Top 10 Eats of 2010

It's time to say adios to 2010, and while it has been quite a good year, I can't wait to see what's in store for 2011.  Hopefully it involves lots of new restaurants and food discoveries!

It was hard narrowing down my most memorable eats from 2010, but I think this list sums it up pretty accurately.  I know already many of these meals/restaurants are must repeats for 2011.

Without futher adieu, I give to you my Memorable Meals of 2010 (in no particular order).

1. French Onion Soup at Little Next Door

I've searched high and low to find a French Onion Soup that tops this one.  Little Next Door is one of the things I miss most about living in LA.  Honorable mention goes to the French Macaroons.

Cute and lovely French Macaroons.

2. Farmer's Market Scramble at Britta's Cafe

A simple dish made with fresh vegetables from the Farmer's Market next door and feta cheese. 

Fresh from the market!

Plus,  Britta's serves you scones while you wait for your meal instead of bread.  Definite bonus.

Mmmmmm....scones.....

3. Carmelized onion, goat cheese, mushroom and thyme flatbread at Rustic Kitchen

Photo from wheretoeatboston.com

I traveled east this summer (Boston to be exact) and was pleasantly surprised by this gem of a flatbread.  Light, crispy, delicious-  with just the right amount of herbs and goat cheese.  Swoon.

4. Vegetables con Burrata at Pizzeria Ortica

I left Pizzeria Ortica with mixed emotions, but the standout was the Vegetables con Burrata. 

If only their pizza could be as amazing as the appetizer?

5. Everything at Chicken Dijon

Greek food is the name of the game at Chicken Dijon and this place does not disappoint.  Definitely best cheap eats discovery of 2010.  Go there and order the Lamb Gyro. 

You'll thank me later.

6. Dungeness Crab at PPQ Dungeness Island.

Fresh San Francisco crab slathered in garlic and butter served with noodles and rice? 

Stick a fork in me I'm done.

7.  Chicken Faijtas at Taco Rosa

Hands down best Mexican restaurant in Orange County.  Fresh ingredients and margaritas to die for. 

Look at that sizzle!

And you musn't forget the sopapillas.  It's pretty much a given you are going to order them when dining at Taco Rosa.


Chocolate sauce and honey for dipping?  Are you drooling yet?

8. Sushi Extravaganza at Sushi Roku


Photo from Vegas.com

October led me to Las Vegas for work, and a sushi extravaganza was had as a result.  Crispy tuna on rice, seared scallops, soft shell crab...the list goes on and on.  We were so stuffed with sushi that we actually passed on dessert.  Gasp!
9.  Mango Chicken Salad at R+D Kitchen

A simple salad with mangos, chicken, vegetables and noodles.  Light and refreshing. 


Pile of delicious goodness.

Best paired with R+D Kitchen's crispy fries with sea salt.



Fries and salad - balances each other out!

 10.  John Dory Fish and Potatoes at Lucca Cafe

Photo from LAtimes.com

I've loved pretty much every meal at Lucca, but the John Dory with potatoes was a sure standout.  The fish was perfectly cooked and the potatoes were the perfect complement.  Of course, I could write an ode about all of the desserts Lucca has to offer as well...

So there you have it.  10 delicious meals to round out 2010.  Bring it on 2011!