The penne alla vodka from Mama Ricotta’s.

We know chefs can cook great food, but where do they eat when they’re not cooking for guests or themselves? In this series, we ask a member of the restaurant industry to share their favorite five local restaurants (not including their own) and what they order. Community Matters Cafe’s pastry chef, Ashley Anna Tuttle, has a routine of going out every Sunday morning for breakfast. The rest of the time, Tuttle tries to stay in, unless a craving hits and she turns to her top family-owned restaurants. ––Justin Burke-Samson

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, College Downs
A family-owned and operated authentic Mexican restaurant with a variety of margaritas
Tuttle’s order: Burrito verde and loaded queso with pico de gallo

Park Place, Park Crossing
This American diner is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Tuttle’s order: Veggie omelet, home fries, and toast with butter.
Pro-tip: Don’t skip the waffle — get it as a shared item

Wild East Pan-Asian Bistro, Cameron Wood
This Chinese, Japanese, and Thai restaurant specializes in sushi
Tuttle’s order: The sushi is great, but Tuttle goes for The Wild Island (it’s a cocktail)

Mama Ricotta’s, Cherry
Traditional red-sauce Italian cuisine owned by Frank Scibelli
Tuttle’s order: Penne alla vodka

Pure Pizza, Plaza Midwood
Farm fresh pizza with Neapolitan, ancient grain, and gluten-free crust options
Tuttle’s order: The chorizo with radish and lime

More from this series

300 East’s Laney Jahkel-Parrish
Legion Brewing’s Gene Briggs
Sweet Spot Studio’s Jossie Lukacik
McNinch House’s Matthew Shepard
Stoke’s Chris Coleman