Cafe Juanita is a contender for an Outstanding Service award from the James Beard Foundation (JBF). The awards, called “the Oscars of the food world” by Time magazine, are given out on May 3. A restaurant five or more years old that demonstrates high standards of hospitality and service are eligible for the Outstanding Service, with the award going to the owner.

Chef/owner Holly Smith won the the JBF Best Chef: Northwest award in 2008.

Starchefs.com asked six stellar restaurant publicists from around the country for their two cents and included Lissa on the list. Read her take on the world of restaurant PR here.

Lissa was in NYC last week – here’s her take on “The City that Never Sleeps.”

Tuesday night at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Mercer Kitchen. I’ve eaten lunch and had cocktails there in the past, had great previous experiences and love the space. Sadly, can’t say that dinner was inspired.

Wednesday night, I attended The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: New York, a fabulous fashion event at Milk Studios on West 15^th Street. My PR-progeny daughter, Paige, organized a reception on behalf of  LVMH and Parsons The New School for Design, celebrating a student contest to create fashion ensembles and documentary films inspired by the work of local New York artisans and the world of LVMH.  A great collection of fashion devotees, including Rachel Zoe and hundreds of well-dressed, gorgeous people.

After event sushi at Morimoto in the Meat Packing District.  Another great experience!

Thursday night, dinner at chef Scott Conant’s Scarpetta. A real wow!  The Tagliatelle with Black Truffle was off the charts and a main course of Black Cod was fantastic.  I highly recommend you sit at the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail; the house-made potato chips are the perfect accompaniment.  Such a beautiful, lovely room.

Friday lunch at Daniel Boulud’s  DBGB Kitchen and Bar.  Started with the DBGB Kitchen-fried egg “Bourguignon,” duck confit & cracklins, portobello, red wine & spicy greens. Delicious!   The space is so great; loved the collection of copper pots and warm comfort of the room.  Give yourself permission to make a caloric splurge- sausages, hot dogs, French Fries and more…. If you haven’t been, go!