Some dishes are unforgettable: they are worth remembering every nuance and detail of the flavorings, spices and aromatics that went into their preparation. Most importantly, it is the way each bite of the food presented on the plate made you feel.

Did the food make you feel happy, nostalgic or sad? Did you remember your first kiss because of a sprig of mint used to garnish a scoop of vanilla ice cream or the last time you saw an illicit lover because they offered a cup a hot chocolate while they bade you farewell? Maybe he offered you a cup of tea sweetened with honey instead of chocolate, but anything warm and fragrant cupped between your hands will always remind you of that last moment.

Nothing so dramatic or life changing happened to me last year but certain dishes did cause explosive umami foodgasms that deserve special mention. I give them each a “Culinary Oscar”.

My favorites are not in order of preference; they are listed in a totally random fashion. No desserts made it to the top 10. That means that I am a savory person and not especially sweet. Oh Lord!

All Natural Grass Fed Skirt Steak served with Sautéed Spinach With Garlic And Lemon from Mandolin Aegean Bistro.

 

Grilled Lamb Chops Over Orzo Pilaf from Mandolin Aegean Bistro. 

 

Marinated Grilled Octopus from Mandolin Aegean Bistro.

 

Maine Lobster Cocktail from L’echon Brasserie (now closed). I guess I got there just in time.

 

The Original db Burger from db Bistro Moderne.

 

Chinese Fried Chicken & Waffles from Blackbrick.

 

Pulpo a la Parrilla from Aromas Del Perú.

 

Squid with Lemon Aïoli from Sugarcane raw bar grill.

 

Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with Linguiça and Manchego from Sugarcane raw bar grill.

Goat Roti from island Restaurant

 

 Three dishes from Mandolin Aegean Bistro made the list. That makes it my favorite restaurant for the year.

I am ready to taste more extraordinary food in 2016!