2011

Poppy seed kolache (Rebecca Rather recipe)

Salmon with fresh herbs and ginger rice at Chez George

Tuna Pizza at Morimoto Napa

Melon tempura with Jamon Iberico at Morimoto Napa

Grapes and Meatballs at Aziza

Porchetta sandwich at Roli Roti

Sweet Potato fries with roasted garlic aioli at Chez Henson

Geso at Tsukiji in Mill Valley

Lamb Merguez “zilla style” at 4505 Meats

Bone marrow at Marlowe

Dessert (carrot cake) in a jar at Marlowe

Uni Carbonara at Bar Agricole

Oyster stew at Plum

(Almost) Sardines and Brioche at Aziza

Chicken Charmoula, Jidori egg, potato foam “Kabanos in a cup” at Aziza

Oyster 5 ways at Fifth Floor

Hot and cold Foie at Fifth Floor

Runny egg, toast and Confituras Strawberry jam

“Caprese” at Sketch in London

Pimm’s cup at a Private Club

Brioche, Apricots, Vanilla at St.John in London

Crab ravioli with tomato consomme at Lambert’s in Balham

Iced Raspberry nougat, Summer Pudding, Raspberry sorbet at Lambert’s in Balham

Sazerac at Comstock Saloon

Hangtown toast at Comstock Saloon

Pimento cheeseburger at Brick and Bottle

Cherry inspired Foie tasting at Redd in Napa

Cherry, Coffee, Almond at Redd in Napa

“Shrimp cocktail” at The Bazaar

Foie Gras cotton candy at The Bazaar

Prawn/ black garlic, corn, yolk, shellfish at Aziza

Cappuccino at Bluebottle

Cannelle at Boulette’s Larder

Orange blossom and Salted-Caramel at Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous

Tripe and Beef head tacos at La Taqueria

Basil risotto and charred romaine at Plum

Bone Marrow with bacon marmalade at RN74

1.50$ Oysters at the Ferry Building

Caramelized Onion Brioche with peach butter at Foreign and Domestic

Bacon Cheeseburger and onion rings at Stanton’s City Bites

Turkey Posole at Hernandez Casa

2011 rewarded me with many (and many) a wonderful meal.This is just a glimpse of some of the memorable dishes I enjoyed. I tried to include a range of food that I ate, but it is clear that my taste buds gravitate towards the: oozy, runny, luscious, comforting and decadent. Looking back at these images, I can’t help but feel fortunate to have enjoyed so much great food (and in good company) in 1 country and 2 states. This year I hope to eat in at least 3 states (beside my own) and 2 countries.

Happy New Year!

Note: that Ici ice cream in Berkeley is not pictured. I couldn’t find an image, but let it be known that ice cream at Ici is some of the best I have ever tasted. I’ve included an image from Mr. and Mrs. which is a close second choice.

And p.s., the wandering “Gypsy” that I am is now living in Texas. I promise the food that I post will not be completely centered around BBQ and Mexican…but I wouldn’t count on much sushi (except of course until the new Uchi opens)!

Cheers.