bilrus Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 (edited) It's December now and time for annual traditions. The malls are decorated with lights and garland. Rudolph has already been on TV. The neighbors all have giant inflatable reindeer and snowmen in the yard (at least out in the 'burbs). And every media outlet in the land is spitting out their best-of-2005 lists. Why should they have all the fun? This is a tradition. And amongst this group we should be able to come up with a pretty definitive list. These are the plates you’ll remember until your dying day. Or at least well into January 2006. Here's my list (at least so far): Pork Belly with Chili Basil – Bangkok 54 Scallops with Mushroom and Potato Puree – Corduroy Fried Ipswich Clams – Blacksalt Hot Chocolate with Housemade Marshmallows – Blacksalt Maine Lobster Ravioli with Freshly Grated Ginger Glaze Bisque Jus – Maestro (A repeat from my 2004 list.) Tuna wrapped in Speck – Komi Scottish Langoustine Cassoulet with creamy grits, pickled ramps and baby vegetables – 2941 DR.com dinner Here's to adding more to the list in December. Edited December 5, 2005 by bilrus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwertyy Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 What fun to flip through my food memories of the last year! Long-braised short ribs-Citronelle Falafel with lots of garlic creme and Egyptian salad-Amsterdam Falafel Foie gras cappucino with corn nut foam-minibar Carnitas-Tabard Inn Chile verde-Cashion's Sardine and strawberry on cracker-Arzak (San Sebastian) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooter Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 In no particular order: Philadelphia Cheese Steak - Mini-Bar Calotte of Beef - Cityzen Corn-Nut Crusted Scallop with Mini Tamale - Restaurant Eve Lambchopper with Small Salami - Cheesetique Hot Meatball Sub with Provolone - Italian Store Fish Taco - Taqueria Poblano Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 The current gnocchi presentation at Palena The cookie plate at Palena Scallops at Ray's Hot Chocolate at Ray's The lamb at Firefly The spring rolls at Firefly The bittersweet panna cotta at Firefly Prosciutto at Dino penne with the lamb meatballs at Palena beluga pasta--Citronelle Toigo's corn A BLT with heirloom tomato's from Wheatland; smoked mozzerela from Blue Ridge and bread from either Takoma Bakers or Atwaters. Imo's pizza (St. Louis) Amaghetti's special (St. Louis) Billy's Bakery Cupcake (NY) Edamame ravioli at Buddakan (Philly) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweaked Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 (edited) I'll have to second the Scallops at Corduroy, that's a blockbuster dish. Second Place Pork Belly at Restaurant Eve Third Place house cured duck leg with veal tongue, chorizo, and summer beans at Palena Honorable mentions go to: Komi Tasting Menu (the whole thing) Lamb Shoulder dish at Firefly Edited December 5, 2005 by Tweaked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 Canederli with royal trumpet mushrooms and asparagus - Palena gnocchi with wild mushrooms - Palena roast chicken - Palena backberry shortcake - Palena hmmmm, interesting trend. Oh, and pork belly confit - Restaurant Eve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 Wow, this is going to take some thinking about as I have had many very good meals this year. One thing that immediately pops to mind is the tripe dish that I recently had a Eve. I am going to have to come back and edit this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.A.R. Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 Pork Belly at Eve. I think I had it last year, but I remember it as if it were yesterday, so it's gotta count. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinklerin Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 The gnocchi at Restaurant Eve right now is exceptional. Loved the phyllo-wrapped soft shell crab at Corduroy Shrimp and Grits and donuts at Colorado Kitchen's brunch That's all I can manage to type without getting too hungry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 Venison--Restaurant Eve (tasting room) Northern Neck Corn Soup-Corduroy Cheese Plate-Komi Rum Butter Crunch Ice Cream-2Amys Braised Lamb Shoulder-Firefly Boneless General Tso Duck-TemptAsian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 - Everything at minibar, especially the zucchini seeds and the Philly cheesesteak - Duck with foie gras at Alinea - fig dessert at Restaurant Eve - artichoke panini at Palena and, in a whole separate category: - Purple Haze (with fennel pollen and lavender) at Firefly - Hooligan at Firefly - La Tur at Dino - Cora Robiola at Dino - Torta Basilico (the one with pine nuts) at Dino - Rogue River Blue at Cashion's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hersch Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 One thing that immediately pops to mind is the tripe dish that I recently had a Eve. The slow-braised tripe with merguez sausage I had at the tasting room at Restaurant Eve (for my birthday) was probably the single best dish I had in all of 2005, at least so far. And the wine Mr Thrasher paired with it was a brilliant accompaniment. Too bad I don't remember what it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted December 5, 2005 Author Share Posted December 5, 2005 (edited) OK - if we are going to go out of town for the list too then I have a few additions: Chorizo crusted Chatham Cod with white coco bean puree and hariss oil - The Modern - New York The garlic-y Lobster dish I can't remeber the name of but still can remember the taste - Topolobampo - Chicago Magaritas - Topolobampo - Chicago Grilled Cheese with Bacon Foam - Marigold Kitchen - Philadelphia Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast served with cracked pepper biscuits, mashed potatoes, collard greens, cream style corn, and sausage herb gravy - Magnolia's - Charleston, SC Squab with Chanterelles and Salsify - Charlie Trotter's - Chicago Champange Mango Gelato - Capogiro - Philadelphia Edited December 5, 2005 by bilrus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdl Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 Easy: The new German chocolate cupcake at Love Cafe. (Damn, I crack myself up sometimes.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjsadler Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 In town Cod with warm potato and olive salad - Tallula Shiitake mushrooms with tea oil and red wine vin - Blacksalt Prosciutto - Dino That fig dessert - Eve Ginger salad - Mandalay Crackers - Komi Scallops with carrot vinaigrette - Signatures Out of town Beer and cheddar soup (made with Victory Golden Monkey and Neal's Yard) - Django, Philly Skirt Steak with poblano-plantain crema - Lolita, Philly Steak tartare - Petit Louis, Baltimore BBQ beef sandwich - LC's, Kansas City Jalabee - Jalabeewalla, Dehli Tempura - Simon Kitchen, Vegas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 (edited) In & Out of Town: Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese with a Fried Farm Egg And Bacony Potato Foam ~Marigold Kitchen Lots of Stuff By The Honorable Frank Ruta Edited December 6, 2005 by Meaghan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted December 6, 2005 Author Share Posted December 6, 2005 In & Out of Town:Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese with a Fried Farm Egg And Bacony Potato Foam ~Marigold Kitchen That's the one I meant to refer to above. I only stole two bites from my wife's plate and it is still at or near the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brr Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 what a great thread - I do it for music so why not for food! things that immediately spring to mind - I'm sure there will be more..... pork belly at Corduroy mint chocolate chip ice cream at 2 Amy's olive oil gelato with se salt at Otto, NYC amuse of chilled watermelon soup w/ tequila at TIALW Jamon Iberico at Meson Cinco Jotas, Madrid The Corleggy aged goat cheese my folks brought over from Ireland last week 3 Carabineros (a large prawn), served with greens and a blood sausage dressing, Arzak, San Sebastian The mozzarella w/ home made pesto at Bucks Black pudding w/ foie gras at Eve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brr Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 Hooligan at Firefly ditto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 In town (no particular order): Foie Gras two ways – Matisse Mishima beef tartare with mustard oil – 2941 Fresh tomato and goat cheese salad – Marcel’s Fennel soup w/ smoked salmon – Maestro Out of Town Bistecca – Sostanza, Florence Crab cake – Le Bec Fin, Philadelphia Pizza - Il Pizzaiulo, Florence Everything - Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence BBQ platter – The Skylight Inn, Ayden, NC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 I'll have to give some more thought to the rest of the year, but after last night, I must add to the list: Hangar Steak - Ray's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Landrum Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 The Number One Dish of 2005: Dreamy, dreamy Derek. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 The Number One Dish of 2005:Dreamy, dreamy Derek. Gets my vote. And the gin concoction with star anise he created this summer. Easily my cocktail of the year. First runner up is the scallops and chanterelles at Corduroy. Almost as dreamy as the chef who created it. (where's the embarrassed icon when you need it?) Second runner up is the Vidalia Soubise with Foie Gras, at Corduroy. Third runner up is the salad with wild mushrooms, poached egg and lardons at Circle Bistro. Fourth runner up is the salt and pepper head-on shrimp at New Fortune. We can eat the hell out of those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deangold Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 (edited) Out of Town Scampi Crudo with olio and salt La Cantina Venezia Dinner at Anice Stellato, Venezia Bistecca alla Fiorentina Il Pozzo, Sant'Angelo, in Colle Toscana Testa Lupa NYC Steamed Juicy Pork Buns Yeah Dumpling House, NYC In Town Ankimo Kaz Sushi Bistro Szechuan Dry Fried Beef Joe's Noodle House Cod Fritters 2 Amy's At Dino (where I have eated the great majority of my meals this year) Formaggio di Fossa and Erborinati (cave aged cheeses) Robiola Incavolta Osso Buco Ribolita Edited December 6, 2005 by deangold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe H Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 Out of TownScampi Crudo with olio and salt La Cantina Venezia Dinner at Anice Stellato, Venezia When you were in Venice did you happen to go to Alle Testiere several blocks off San Marco square or Le Calandre in Rubano which is just outside of Padua? Also, didn't I read somewhere that you've been to Romano Dal Forno's in Cellore? I was there on Friday. It may be best to contact me off the board so I don't take this thread in another direction. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 At Dino (where I have eated the great majority of my meals this year)Formaggio di Fossa and Erborinati (cave aged cheeses) Robiola Incavolta Osso Buco Ribolita I didn't realize J Lo had a brother named Anu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 When you were in Venice did you happen to go to Alle Testiere several blocks off San Marco square or Le Calandre in Rubano which is just outside of Padua? Also, didn't I read somewhere that you've been to Romano Dal Forno's in Cellore? I was there on Friday. It may be best to contact me off the board so I don't take this thread in another direction. Thanks. [We can always start a Venice thread in Intrepid Traveler, so no worries] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deangold Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 When you were in Venice did you happen to go to Alle Testiere several blocks off San Marco square Have been to Alle Testiere before but not this year. Seafood salad with pomegranite seeds comes to mind as something superb I had there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jlock Posted December 7, 2005 Share Posted December 7, 2005 My Top 2005 Dishes (In Town): Tuna with Italian Black Truffle Banana Tempura with Black Raspberry Ice Cream Kaz Sushi Bistro Tuna with Hijiki Rice Vidalia Soubise Grape Sorbet Corduroy (oh, hell - any soup or ice cream/sorbety that Tom makes!) Spicy Scallop Roll Kotobuki Proscuitto Crudo Pappardelle al Cinghale Dino Roasted Fish with Green Onion Tempt Asia Super Grilled Cheese Stoney's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brr Posted December 7, 2005 Share Posted December 7, 2005 chatting to Cathal tonight reminded me of another great dish/drink Mojito's at Eve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted December 7, 2005 Share Posted December 7, 2005 I ate well last year too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackers Posted December 7, 2005 Share Posted December 7, 2005 (edited) It was the year of cheese plates and charcuterie. Also: Hudson Valley Fois Gras Three Ways - BlackSalt Mushroom Cigars - Citronelle Fried Green Tomatoes with Lobster and Crab Hash - Charleston (Baltimore) Double Baked Ginger Scallion Lobster - Chinatown Cafe (Baltimore) Need I say more? Venison - Restaurant Eve Roast Suckling Pig - Komi and Hollywood East Venison Carpacio - Sonoma Lamb t-bone, medjool dates, chantarelles - CityZen Scallops with Chantarelles and Chocolate Tart - Corduroy Stuffed Rockfish - Suicide Bridge(Hurlock, Md) Lamb shoulder, fried oysters and cheese plate at Firefly Pizza Margharita at 2Amys and Mini-Wontons in with chili oil-TemptAsian Edited to add the etherial shrimp siu mai at Kotobuki Edited December 7, 2005 by crackers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted December 7, 2005 Share Posted December 7, 2005 I ate well last year too. Observation: this is the second straight year Meaghan and bilrus have latched onto a bacon egg and cheese sandwich, last year at Eve, this year at Marigold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted December 7, 2005 Author Share Posted December 7, 2005 Observation: this is the second straight year Meaghan and bilrus have latched onto a bacon egg and cheese sandwich, last year at Eve, this year at Marigold. Actually it was a salad at Eve last year, but same concept. Bacon + X = good Bacon + egg + cheese = really good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted December 16, 2005 Author Share Posted December 16, 2005 I have one to add from lunch today - Cream of Pepper Jack Cheese and Black Bean Soup - SBC Cafe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 I'm going to have to add the Duck Stew from JoeH's Lab blowout dinner. And, the year isn't over yet. There's still a couple of weeks to sneak an item or two onto the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe H Posted December 17, 2005 Share Posted December 17, 2005 (edited) Roberto's "duck stew" is really an interesting creation. My wife and I have thought about a lot of dishes we've had in restaurants on both sides of the Atlantic and I'm inclined to believe that this may be the most spectacular of all. Perhaps not even the infamous "pressed duck" at Tour d'Argent in Paris approaches this. Certainly this is the more challenging to the diner. I know that night when it was served there were at least two almost simultaneous exclamations at our immediate table of, "My God. This is unbelievable!" The reaction around the room was immediate: "Fear Factor has come to the Lab!!!" At least two more "Oh, my Gods." At least one confession: "And it tastes damn good, too!" From several seats down I remember a friend noting that he felt he should feel truly guilty liking it as much as he did. Then he looked at his wife and she may have enjoyed it even more! I thought I noted fear in his eyes at this realization! I'm sure there are a number of levels of understanding the reactions to this dish, all very personal. From the warm, juicy slab of foie gras which Roberto thickly sliced to top off the exquisitely chunky mixture of offal and testicles this was a very real test of one's profession for their love of food. Extremes of taste, pleasure and possible guilt all represented in a rather nondescript cup of indulgence. Perhaps, in 58 years, a dish without parallel. And, at our dinner. Wow! Edited December 17, 2005 by Joe H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcfoodie Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 Thinking back over the year, these are the dishes that stick out in my head... Heirloom Tomato Salad - 2 Amys Suckling Pig or Speck-Wrapped Tuna (it's always a hard choice) - Komi Duck Confit - Corduroy Mint Chip Ice Cream - 2 Amys Pav Bhaji - Heritage India Minestrone Soup - Circle Bistro Not a dish, but just as important... Wine Pairing - Komi (RIP) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilrus Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 (edited) Suckling Pig or Speck-Wrapped Tuna (it's always a hard choice) - Komi Why Choose? They both kick ass. Wine Pairing - Komi (RIP) I had a nice wine pairing with the tasting menu last weekend. What did Twain say about exaggerated demises? Edited December 19, 2005 by bilrus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcfoodie Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I had a nice wine pairing with the tasting menu last weekend. What did Twain say about exaggerated demises? That's good to hear. I'm taking Amy there for her birthday next week. I was more referring to the fact that Sebastian has moved on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I'm adding the "Irish Stew" at Restaurant Eve to my best of 2005 list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 So many dishes on this list are brining back memories of tastes that I have been lucky enough to have had over the course of 2005. Here are a couple that came in just before the finishing line. Boudin blanc at Marcel's Porcini-Green Lentil Soup (white truffles added) at Citronelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 Chef's Sashimi Plate Super at Sushi Ko on Super Bowl Sunday Heriloom tomato salad at Two Amy's Foie Gras extravaganza at Eve I'm feeling lucky that there were so many others I am having trouble remembering them all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 (edited) It would be a sin not to add to my best things eaten list, Frank Ruta’s Peeky Toe Crab Casserole With fluke, purple potatoes, leeks and sea urchin sauce The dish is a blazing star. The exoskeleton of the sea urchin- the fragile shell of coral and spines- turned into a delicate ramekin. I have neither the words nor craftsmanship to tell you simply about this temptress of perfume and brine. It’s clean like a virgin ocean, yet creamy and rich as divine sea protein. The textures fluctuating between subtly starchy, fluffy to bold and buttery. If this wasn’t umami, I firmly resolve to find out what is. Edited January 1, 2006 by Meaghan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLK Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Duck raviolini at Palena. Pretty much everything I ate at Komi, but the spinach gnudi with brown butter were tops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotteeM Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 Goat cheese risotto with white truffles at Maestro! Seared foie gras dressed in chestnut “cappucino” and thin slices of black truffle at Maestro Lobster bisque at Restaurant Eve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 It would be a sin not to add to my best things eaten list, Frank Ruta’s Peeky Toe Crab Casserole With fluke, purple potatoes, leeks and sea urchin sauce The dish is a blazing star. The exoskeleton of the sea urchin- the fragile shell of coral and spines- turned into a delicate ramekin. I have neither the words nor craftsmanship to tell you simply about this temptress of perfume and brine. It’s clean like a virgin ocean, yet creamy and rich as divine sea protein. The textures fluctuating between subtly starchy, fluffy to bold and buttery. If this wasn’t umami, I firmly resolve to find out what is. Who eat, shoots and leaves?? I know, I'm very funny. I forgot to tell you something about this dish, though: Look!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 Who eat, shoots and leaves??I know, I'm very funny. I forgot to tell you something about this dish, though: Look!!!! What? Ruta didn't come out of the kitchen and tell you NOT to take pictures of his food??? What what he thinking??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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