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As I thought about 2020, I was tempted to simply skip my annual Best Dishes recap but then I looked at my photo library and was pleasantly surprised to see how many delicious meals I enjoyed this year.

While my job didn’t have me the road in 2020 like it usually does, we traveled a few times to explore the south where we relocated in October, so we had quite a few nice meals along the way.

I’ve narrowed down all the fab dishes I had to the following 16 Best Dishes 2020. The list is in restaurant name, alphabetical order.

Aquila Pizza Al Forno, Little Falls, NJ – The only thing as lovely as the soppressata and Meyer lemon pizza with its perfect, slightly-tart and salty crust charred in all the right places is the team behind the cozy pizzeria. By the way, I copied/pasted this recap from my 2019 Best Dishes list and I’ll do the same in 2021 if I’m fortunate enough to visit pizzamaker extraordinaire Jerry…perfect pizza, period.

Ariane Kitchen and Bar, Verona, NJ – AKB features the best fried oysters of all times. While this place is so much more than these ultra-popular bivalves, they’re perfect with their cornmeal crust and should be recognized appropriately. The horseradish cream the oysters are served with is insanely good too.

Barnegat Oyster Collective, Barnegat, NJ – While homebound during the pandemic, we ordered the freshest, most pristine oysters from this fantastic place several times. They were expertly packed with dry ice and a shucking knife and made for the most fun and tasty treat.

Brasserie Mémère, Closter, NJ – Could there be a more perfect concept than the French brasserie concept? I think not and Brasserie Mémère does absolutely everything right. When German-trained Chef Thomas Ciszak puts a schnitzel on the menu, it must be ordered. It’s perfectly-crunchy on its exterior and moist and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside – a must. During one of my 2020 visits, they offered a bouillabaisse special, served in a Dutch oven that was one incredible.

Café Chameleon, Bloomingdale, NJ – Chef Bryan Gregg never disappoints, and I could have picked several dishes for this compilation but opted to feature the rich, fantastic tagliatelle with white truffle butter with shaved truffles to gild the lily.

Crown Shy, New York, NY – Every single dish, cocktail and glass of wine was on point during our pre-Covid visit in January. Our favorite dish of the night was the cavatelli in chicken liver sauce. This meal set the bar for all 2020 meals.

Estadio, Washington, DC – This was a top 5 best meals of 2020. Every morsel of food we consumed at this popular Spanish tapas place was stellar. Our favorite was the seared foie gras.

Glai Baan, Phoenix, AZ – This is the best, most authentic Thai street food I’ve had outside Thailand. Food with bold flavors, a kitschy space, friendly service and some of the best cocktails we had in 2020. The larb moo, minced pork with lime dressing, was amazing.

Heirloom Kitchen, Old Bridge, NJ – I believe this is the only restaurant that’s always been on my annual lists. Chef David Viana creates incredible experiences at his chef’s counter and both meals I had there in 2020 were outstanding. I can’t pass up the opportunity to say that whatever preparation is applied to his signature duck, is always, and I’ve had many variations over the years, always the best duck you’ll ever have. Don’t skip dessert, they’re always stellar.

Hush Public House, Scottsdale, AZ – Top five meals of 2020. Laidback atmosphere, great service and delectable, fabulous food. We started with the chicken liver mouse served in a glass jar that was topped with drunken cherries and served with top notch grilled country bread – way to set the tone for a memorable dinner.

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Morristown, NJ – During a tasting dinner, Chef AJ Capella served perfectly-pillowy gnocchi with peas bursting with flavor. Very well done, as is the case with the other dishes we devoured there in 2020.

Leah & Louise, Charlotte, NC – Thrilled to have landed a table at the hottest spot in town, we enjoyed everything we ordered but the River Chips, fried chicken skins served piled high with “granch” dressing (ranch and green onion) were unlike anything we’ve had. This southern-inspired juke joint is a must when in Charlotte.

Rhubarb, Asheville, NC – After patio dining at this popular Asheville restaurant, I understood why it’s difficult to get a reservation – it’s a wonderful meal! We started the evening with bubbly and a beautiful and well-put together charcuterie board that is still on my mind.

Scales, Portland, ME – We sat outdoors at this Portland gem over the summer and enjoyed a fabulous seafood meal. My entrée stands out in particular, seared scallops, crispy pancetta with corn.

Summit House, Summit, NJ – Took clients out to dinner at this Jersey favorite and boy were they wowed. If I see squid ink pasta on a menu, I must order it and this version with perfectly-cooked seafood didn’t disappoint.

VENTANAS Restaurant and Lounge at The Modern, Fort Lee, NJ – Chef David Burke’s over-the-top food concepts are masterly executed by Executive Chef Brian Morales. The space and vibe are hip and fun to match the food. Our favorite, on one of two 2020 visits, was the signature lobster dumplings in a tomato miso sauce.