The Best 28 Bites from 2018

Arranged by month since it’s too hard to choose, these are the best 28 bites I had in 2018 from around the world!

Not surprisingly, none of the best 28 bites came from January (losing all my 2017 weight :)), while August was my best month of eating in the states. As for December, well it’s some of the best bites I’ve had in the world…

February

Not a new one to the list, the Liver Crostone from Alimento in Silverlake always pleases my palate. New to the best 28 bites, The Brunch Fried Chicken & Beignets from Maple in La Canada Flintridge.

March

Falafel Tacos from Sipan Bakery in Glendale for everything they offer in the palm of your hand. And an old favorite from years gone by, the Gin Martini from Bemelman’s Bar at The Carlyle Hotel in NYC.

April

My favorite four bites in April came from two different countries many miles from Los Angeles. The “Lamb Tacos” from Verjus in Paris; The Cheese Cart from Le Pre Catalan, also in Paris; and the Duck and Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Course from Joël Robuchon in Monaco. It was quite a month…

May

Back in Paris but technically May, the Amuse Bouche from Le Chateaubriand took my “bouche” away :). Described as little cups of Ceviche it’s a taste I’ll never forget. Returning to Los Angeles, the Coconut Pandan French Toast from Commissary on La Brea Avenue followed by that Chef Scott Conant’s famous Pomodoro at The Ponte.

June

The Seafood Tacos from Roe Seafood in Long Beach are the perfectly fresh way to usher in Summer.

July

Continuing on my health kick, the Fusilli with Impossible Meat from The Nice Guys near the Beverly Center was the best meatless meat pasta I’ve ever had!! It could convert ever the most die hard carnivore!

August

Remember I said this was my best month of eating in the States?? Well it all kicks off with the Grilled Wagyu Cheeseburger from Jean Georges in Beverly Hills. Next my first trip to Bavel in Downtown for that Lamb Neck Shawarma. Then I had my FAVORITE PASTA IN LOS ANGELES, the Sweet Corn Cappellacci at Hippo in Highland Park. And lastly, a trip to NYC for the Corn Husk Meringue dessert from Chef Daniela Soto-Innes at Enrique Olvera’s Cosme.

September

Although it’s not a new restaurant, the Agnolotti alla Vaccinara are little purses of braised beef heaven from Bestia in DTLA. Not to mention the fall of the bone Lamb Neck.

October

$2 Tacos or $200 Sushi? It’s a toss up this month…

My first Guisados Tacos from the Burbank location (sorry not the OG) and the Sushi Omakase from Q Sushi. 

Also very much enjoyed, my first visit to Luigi Al Teatro from some out of this world Brunch Pastas, like the Bucatini with soft poached egg, prosciutto, and black pepper.

November

The “Deviled Eggs” amuse from San Diego’s Juniper & Ivy are reason enough to go back just to get that starter again. It’s the best of the egg, topped with caviar, and wrapped in a meringue. A taste that’s hard to recreate…

December

This was truly a month to remember, as I took a visit to some of the world capitals of gastronomy in the Basque Country: Bilbao, Barcelona, & San Sebastián and also went back to Paris.

My favorite from each? In Paris it was the Watercress, Scallops, & Marrow from Verjus. In Barcelona it was the “olive” at Disfrutar and the “Cheese” Torta Dessert from Tickets. Not to mention the Martini with “Olives” they make there as well.

Lastly in San Sebastián it was the Steak and Tomatoes from Bar Nestor which I could eat every day for the rest of my life…