Eat this spicy stir fry from Thai Nivas Cafe

Getting through the pad nam prik pao (called “spicy stir fry” on the menu) at Thai Nivas Cafe is a fiery fantasia of Thai chili, sweat and, in some cases, tears – especially if you order it at a level 5 like we do. Aromatic basil swims alongside perfectly cooked peppers, onions, carrots and a protein (we prefer the superb tofu). Pro tip: Tack on an order of basil fried rice. If you’re going hard in the spice zone, you might need more than the stir fry’s side of white rice.

Eat this Floating Island dessert at Brasserie by Niche

We always have room for the Floating Island dessert at Brasserie by Niche​.

Eat this coconut chiffon cake from Sugaree Baking Co. in Dogtown

The coconut chiffon cake from Sugaree Baking Co. has three towering layers of fluffy perfection.

Eat these fried golden tacos from Fonda La Poblanita

Fonda La Poblanita’s rolled, beautifully fried golden tacos of potatoes are basically mashed potato taquitos.