Our Favorite "Edible" Experiences of 2010

It’s that time of year: Time to wish you all Happy Holidays!

The happier the better! Many of us know well the meaning of "the pursuit of happiness" and its significance. Yes, it’s our right, but it’s also an actual life goal for many. There are a lot of things in life that bring us happiness. Food easily is one of them, not that you would not expect us to say here. Then there are people, sometimes it needs only a certain someone, who make our days. To know that you make the Savorychicks blog part of your weekly diversions - that makes our day too!

As the year-end approaches, the four of us thought it would be a good idea to take stock of our happiest food moments this year and share with you our favorite dining and culinary experiences of 2010, as well as what we look forward to come 2011. It would be even better if you can join us and share yours too!


What were your most memorable restaurant experiences in 2010?

Sun: I'm happy to say that there were several restaurants that were quite memorable. But I'll pick three restaurants for overall experience. Bazaar in LA for its vibrant atmosphere and creative modern tapas, IL Paradiso in Mallorca Spain for its breathtaking view, and Celeste in Prague for the amazing view also. All three of them served excellent food and I'll go back any time except they are all a little too far away....... Please read my review on Celeste and the Bazaar and Il Paradiso reviews are coming soon!

\
Marjan: Amalfi Coast, especially Vincentes in Positano!

Shirl: No doubt it’s L’atelier de Joel Robuchon. If I close my eyes now I can picture the dishes vividly as they were laid in front of me and taste each bite I had perfectly. I can almost recite the menu; my favorites have to be the langoustine and the duck though. You can be sure whether I’m in Paris or New York, if the counter is open, I’ll grab a seat and get myself ready for some serious sensory pleasures.


Anja: This year, with little Julie's arrival fancy restaurant experiences and long nights out were out of the question. Instead, I enjoyed a couple of simple yet great breakfast and lunch places. My two favorites: Whisk Miami & Lekker Snoepjes Potsdam.

What was your favorite new recipe you tried in 2010?

Anja: The fantastic Strawberry Gazpacho and Ricotta Gnocchi with Chanterelles, Sweet Corn and Sage Brown Butter from Suzanne Goin's "Sunday Suppers at Lucques" cookbook.

Shirl: I would have to say it’s the biscotti recipe from The Baker’s Dozen Cookbook. I could not say it better than the author of the recipe, Julia Cookenboo, did: ‘Many biscotti are baked rock hard because it is expected that they will be dipped into wine, coffee, or tea. This elegant version is crisp, yet soft enough to eat without dunking’. I tried different flavor combinations for this recipe. My favorite has to be a chocolate-almond version. Hey, my mom gave her seal of approval!

Marjan: Chef Chris' Red Velvet Cup Cake and REAL cream cheese frosting! I have had such a sweet tooth for this dessert and have been searching high and low. Thanks Chris.

Sun: I tried Butter Chicken which is an Indian dish that's similar to Chicken Tikka Masala. It came out pretty good and since we like Indian food, I made it three times in one month. My husband got a little tired of eating them and didn't want me to make it for a while. So I'm not sure when I would be making it again......

What culinary experience do you most look forward to in 2011?

Marjan: Finding an authentic recipe for Pho! Easier said than done.

Sun: I love Korean restaurants in LA. That's one of the reasons that I want to live in LA for 3 - 6 months to try all the Korean places, some of the Japanese and Chinese restaurants. I don't think that will happen next year but hopefully within a couple of years.

Anja: Two things again: Roland and I are going to the Maldives for our belated honeymoon - I'm sure there will be plenty of tropical delicacies. And then of course all the great new Los Angeles restaurants we're going to try at the savorychicks reunion in April.

Shirl: I’ve put it down on my to do list – to tackle the mole recipes, especially mole negro. I can see it happen: We all get around an open fire and roast the spices along with other ingredients, then grind them and slow-cook away until we come to a deep, rich aromatic concoction hours later, a sauce if you would call it that would go so well with the chicken we made our stock earlier with. Delicioso! Anyone can bring some hoja santa leaves to the mole party?


Here's a lovely quote from Benjamin Franklin we'll close this post with: “Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day”.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

The Savorychicks