My Top Dishes of November 2018.
Hey fam – wow, this was one productive month! I’m actually very happy with all that I managed to accomplish. As much as I went out, this was actually a relatively mixed month for dining — the lows were low, and the highs were high. Fortunately, there were a few special venues that really made an impression. So, what rated? Quail with cauliflower, consomme, and parmesan, Sense on the Edge, Six Senses Zighy Bay (review is in progress). ‘Boca’touille, BOCA. Lamb + pepper, Tresind Studio. A special runner-up recognition goes to the Flank Steak with truffle mash at my Aussie Lamb and Beef dinner at Graze Grill, and the overall Murder Mystery Dinner at Weslodge (by #DXBExperiments). What were your favorite dishes this month? Anything memorable?
My Top Dishes of October 2018.
With plenty of international travel this month, it’s no wonder there’s a range across countries for my favorite dishes in October 2018. As always, in no particular order… Egg custard, Mingles. Scallops, Gary Danko. Pork Belly, Antebellum. Given that I’ll be in Dubai for the entirety of November (yay!), I’ve already got a few reservations made and plenty to be excited about. I think it’s going to be a busy month ahead, but you can read more about that in my upcoming To Do list. What were your favorite dishes this month? Anything you’re looking forward to in November?
My Top Dishes of September 2018.
September came and went in a hurry! A packed month, to be sure. As I’m still committing to my Keto diet, I went out quite a bit less, but there was still some delicious food. Gyu no tataki, from Zuma. Seared octopus, from my dinner with guest chef Federico to Emirates Palace. Private dinner, by Chef Morimoto, at Morimoto Dubai. C’mon guys. Food prepared by a world-renowned chef? #happythankyoumoreplease A few dishes from our trip to the Maldives almost made the list, but overall we were a bit disappointed (however, I fully realize very few people travel to the Maldives and worry about the food). Next month should be a challenge to pick through — Korea, San Fransisco, and Atlanta are all on my horizon. What was your favorite dish this month? Eat anything good?
My Top Dishes of August 2018.
August was a strange month — ending our trip in the States, a sneaky trip to Sofia, and a launch in Dubai, I’m not really sure where the days went. How about you? Anyway, here’s what was memorable: Garlic butter prawns, Tresind. Diver scallops, Parkside District. Coconut and chili mojito, 5L Speakeasy. Yes, a first to add a cocktail to the list, but it was seriously fantastic. If I were a resort of any kind, I would steal the recipe and add it to the menu asap. What were your favorite dishes this month? What are you most looking forward to next month?
My Top Dishes of July 2018.
Admittedly, July has more or less blown away any other month in 2018. I can’t eat like this every month, but it’s certainly been fun. Many difficult decisions, but here’s what I’ve managed to narrow down: Hen of the Woods mushroom, The Ledbury. It’s actually a secret course on the menu and probably the best thing I’ve eaten this year. Meaty, smoky, savory… Absolutely delicious. Potato and Roe, Core by Clare Smyth. While the humble spud and caviar don’t seem like they would be a good fit, the pairing is the comfort food of my dreams. Even if the rest of the menu wasn’t a hit for me, this dish was amazing. Scallops, Empire State South. A surprising breakfast addition on the list, but beautifully cooked scallops with corn, bacon, and mushrooms? C’mon y’all, I’d go back every day. There were A LOT of other dishes that almost made the…
My Top Dishes of May/June 2018.
I didn’t even realize I managed to skip a month until we were back from Tbilisi. Oh well, as I’ve been on a reduced dining out schedule, it seems okay to push these two months together. In no particular order: A meal at the Gogi Dvalishvili winemakers home (Gori, Georgia). As part of our exploration into food, wine, and culture with Taste Georgia, this was a highlight of our trip. True home cooking, fresh produce, and traditionally made wine? Yes, please. Calamari Mozambique, from Flamingo Room by Tashas. US Tenderloin 200g, from Prime 68, JW Marriott Marquis. July will be a huge food month for me, with planned meals at The Ledbury and Core by Clare Smyth, the Tasting Counter in Boston, and additional fine dining in Portland and Atlanta. I’m fairly certain my diet doesn’t stand a chance! Where have you been recently? Anywhere worth noting? Let me know in the…
My Top Dishes of April 2018.
In which I almost forget it’s the end of the month! From starting the month in Zanzibar to a busy few weeks of meetings and conferences, I’m glad that Mercury is out of retrograde and there were plenty of delicious dishes to enjoy. In no particular order: Lunch, Hoseki. Yes, I realize I’m supposed to pick just one dish, but honestly, there’s a reason why I think Hoseki is currently the best restaurant in the UAE. Flank Tacos, Hotel Cartagena. Bouillabaisse, Morimoto. With Ramadan next month, things may be a bit slower, but I’m also looking forward to a trip to Georgia with friends. What were your favorite dishes this month?
My Top Dishes of March 2018.
A relatively subdued March, but still some good dishes out there. In no particular order: Beef Tataki at SLAB Fritto Misto di Mare at The Yacht Club, Bulgari Tuna Ceviche at Garden Special mention to the trio of tacos at the Peyote brunch and the tapas preview at BOCA. What was your favorite dish this month? Any recommendations for next month?
My Top Dishes of February 2018.
Not going to lie, gang, it was a slow month. Most of that was intentional and on purpose, as I finished a book, am getting it ready for publication, and started writing my next one (I’m close to 20K words into it so far). Add in some volunteering, working out (and starting to finally see some results) and it just was a low key month — sometimes that’s the way of the world. So, what did register? Charcoal grilled octopus, The Fish House Slow cooked short beef ribs and Gnocchi, BOCA (served during their Friday brunch, one to enjoy) Langoustine, Scalini Looking ahead to next month, I’ll be starting immediately with visits to both Beefbar and SLAB, both of which I’ve heard good things from. Also, it’s my birthday! I’m not sure if 38 is something to get really hyped over, but looking back to my 37th year there was…