Best of 2011: Meal Edition

Another year is wrapping itself up and I've been meaning to cobble together a look back on some of the meals I enjoyed most throughout the year. I finally sat down to do so was struck by what seemed to be a lack of new places to choose from this year, as it seems I relied more on a few old standbys. There are, of course, some notable exceptions to that general trend. I also found that the meals I enjoyed most that weren't out on the town usually were not created in my own Philadelphia kitchen, but in the country kitchen of M. and S. , which makes a fair amount of sense; I feel more connected to my own cooking abilities when I'm in a kitchen with enough counter space and outlets that I don't feel like I'm bumping into myself every ten seconds. As I looked back I remembered all sorts of activities that, while not being the best meals I enjoyed, were certainly memorable and meaningful moments. Perhaps one year I'll create a list of those top events ... but perhaps not. In either case, happy holidays to one and all and happy new year to boot!

The jerk chicken I so enjoyed in Jamaica last year was succulent, juicy and made all the more special by being consumed on a lounge chair right by the sea in 80 degree weather. You could count on me to be queuing up for my fair share each lunch time day.
Pho usually makes the list, but this year ushered in the era of Ha Saigon as king of the Philly pho joints, as far as I'm concerned. A little bit more of a trek than the Washington Ave. locations, its staff and pork rolls just added value to its already sumptuously beefy broth.
Hanging out with my erstwhile friend G. introduced me to at least two veggie-friendly restaurants, but I particularly enjoyed the extremely intimate experience of Hardena (maybe six tables total in a very cramped, non-descript space) - as well as its obscenely bountiful buffet plates. I keep meaning to go back to try their satay.
While I wasn't 100% wowed by their generous portion of scallops, D'Mitri's grilled octopus appetizer was some of the most tender and flavorful that I've had in my lifetime.
Another annual favorite that pops up is softshell crabs, and this year was no exception. I very much enjoyed frying a gaggle of these guys up in order to introduce them to L. and Fatty during our early Spring country soujourn.
The country made another appearance when I went up there solo for the July 4th holiday times. Did I cook skewers for six when I was just one? Yes I did. But were the two different kinds - Chipotle/Coca Cola and Soy Sauce/Garlic/Ginger/Lime/ - a revelation to me, even though I was the one who made them up to begin with? Yes.
My father's and my omakase experience at Morimoto may have been a challenge to my camera adjusting abilities and stretched my ability to appreciate neon and white leather, but the food itself was no joke. I particularly enjoyed this salmon morsel - as well as the sushi, of course.
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when L. and I made our way to Manhattan for my first-ever ramen experience at Ippudo...but this meal surpassed whatever expectations I might have had. The rich, fatty pork broth and tender pork and spring noodles. Oh man. Just thinking about it makes me want it.
While my summer adventure with M. featured copious meals worth of a nod, I think the one that stood out the most was our extremely early-bird dinner at Au Pied de Cochon, especially our foie gras dish served simply with balsamic and bread. Though her steak tartar was not anything to turn your nose up at either.
Though one of my two early birthday beach adventures was derailed by Hurricane Irene, I can say that the one b-day dinner that I was able to enjoy at Fin's was quite something. The rockfish was a revelation and the company fantastic....I was also quite glad to try my first (and so far only) pickle martini.
While sometimes the lighting of restaurants prevents me and my limited skills from really taking the best of photographs, the food is still worth applauding. In this case, it was Cochon's charcoute garni - with its nicely grilled and slightly smoked pork ribs, backed up with sausage, pork belly and sauerkraut - that suffered the wrath of my camera ineptitude. It may not look like much, but it was good stuff indeed.
I log enough time and spend enough money at McCrossen's that it would be a damn shame if I wasn't recognizing and appreciating the place. I especially enjoyed the monthly cheese/wine/food pairings that T., L. and R. concoct for their guests. But it was this Rabbit "Porchetta" with speck, swiss chard, PX and lavender dish that really just blew my brains - and palate - away. The man knows his way around the kitchen, the woman knows her way around a cellar, and the other man knows his way around a cheese cave. Or something. Kudos.

Brunch at Bolete was another country meal I enjoyed quite a lot. The fried oysters had flavor and crispiness, the eggs perfectly cooked but still runny, the sauce delightful and not too heavy. There's something comforting about a restaurant of this caliber seemingly capable of thriving outside of a heavily urban environment.
I went to Modo Mio a lot this year, more than I really realized until I paged through the blog. And once I went through it all I was confused about which meal I wanted to highlight the most. There was that especially splendiferous raviolo, bursting with yolky goodness but there was also the greatness of a simple amatriciana with tomato and pancetta. In the end, however, I decided to go with what was freshest in my mind and most delectable on my tongue: the complimentary special beef cheek ravioli from my meal there just last month. Or earlier this month, maybe.
And that's the list for this year. Thanks to all who contributed to each one of the dining experiences that so tickled my tongue, warmed my heard and soothed my belly. I already have a few ideas of places I'd like to try in the new year, and hope that I will be just as amazed in the next 365 days as I did over the last ones.

You can see past years' wrap ups here: 2010, 2009, 2008.

Best of 2010, Meal Edition

This year hasn't been particularly kind to me in many respects. The loss of my mother remains a reality I must adjust to and I continue to be stymied by the rules of romance, but in spite of the terrific loss of this year and my own ineptitude, I managed to still have quite a good year when it came to good food and company. And that is not something to under appreciate. As always, I could have gone crazy and listed a lot more meals and experiences I valued over the last year, but I tried to narrow my favorites down a little. My final count is 11. And without further adieu, here they are, in rough chronological order.

My second visit to Modo Mio with L. was even better than the first in terms of food, service and company, and these scallops were particularly pleasing.
L.'s spring visit to Philly was a delight in and of itself, but our meal at Tinto and the wondrous properties of their chicken skewers definitely made a lasting impression.
There were many contenders for good times and great food from my many visits to J. and J.'s house over the year, but he-J.'s seafood paella and the spirits we were all in on that night made it to the list...though the gnocchi and sauce almost took over.
My spring visit to Seattle to see M. and A. and C. and T. was chock full of great times and delectable food, but the evening featuring fancy champagne, truffle cheese and coq au vin was one of my absolute favorites.
Most years dim sum gets a general nod in my round up, but this year it was the specific dim sum experience I had with T. and C. to which it is worth raising a ceramic cup of jasmine tea. The dumplings were larger, fresher and just altogether fantastic (I really only have three adjectives that I can use).
While my extended stay in Nashville in the spring wasn't under the best of circumstances, to say I didn't have any good meals during that time wouldn't be true. For example, eating rotisserie chicken from Calypso Cafe by the parthenon makes the cut. That chicken was delicious.
The soup and osso bucco I enjoyed at Miel with my father was another positive eating experience that took place in Nashville.
The surprising complementary properties of pairing strawberries with radishes became my go-to treat in the early days of summer.
Driving out of my way and searching for Bubby's Burrito's new location was absolutely worth the delay and effort. Bubby's burrito, I heart you.
While Supper didn't live up to my or Mr. Ass's expectations, the charcuterie plate at James easily exceeded my already rather high bar of what a charcuterie plate should be. Their selection of pickled veggies was a great touch.
My impromptu meet up with L. after a hair cut led to my introduction to a whole new level of burger , and a drink that I could happily sip upon for hours. Thank you Village Whiskey, for giving me the best burger of my life.
And that's a wrap. It has been eventful, this year of food. I can't wait to see what 2011 will bring! Feel free to look back at past years' 'best of' experiences: 2009, 2008.

Best of 2009, Meal Edition

Well, another year has gone by; another 365 days of eating and drinking and living all wrapped up. With 2009 on the verge of being over, never to be seen again, it's time for my second annual 'best of' round up. Last year I included 17 memorable meals, but this time around I tried to be a little more discerning with my choices. Taking a tougher approach wasn't too difficult. I ate a great number of meals and had my share of fun times, but the truth is, I feel like I didn't quite eat as well as I did last year or in the years before it. That is not the right attitude, however, for a best of meals list, so let's pretend I didn't say that. Instead, let's take a look at all the great stuff I did eat.

While technically a 2008 meal, the Christmas lobster from last year deserves a mention.
While I have had my fair share of oysters this year, the crispy salmon skin salad and oysters from Aqua Grill were truly marvelous.
K.'s visit to Philly, and our trek to South Philly, led to the surprising find of the best donut of the century.
When I lived in Chicago, anyone who knew about the blog would ask me if I had eaten at Lula Cafe. Their main suggestion was that I try the banana cream pie, which just made me not want to try the place due to my unfortunate lack of interest in bananas. But when I went back for L. and B.'s wedding, M. Lady and I went for brunchy breakfast, and I really loved the earl grey tea and eggs Benedict from that I consumed in their entirety.
My first, and only thus far, visit at Zahav, was great from the opening pickled treats to this perfect bite of lamb.
Sometimes the circumstances of a meal can accentuate its overall awesome-ness. This was certainly the case when M. and I shared a smoked salmon, tuna fish and triscuit snack by Crystal Lake.
Just having L. visit Philadelphia for the first time this summer was great, but the lamb I cooked in her honor made it that much better.
When A.S. invited me up to her family's house on Cayuga Lake, I expected a lovely few days of reading and swimming, but I didn't expect some of the best pizza of the year (sorry Luigi's).
The seven course tasting meal at Le Bec Fin was a lovely eating experience, from the first course that really woke my tongue up to the marvelous cheese cart.
Thanksgiving at XIX included everything from butternut squash to pork crackling, but the seafood aspect really made it special.

Best of 2008, Meal Edition

I usually abstain from looking back on things (ha, biggest joke ever). Okay, so I look back pretty much constantly, but I don't generally compile lists of things that I have liked over a span of time. But I thought I would do so today (well, I started this yesterday, but whatever), as New Years is fast approaching and that's what people do. So for your enjoyment, my 17 most memorable meals (due to perfection of the dish, and/or fun of the company).

It's surprising how good a toasted slice of Pepperidge Farm thin white bread can be when spread with a bit of my cheesy artichoke dip and drizzled with truffle oil. Simply amazing.
The escoveitched fish c/o Greensboro, North Carolina's Da Reggae Cafe was so surprisingly tangy and yet refreshing. I have been meaning to go to Philly's best known Jamaican restaurant to take another try of the dish, but haven't. No matter, this was great (though I could have done without the plantains; a prejudice I am unlikely to conquer).
The power of a good everything bagel, with lox cream cheese, should not be underestimated. Ever.
I still love sushi, but don't partake of it as much now that I am single and poor-er. This plate of sashimi is, by far, the thickest cut and yet buttery/quality sushi I have had in my life...or, since I can't remember everything I've ever eaten (though it often feels like I can...ask me about a meal I had with you and there's a 60/40 chance that I'll be able to tell you what you had and what I had), at least this year.
This would be a perfect example of the glory of the tastes of a meal being seriously enhanced by the company (and liberal amounts of sake). My multi-course meal at Zenkichi with M., A., S. and C. was just a great time. I have long appreciated (re: since high school) the company of M. and S. and A. won a place in my heart a few years back when he convinced M. that they should continue to hang out with me in Tennessee for two days after their original departure date...and C., well I had read her (now defunct?) blog for so long it made sense to actually meet her. The drinks we had a little later on were also great (no food was had however). Good work everybody!
Pork shoulder has become one of my stand-by impress-people-with-my-cooking-prowess dishes over the last two years. This particular pork shoulder was made during my time as guest/freeloader/housewife to C. and T. in Indiana and was quite moist and delicious (if I do say so myself).
My last night in Indiana is another prime example of how good food and good people are complementary to an overall 'best' meal experience. C., T. and I went to Farm and it was a lovely ending to a special couple of months.
My first Bubby's burrito in nearly four years. Three? Whatever. It was really wonderful.
The breakfast (and poached egg) by which all others are judged. 'Nuff said.
Coming back to the east coast was a move I made that I thought would have a number of positive outcomes (work being a big one); soft shell crabs, marinated in ginger milk, lightly breaded, fried and served with fresh corn was certainly another big draw.
Going out to see A (aka Mr. Ass). and E. in Newtown, even if a flat tire factored heavily into the day, and sitting in A.'s well provisioned (their stove, oh I would die for their stove) but entirely welcome and homey kitchen while watching A. and E. construct a pesto made (if I remember correctly) from basil from Mr. Ass' garden and just catching up and eating together with a lovely view makes the list.
The first batch of the macaroni and cheese I made for the rooftop barbeque I hosted while K. and J. visited was quite good--especially with a sliver of truffle cheese and a Philadelphia view-- (thanks again to K.).
Concord grapes in all their true grape flavor glory made a big impression during the fall months of the Fairmount Farmers' Market.
The Primo's sandwich (technically a sub, but whatever) that arguably started my recent infatuation with all things sandwich. The salami, the sharp provolone, the peppers, the pickles; the fine, fine sandwich that I dream about.
It would be a sad 'best of' if my birthday dinner didn't manage to find a spot on the list. My latest birthday meal did not disappoint--from the tower of tasty Lyonnaise Salad to the gluttonous fois gras topped burger--a heaping hearty thank you goes out to the parents for making it possible.
While my most recent trip to Pho Ha may have resulted in my pondering the meaning of coincidence in this modern world, my first trip to the Washington Avenue shopfront restaurant proved to be exactly what the doctor ordered: fatty, beefy, brothy, noodley goodness (aka the best pho, ever).
And what would a year be without a good dose of dim sum. Each time I've dim summed since moving to Philadelphia has been great. This specific outing, with my parents, was especially useful for tastographic pictures.
And thus concludes my 2008 meals in review. Having reviewed the past year I am tempted to include other 'best roundups'. Like, best pretty-ness, or best hanging out with children, or best getting drunk somewhere...but I think that will have to wait for another year (or forever, whichever comes first).