My Best Three Meals in 2018.

Well, here we are at the end of another year — one full of amazing meals.  The competition wasn’t quite as fierce as 2017 (and hey, remember that time we walked out of a James Beard recognized venue?), but there were still a number of contenders and memorable meals.

As usual, in no particular order:

• The Ledbury, London, United Kingdom.  Modern, informal, and beautifully presented — lunch at the Ledbury was a highlight of our short time in London.  Service at the restaurant truly set this venue apart.  Two very well awarded Michelin stars.
• Lunch in Georgia (part of our tour with Taste Georgia).  Simple produce with homemade wine?  Check.  Translated toasts and honey vodka?  Also, yes.  Celebrating a friend’s 30th birthday outside of Tbilisi, we were onto a winner by dining in a winemaker’s home with our guide and driver.  Sometimes, simplicity is best.
• Mingles. Seoul, Korea.  Even though my trip to Korea was more or less a disaster, at least I was able to enjoy the stunning simplicity of Mingles, a Michelin recognized restaurant and placed on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.  I would happily return.

Honorable Mentions:

• Tresind Studio, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• The Tasting Counter, Boston, USA.

Disappointments:

• Gary Danko, San Fransisco, USA.
• Core by Clare Smyth, London, United Kingdom.

In comparison to last year, I see that, yes, the UAE only had one restaurant make the list.  Here’s hoping Dubai has more to offer in 2019.

What were your top meals this year?  What do you remember the most?