"Sitting at Nopa’s bar in a beautiful evening gown, with a negroni frizzante in one hand and a perfect, golden brown fry in the other, it’s impossible not to look hot as f*ck. And since the cushy booths and long wooden tables are filled with everyone from families or dates to groups of friends catching up, there’s a buzz in the air that feels exciting, sexy, and a little mysterious. Or maybe that’s the pheromones. Get a side of fries with aioli, and a burger if you’re more hungry, and don’t forget to bring a book so you can pretend to read while periodically making eyes at the hottie a few seats down." - julia chen 1