Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fabulous start to 2015. As per usual, I spent the first two weeks of my winter break pretending as though I don't actually have any work responsibilities (it was all middle of the week brunches, DVR catch-up sessions, day drinking, and pleasure reading); however, the time has come to finish up my plans for the spring semester to officially stop pretending that I don't have a mile-long to-do list (boo!).
Before I dive headfirst into my big plans for the year, I thought I would take a look back at some of the food highlights of 2014; while I'm usually not big on making year-end lists, 2014 really was an epic food year and most definitely deserves a post of its own. It's fair to say that I struggled a bit both personally and professionally during the year (thanks to a series of surprising/challenging events), but the food community was one of those things that kept me sane. I put myself out there and met some fabulous new people who share my love for food writing, took an amazing foodie exploration/girlie trip through southern Wisconsin, said yes to twice as many social events as I did the year before (which led to ever further opportunities and new friends), and had countless restaurant adventures with my best foodie-partner-in-crime.
In no particular order, here are 14 of my favorites from 2014:
Maine Lobster BLT with Nueske’s apple smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, and truffle mayo from Coppervine
Spicy Pumpkin Gelato from Mia's Gelateria Focacceria
Fried Chicken, Pimento Mac & Cheese, Roasted Garlic Grits, Corn Muffins & Roasted Sweet Potato Salad from Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Sticky Cinnamon Bun with toasted pecans and vanilla buttercream from Public House
Prosciutto and Grilled Pear Pizza with fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, shaved Parmigiano, and arugula from Mercato by Fabio Viviani
Bacon & Guacamole Sausage with Merkt’s cheddar & chipotle mayo from Haute Sausage
Mini Short Rib Italian Beef: provolone, giardiniera, au jus, Parmigiano, and garlic bread from Harry Caray's
Handcrafted Macarons from Bon Macaron
Truffle Bruschetta with a thick spread of truffle butter topped with prosciutto and shaved truffles from RPM Italian
Chocolate, Red Velvet, Spiced Eggnog, and Hot Chocolate Snowball donuts from Glazed and Infused
Crab Cake Benedict from Kanela Cafe
Chili Cheese Curds with chorizo chili and beer battered cheese from Antique Taco
ShackBurgers, Cheese Fries, and Concretes (Da S'mores & Salted Caramel L) from Shake Shack
Traditional Lobster Roll from Da Lobsta
Despite its challenges, 2014 was a year filled with love, laughter, and fantastic food. 2015 is already out to a lovely start and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!
I am so glad you posted this! I was looking through your Instagram trying to make a list of places to try in the coming months. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, onward and upward!
@Jacky: Happy New Year! I'm glad to see you're back! As much as I love these 14 dishes, I could easily rattle off another 14. 2014 really was a fantastic food year.
ReplyDeleteStarr this round-up has made me SO HUNGRY!!! What a delicious year you had -- I need to put practically all of these dishes on my "to eat" list! #drool
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great round up post. I love all the photos, like everyone else they make me hungry.
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