Sunday, January 8, 2012

Looking Back on 2011 & Forward to 2012




Some great dining memories were made in 2011. For example, every single meal in Portugal, including the unforgettable Gambrinus, where we had the best meal ever. But I also can't forget Cafe Paris in Sintra, where I had a mouthwatering grilled octupus; or the Portuguese stew we had in Belem, and I must give a shout out to the caipirhina and the ubiquitous delicious custard-filled pastry. Mmmm. Portugal was also the place that ignited my love for black pasta. Upon our return to the US, I procured a jar of squid ink and L now makes a fantastic squid ink risotto.

Sure, we had the worst meal ever in Curacao, but the retelling of that particular experience has brought alot of amusement to my friends (and readers.) And the goat stew we had at Jaanchie's in Curacao almost makes up for the worst meal ever.

We also had a wonderful experience at Galatoire's in New Orleans, and what may have been a last supper with friends at Herbsaint. We fell in love with Holeman & Finch in Atlanta, continued our love affairs with La Pietra Cucina, Ecco, and Rosa Mexicano. And, we finally dined at Abattoir. On the home front, I became obsessed with Marcus Samuelsson's African cookbook (The Soul of a New Cuisine) and, I'm proud to say, have learned to make a kick ass Ethiopian Shiro!

At the end of '09, I made of a list of restuarants I wanted to go to in 2010. I didn't complete that list in 2010. It wasn't until the end of this year that I finally made it to Abattoir. And that may complete the '09 list. But I forget all the restaurants on the list, so I'm not quite sure. So what's on the agenda for 2012? Today, we had a spectacular brunch at Barcelona. I expect it to become a regular thing. Hopefully, we can get there at least once during the year for a date night! STK just opened and I can't wait to check it out. It's either going to totally rock or lay a giant goose egg. We will see. I also need to check out No. 246, Cakes & Ale, Local 3, Southern Art, Alma Cucina and I'd like to get back to Bacchanalia & Aria just once in 2012. So, here it is January and my restaurant dance card is already full. Happy New Year to all!