5 Local Restaurant Recipes And The 5 Wines To Pair With ‘Em

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on January 15.]

Figuring out where to eat is no easy feat in L.A. — with so many options, settling on a spot (especially when dealing with picky friends) can make any Angeleno's head spin. Add in the fact that most wine and mixology lists are miles long, and suddenly your low-key dinner plans are just as stressful as a high-school calc exam. Well, take a deep breath, dear foodies. We've tapped vino vixen Whitney Adams of domaineLA for a little 411 on the best bottles to pair with the yummiest plates out there.

Taking into consideration ingredients, tradition, and atmosphere, Adams explains why a bit of bubbly goes well with Tex-Mex, how citrus notes can amp up that kale salad, and so much more. Plus, we convinced a handful of local chefs to dish up the recipes for each plate we mention, so you can master these pairings at home. Now, go on, snag these expert tips, and prepare to become the hostess with the mostest (or the most knowledgeable guest at any table) in the new year and well beyond.