John Hornick Chef’s Apprentice

I developed these recommendations after traveling to over 50 countries, many of them multiple times (check out my chefsapprentice.com blog). Some are luxury, some are funky, some are like traveling back in time, and some are ultramodern. Some are ultra-convenient and some are getaways. Some are simply charming. They all have qualities that will bring me back again and again. This list covers Barcelona, Dijon, Florence, Gibraltar, Granada (Spain), L'Ille sur-la-Sorgue (France), Lisbon, Lyon, Madrid, New York City, Obidos (Portugal), Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and Venice. Look for more recommendations in the collection.

Lisbon's a great place to visit, with a lot of food and wine choices, but Portugal isn't known for its food. After several visits, we've discovered these great food and wine spots, some on the beaten track and some off it, which we go back to every time we're in town.

This stunning subtropical Portuguese island has it all: romance, adventure, history, food, and, well, Madeira wine. I was reluctant to go because I feared I'd be reluctant to leave, and I was right. Use this guide to get the most out of a week on this “Island of Eternal Spring.”

After cooking sous vide for many years, I've refined this list of essential gear that yields perfect results every time.

Travel can be both fun and grueling. After visiting 54 countries, I've honed in on this essential gear, which makes travel easier and more enjoyable.

Everything you need to know about sake is right here. These are sources I used to learn about sake and earn my Sake Advisor and Sake Professional Certifications.

Sarah and I have lived part time in Santa Fe for 20+ years. These are some of our favorite spots that are not in the main tourist area. All of them have excellent food. I've also included a few excellent hotels.

One of the best ways to learn to cook Japanese food is to watch my chefsapprentice.com YouTube cooking channel, where I have around 200 videos in my Japanese Faves series. But I constantly use these books to find inspiration and recipes.

After many trips to Tokyo, these are some of my favorite restaurants and bars for unique, top-quality Japanese food, sake, and French wine, along with a collection of Tokyo food, wine, and sake adventures.

In any kitchen, a few good knives are worth their weight in gold. Sharp, well-chosen knives can make every task easier and safer. Whether you’re a home or restaurant chef, this list covers the most important knives to handle any kitchen task, along with a variety of cutting boards for any budget.

This almost unknown but incredibly charming town of narrow cobblestone streets, waterwheels, and canals is known as “The Venice of Provence.” Here you'll find great food and shopping, limitless photo ops, an ornate church, and an impressive weekend antiques market. I also include recs for an amazing hotel and must-have French cooking equipment to duplicate my raclette experience at home.