I came home from the land of baguettes and foie gras to an incredible opportunity to write a book about the very best restaurants in Los Angeles. I’ve always eaten out quite a bit, but this project has turned me into a hardcore binger. On average, I have been visiting upwards of 20 new restaurants each week, sometimes dining in seven or eight places in a single day. It’s all in the name of research, and I’m certain that my book will be better for it. My waistline, on the other hand, not so much.

With so many dishes gracing my palate these days, usually one right after the other, blogging about restaurant meals in my normal format doesn’t properly capture the spirit of these occasions. Thus, I’m launching  a new feature on the site called {swoon} to  highlight the plates that have made a serious impression upon me during these completely insane dining sprees. Consider it a sneak peek of what’s to come; summer 2013 is just around the corner.

And just in case you’re wondering, {swoon} is an acronym for Superlatives Worthy Of Over N’dulgence. You can thank Calvin and Hobbes for that last bit.