I find myself going to a lot of the same restaurants because, well, I love them. However, I do make a point to visit new joints both for professional and personal reasons and am usually really glad that I did.

Here are five restaurants I hope to dine in at some point during the New Year. 

Braise. I live only a few blocks away from Braise and I walk or drive by it almost every day and yet, I have only had drinks there. Unforgivable.

Ono Kine Grindz. I am likely to visit this Tosa-based Hawaiian grocery store and deli sooner than later in 2014 because it seems like the perfect hour-long escape from a cold Wisconsin evening. Plus, the menu looks healthy and delicious. And I love pineapple.

Antigua Latin Restaurant. I love that Antigua offers Mexican food along with Latin, Cuban and Spanish entrees. My son is Guatemalan and Salvadoran and over the years I have learned to love both of those cuisines, too. As Milwaukeeans, we have many Mexican restaurants in our neighborhoods, but we get very accustomed to the same ol’ fare. This seems like a place on the short list of local eateries that goes beyond tacos and enchiladas.

Wolf Peach. I have never heard a negative comment about this place. People have raved about it since day one, and I really, really have to find out what all of the fuss is about. I really love this space and spent a few special occasions in there when it housed Roots restaurant.

Pastiche. I did pretty well with Bay View restaurants in 2013, and crossed both Odd Duck and Hue off of my must-try list, but one that I did not get to was Pastiche. It looks really warm and cozy whenever I go by and I also really like French food. I just never remember to go here for some reason. Can someone send me a reminder? (Not in French, s'il vous plaît.)