My travel schedule in 2022 allowed me to dine at so many outstanding restaurants, Internationally and domestically, and made for great content for my annual Best Dishes recap.
Again, this year’s list encompasses a blend of fine dining and casual dishes, which were truly the ‘best’ dishes of 2022.
I’ve narrowed down all the incredible dishes I enjoyed to the following 15 Best Dishes 2022. The list is in restaurant name, alphabetical order.
Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland – While not an official dish, the high tea my mother and I experienced during our stay at this amazing property when we were in Ireland in March was beyond words. From the remarkable service, the gorgeous room and the delectable bites, we were simply wowed.
Blue Morel, Morristown, NJ – We attended a celebration dinner in Blue Morel’s private dining room where Chef Bryan Gregg crafted a tasting menu that was just out of this world. Of particular deliciousness was the Dry Aged Beef served with butterball potatoes, beef cracklings and Bearnaise sauce. PS: Chef Gregg has dry aged beef on the current menu.
Cookoovaya, Athens, Greece – We dined at this top-rated Athens restaurant on our first night in Greece and it set the tone for the rest of our meals. The warm and friendly service was only matched by the outstanding food. A winner when we visited was the seafood saffron risotto.
Dax, Dublin, Ireland – At this restaurant with an array of awards, a beautiful, luxurious décor and stellar service, the food is stunning. While it doesn’t seem fair to list the amuse-bouche of a perfect oyster with an indulgent helping of caviar as my best dish, it truly heightened our expectations for the rest of our meal. Don’t miss the filet of Hereford beef.
El Molino Central, Sonoma, CA – This popular taqueria in the heart of Sonoma is a must-stop place on any wine country trip. The adorable little building welcomes diners for counter ordering and the intimate courtyard with its picnic tables is the perfect place for al fresco dining. The best dish I had on a recent visit were these rich and comforting beef tacos, but one can’t go wrong with anything this dynamic team serves up.
Foiegwa, Montreal, Canada – Cozy, fantastic, fun is how I’d describe this Montreal favorite. There’s a sexy little wine list and the cocktails are some of the best I’ve had in this city. While each dish we had was memorable (don’t skip the tartare and the chicken liver mousse), the star of the evening was the house made spaghetti with black truffle butter sauce and a 64 degree egg….don’t pass on the black truffles shaved tableside.
Forsythia, Philadelphia, PA – This was likely my favorite meal of 2022. Had several starters and a couple entrées and, while I thought his Will BYO was a gem, Chef Christopher Kearse, takes the dining experience to the next level at Forsythia. It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but the Wagyu Beef Tartare with black truffle was a standout.
Glai Baan, Phoenix, AZ – This authentic Thai street food restaurant has made my best dishes lists in the past and it’s worth including again. The food offers bold flavors, the space is vibrant and busy, the service is helpful and friendly, and the cocktails are must-order. From the sharing menu, the Kanom Jeeb, steamed local pork dumplings with scallion and ginger soy, was our favorite.
Herb & Wood, San Diego, CA – A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without a meal at Herb & Wood. The welcoming staff, sexy space and fantastic food is a winning combination. My favorite dish on a recent visit was the pasta and truffle, but any of the pastas are outstanding.
Homewood Dallas, Dallas, TX – On a return visit to this top restaurant by Chef Matt McCallister, I opted for a crudo of the day which was simply incredible and served ultra-cool with great textures. Anything one orders from the seasonally changing menu is top notch.
Kounter, Rock Hill, SC – First, understanding the history of Kounter is a reason enough to visit this restaurant in the Charlotte suburbs. Another reason is the food, especially the Fried Ribs, with black ginger and burnt Bourbon BBQ sauce. The ribs are melt-in-your-mouth from being coated and deep fried and the sauce should be bottled.
La Maison, Imerovigli Santorini, Greece – It’s difficult to top the breathtaking views of the sea at this award-winning restaurant, but the food comes very close. In a place where fresh fish and seafood abounds, the red snapper with corn, corn sauce and tarragon oil was sublime.
Omakase by Prime Fish, Charlotte, NC – We’ve been to some of the best omakase restaurants in Japan, New York and more and this is the real deal. Chef Robin crafts the most creative, eyes-closed-head-tilted-back-in-ecstasy dishes at this six-seat chef’s counter in the Queen City. Omakase means the chef selects a menu encompassing tasting portions for you and while each of the 16 courses were mind-blowingly incredible, the bowl of briny Japanese sea urchin folded in warm sushi rice then gilded by caviar, was the star.
Para, Charlotte, NC – The lobster shooter at this Charlotte hot spot was a perfect teaser for the wonderful meal to come. $1 of the $6 price of the shooter is donated to @Its4TheKids Foundation, so you’re helping a great cause while satisfying your tastebuds.
Spitalfields Pub and Restaurant, Dublin, Ireland – At this cozy pub with elevated classics, the beef cheek and oxtail Parker House roll with bone marrow gravy is a must-order. A plus, the staff is wonderful and one departs like he/she just left a family member’s home.
What have been some of your favorite bites of 2022?
Happy eating!
Veronique
Blue Morel Restaurant features a Balvenie Scotch Tasting of Tun 1509 Batch 4 on Thursday, April 12, 2016 at 6:30pm for $55 per person before tax and gratuity.
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