A farewell to 2011

This year came and went so quickly and in the 365 days my tastebuds and stomach were treated to some mighty delicious fare (and some not so good). As a tribute to 2011, here is a list of my 10 favorites of the year. These are places I will (and have) return to over and over again.

In no particular order…….

I’m not a big breakfast fan but The Serving Spoon has won me over with their home-style comfort food. Whenever I am up in LA, I always make sure I stop by and get myself some poached eggs and grits — yes, GRITS is a MUST!

One of the most addictive things this year has been Soho Taco. Lucky for us they launched their gourmet food truck a few months ago and now everyone can enjoy these delicious tacos!

A few drinks and a couple of small plates does it for me at Chef Ryan Adam’s 370 Common in Laguna Beach.

Renzo Machiavello is what makes Renzo’s A Taste of Peru what it is. The food comes straight from his heart and soul and nothing is fried, making it a healthy alternative you can enjoy over and over again.

The second breakfast place I want to give a shout out to is Anepalco’s Cafe. Chef Danny’s chilaquiles and huevos divorciados are both to-die-for!

I love Rooster PM where the atmosphere is chill and the service friendly. Grab a glass of tinto, or two, — or four in my case — and some grub and relax with a few friends after work.

If you want paella, then go to La Espanola, but they only serve it on Saturdays and you have to call them ahead of time to order it. I suggest getting together a group of friends, buy a bottle of wine from the market, sit back with your paella and some Spanish red, repeat!

One of the most surprising finds this year was Sushi Noguchi where a husband and wife team, Hiro and Jun Noguchi offers some of the freshest and most delicious sushi and sashimi in Orange County. Make sure you get the omakase!

MB Post has received some hype since it opened this year and deservedly so! The food is stellar and it is comfort food done small and done right. This way you can indulge in more than one portion!

And the treat of the year was Addison where Chef William Bradley’s creativity and unique style is all his own. This is one of those places which, if I could afford it, would return to again and again, but sadly, I can’t. A special occasion restaurant you MUST check out!