Memorable Dishes in 2007

I thought it might be interesting for people to list the top two or three dishes that they remember as truly outstanding from local restaurants this year. I was thinking along the lines of things which aren't old standbys at a particular place, but which showcase the Chef's creativity and talent. But go ahead and list your favorites, even if its the Shrimp and Grits from Jack Fry's.

1. Pan Roasted Salmon with red wine sauce, pancetta, sunchoke puree and dandelion greens : Proof on Main (most balanced dish I have ever tasted)

2. Charred Hanger Steak with Chianti fondue and wild mushroom ragout : Proof. Wonderful steak, sauce, everything.

3. Duck Ropa Vieja : Mojito. Incredible depth of flavor. Very nuanced and rich.

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Proof and I don't even think of it as a particular favorite, but these two dishes I can still taste every time I think about them because they were so good.

I hope everyone has fun with this. Happy Holidays to all of you!

Arroz Con Pollo at Mojito, hands down! Of course, everything I've had at both Mojito and Vietnam Kitchen has been absolutely outstanding!

Well, I don't get the chance to eat out as often as most being in the bizz but here are a few of my faves in no particular order...

Turducken at Varenese...What a clever idea to individualize this dish that most of us have only heard about but have never eaten, and then execute it flawlessly!!!!

Smoked Honey at Mojito's...Another nifty food idea; Thanx Fernando for letting me in on the secret!

The Butterburger at Culver's...If you haven't had one yet, what are you waiting for?

Any pizza from Hero's...as close as you can get to N.Y. without having to fly into LaGuardia.

"Grits of the Day" at Wild Eggs...If you like grits then you should try whatever they have conjured up...

Mojtos at Havana Rumba!

My favorite was a special at Cafe Lou Lou. Pumpkin gnocchi with scallops and topped with a creamy blue cheese sauce. That might not be the exact description of what Cafe Lou Lou called it, but I just call it fantastic! If I had to pick one dish to eat the rest of my life, it would be this. I wish this would be made a permanent dish on their menu.

Mushroom Fume at Equus. On my list of the five best dishes I've ever tasted in my life. (Currently there are only three dishes on my top 5 list.)

The Pollo Diavlo at Primo.

I've gone back every week I have seen it pop back up on their menu.

Mojitos and mussels at Mojitos.

Our regular bi-weekly sushi binge at Tokyo.