Nick Duarte

These are the cookbooks I keep coming back to again and again. Each one is written by a chef I admire, but what makes them special is how approachable they are at home. They bring restaurant flavors to your own kitchen without being fussy or intimidating — from comforting classics to creative twists that make everyday cooking more exciting. If you’ve ever flipped through a chef’s book and thought, “that looks amazing, but I could never make it,” this list is the opposite. These favorites are packed with recipes you’ll actually want to cook, share, and make part of your own routine.

Fair warning: once you try these, regular snacks will never hit the same.

As fall kicks in, I'm leaning into practical upgrades that feel like quiet power moves. This list is all about those fixations: a mix of grooming, style, and lifestyle finds that feel like they elevate the everyday without trying too hard. Think of it as the gear, products, and little luxuries I’d text a buddy about because they’re that good

I’ve always been fascinated by how Michelin-starred chefs think about food — the precision, the creativity, and the way they turn ingredients into something unforgettable. Over the years I’ve been collecting cookbooks from Michelin-recognized chefs and restaurants, and they’ve become some of my favorite sources of inspiration.

These are the ingredients that save dinner when the fridge looks empty, the snacks that never last more than a week in my house, and the secret weapons that make people ask "what's your recipe?

Hi! I lived in Orange County for a decade before moving to Arizona. These are some of the places in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego I went to and loved.

I’ve always been drawn to the layers of flavor in Mexican cooking — smoky moles, bright salsas, earthy corn, and everything in between. Over the years, I’ve explored cookbooks that capture not just recipes, but also the culture, traditions, and regional pride behind them. This list brings together the classics and newer voices putting a modern spin on tradition. Whether you’re just starting out with tacos and enchiladas, or ready to dive into Oaxacan moles and mezcal pairings, these books will guide you into the heart of Mexican cooking.

Everyone knows Camelback, Old Town, and Pizzeria Bianco — but Phoenix is full of hidden corners that give you a deeper feel for the desert city. These are the kinds of places I take visiting friends when I want to surprise them with something unexpected — quirky museums, desert views only locals know, and neighborhood eats you won’t find in a guidebook.