I spent a lovely weekend in New York City recently, and I was like a kid in a candy store. I am a fiend using Google Maps to find my way around on my travels.

It’s easy to be in a place with locals because they know all the gems, but it’s not good to just show up and say, “Show me around,” especially in New York City. Anyway, I showed up without a plan; but when it came to making a decision about where to dine, it did require a little bit of research.

Perusing through Maps, I found some unique eats. Georgian dining is not something I’ve seen in Los Angeles, so I was immediately intrigued when I came across Chama Mama in Chelsea. It’s also really fun to say!

I must say, I have had the country of Georgia on my travel list because I have no idea what the culinary scene is about, but now I am happy that when I visit I will know at least a few things.

The wine is next-level. It took me back to the natural wines I tried in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. And you know what? It’s because the wines in Georgia are also natural wines! (I just learned this in my research as I’m writing this.)

A customized flight is the best way to figure out what you like.

We discovered khachapuri — cheese-filled bread. I mean is there anything better? Well, Georgians do make it better! Chama Mama offers some of the best versions the country produces. Its most popular is adjaruli khachapuri: cheese bread with an egg. The bread comes to your table piping hot, literally just out of the oven. They crack an egg onto the bread when it gets to your table and the waiter mixes the eggs with the cheese. My mouth waters just writing about it.

Adjaruli khachapuri takes cheesy bread to the next level.

We wanted to have something light, so we chose some appetizers: roasted wild mushrooms, crispy smashed potatoes in tarragon tkemali and lamb-stuffed grape leaves. I cannot rave more about the vibrant, fresh flavors we enjoyed.

Roasted wild mushrooms, crispy smashed potatoes in tarragon tkemali and the lamb-stuffed grape leaves.

Any other especially unique eatery I should visit next time I’m in New York?

— Maria Angeles, account executive