Top 10 chomps of 2011

2011 has been a year of some delicious and some not so delicious chomps.  From tapas in Spain to roasted guinea pig in Peru to Korean burritos.  I've had some spectacular tasting meals at Joel Robuchon and Arzak.  I got to get close to El Bulli greatness at Tickets as well as reminisce with some nostalgic childhood chomps.

Here are my 2011 Top 10 Chomps (in no particular order):

Braised Duck Leg with "thick"egg noodles (dry) at Hai Ky Mi Gia (San Francisco, California).  So familiar to my Chinese roots, but still so different.  Simplistic, but satisfying.

Check out the original post on Hai Ky Mi Gia ( HERE)

Roasted Lamb at El Albergue (Ollytantambo, Peru).  I came to Peru excited to try alpaca, but came back wowed by this lamb dish.  Totally knocked Evvia's lamb off its pedestal in my eyes.

 Check out the original post on El Albergue ( HERE)

Cinnamon sugar cookie at Anthony's Cookies (San Francisco, California).  As a closet cookie monster, my matter-a-factly, no hestitation, without a blink of an eye cookie order is almost always a chocolate cookie.  Even now,this cinnamon sugar cookie makes my mouth water just thinking about it.  A box of these is a favorite gift of mine to give.

 Check out the original post on Anthony's Cookies ( HERE)

Fried chicken at Addendum (Yountville, California).  After years of dreaming of Keller Fried Chicken and a first time disappointment, I've finally got to experience real KFC.  Perfectly crispy batter with the most tender juicy meat.

  Check out the original post on Addendum ( HERE)

Mixed chicken and lamb platter at the 53rd and 6th cart (New York, New York).  Is it the rice?  Is it the chicken?  Is it the white sauce? The red sauce?  Whatever it is, the taste of it is worth the aftermath of the morning after.

  Check out the original post on 53rd and 6th Halal cart ( HERE)

The cheese plate at Quimet i Quimet (Barcelona, Spain).  A little bit of cheese, a little bit of jelly, then another bite of another cheese.  I've never been one to be in awe of a cheese plate, but this one puts all the any starred restaurant's cheese plates I've had put together to shame.  In other words, eat your heart out Gary Danko.

  Check out the original post on Quimet i Quimet ( HERE)

 

The bread cart at Joel Robuchon (Las Vegas, Nevada).  Nothing could have prepared me for the pure excitement I felt when this beautiful bread cart rolled right up to my table.  Like a giddy schoolgirl, I squealed with delight each time I picked out a piece of bread.

  Check out the original post on Joel Robuchon ( HERE)

Chicken Tikka Masala (CTM) burrito at Curry Up Now (San Mateo, California).  Two of my food loves all rolled into one tasty package.  One of the few acceptable fusion items in my book.  For some reason, it just works.   So good, I went back two weeks in a row to eat it.

  Check out the original post on Curry Up Now ( HERE)

Baked scallop topped with breadcrumbs at Paco Meraglo (Barcelona, Spain).

  Check out the original post on Paco Mergalo ( HERE)

Grilled baby squid with runny egg at El Quim (Barcelona, Spain).   A little luck and patience will get you a seat in the hottest spot in La Boqueria.  THE signature dish, this baby squid is fried up in their own ink served up with a side of  runny eggs.

  Check out the original post on El Quim ( HERE)



Wishing you many chomps
and a
Happy New Year!