We have eaten at a lot of tasty, beautiful, hidden and wonderful restaurants. When I made my way to Reef in Houston, TX I instantly found all of those things. A very attractive restaurant, visually– I was relieved to not see any blue or stuffed fish carcases hung all over the walls. Instead the restaurant felt like a 60s soft art-deco in a very open room with large windows for a really nice downtown feel. The settings and amazing food are worth the trip alone, but the really interesting thing about Reef comes from chef Bryan Caswell (checkout his personal fish blog). Raised in Houston, but training and cooking in coastal areas all over the world, Caswell has returned to Houston and opened up his own restaurant highlighting some of the overlooked fish from the Gulf of Mexico. A large majority of the fish on the menu at Reef come from the local waters (we approve). Besides the obvious cut back on shipping, it’s supporting the local fishermen. For a city that is infamous for being the fattest city in America (and thus the world), Reef is a gem of a contrast for it’s flavors and sustainability. But seriously, don’t forget to try the deserts, wow.

Belgium is known for its chocolate, waffles and beer, but there is only so much that your stomach can take. I had a fantastic meal at the Belga Queen. A renovated bank hosts an expansive restaurant featuring some of the best beers in Belgium, as well as amazing food. Head chef Antoine Pinto has won countless awards for his food and interior design, which is a double whammy for us. Have a look over their menu and drool, then book airplane tickets and go. As for their ‘mysterious’ staircase, we’ll leave that a mystery that you’ll have to experience on your own.

What do the words Austin, Texas make you think of? Music? Cowboys? Richard Linklater? Okay, fair enough, but what if I told you sushi? Its true, mixed up with all the BBQ, steaks and Mexican food is the amazing sushi restaurant Uchi. We know what you are thinking, “It must be good for Texas sushi standards’, but this sushi bar is amazing. A renovated old house just south of the river and across the street from the landmark Alamo Draft House theater (another Austin gem) provides great interior design to chow down colorful fish. Recent Iron Chef contestant Tyson Cole heads up the creative dishes that look like little pieces of art (and for the price it may as well be art). If you are in Austin and need your Japanese cusine itch scratched, Uchi can do that and them some. Just don’t expect a table when you head down for SXSW.

Prague is known for having that take-your-time-because-life-is-beautiful vibe which translates into three-hour meals. Finding a restaurant called NoStress was no surprise. Aside from your typical fine dinning menu and atmosphere, there is an art gallery with rotating contemporary exhibitions below the restaurant. Perfect for browsing while sipping wine after ordering your first course. We love the merge of fine food and art — that should be obvious by now — but there was a little side quest to my dinner. I've been in search of an Asian dish (other than Sag Paneer in Indian food) that uses cheese. NoStress specializes in French Asian fusion and it gave me a glimpse of the mythical combination of cheese with my Thai chili pesto risotto. It was a fusion dish, so only half credit, but tasty. NoStress is in the center of Prague near the Jewish Quarter.