Favorite Tastes of 2010

Memories of the best dishes I sampled this past year.

by Judi Gallagher

The year is ending, and, just like a Time-Life magazine, here are my “Favorite Tastes of the Year,” chosen through photo opps and sensuous flavorful memories.

So, with a farewell to 2010, a good eating year indeed:

---Could there be a better burger than the Kobe Beef Burger at Bonefish Grill, followed by a piece of their homemade coconut custard pie with Jamaican rum sauce? I think not!

---Libby’s blew us away with their tuna tacotinos and the hacked Asian chicken salad.

Libby's hacked chicken salad is my new favorite in town.

---The Gasparilla Inn may host former Presidents, but their highest claim to fame is the amazing blueberry pancakes.

The BEST blueberry pancakes go to the Gasparilla Inn.

---Fresh Market is a gourmand’s paradise, and the find of a true Italian cream cake mesmerized our holiday guests.

---Square 1 Burgers & Bar may be the new kids on the block, but those double dipped onion rings are worth a bi-weekly munch!

Square 1 has the best onion rings.

--Andrea’s came out of the gate running with an eggplant trio that is destined to be best appetizer of the year. The eggplant tempura with goat cheese is practically sinful.

Eggplant trio at Andrea's is superb.

---I am advocating that Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar add those luscious Oysters Rockefeller, now on the winter prix fixe menu, to the regular menu. Doesn’t everything just taste better with bacon?

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse needs to put these oysters Rockefeller on the menu.

--Ginger lobster with spicy noodles at Pho Cali is not on the menu, so call several days ahead and ask if they can make you this two-pound lobster dish that will make you dream elegant dreams. (About $45 and worth every delicious bite.)

---Owen’s Fish Camp could be the restaurant of the year. It has real good food at reasonable prices, with GREAT service and an unpretentious attitude. I live for the New England clam chowder (I consider myself an expert, having won several chowda contests in New England.) Don’t forget a fried green tomato salad with buttermilk dressing—OMG!! Worthy of sharing, but don’t, you will want every fattening caloric bite.

---Singapore Noodles at Bangkok Tokyo. Skip the Thai food and go to the back of the menu for this classic noodle dish with julienne of pork and just the right balance of curry.

…………..this is really just the beginning. Here's a few more pictures.

The redfish at Emeril's in New Orleans is fabulous, but pass on the one in Orlando.

The Parker House rolls at Gotham Steak in Miami deserve a shout out.

I could almost move to Miami for Hakasan's dim sum.

Have you compiled your “Year in Review” tasteful list?

Just click on the comment button and share with us.

Posted: 12/28/2010 4:14:08 PM | 2 comments

	megan
	i had the x-rated grilled cheese from square 1 and it was great -- i got it as takeout, but am excited to dine in next time and experience more of the restaurant itself!
	1/4/2011 11:06:59 AM
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	judi gallagher
	How could I forget Owen's Fish Camp? Their fish tacos and fried green tomato salad are awesome--then again so is Lee Roy Selmon's pulled pork salad with fried green tomatoes- hmmm do I see a theme about fried foods?
	1/4/2011 10:48:08 AM
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Chef Judi Gallagher's Foodie's Notebook

Favorite Tastes of 2010

Memories of the best dishes I sampled this past year.

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