The restaurateur, who launches his latest venture, Caliche Rum, a premium white Puerto Rican swig Thursday, has a slew of go-to places in New York and Los Angeles, and he's breaking them down for PEOPLE.
On him home coast, Gerber, 49, enjoys a variety of scenes.
Los Angeles Soho House West Hollywood: It's "beautifully designed with a great bar area and restaurant," he says. Plus: "The space also has some private rooms for more intimate dinners, and the staff is always professional and accommodating."Spago: "I'm not sure how Wolfgang [Puck] does it with so many restaurants, but this is his best," says Gerber. "Amazing food, well-trained and well-informed, friendly staff, and really intimate and romantic courtyard."
Pizzeria Mozza: What's not to love? For Gerber it's "the individual pizzas with the freshest ingredients, casual scene and friendly staff."
Cafe Habana Malibu: This spot has "great food and staff in a genuine Malibu vibe. Locals, celebs and families all hang there for lunch and dinner as well as late night," he says, calling it "the one place in Malibu for a fun night out."
E Baldi: Makes Gerber's list as The Beverly Hills place for a great lunch.
While on the east coast, Gerber focuses on satisfying his carnivorous cravings at Peter Luger, Katz's and the Burger Joint, to name a few.
New York City Peter Lugar Steakhouse: According to Gerber, it's the "best steak around with a great old-school vibe."Katz's Delicatessen: Is where to go for the "ultimate corned beef sandwich."
Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien: Where to go for the "best burgers in N.Y."
Stone Rose Lounge: In the Time Warner Center, the lounge, Gerber says, has "great staff and drinks with perfect views of Central Park."
Indochine: The restaurant is "a staple of New York with the same great food as they have done for so many years," he says.
All this food talk making your thirsty? Try this cocktail recipe from Gerber that tastes bueno with his new rum!
Cali Cocotini • 2 oz. Caliche Rum • 1½ Don Q Coco rum • 1 oz. coconut water (Vita Coco and Zico work best) • 1½ oz. simple syrup • Dry coconut flakes for garnish (optional) Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, fill with ice and stir until well chilled (approximately 15 seconds). Strain into a chilled martini or cocktail coupe. Garnish with a few large dry coconut flakes.