I’m heading to London in a few weeks and have a few “musts” on my list (see below), but I’m always open to new recommendations. Any London hotspots I should know about?

Hibiscus: Voted into the San Pellegrino “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” in 2011, Hibiscus is the creation of renowned chef Claude Bosi, who opened the restaurant 12 years ago in Ludlow, eventually relocating to London in 2007. Trained under Alain Passard, Alain Ducasse, and Jean-Paul Lacombe, Chef Bosi manages to create inspired, modern dishes that still retain a sense of comfort and warmth.

The Breakfast Club: A fun and colorful collection of breakfast and lunch cafes featuring familiar fare (Eggs Benedict) and updated classics (Bacon and Banana French Toast). Relaxed and charming, with funky grab-bag decorations, The Breakfast Club is a hotspot among local foodies.

Les Deux Salons: Chefs Anthony Demetre and Will Smith (of Arbutus and Wild Honey) opened this two-floor brasserie in Covent Garden last October. The mouth-watering menu features a warm sweet onion tart, belly of pork petit salé, and an autumn salad with quince, walnuts and dolcelatte. Le Deux Salons’ close proximity to the theatre district also makes it a must for pre/post-show meals.

Opera Tavern: A theatre district staple, Opera Tavern specializes in charcoal-grilled Italian and Spanish tapas. The owners, Simon Mullins and Sanja Morris-Mullins, are also the highly acclaimed team behind 2005′s Salt Yard and 2008′s Dehesa.

The Hand and Flowers: This rustic, Michelin-star-rated pub, located in the lively town of Marlow, features a set lunch menu, along with extensive a la carte and Sunday lunch menus, courtesy of Chef Tom Kerridge.

The Mall Tavern: Established in 1856, this Notting Hill favorite is known for their terrific takes on nostalgic dishes such as Cow Pie, Chicken Kiev, and Soda bread. Chef Jesse Dunford Wood, who recently won the Tatler Restaurant “Rising Star” Award, has established himself as a culinary talent to watch.

Today at lunch, my team kept raving about a burger place that’s about to open up near our office called Elevation Burger. Get a load of this—everything they serve is 100% USDA organic, 100% grass-fed, 100% free- range beef, and 100% ground-on-premises. Does it get much cleaner, safer, or healthier than that? We’re ordering lunch from them next week so stay tuned!

My temporary office….doesn’t get much better

Nancy Silverton’s Grilled Octopus

Anne Burrell’s Pea and Bacon Crostini

Laura Werlin’s Grilled Cheese Seminar…such a hit at SOBE!

Emily Luchetti’s Toasted Almond Vanilla Bean Torte served with Moscato Dolce, Mionetto

Cookies by Sherry Yard

Mindy Segal’s Leopard Shortbread

I’m headed to the west coast today for the Pebble Beach Wine and Food Festival! It should be a really fun time, considering all the chefs and culinary personalities involved—a deluxe roster of talent that includes Guy Fieri, Charlie Trotter, Nancy Oakes, Daniel Boulud, and 2011 NYCWFF Tribute Dinner Honoree Jacques Pepin, just to name a few. Stay tuned for pictures and updates…

With Gilt City CEO Nate Richardson

Last Thursday, Gilt City hosted the most amazing party at the new JBF pop-up restaurant at Chelsea Market, as they welcomed me to their team as Chief Lifestyle Editor. It was truly a night to remember, as I got to celebrate the occasion with great friends and great food. For a look at the event’s decor, by Geoff Howell Studio, click here.

With Todd English

All photos courtesy of Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc.com . For more photos, click here.

Some of the greatest culinary legends and newbies are nominated this year. Who will win? Who should win? And most importantly, who got snubbed?

Where to go: Marc Forgione’s (134 Reade Street)

Why I love it: Cozy, sophisticated and brimming with vintage charm, Marc Forgione’s combines the best of old-world style and New American cuisine.

What to get: Caesar Salad Amuse Bouche, Frise and Radish Salad, Carbonara, Lobster Chili, Blueberry Cobbler Sundae

Where to go: The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton Street)

Why I love it: With a customizable menu that includes everything from fresh spring vegetables to, well, meatballs, this much-adored restaurant is NYC comfort food at its best.

What to get: Chicken Sliders, Market Salad, Creamy Polenta, Spring Onion and Carrot Risotto, Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chicken Sliders

Market Salad

Creamy Polenta

Spring Onion and Carrot Risotto

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Gilt City hires South Beach Wine & Food Festival founder Lee Schrager

South Beach Wine & Food Festival founder Lee Schrager joined a website as its “chief lifestyle advisor.” He will still run the festival.

By Elaine Walker

South Beach Wine & Food Festival founder Lee Schrager’s Blackberry is packed with contacts for the top U.S. chefs, restaurateurs, wine makers and Food Network personalities. Now he’s going to share a little piece of those connections and industry knowledge with Gilt City members.

The website, which offers special access to luxury experiences, has signed Schrager to be its “chief lifestyle advisor.” Gilt City offers deals to restaurants, spas, concerts, cultural offerings and more. The deals are focused on Miami, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Schrager will still keep his job as vice president of corporate communications and national events for Southern Wine & Spirits, where he runs both the South Beach and New York City wine and food festivals. The arrangement with Gilt City is a sign of Schrager’s increasing stature in the food and wine industry, which has grown commensurate with the success of the South Beach festival that celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

“He really is the impresario of the fine-dining world in many ways,” said Nate Richardson, president of Gilt City. “Lee is an incredibly trusted individual in the food world. We feel that trust and credibility is very consistent with who we are as a brand that consumers trust for fine-dining experiences.”

Schrager will help introduce Gilt City to his many connections in the world of food and wine. That means when he’s talking to Chef Eric Ripert about one of the festivals, Schrager might connect him with the Gilt City team about offering a unique experience at his New York restaurant Le Bernardin.

“I’m introducing them to the people I deal with every day,” Schrager said. “It’s continuing what I’ve always done. It’s putting people together, building brands and creating a unique experience. It’s another way to viral market.”

The Gilt City website will also feature “Table Talk with Lee Schrager” where he answers questions about where to eat, everything from find finding the best fried chicken in Chicago to the most romantic dining spot in New York. Schrager will also interview top chefs and restaurateurs, such as Jamie Oliver and Jacques Torres for a website feature “Grilled in 60 seconds.”

The idea is about offering Gilt City members opportunities they could not find on their own. That could be a prime Saturday night reservation, a special chef’s table dinner or a chance to cook with a famous chef. Schrager might also take people on a dining tour of his own.

“Lee knows who the movers and shakers are and where the trends are moving,” Richardson said. “We are working to make sure we tap into his knowledge base. I expect him to help push us to be the definitive source for the most-curated and sought-after food experiences.”

Terms of the arrangement with Schrager were not disclosed. Gilt City is a division of the New York-based Gilt Group, which has more than five million members who purchase luxury merchandise and experiences offered at insider prices. Gilt City has 1.5 million members. The majority of Gilt City members are between ages 20 and 39, with a household income of more than $100,000, the company says.

Article courtesy of miamiherald.com

Photo courtesy of SunSentinel.com

Why I love it: Set in a 1940s deco bungalow that looks as if it’s been pulled from an old Florida postcard, this casual, earthy, and irresistibly charming hole-in-the-wall is the perfect place to unwind after a long, hectic day. If it’s a nice night, do yourself a favor and sit outside–it’s gorgeous.

What to get: Marinated grilled octopus, Pulled Lamb Sandwich with grilled onions, Moussaka, Village Pasta.

This Tuesday, April 12, I will be the Keynote Speaker at the 2011 Bizbash Expo & Awards!

Here’s what BizBash has to say about it….Hope to see you all there!

Behind the Scenes at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Thrills and Spills in Crafting Some of the World’s Tastiest Events!

Location: Floridian Ballroom                  Time: 2:30-3:30 pm

Go behind the scenes at one of the most exciting food festivals in America, as Lee Brian Schrager shares the many challenges and triumphs involved in building this sizzling event, which has raised more than $10 million for Florida International University. Hear how his team creates innovative strategies to put together such a large event and to keep it fresh year after year. Plus, hear what it takes to pick up this popular event and create new successes in another city—as Schrager did with his creation of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. Consider this your “backstage pass” to all the behind-the-scenes stories, and get a preview of what’s in store for the future! This is a can’t-miss session with insightful tips from a true thought leader.