First off, welcome to my new site. I am thrilled to be here and I hope you come back frequently and visit. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and post comments and SHARE this site with those you love and those you think will love me (haha). Changes you can expect to see now that I have my own space are more frequent recipes, more info on what I do for a living and how to hire me, and more info on where I eat and what’s good. Rest assured you will see pics of my evolving kitchen remodel (slated to start on 27 January). As always I will try to keep this a positive space, so you won’t read any negative reviews, but my snark and foul language will continue to come through on lifestyle issues. And now on to the food…
In no particular order and with photos (all by me) when possible here are the best things I ate all year long. I apologize for the photo quality on some of them, but if you have been following along, you know that I just bought my new camera and the pics will be better from here on out!
The Fried Game Hen at Rx Boiler Room
It’s on the appetizer menu, but I order it for dinner. Of course there is always room for improvement – he could use Texas Pete instead of his current hot sauce.
Chicken Liver with Blackberry Jam on toast at animal
It’s simple and delicious. Their menu changes seasonally, so if it isn’t available the first time you go, try again. And it’s ridiculously cheap – like $3
Butterscotch and Bacon Pot de Crème at Comme Ca (Vegas)
Yeah, I know it almost seems like overkill, but I can promise you, it isn’t. I think I officially fell in love with Brian Howard after eating this. And why yes! That IS chocolate covered bacon! My pic is shitty. For a good one, check out the article in Desert Companion.
THIS deconstructed Gin & Tonic at The Bazaar by Jose Andreas
It was gorgeous and just as tasty as it looked and yes, I did eat the nasturtiums! And apparently it is so popular a drink that you can even see pics of it on their website.
Poutine Twist at Beachwood BBQ & Brewing in Long Beach, CA
They call it Tater Tot Casserole on the menu, but I am going to tell you it is just Poutine turned on its ear. I love poutine and I thought it was fine just the traditional way. Yeah, I have changed my mind after eating this. Tater tots instead of fries with duck confit and duck gravy…oh hell yeah! This shitty pic from my phone doesn’t do it justice.
The Fresh Roasted Chili Dawg at Gordon Ramsay BurGR – Planet Hollywood, Vegas
I love a hot dog as much as the next girl, but to return to a burger joint to eat a hot dog is extreme even for me. This “dawg” did it for me. Natural casing, a must for me! Spicy! Perfectly over the top!
Horsefeather at Village Idiot
Ok- this has become my go to drink when I am not sure what I want. It’s really a twist on a Presbyterian and great all year long, regardless of the season. It’s rye whiskey, ginger BEER (not the weak sister ginger ale) and enough Angostura bitters to make it pink. This photo is not from the Village Idiot.
Pimento Cheese at Southern Art and Bourbon Bar – Buckhead Georgia
I know! It is absolutely fucking wrong for a Yankee such as me to love southern food as much as I do. I am telling you I wanted to pick up the little pot it came in and lick it clean. I had to stop myself from sticking my fingers in and scraping the sides…honest! The house made crackers that came with it were incidental.
Red Chile Goat Tacos (Chivo) from Desnudo Tacos
Newly opened by Chris Palmeri and Christian Dolias, Desnudo serves up authentic real food. It’s not fancy, just fabulous. Their website is under construction, but in the meantime you can follow along on Facebook. And no, I don’t have a damn picture. I ate mine too fast! You can see some pics of the food on FB.
And finally…THIS Jamon de Serrano that hubby bought for us as a holiday treat. I love it not only because it tastes delicious, but also because it reminds me of when John and I were first married and lived in Madrid. We served it up on T-giving and everyone in attendance enjoyed it. Special thanks to Chef Beni Velazquez from Bar+Bistro for starting it off for me. I was so overwhelmed by its wholeness that I was afraid to ruin it. And FYI Beni is NOT Batman, my nephew Logan is. Just ask him.
Happy New Year to all of you – PLEASE don’t drink and drive! PLEASE drink responsibly!
