13 Best Eats of 2013…

bWell I added a couple new restaurants to my “bucket list” in 2013 – but not as many as I wanted to. Yet, I seemed to fill myself with some amazing, mouth-watering, delicacies from some of my favorite eateries. Needless to say, I didn’t go hungry! Ironically, several salads made my list this year – and I’m not talking the boring iceberg or bagged salad varieties – but tasty, unique and flavorful treats!

With an anticipated move to the Traverse City area during the summer of 2014, I expect I’ll be finding some new places to be wined and dined – meaning my recap next year should be better than ever.

For now…here’s a quick trip down my culinary road from the past 12 months.

#1 Lamb Reuben – Reserve Wine & Food, Grand Rapids.

The first time I had this mouth-watering sandwich I fell in love (and somehow knew it would hold its own as #1 on this year’s list). Served on crusty rye bread, the brisket-style lamb with all its juicy flavor melded with the homemade sauerkraut and sweet dressing in the most delicious way. I remember the first bite sitting at the bar…and how each bite after was taking slowly and deliberately so I could savor each and every one. I raved about this sandwich from the onset – and encouraged others who were there for lunch to give it a try. I think I must have consumed 4-5 of these throughout the year (careful to not overdo it and detract from the awesomeness of the meal). I was back in GR just before Christmas and had to have just one more before the end of the year – just as incredible as that very first bite!

#2 Radish Salad – Salt of the Earth, Fennville

This became my go-to salad when visiting Salt throughout the summer months. I’ve always been a fan of radishes – but add chevre and a tart citrus dressing too it and I was hooked. Most people don’t think to do anything with radishes other than serve them raw – but roasting or even boiling them provides a totally different, mellowed flavor with still a hint of dense crunch. The added creaminess of the cheese made each bite a bit of heaven.

#3 Roasted Marrow – Roast, Detroit.

This delicacy has been recommended to me for a few years, but I hadn’t found it…until earlier this year. While walking through downtown Detroit following the kick off reception for the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, I convinced my group of colleagues to stop off for an unforgettable dinner. The ever-adventurous eater, I quickly spotted the marrow on the menu and quickly requested two orders for the table. Turns out the rest of the group wasn’t as open-minded as I was – good thing the salty treat was pleasing to me because I think I ate about 10 crostini pieces with it slathered on top.

#4 Pork Belly Tacos – six.one.six at JW Marriott, Grand Rapids.

What’s not to love about pork belly wrapped in a tortilla? A long-time fan of fish tacos (which is also on the menu – and available for a mix-and-match with the pork belly taco), this is one of my favorite light lunches. Served with an avocado cream, cilantro and guajillo salsa, and a handful of tortilla chips they’re full of flavor and texture!

#5 Rabbit Loin, Rack, Liver, Bacon & Chards – Red Haven, Okemos.

With its ever-changing menu, this premier farm-to-table eatery just outside of Lansing pulled out all the stops when a group of 20 brewers showed up for an extensive dinner back in June. Basically, they delivered a couple plates of everything on the menu. With a nod toward rustic, I was excited to find rabbit, duck and lots of root vegetables and fresh produce in every appetizer, salad and entrée served up. Since the menu changes so frequently, don’t expect to find the same combination today that you had last year, last month or even last week. Just be open to trying it all…you won’t be disappointed.

#6 Gazelle Salad – Terra GR, Grand Rapids.

When I went to the grand re-opening of this Eastown eatery (formerly Trillium Haven) I was served up a variety of items from the new menu – and the one that sticks out in my mind (and the one I’ve craved from time to time since) is this salad with green lentils, faro, walnuts, seasonal greens and vegetables with a cumin vinaigrette.

#7 Stacked Heirloom Tomato Salad – Food Dance, Kalamazoo.

About one of my favorite summer treats is a good heirloom tomato salad – the more colors and sizes, the better. This bright dish also featured two other favs – black beans (from Michigan’s own Kirklin Farms) and avocados. A light tomato juice surrounded it all, making it juicy and full of flavor. This is a seasonal special of course, as Food Dance makes a solid practice of not serving vegetables out of season. Look for a variation of this mouth-watering dish next summer.

#8 Beet Salad – Palate, Milford.

Friends and colleagues have been raving about this new restaurant – and my only experience had been in the “Brewer Hospitality” area at the Michigan Summer Beer Festival (which was top notch, both in 2012 and 2013). So, when I found myself in this neighborhood in November – I had to stop by and check it out. Despite unpleasant memories as a child of mass-produced canned beets, in my adult life I’ve found them to be a flavorful, hearty, earthy treat – when prepared properly, as it was at Palate. The addition of goat cheese and multi-colored tomatoes in the mix was a bonus! Color, texture and flavors – all key elements in my fav dishes – all came into play in this dish.

#9 Pork Rillette – Soup Spoon Café, Lansing.

I’ve found a fondness for rillette – pork, lamb, duck – doesn’t matter the source, it’s the rich creaminess of the shredded meats blended with its own fats was delicious spread out on slices of crusty baguette. The combination of the cornichons, pickled onion and fig jam made for a great accompaniment for this delicious appetizer. Kudos to the restaurant also for its impressive Michigan craft beer selection!

#10 Roasted Root Flatbread Pizza – Stormcloud Brewing, Frankfort

One of Michigan’s newest craft breweries opened this past summer just blocks away from Lake Michigan. In addition to a variety of gourmet flavored popcorn (like garlic chipotle, coconut sriracha, lime and sea salt and bacon and chives – my fav) they’re noted for their gourmet flatbread pizzas. The Roasted Root is loaded with root vegetables – beets, turnips and parsnips, along with garlic herb oil, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, roasted garlic and goat cheese, drizzled with a horseradish sour cream. www.stormcloudbrewing.com

#11 Fish Tacos – Twisted Rooster, Grand Rapids

Always a go-to item on the menu, I first discovered and fell in love with fish tacos here. The pale ale battered fish is served up with fresh aromatic pico de gallo, white cheddar and sweet crispy noodle slaw, topped with a cilantro sour cream and a side of tortilla chips. An impressive list of Michigan beer and wine can also be found – and the Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling pairs well with this dish, in my opinion.

#12 Brussel Sprouts, Bacon & Triple Cream Brie – The Laundry, Fenton

Just about anything served up in a skillet is appealing to me – presentation aside. Something about the seasoned cast iron adds to the overall flavor of the dish, if you ask me. As brussel sprouts are my favorite veggie – and everything is better with bacon – this was an ideal choice off the menu. The triple cream brie was a big bonus, melting into all the crevices of the sprouts. I had been wanting to get to this eatery for some time, after seeing all the attention they give to Michigan beer. I’m looking forward to returning as there are dozens of other menu items I just can’t wait to try!

#13 Strawberry Martini – Four Roses, Plainwell.

You can’t have a best of list without dessert. I loved everything about this dish – from the presentation in the martini glass to my favorite fruit, topped with a delicious Grand Marnier whipped cream. One day, when I was at the restaurant for lunch AND dinner – I had this dessert twice (don’t judge me). Later in the season, blueberries found their way into the glass – which didn’t break my heart in the least. Can’t wait for summer to indulge in this semi-healthy dessert again!

I look forward to visiting even more restaurants in 2014 – and of course, your recommendations are always welcome!

Promote Michigan’s Top 12 Eats of 2012

It’s no secret that I LOVE to eat! It’s my favorite pastime...and fortunately, it’s also my job! As I travel around Michigan throughout the year, I’m always taking mental notes and posting photos on my social media channels to chronicle my culinary adventures (if you are fan/friend/follower of mine, you are well aware of this fact).

People often ask me, what my favorite restaurant is…and that just doesn’t seem fair (like a parent singling out a favorite child). I love many restaurants…but often there are specific dishes that stand out in my mind, that I crave for days and weeks (or sometimes months) after I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying. Here is my recap of my Top 12 Eats of 2012…a little trip down foodie memory lane!

#1 Catfish BLT — Chef Brian Brown at the now defunct London Grill in Plainwell. So good I had it twice within one week, just before the restaurant closed after 20 years of service to the community. This delicious summer dish featured heirloom tomatoes grown by Chef Brian himself…serving as the “bread” in between which breaded pieces of catfish and homemade mayo were sandwiched, topped with strips of crispy bacon. I still have a picture of this dish on my phone, and eagerly show others (including other chefs) the picture as I relive the moment, whenever possible.

#2 Gnocchi — Chef Matt Millar at Reserve Wine & Food in Grand Rapids. Served in the summer with heirloom tomatoes and in the fall with smoked rabbit, both featured the lightest, fluffiest, tastiest gnocchi I have ever tasted. As I sit and write this, I’m contemplating a “tie” with the Pork Belly Hash (boasting a beautifully fried egg) which was a popular item early in the year on the winter menu. Full of color and flavor (as most of Chef Matt’s dishes are) it was simply delectable! Last year, Chef Millar’s pierogies (with leeks and chestnuts) rated as my #1 eat. Of note, Chef Millar was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2012.

#3 Chilean Sea Bass — Red Ginger in Traverse City. I guess I never really believed people when they said this is among the most wonderful fish dishes – until I had it over the summer. This tiny filet had perfect caramelization and the texture was much like lobster – meaty and flaky all at the same time. A bit pricy, even by my standards, it is definitely a “treat” to be savored.

#4 Lamb Ragu — Michael Symon’s Roast in Detroit. Funny, when I went back to pick up the picture of my Facebook, I noticed that even then I referenced this would make my list of best eats for the year. Ironically, it wasn’t the dinner I ordered – but thankfully one of my friends let me try a bite…and it was incredible – rich, flavorful and filling. I tried, unsuccessfully, to trade my entrée for this one – but I did get to have a few more bites before it disappeared from the dish.

#5 Vitello Carciofini — Chef Jeffery "Hoffa" Hoffman at Café Cortina in Farmington Hills. Not typically one to order veal, I enlisted the recommendation of owner Adrian Tonon during my first visit to this amazing Italian restaurant in suburban Detroit. Mouth watering and dressed with artichokes (one of my favorites) in a white wine cream sauce, it was a delicious way to end a hot summer evening – dining under the twinkling lights on the elegant patio.

#6 Kale Salad — Chef Christopher Madsen at six.one.six at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. So good, I had it every chance I could. Kale – a “super food” is super tasty as its cut coarsely in this salad, with juicy currants, crunchy pine nuts and freshly grated parmesan cheese atop.

#7 Goat Cheese & Crab Ravioli — Chef Robb Hammond at Food Dance in Kalamazoo. I’m working my way through this menu, and have lots of favorites, but I’m a sucker for ravioli – especially when it encompasses goat cheese and crab! These little pasta pockets were packed with flavor. I also loved the tiny edible flowers that decorated the top.

#8 Porchetta — Chef Steven Grostick at Toasted Oak in Novi. Into every life, a little pork must be served…and that is certainly the case at this award-winning restaurant. Thankful I took a guest with me on my first visit, so that we could order and sample more. From a fine selection of charcuterie to one of the most amazing cornbread muffins I’ve ever tasted, to this beautifully rolled porchetta, it was a long and delightful evening of wining and dining.

#9 Shrimp & Grits — Chef Justin Dalenburg at Tavern 109 in Williamsburg. Admittedly, I hadn’t had grits since I was a kid and I honestly wasn’t thrilled about this dish but took it as a recommendation from my server. Always trust your server! It was full of flavor, textures and colors – perfect for the cold, rainy day that it was.

#10 Whitefish Grenoble — Chef Tom Rose at Four Roses in Plainwell. A tradition in my hometown of Plainwell – started at the former Aries Café (where Chef Tom earned his wings), this amazingly delicious entrée is one of my absolute favorites and has been since the first time I had it way back in high school. A flaky whitefish filet, topped with lemons, capers and tomatoes, with a side of Jasmine rice and veggies. Always a treat!

#11 Tabbouleh — Chef Kristin Karam of K2 Edibles in Traverse City. I found my liking for the fresh, Middle Eastern salad while visiting Jordan in 2005. Luckily, I’ve found a local source that is more than happy to supply me when a craving hits. A private chef and caterer, Kristin is a regular at Left Foot Charley Winery and also sells pre-packaged Lebanese foods at the Underground Cheesecake Company, both located in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

#12 Wood Fired Toasted S’more — Chef Matthew Pietsch at Salt of the Earth in Fennville. With a restaurant widely renowned for its local produce and fabulous pork products, I expect you think it’s strange that I single them out for a dessert. But if you’ve ever had this monster s’more, you’ll know why it made the list. Big enough for a table of four, it’s baked in the wood-fired oven and boasts a decadent cake filled with chocolate and topped with a heap of marshmallow. Other online reviews call it “out of this world” and “masterpiece” and all are true. Definitely a fitting way to end an evening (and this list).

I look forward to visiting even more restaurants in 2013 – including some close to home and those spread out around the state of Michigan. Your recommendations are welcome!

Bon Appetit!