Resident Foodies say: We hit up Chef Tony Mantuano‘s new Bar Toma, a hop, skip, and a jump away from his renowned Spiaggia restaurant on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. Bar Toma is known for its small Italian fare, plus wood oven pizzas.

Yesterday, we ordered the Smoke and Cure pizza–Vermont artisan pepperoni, mozzarella, and smoked garlic. The crust is thick at the edge, but thin inside. The wood burning oven gives the crust a great texture and nice char. We really enjoyed it and would definitely come back again.

The atmosphere at Bar Toma is warm and inviting–and the layout is pretty spacious for a bar in this area. We had no trouble getting seats at the bar on Thursday night, and, although we had reservations for a table, there did not appear to be a long wait.

Resident Foodies say: March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, the occasion when everyone is Irish for a day. In Chicago, the City dyes the river green and holds its annual parade at noon, probably the biggest in the country. This year the Chicago river will be dyed green at 10 a.m. and the parade will start at noon.

Although green beer is usually the beverage of choice, we are opting for a tall glass of milk and this decadent chocolate cupcake, with buttery frosting, topped with chocolate and green-dyed sprinkles and, of course, a shamrock. The cake is mouth-watering moist, with just the right amount of chocolate to savor. Partaking of this delectable creation is not for the faint of heart. It’s gooey, chocolatey, and so unbelievably good. Erin go bragh!

Resident Foodies say: Panera Bread is one of our favorite “fast food” places. Their bread is yummy, and their stock is on a tear these days. Today we picked up this glazed pecan roll, baked to perfection.

What we like most: The color of the bread matches perfectly the color of the pecans. This is an incredible feat–no doubt the result of much testing and perfecting in the oven. The combination of pecans and soft bread gives the roll an incredible texture, softness with a nice crunch. And who can forget the sugary glaze that coats the roll–and, afterwards, your hands–with guilt-laden gooeyness.

Resident Foodies say: Our favorite grocery store is Whole Foods. We picked up this layered tiramisu today. Delightful.

Resident Foodies say: We were in beautiful Bangkok over the weekend and had this divine soup in Bangkok at Nara Thai. The chicken in this Tom Ka Gai was so amazingly tender, and the coconut broth was incredibly creamy and soothing.

Resident Foodies say: The herb crusted lamb loin with cannellini beans, braised lamb shoulder, barley and cumin mint yogurt is a work of art at Gary Danko, almost too beautiful to be eaten.

Resident Foodies say: We went back to one of our favorites in San Francisco, The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building. Pictured above is one of Chef Charles Phan’s signature dishes, the Shaking Beef. Phan has also shared his recipe to this marvelous dish. The Shaking Beef has just the right amount of crispiness on top, but tenderness inside. It’s perfection.

Shaking Beef

The Meat
2 T chopped garlic
1 t sugar
1½ t salt
¾ t fresh black pepper
2 T neutral cooking oil, such as canola or corn oil
1½ lbs filet mignon, cut into 1” cubes

The Vinaigrette
¼ c rice vinegar
1 T sugar
¼ c rice wine
4 T light soy sauce
1 T dark soy sauce
1 T fish sauce

The Dipping Sauce
Juice of 1 lime
½ t kosher salt
¼ t fresh black pepper

The Stir-Fry
4 T neutral cooking oil, such as canola or corn oil
3 stalks green onion, cut into 1” pieces
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 t butter
2 bunches watercress, for garnish

1. Prepare marinade by combining garlic, sugar, salt, pepper and oil in a large nonmetal bowl. Add filet mignon, combine and marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for two hours.

2. Prepare vinaigrette by combining rice vinegar, sugar, rice wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and fish sauce. Set aside.

3. Heat a wok over high heat. Divide beef, green onions and red onions in half, as you will cook in two batches.

4. Add 2 T oil to the wok. When the oil starts to smoke, add first portion of the beef in an even layer. Let it sit until a forms a brown crust, about 2 minutes. With a spatula, flip the beef over to brown the other side, about 1 minute.

5. Add first portion of the green onions and red onions and cook for 1 more minute. Pour half of vinaigrette down the side of the wok, and then shake pan to release the beef and toss with the vinaigrette. Add 1 t butter and continue to shake pan until butter melts. Remove the meat and onions from the wok. Keep warm.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with second portion of meat, green onions and red onions. Place the watercress in the middle of the serving plate and spoon hot beef and onions on top.

7. Prepare dipping sauce by putting salt and pepper in small ramekin and squeezing lime juice over it. Serve alongside the beef. Serves 4.

Resident Foodies say: More good stuff from the Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach in Naples. Michigan Dried Cherry & Grilled Chicken: Romaine lettuce, vine ripe tomato, julienne of carrot, red onions & tangy sweet dried Michigan cherries, tossed in raspberry vinaigrette. Topped with marinated oak grilled rosemary chicken, candied pecans & Gorgonzola cheese.

Resident Foodies say: This dessert was scrumptious.

Resident Foodies say: USS Nemo in Naples, Florida is known for its seafood. This GINGER STEAMED halibut with bok choy, asparagus, spinach, shiitake, steamed rice, and white soy-lime warm dressing is out of this world. So good.