In the spirit of reminiscing, reflecting and counting my blessings for everything life has given me during these tumultuous times, I’ve decided to start something new here. Below, I give you my five favorite food memories of 2009. Some of these are discrete meals and events, and others are food experiences that I’ve enjoyed multiple times to no avail.
5. Almost everything I ate in Paris, France (October, 2009)
While there was no La Tour D’Argent in the cards on this trip, a troupe of 8 of us ate and experienced so much more. From Berthillon and cheese shop “food crawls” to breakfasting, lunching and snacking on street crepes around town, this was one trip where I just didn’t hold back (not like I ever do!). Approaching Laduree, French macarons, French street food, and endless plates of foie gras terrine and “cwoissants” like true pros was surely an unforgettable part of 2009. There’s even a trip planned for 2011! Look out L’Arpege! Look out Joel Robuchon! I’ll be back.
4. LudoBites 2.0 and 3.0 (Los Angeles, CA – July, August and December 2009)
I’ve always been a “foodie”, even though it was well until 2007 before I started using that word in sentences. But I didn’t become one of those annoying “OMG I will drive anywhere, anytime, on any day, and pay anything for the most innovative foie gras creation in town” until I went to LudoBites 2.0 at BreadBar. And believe me, I’m better for it! This idea was only cemented by LudoBites 3.0 at Royal/T.
3. Christine’s Birthday Dinner At Melisse (Los Angeles, CA – September, 2009)
My best friend Christine has been my foodie pal since we first became friends (1992). Across the ages where boys came and went, diplomas were earned, and addresses were changed, food and friendship has really been the constant. Thus, I absolutely positively wanted to spend my $50 Melisse Gift Card on Christine for her birthday. Ok, the dinner was “a bit” more than $50, but that’s not the point. This dinner was truly a foodcentric (and friendcentric) highlight of 2009 that I will never forget.
2. Winetasting and Eating My Way Across Solvang/Los Olivos (July and November, 2009)
Yes, yes, I love that movie “Sideways”, but that’s not the point here. Solvang has been my top weekender destination for awhile, so naturally I’m up there as often as possible. There is nothing (and I’m mean NOTHING) like taking a drive up the 101 freeway and arriving in the beautiful quaint Santa Ynez Valley where all you’re going to do is EAT and DRINK. From downing plates of Aebleskivers to wine tastings at Firestone Vineyards, to eating Ostrich steaks at the Hitching Post II to the Traveler’s Special at Pea Soup Anderson’s, my trips up to Solvang/Los Olivos have been unforgettable experiences I will treasure forever. I still can’t stop thinking about how good the lamb shank is at Los Olivos Cafe…Holy Mother.
1. Every single thing I ate at Jack’s Bakery (Garden Grove, CA - All of 2009)
Jack’s Bakery cemented themselves as a constant in my life during the Summer of 2007. Not surprisingly, that hasn’t changed since! Since 2007, I’ve introduced several people to this family owned, Armenian bakery that makes the best (and I mean THE BEST) Middle Eastern specialties known to man. From that first bite of Jack’s shawarma sandwich to the crispiness of the kufte’s outer shell, all the way to the tomato-y/beef topping of Jack’s famous lahmajun, it’s clear that the best food in the world is usually the most simple. And the best part yet? Jack and Vania Kelisian are like family so every single time I eat here is just like coming home (about once a week). If Michelin ever came to Garden Grove, this would be my vote for the Bib Gourmand.
So here’s to 2009 and let’s hope 2010 brings many more cherished memories to come!
