affair.

An organization of this caliber with such rich history receives patronage from Dallas’ finest, and when you experience the otherworldly sounds of the DSO, you’ll be oh so glad you turned off your iPod to experience it firsthand.

Once inside, live performances and stellar DJ’s are a nightly occurrence; and more often than not there’s a VIP event held at this exclusive nightclub. No matter who you are, everyone who gets past the velvet rope is treated like a star at this staple in SoBe.

The stark white, minimalist dining room, accented with oversized oceanic images, serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase Hook’s real pull: the fish.  Serving over 68 varieties in a 12 month period, Hook’s Executive Chef, Mark Hellyar, brings pure sustainability to Hook’s menu with techniques he learned in Japan.  Be sure to try his tuna tartare with purple raspberry gazpacho and ginger cilantro oil for a unique twist on a contemporary staple.

With a brilliant staff to rival its memorable menu, the art of hospitality is tangible at Hook, with attentive service and an open kitchen run so professionally you can hear a pin drop.

Don’t let its namesake fool you, Hook is known for more than simply its creations from the sea.  Heather Chittum, Hook’s in-house pastry chef and DC’s “Pastry Chef of the Year,” makes certain the dessert menu is up to par.  Known for her interest in unexpected ice cream pairings, Chittum fascinates the palate with innovative confections like the lingonberry linzertorte with taleggio cheese ice cream and port wine reduction.

When Lisa isn’t at the forefront of all things innovative, she heads up a few blocks on Bowery to the New Museum’s antithesis, Gemma. “This is where I spend most of my time and eat most of my meals,” Lisa told citybuzz of the East Village area.

Gemma’s an Italian restaurant that’s as rustic as you can get in ultra-modern New York City. There’s the classic thatched red wine bottles, wooden table tops and copper covered bar that evoke a feeling that Dorothy is no longer in the East Village anymore. The menu is filled with tried and true favorites like delicious wood-fired pizzas and soft gnocchi with a hearty Bolognese sauce. The easy setting and reliable food leaves diners like Lisa Phillips with the impression that, as the New York Times stated,”Gemma has an unlabored panache that makes an evening go down very easy.”

*** Lisa Phillips has been the Director of the New Museum of Contemporary Art since 1999.

Conducted by Mirna Ogrizovic-Ciric, a Berry College professor who was born in Croatia but grew up in Serbia, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra’s main goal is to share beautiful music that is inclusive of all. To that end, the group has delighted audiences by performing compositions from heavyweights such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Haydn.

Guest soloists have been as impressive as its classical repertoire and include pianist Paolo André Gualdi, who grew up in Italy and has received great praise in Europe and the U.S., as well as Martin Gueorguiev, a cellist who earned first prize at Bulgaria’s National Competition for German and Austrian Music. When it comes to spreading beautiful music in Atlanta, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra remains in a class of its own.