It is the last week of 2016 and I cannot wait for it to be over. It’s been a year of devastation for so many. While I can hardly put myself in the same category as those who have lost so much, I can say it wasn’t a great year in terms of culinary breakthroughs either. Therefore, it wasn’t hard to select the handful of restaurants which stood out this year. This is my year-end compilation of the most memorable meals of 2016… with the BIG reveal of THE BEST meal of the year in my next post.
**Click on the links to read my full reviews**
LONG BEACH
Aji Peruvian — in 2016, we visited this eatery three times. I rarely get to revisit a restaurant more than once, but my son absolutely loves it and even insisted I bring him here for his birthday this year.
Berlin Bistro — I cannot stress enough how much I love Berlin Bistro. This is also the first place in southern California which serves a REAL flatbread — not the pizzas pretending to be flatbreads.
Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House — this Korean restaurant stands out from the others. Why? Most restaurants are not able to retain its authenticity when offering fusion dishes on their menus. Sura has managed to successfully balance the two. The bulgogi fries will keep those with less adventurous palates happy, while at the same time, satisfying diners looking to indulge in a bowl of authentic yukejang or galbi tang. The comforts of home-made food for me, and Korean wagyu sliders for the kids.
ORANGE COUNTY
D’Vine — if you’re looking for solid Mediterranean fare, look no further than D’Vine in downtown Fullerton. Fresh, clean flavors in a lovely environment.
Garlic & Chives — Although it took me SO long to finally visit Garlic & Chives, once I went for the first time, the second and third time came very quickly after. The restaurant is consistently packed and consistently good. All I can say is, GO!
SAN DIEGO
Sugar and Scribe — winner of Food Network’s Holiday Baking, Maeve Rochford, has created a space in La Jolla where you can purchase her outstanding baked goods, but also, sit down and indulge in her grandma’s recipes. The Irish dishes are hearty and comforting which explains why there is always a wait at Sugar and Scribe.
Tasting Room Del Mar — one of my favorite meals this year was at this little wine bar. Most come to sip on the extensive wines on offer, but definitely stay and taste some of Chef Steven Lona’s creative dishes which rotates with the changing seasons.
Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll be revealing my best meal of 2016.
Ahhh! So glad to see that Long Beach is on the list! I’m really proud of how far my city has come in terms of the food scene! I spend so many hours at Berlin and had countless tasty meals at Aji! I hope you’ll get to visit Padre soon for some delicious latin dishes and amazing craft cocktails!
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I’ve been loving all the wonderful restaurants in LBC. I have been to Padre several times. If you scroll through, I’ve reviewed them twice. Happy New Year!