Happy New Year Everyone!
Some of the most pleasant surprises of 2013 have been the pork belly tacos at Black Hogg, the scrumptious Huevos Benedictos at Little Bear using chorizo and avocado and last but not least, the a fusion burger that works at Pono Burger.
Here's my belated Best of 2013 List.
1. Best Execution of Trendy Dish: Black Hogg
Kogi's got nothin' on these pork belly tacos. Not even Chego by the same Roy Choi who makes good pork belly slices could have made this concoction. I didn't like the kogi rib tacos, mostly because the slaw was drowned in and overpowered by sesame oil. At Black Hogg in Silver Lake, the pork belly slices were glistening little gems neatly layered over each other, each slice extremely tender and perfectly browned on the edges. Topped with an apple and red onion slaw and minced pickled jalapeno, they made for a winning combination.
2. Best Innovative Brunch: Little Bear
I love seeing new takes on classic dishes and this Huevos Benedictos at an unlikely brunch gem (mostly a gastropub by night) in the arts district. I'm actually not a huge fan of Eggs Benedict because I find the Hollandaise sauce to be too heavy -- good at the first bite but a bit much after that. This version had chorizo instead of the usual Canadian bacon and the Hollandaise sauce was lighter -- perhaps it was the dollop of fresh salsa on top that balanced out the heaviness. With an avocado slice to top off the Spanish/Mexican/Cali fusion, it was one of the best brunch dishes I had in 2013. The eggs could have been more oozing and the potatoes needed work but big thumbs up on the eggs!
3. Best Burger: Pono Burger
I'd be lying if I said I didn't enter this join without any apprehension about trying an array of fusion burgers. Pono does Hawaiian and Asian takes on the burger so perhaps it was no surprise that fusion came naturally and organically (vs. fusion for its own sake or to be trendy). The decor in the renovated barn had a rustic cool vibe and the burgers were downright excellent. I had the one with sliced pickled ginger, pea shoots, deep fried Okinawan sweet potato chips, avocado and wasabi mayo that all came together with a nice patty cooked medium rare between a fresh, soft bun. The fries could use some work but boy, I'd return for that burger any day. Still, my heart belongs to Houston's burger.
4. Best Meal with a View: Strand House
I heard the chef has left since I'd been there so I can't vouch for the quality of the food being as excellent as when we went a year ago. This was great food using great quality ingredients and beautifully plated. The gorgeous ocean view was a bonus -- since most places with a view rely solely on that and the quality of food usually suffers. The roasted branzino filet sitting atop a bed of cauliflower "couscous" with pine nuts and currants, spiced with something called vadouvan, a variation of masala with French influences. Fresh cilantro and scallions were sprinkled over the fish with a side of salsa verde and served as a mild kick to the delicious fish. Look at that beauty! The desserts were out of this world as well. Salted caramel ice cream and salted caramel glazed donuts. 'Nuff said. Glad 2013 was the coming out year for anything salted caramel. Look forward to more in 2014!
5. Best Summer Outdoor Dining: ATX Kitchen12000
The food here wasn't all that memorable although not necessarily bad. The clincher for me was the outdoor dining just next to some train tracks with the training going by once in a while and everyone rejoicing a-la-wave in a stadium. Then there was a live band playing that made it even more perfect for a night out on a hot summer day.
6. Best Meal in Las Vegas: Estatorio Milos
Speaking of hot summer days, Las Vegas was scorching as usual and this Greek restaurant was a breadth of fresh air. Its grilled octopus lightly drizzled with olive oil, lemon and capers was just what we needed to cool off. The grilled fish filet and lobster pasta were all well executed as well.
7. Best Casual Pizza Joint: 800 Degrees
I know this isn't a news flash but I finally got over the dread of having to stand in line and am so glad I went. The lines do move fast and I do love the ultra thin crust with the good quality toppings such as wild mushrooms and burrata. Crack an egg in the middle and I'm in heaven. The drinks are overpriced so it's best to stick to the house wine that pairs nicely with most pizzas. The vibe is casual and while I'm not a fan of the Umami empire owned by the same dudes, 800 is solid. We'll see how it does in NY where it's opening soon.
8. Best Guilty Pleasure: Queso Fundido at Bar Ama
Ok, what isn't a guilty pleasure? I was thinking grilled octopus is better for you then, say, melted cheese topped with some chorizo. These made for the best accompaniment to a nice class of wine but I'm sure it'll pair nicely with a smooth shot of mezcal or an ice-cold glass of Negra Modelo.
9. Best New Restaurant: Paiche
While there are still many new restos I haven't been to, I really liked the ambiance and refreshing food at Paiche. Maybe it was because I have a soft spot for any place that serves Pisco Sour cocktails -- the best. This one came with the cutest stenciled fish. A great start to a meal! Some dishes were better than others but overall, I'd like to return someday soon to see what else this place has to offer.
10. Best Homecooked Meal: Dinner Party Highlights
Cooking and eating with loved ones are the best part of the holidays and this year, it was no exception. Here are some of the best dinner party dishes for when you entertain that will be surefire crowd pleasers and not too difficult to pull off.
Even though I haven't written a separate post on it, I also discovered farm in San Diego County specializing in Korean produce that also makes organic fermented soy bean paste and red pepper paste from scratch. Jack pot!
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