I couldn’t let the year end without reflecting on several of the great food experiences I had throughout the past year. I came up with this post while steaming at the gym (ahhh my favorite winter pastime!) and thinking about how, a year ago, I never would have imagined the existence of this blog. I am ready to burst into 2010 and am really looking forward to all of the good things it will bring.
I will be blogging tomorrow but if you don’t get a chance to read, have a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR! See you in 2010 🙂
Charleston– In January 2009 I took a business trip to Charleston, SC, a city I fell in love with, and ate at High Cotton, possibly one of the best meals of the year. Fried oysters, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits. . . who knew this Northern girl would love Southern food so much?!
Iceland– What started out as an AMAZING spa vacation also turned into a culinary delight! Possibly one of the best vegetarian restaurants I have ever eaten in, A Naestu Grosum, is found in Reykjavik, inexpensive, warm, comforting, delicious veggie cuisine. A must visit in Reykjavik!
Becco– Another work trip, another great meal. Some perks are nice! 🙂 As someone who enjoys watching Lidia Bastianich on TV, I was excited to try her restaurant and completely pleased at the hearty, homey Italian food and friendly service. Our huge group felt like we were at a family dinner, thanks to the warmth of Becco.
Newport Food and Wine Festival I fondly remember this day as one of the best we had in the Autumn of 2009. Breathtaking scenery at the Newport Mansions, dozens of wine samples, small bites, Jacques Pepin, Joanne Weir, and good friends made it a trip to remember and one worth doing again.
Bottega– On our first trip to Napa Valley, we were welcomed and wowed at Chef Michael Chiarello’s Bottega. Ambiance that can not be beat, highly professional service, the best of local wines, and well, I think my plate says it all about the food. 🙂
Craigie on Main Every impeccably executed course was better than the last, so artfully crafted, well thought out, and made with skill and love, paired with one another and with beverages to bring out the best of every bite. Love love love Craigie on Main.
My addiction to Myers + Chang– Post after post, brunch, after dinner, after lunch, I have enjoyed every bite eaten at this South End Asian eatery. Fresh, delicious, friendly, and innovative, I know that 2010 will bring more dim sum brunches, $1 oyster nights, and date nights at Myers + Chang. We were just there tonight 🙂
Cranberry oysters at Coppa – Sheer genius flavor combinations and completely yummy, I added this to my list because, though recently opened Coppa has me thinking about them, and especially their cranberry/prosecco topped oysters, often.
Foodbuzz Festival– Perhaps THE biggest highlight of my culinary, wine, and travel year, the Foodbuzz Festival would have been entirely impossible if I hadn’t started blogging. So that in itself made the past 7 months worth it. Two nights and one full day of food, wine, gifts, and great bloggers around every corner = an amazing experience and one that was pulled off fantastically by the Foodbuzz crew.
Coming up, I have wine classes and tastings, celebrity chef series, and some great trips, all of which I hope will be highlights of 2010!
What are you most memorable food moments of 2009? Any you are looking forward to in 2010?
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Our delicious Myers and Chang experience was totally up there on my memorable foods list!
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I really want to see more of Reykjavik than the airport! I am going to check that place out – thanks!
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sounds like so many fun places and meals!
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Wow, so cool! I think mine was probably the eats in San Francisco when I went in June. Happy New Years Meghan! Glad we connected this year 🙂
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What a great food year for you 2009 has been! You were one of my very first readers, remember? It seems like years ago. I’m so grateful to have met you. Happy New Year, Meghan!!
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I definitely remember! The first post I read was about one of your Friday gourmet dinners in the summer, and I was so impressed!
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Oh wow, I think you had a fantastic foodie year! Lucky duck!
Happy, Blessed, Joyful New Year!!
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My most memorable food moments of 2009? That’s an easy one! I was in Hanoi, researching a travel piece for a lifestyile magazine in Hong Kong … the first was at the Sheraton, where I was served chocolate spring rolls for dessert. The chef was French, and he wanted to do a European style dessert inspired by Asian ingredients and presentation. The exterior was made of butter and brown sugar with a hint of cinnamon, cooked in such a way that it became very brittle and crunchy. The interior was a hot, gooey dark chocolate. OMG! It was divine. The second was at the Hotel Nikko … coconut encrusted tiger prawns… I raved about them so much that in the evening my doorbell rang. I wasn’t sure what room service was doing there. I hadn’t ordered anything. As it turns out, the hotel’s PR director had them sent up
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Wow- I think those would be two food memories of a lifetime, not just 2009! Happy New Year!
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I would definitely put High Cotton in Charleston toward the top of my list as well for this year! It’s amazing how much I’ve grown to love Southern food in the last two years that I’ve lived in Charlotte 🙂 My other highlight: my girls’ weekend in New York which was totally food focused – Peanut Butter & Company and the New York Food & Wine Festival were definitely highlights! Can’t wait to see what’s in store in 2010!
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What a great food year for you!
And I’m so jealous you got to go to Bocca. That restaurant has been on my list for years and one day I’m going to get there, doggone it!
As for my memorable eating experience this year, I’d have to say the Botin Restaurant in Madrd, Spain. It claims (and is backed up by a huge certificate from Guinness Book of world records that sits in the front window) to be the oldest restaurant in the world. Supposedly Goya worked there as a dishwasher and Hemingway wrote of it as one of his favorites. I had the house specialty which is suckling pig, and while I can’t say with certainty I’d eat it again, it was an awesome experience.
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