I am obsessed with food. Which means I (freakishly) remember almost all of my food experiences down the finest detail. Yup, I still remember the crunchy pickles at the deli we used to frequent when I was two. Everything about food fascinates me (culturally, scientifically and creatively). But my sentiment toward food is even more primitive than that: great food automatically puts a smile on my face. It genuinely makes me happy.
Having dined at hundreds of restaurants this year, I promised I’d share some of my favourite dishes (aka happy moments) with you so you can hopefully get out there and enjoy them too:
1. Café Boulud (Toronto): Charcuterie Board.
Photo credit: Sik Photography
2. Aria Ristorante (Toronto): Cauliflower and Potato Puree with Black and White Truffle Pesto, Butternut Squash, Crispy Sage & Parmigiano.
3. EDGE Steak & Bar (Miami): Delmonico Steak.
Photo credit: Sik Photography
4. Playa Cabana (Toronto): Ancho Braised Shortrib-Brisket Crispy Tacos.
5. Little Goat (Chicago): Korean Kilgus Goat Burger with Kimchi, Bacon, Egg, Spicy Mayo on a Squish Squash Roll.
6. Trump Hotel (Toronto): Lemon Lavender Gateau with Honey, Sicilian Pistachio Crumble and Greek Yogourt Sorbet.
7. Inspiration Kitchen (Chicago): Shrimp, Three Sisters Grits with Sauce Americaine.
8. La Société (Toronto): Coq Au Vin.
Photo credit: Sik Photography
9. Ravine Vineyard (Niagara-on -the-Lake): Duck Confit.
10. Casa Tua (Miami): Tiramisu.
11. It’s All Grk (Toronto): Wilted Arugula Pita with Feta, Tomatoes and Green Peppers.
Photo credit: Sik Photography
12. Aunties & Uncles (Toronto): BLT and Banana Oatmeal Pancakes.
13. Michael Jordon’s Steakhouse (Chicago): Double Smoked Bacon with Burton’s Maple-Black Pepper Glaze.
14. August Restaurant (Beamsville): Home-Made Rosemary Penne with Grilled Beef and Spinach in a Creamy Wild Mushroom Blue Cheese Sauce.
15. Pukka (Toronto): Rosewater Meringues, Mango, Pomegranate and Sweet Lassi Cream.
Photo credit: Stephanie Ho
16. Everest (Chicago): Magret of Mulard Duck with Pine Honey and Marinated Turnips à la Colmarienne.
17. Artisan Baker (Toronto): Eggs Benedict.
Photo credit: Sik Photography
18. Joso’s (Toronto): Dalmatian Style Red Snapper.
19. Yuca (Miami): Ropa Vieja with Slow Braised Angus Beef, Sweet Plantain Fufu and Crispy Red Onions.
20. Solo Sushi Bekkan (Toronto): Chirashi Don, Spicy Salmon Roll, Rainbow Roll.
21. Osteria Via Stato (Chicago): Short Rib Bruschetta.
22. Lucia (Puerto Plata): Sea Bass.
23. Osteria Dei Ganzi (Toronto): Arancini, Fried Taggiasche Olives and Homemade Piccanti Sauce.
Photo credit: Sik Photography
24. Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami): Stone Crab.
25. Nove Kitchen & Bar (Miami): Calle Ocho Roll with Skirt Steak, Plantains, Black Beans, Avocado and Chimichuri Sauce.
26. Lou Malnati’s (Chicago): Malnati Chicago Classic with Local Sausage, Cheese and Vine-ripened Tomato Sauce.
27. Jacobs & Co. (Toronto): Canadian Prime Hereford-Lindsay Tenderloin.
28. About Thyme Bistro (Vineland): Bistro Poutine Made With Hand-cut Yukon Gold Fries Topped with Duck Confit, Grated Aged Cheddar and House-made Foie Gras Sauce.
29. My Ceviche (Miami): Rocoto Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Juice, Rocoto Peppers, Cilantro, Red Onion, Tomatoes and Radishes.
30. Bairrada Churrasqueira (Toronto): Frango no Churrasco (Portuguese BBQ chicken).
Yup, those were my 30 highlights from last year – from comfort food to gourmet. What are your favourite restaurants? I’d love to add them to my list!
No Comments