I went to graduation last Saturday. I was expecting “Pomp and Circumstance,” but when I walked out I got “Star Wars” instead. Way more awesome. It was the music they play at the end when Han and Luke are getting their metals from Princess Leia. I contemplated letting out a Chewbacca roar, but then I remembered that I was getting a master’s degree, and I should act my degree status, not my shoe size. I did it in my head, though, and it was hilarious. As I was sitting there listening to all the other graduate’s names being called across the stage, I was pondering how I wanted to end my year of restaurant reviews. Luckily I had lots and lots and lots of time to ponder.

Best place to take your parents when they come to visit: Carrabba’s.

Seeing as this is my last review, I thought it only fitting to return to the first place I ever reviewed. I also thought it was fitting that someone else buy me a nice dinner since I had just graduated. Carrabba’s is great for any old occasion, but if someone else is paying, live it up. Order the special trout. Get dessert. I tried the Sangria this time. You try something new next time. Just don’t bet someone “Dinner at Carrabbas’s” unless you’re absolutely sure you’re going to win.

Best place for dinner on First Friday: Freiberg’s

You go for the beer and stay for the Apfel Strudel. And the fried potatoes with bacon and onions. I have to put a plug in here for First Friday. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to support local artists and businesses. But if that isn’t enough for you, there’s usually free stuff and bands playing too. And soon there will be a bike path along State of Franklin that can take you there. Freiberg’s has a laid back atmosphere and authentic German dishes like schnitzel. If you’re into people watching, get a table upstairs where you can look out the window at the street below.

Best pizza when you’re not in a hurry and want to listen to records: Scratch Bakery

This is, hands down, the best pizza. I prefer the pesto sauce on French crust with Capicola, but I highly recommend the Trust pizza. They are artists and they know what they’re doing. The best way to enjoy Scratch is with an open mind. You never know what new topping they might have that day. The exciting news about Scratch is that in June they’re opening on Wednesdays, whereas they’re normally only open on the weekends. While your pizza is being made you can hang out at the picnic tables in front, or listen to whatever they have playing on the stereo. They’ve stopped making bread (fingers crossed it’s only temporarily), but you can still get dessert, and you should.

Best Indian food: Sahib

This place never disappoints, and there’s always leftovers to take home. You can be adventurous and know whatever you order will be good. If you are lucky they will have the piano guy playing who takes requests. Otherwise, the music and décor is Indian, and if you throw in a Tandoori that they light on fire, it’s a pretty fun evening all around. If you’ve never had a Mango Lassi, Lamb Pasanda or Baingan Burtha, Sahib is the place to begin the adventure. If you’re not sure what to get, ask your server. They will tell you what’s good that day.

Best place for late night dessert: Café Lola

This place just makes me feel hip. If you’re not up for dessert, head to the martini bar. If you are up for dessert, try the Cr_me Brulee or the Apple Pear Streusel. If you’re a fan of hot chocolate sauce (and really, who isn’t?) get one of the desserts that comes with a side of that, like the Profiteroles, the Banana Empanadas or especially the Chocolate Souffle.

Best burger and fries: Five Guys Burger and Fries

Apart from the fact that I counted nine guys and three chicks working behind the counter, the title of the restaurant is true. They are selling burgers and fries. Simple elegance. (OK, there are also hot dogs.) You can get as many toppings on your burger as you want – for free. So be careful not to go overboard, because you get a lot of food.

The Little Cheeseburger has one patty and the Regular Cheeseburger has two. Same for the fries. The regular fries are plenty. I can only imagine ordering the large fries if I went with a group of friends to help me eat them. The whole operation is streamlined and the people working there seem to be having a good time, which is always a good sign.

Best place to grab a snack: Earth Fare

Where to begin. Smoothies, soup bar, salad bar. It’s all good. It also all changes daily so you never know what they’re going to be cooking up for you. If you are into soup, the Butternut Squash and Apple is a personal favorite. The Hot Bar usually has something new and interesting. They charge by weight so you can do a little of this and a little of that.

At the salad bar they put out deli dishes like the Mediterranean Pasta Salad and Falafal. You can also order sandwiches and pizza slices next to the deli. If you happen to have a small child in your life, they eat for free on Thursdays if you buy something for yourself (and they can sometimes get their face painted, too). I could go on and on. It’s a grocery store focused on healthy eating — there’s tons of food.

There’s more, but I’ll let you discover those places on your own. Wherever you go, remember it’s not just about what you’re eating, it’s who you are with and what you are doing.

Food binds us together and a great meal should always be shared with great company. Hey, enjoy your food.

You are what you eat.

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