Valerie Bertinelli remembers a wonderful weekend in Miami, where all the fragrances and tastes of authentic Cuban food inspire her to recreate some Cuban comfort magic in her own kitchen. She makes a Cubano Salad, Cuban Sandwiches with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, Spicy Black Bean Soup, a Tropical Sundae, and to drink, Grapefruit Mojitos.

Valerie Bertinelli's dear friends, the Dinsmores, have a party twice a year for their wine club. Valerie has offered to cook for the party, knowing one of the guests is lactose-intolerant. Her menu features Steak Towers, Polenta Crackers with Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Green Onions and Romesco Sauce, and White Pepper Cherry Cookies.

One of Valerie Bertinelli's good friends is a recent Chicago transplant, living in Los Angeles but always extolling the virtues of his hometown eats. She invites him and another recent transplant over for a taste of their hometown, including Deep Dish Sausage Pizza, Cheese and Caramel Popcorn, an Italian Pizzeria Salad and Chocolate Hazelnut Pull-Apart Bread.