Coffee House: Philz Coffee, San Francisco

It's no Stumptown, but it's really, really, really good. Skip Peet's. $$ (for coffee)

http://www.philzcoffee.com/

Restaurant: the Cravery, San Francisco

Mmm. Thick but flaky pastry with curried and other fillings. What's not to like? $

http://www.thecravery.com/

Restaurant: Tropisueno, San Francisco

Really good, Tex-Cal-Mex. Ask for salsa habanero. Not so upscale it can't offer a combo plate. Marg with fresh lime. $$

http://www.tropisueno.com

Cigar and Wine Bar: Pop's Safari, Fort Worth, Texas

Wow. This is one of the things I love when I travel; running across unexpected treasures. You must go here.

http://popssafari.com/

Restaurant: Tillman's Road House, Fort Worth, Texas

Great atmosphere, so-so brunch. Service with an attitude (not in a good way). $$

http://www.tillmansroadhouse.com/

Restaurant: The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas, Texas

All it promised lo these 30 years. Everything was spectacular except for the "TX grit fries". Not bad, just not same quality. $$$$

http://www.mansiononturtlecreek.com/

Cookies: HeavenScent Natural Foods Chocolate Angelica Cookies

O. M. G. $$ (for cookies, but totally worth a melt-in-your-mouth-light-as-air-cookie experience).