Before ringing in the New Year with exciting blog posts to come – like the new Red O in Fashion Island, classic Culina in Beverly Hills, and my all time seafood favorite Son of A Gun in LA – it's time to reflect on the best bites of 2013, chronologically.
The Grubdown:
Juliette Kitchen & Bar - The first in OC to exude the LA dining scene for me with gourmet goodies in cast iron skillets
- genius, healthy whole grain substitute for arborio rice, milky smooth, soft 'n creamy, just needed a touch more cheese, Farro Risotto with Baby Squash, Trumpet Mushrooms, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes & Herbs $11
930 Sushi - Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice is on Happy Hour, 'nuff said
- more than generous portion, like a crunchy hash brown with warm center, then topped with mouth-on-fire Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with Jalapeno Slice and Sesame Seeds ($3.96 special price)
Hartwood, Tulum, Mexico - Completely outdoor island restaurant vibe with top notch chops
- the star of the show, falls right off the bone, stewed for 6 hours with a secret 3-step process, Pork Rib atop Pickled Vinegar Red Cabbage Slaw (special)
Connie And Ted's - Authentic Rhode Island seafood from the state-named Chowda to Stuffies
- finally a REAL Rhode Island SPLIT toasted bun Lobster Roll with a ridiculous bounty of Buttery Lobster Chunks that were so tender, they fell apart in my mouth $20
Laurel Hardware - The epitome of the LA scene from celeb sightings to creamy Kale Salads
- if you eat plain kale salad daily you'll enjoy this over-dressed, heavier, creamier, indulgent version, Lollipop Sprouts with Avocado, Pepitas & House Made "Ranch" $12
Mister Parker's, Palm Springs - This kitschy restaurant inside The Parker Hotel knows how to dish up meat
- i've never had lamb so tender, my fork accidentally hit it and the meat fell off the bone, Flinstone size Carre d'Agneau Lamb Shank with Lentils de Puy, Bloomsdale Spinach, and Pomelo Emulsion $38
Carmelita's Kitchen - Finally, some authentic Mexican spice and sauces in OC
- ginormous chunks of pull-apart-tender Pork bathed in spicy red sauce, Tacos Al Pastor with stewed Pineapple, Corn Tortillas, Fresh Chopped Onion & Cilantro $13
Hostaria del Piccolo - From inventive Black Squid Ink Pizza Dough to simple Housemade Tomato Pasta
- simply beautiful recommendation from the waiter, perfectly cooked, surprisingly starchy pasta-water flavor, grainy 'n lightly acidic, Gluten Free Spaghetti with Lentils, Roasted Tomatoes, Arugula, Parmesan & Olive Oil $16
SeaLegs Wine Bar - Ironically, their meat is tastier than their seafood
- must order, everything in one, salty, sweet, pungent, earthy 'n peppery, Pig and Fig Flatbread with Papaya Gastrique, Proscuitto, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Figs, Caramelized Onion, Bleu Cheese, Mozzarella & Arugula on Grilled Flatbread $14
Muddy Leek - So creative & always reliable, I blogged about their organic, sustainable dishes twice
genius from concept to gluten-free rice flour crunch, Cauliflower Croquettes atop housemade Kimchi that balances the creamy $8
Fig & Olive - An exciting way to end the year with a special invite to the grand opening of this clean Mediterranean flavors hot spot
- creamy, woodsy, wondrously al dente, Truffle Risotto with Arborio Rice, Cremini & Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Scallions, Parmesan, Parsley & White Truffle Olive Oil $26
After reviewing the best bites from the best restaurants I dined at in 2013, I'm strangely surprised by the meat to seafood ratio (especially since fish is always my first choice.) Just goes to show how high I set the bar when bringing you biters only the finest.
Looking forward to a Happy New Year full of more incredible bites and breaking restaurant news!
Comments
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.