10 Most Memorable Meals, 2011

When food historian, blogger and travel writer, Katie Parla asked me what my “best bite in Rome” was in 2011, it got me thinking about the many amazing dishes I’ve eaten over the past year. Eating is an emotional experience, it’s not only about the blissful food but the friends and family who sit at the table with me and the memories created.

Here’s my list of the 10 most memorable meals that I enjoyed outside of home cooked delicacies (that’s an entire list in itself!). All are separate but equal. Enjoy and warm wishes for a New Year filled with good food, drink and lots of love!

Seafood antipasti and tagliolini ai ricci di mare (pasta with sea urchin sauce).

Trattoria da Salvo

Grilled fish platter

Glass Hostaria

Ravioli filled with liquid 60-month aged parmesan topped with white truffle shavings.

Squid stuffed with ground pistacchio nuts from Bronte and breadcrumbs.

See blog and photos by Katie Parla.  My favorite dishes are the porchetta and the super creamy burrata cheese.

Pizza topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato, fresh basil and anchovies.

Picchiapò a typical poor-man’s dish (beef boiled over a low flame for 3 – 4 hours with onions, carrots, celery and peeled tomatoes) and cicoria ripassata (chicory sauteed with olive oil, garlic and hot red pepper).

Momofuku Noodle Bar

Smoked brisket with Korean rice cakes, Tuscan kale and fried egg.

Riverpark

Sweet potato ravioli with blood oranges, hazelnuts and tarragon.

Pulled pork burrito with all the fixings.