Almost at the top 20. Here come some more of the best things we put in our mouth in 2011.

#25 Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll from the Red Hook Lobster Truck (@LobsterTruckNY)

 Before the Midtown East food truck crackdown, @MartinWalkerUK and I would meet up for lunch and check out different food trucks in the area. Our best bite was from the Red Hook Lobster Truck. May have something to do with the massive chunks of succulent, buttery lobster. Gets me every time. I’d rather pay $16 for a lobster roll that is stuffed full of lobster than $10 for one that skimps.

#24 Imperialist Hot Dog at Social Eatz

The Bulgogi Burger is what grabbed media attention this year for Social Eatz. But on a visit back in June with @MartinWalkerUK and our friend Kristi, it was their Imperialist Hot Dog (organic chicken served on a toasty bun smothered in sweet and spicy relish) that won us over.  So much so that we ordered 2 of ‘em.  Here, Martin wants you to take a look.

#23 Little Oyster Sandwiches at The Dutch

With how trendy The Dutch is, one may be surprised by how great the food is….but that’s what we’ve come to expect from chef and owner Andrew Carmellini.  Last year, our list of best bites would have included the lamb meatball sliders at Locanda Verde. This year our fave snack of the summer was these little bad boys — fried crispy oyster served on a soft bun with a bit of iceberg lettuce and a smear of pickled okra mayo.

#22 Lamb Hock at Roka (Oia, Santorini)

If you can’t already tell, we had some amazing meals on our trip to Athens, Santorini and Mykonos back in June.  One of the standouts was this little, cozy off-the-beaten-path taverna in Oia (thanks David Flaherty of Grapes & Grains for the recommendation). Everything we tried at Roka was incredible, but it was the Lamb Hock in mustard sauce that I was thinking about for days.

#21 Stuffed Bone Marrow at Bibou [BYOB] in Philadelphia

This was one of our top overall meals of 2011. A cozy French bistro that allows you to bring in your own bottles of wine. We took advantage of the opportunity and brought with us a bottle of 1975 Chateau Latour that drank beautifully. Jill ordered the Stuffed Bone Marrow and to this day calls it “the best bone marrow dish she’s had in her life.” And apparently she is not alone.  Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate has also made a similar claim.  Presented on the half bone with the marrow melting into the crispy stuffing and with a simple potato and green salad side, this dish is heaven on earth.  We were celebrating my birthday and not taking pictures that evening, and this pic below comes from SeriousEats, specifically Liz Bomze. Check out her article on Bibou here.

And the list goes on….

#30 Off-Menu Chicken Tenders at Hillstone

You may not know it, but some of NYC’s best bites are hidden gems…literally. “Secret” off-menu items exist at many restaurants, available to regulars and whoever else is lucky enough to find out about them. We always ask our server if there is anything else we should know about that may not be on the menu. Chicken tenders are typically a kid’s menu item, but these aren’t your garden variety frozen breaded tenders. We’re talking plump, juicy pieces of chicken with a unique, light tempura-esque coating. Make sure you get both the hickory bbq and honey dijon sauce. We like to combine the two.

#29 Crispy Eggplant Flatbread at The Plaza Food Hall

The Plaza Food Hall is a welcome addition to our Midtown neighborhood. They’ve got a little something for everyone and just about everything we’ve tried so far has been quite tasty and perfectly prepared. Some of our standouts include the Classic Burger, American House Smoked Kobe Pastrami, the Bucatini Amatriciana pasta and the Shrimp Dumplings.  But the item we order each and every time is the Crispy Eggplant Flatbread (and sometimes we order 2). I’m not even a big eggplant fan, but this flatbread has got it going on with some caramelized onion, taleggio cheese for a little bite and topped with spinach salad. It all just texturizes beautifully with a nice crunch here and there. The one pictured below barely lasted long enough for us to snap a pic.

#28 Mezze Platter at Brotherhood of Thieves (Nantucket)

We had some pretty damn good meals during our Labor Day visit to Nantucket. Our go-to spot was Brotherhood of Theives, a whaling bar that rocks some pretty good craft beers and some serious food. Great burger, delicious French onion soup, a bad-ass lobster roll and some serious fried calamari were just some of the items we enjoyed. But the standout was the mezze platter. I’m usually bored by a mezze platter after the first few bites. But this one was different. The pita was housemade and served piping hot. The white bean puree was whipped fresh, the olives were wonderfully marinated, and the feta cheese, falafel and minted yogurt beautifully rounded out this platter. If you’re in Nantucket, a pit stop at the Brotherhood for a craft beer and this mezze platter is a must.

#27 Arroz Negro Paella at Socarrat Chelsea

We had some pretty phenomenal paella during our visit to Barcelona back in October 2010.  Earlier this year, we hit up Socarrat Paella Bar in Chelsea to get our fix. We went with their signature squid ink paella with black bass, squid ink, shrimp, squid and scallops, and damn was it good. I could eat that sweet, crusty rice all day.

#26 Tea-Smoked Oysters at Desnuda

Desnuda was just one of the stops on a spontaneously epic food tour of the East Village earlier this year with friends Martin and Josh (aka, NYC Foodie, Foodie Magician). This is our go-to wine bar/cevicheria, where we sip on Nicaraguan beer and white wine, listen to some great chill-out Latin American tunes and enjoy some hand-crafted ceviche.    For the tea-smoked oysters, they use a gravity bong  and pack the glass bowl with souchong tea leaves and Sichuan peppercorns, light it, then catch the smoke in a small glass and places it over a raw oyster. Let it sit for a minute or two and then enjoy the smokeshow. Check it out.

Related: #41-50 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

                    #31-40 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

Continuing right where we left off with our Top 50 Bites of 2011…

#40 Mexcian Falafel Handbag Sandwich at Crisp and Crisp on Wheels

Many of the bites on this list represent our tried and true go-to’s and this is one of ‘em. I probably had this Mexican falafel sandwich from Crisp via Seamless Web and Crisp on Wheels (when parked on 51st b/t Park & Mad) at least 20 times this past year. Middle Eastern meets Mexican as the falafel is paired with cilantro pesto, avocado, corn, salsa, nachos with jalapeño dressing. 

#39 Authentic Belgian Frietjes (frites) with Housemade Dipping Sauces at Eulogy Belgian Tavern (Philadelphia)

These very well may be the best friggin’ frites we’ve ever had. Most people head to Eulogy for the unreal beer selection, but it’s these authentic double fried Flemish Belgian style frites that we crave and keep comin’ back for. All the housemade dipping sauces are brimming with the flavor. Don’t miss the spicy bourbon sauce!

#38 Foie Gras with Cinco Cebollas at Casa Mono

This dreamy, seared foie gras is piled high above two crostini and covered in balsamic vinegar. Pierce through the slightly crispy surface and through the beautifully fatty foie and continue down further where creamy leeks, a flower of red onion, long sliced green onions, pickled cipollinis and  scallions await your fork. Do yourself a favor and sit at the bar where you can watch the chefs at work and smell the searing foie as it’s being prepared.

#37 The Funghi Mussels at Flex Mussels

One of our Friday night go-to’s is sitting at the bar and having dinner and drinks at the Flex Mussels on UES. They do mussels 23 different ways, but our favorite is the Funghi with wild mushrooms, double smoked bacon, garlic and cream. They bring you out a massive steaming pot that is chock full o’ chunks of bacon, mushrooms, a not-too-thick cream and 20-25 mussels. The smokiness from the bacon and the umami from the mushrooms in this garlicky sauce is a match made in heaven. You’re gonna want to order a side of fries and ask for extra bread to mop up the soupy amazingness waiting for you at the bottom.

#36 Pat LaFrieda Short Rib Burgers at Home via Fresh Direct

We were lucky enough to get our hands on 10 lb’s worth of Pat LaFrieda’s much balleyhooed black label blend a couple of summers ago.  For three weeks, we grilled some of the most amazing burgers we’ve ever had. We were psyched to see LaFrieda begin offering his burger blends via Fresh Direct in Summer 2009. Ever since, at least one Sunday a month we stay in and grill up some of these bad boys. Our trick is to re-form the patties adding some kosher salt and pepper. I’ve got my grill down to a science and the finished product is a beautiful medium rare that we’d put up against any burger in the city.

#35 Souvlaki from Thanassis (Athens, Greece)

We got a tip from our flight attendant as we were just about to land in Athens back in May. She said “run, don’t walk” to Thanassis in central Athens for all-around great Greek classics, including the best kebob and souvlaki Athens has to offer. We did just that and for all of $8 US, we got a Greek salad, a side of tsatsiki, a kebob and a souvlaki and damn if it wasn’t the best souvlaki we’ve ever had.

#34 King Crab Fried Rice with Black Truffles at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill (Las Vegas)

The Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino served as our playground of food and drink for 4 days while we were held over in Vegas due to Irene. I can safely say I’ve never ever had a fried rice dish like this before. While not inexpensive at $55, this fried rice was loaded with mushrooms, truffles and juicy crabmeat. It had this sweet earthiness to it that truly blew us away. It didn’t hurt that we were buzzin’ from some amazing cocktails down in the lobby bar. Don’t miss this dish if you’re in Vegas. If you don’t see it on the menu, ask if they’re serving it. Thank us later.

#33 Sugar Pumpkin Risotto with Braised Chestnut & Duck Confit at Monkey Bar (lunch menu)

The new team at Monkey Bar has taken things up several notches and I’m happy to work a block away and to live just 2 blocks away. It’s become our go-to place for meeting friends and family for a cocktail and bite to eat at the bar, and on slower days at work I’ve started to explore the lunch menu a bit. Executive Chef Damon Wise  is churning out some superb dishes, and I’ve been taken by his pasta offerings of late.  In particular, the seasonal Sugar Pumpkin Risotto w/ Duck Confit made for a quite pleasing lunch experience a few weeks back.  It combines just about everything I love about Autumn into one bowl. The rich gaminess of the duck confit together with the sweet sugary pumpkin flavor is something special to behold. We’re looking forward to checking out more of Monkey Bar’s menu in coming months, like the pork belly with crispy oyster and kimchi.

#32 Oyster Pan Roast with Uni Butter Crostini at The John Dory Oyster Bar

We’ve been all about bar seating and small plate grazing in 2011 and this is why we love the John Dory. One of our top small plates of the year is their oyster pan roast w/ uni toast.  Imagine a thick layer of uni spread over a crunchy piece of toast that’s hovering over a rich, creamy oyster soup garnished with herbs, a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of paprika.  Now, take your uni toast for a little dive into said rich, creamy oyster soup and you will be in heaven. What truffles are to the land, this small plate is to the sea!

#31 Spicy Pork Kimchi at Ariyoshi Izakaya

Ok, so here’s another small plate standout from 2011.  The server recommended the spicy pork kimchi and are we ever so grateful she did. It’s probably the best spicy dish we had in all of 2011. If you like your food with a kick, you should make it over to Ariyoshi and give this pork kimchi a try.

Related: #41-50 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

These are the bites and dishes that blew us away in 2011. Most are from places here in NYC, but we did some traveling during 2011 and experienced some unbelievable tastes along the way. The list includes some of our favorite bites from Athens and the Greek Islands, Las Vegas, Nantucket, the Hamptons and more.

#50 Crispy Cauliflower with Currants, Pine Nuts & Lemon at Balaboosta

If all veggies tasted this good, I’d reconsider becoming a vegetarian…well, not really, but this is a dish that any Lachanophobian would be thankful for.

#49 Any Greek Salad with Feta & Side of Tsatsiki at Anywhere in Athens or the Greek Isles (pictured here from Taverna Katina in Oia, Santorini)

So simple, yet so delicious. In Greece, the  tomatoes are sweeter, juicier and more delicious than any we have here. And no lettuce in sight.  This is the authentic Greek salad we came to know and love over 8 days in Greece. The tsatsiki is garlick-y and irresistible. In fact, I want to be in Greece right now sitting along the water at Ammoudi Bay, drinking a Mythos beer and eating a Greek salad filled with those delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions and peppers covered with oregano, salt and pepper and lying in a bed of delicious EVOO. There’s something about the beautiful blue water, the simplicity of the food, the meze, the fresh fish and of course, the authentic Greek salad.

#48 The Meatballs at Rao’s Las Vegas

We were stuck in Vegas during Hurricane Irene, so we did a little food tour during our 6-day extension. In fact, I’m pretty sure we could produce an episode of The Layover for Bourdain. They’re called “Frankie’s Meatballs” and Frankie Pellegrino, co-owner of Rao’s, was there at the bar while we were tasting these juicy pillows of goodness featuring a trifecta of beef, veal and pork.

#47 Off-the-Menu Whole, Crispy Lobster Sauteed in Truffle Butter & Topped with Shaved Truffles at Nobu Hamptons

Lobster, truffle and then more truffle…it was like “Wonder twin power activate! Form of decadent flavor explosion.”

#46 Goat Masala Pizza at Girl and the Goat (Chicago)

After our first bite of this flatbread we knew we were in for one amazing dinner with our friends Leena and Suneel in Chicago. Spicy masala sauce, caramelized cipolline onions, smoked goat, cheddar, Gouda, and tomme-style cheese. Holy freakin’ deliciousness!

#45 Duck Confit Poutine at the Brindle Room

This gut-busting, rib-sticking dish of rich deliciousness features a few of our favorite things — french fries, cheese curds, gravy, duck and more duck. It’s perfect for weather like…well, actually like weather we’re having as we speak.

#44 Nathaniel’s 60 Second Steak at The Pearl (Nantucket)

This appetizer featuring Foie Gras Truffle Jus + Sunny Side Up Quail Egg truly blew us away. I can speak for the both of us when I say we’ve never had a more tender bite of steak, and to top it off it’s sitting in a bowl of this crack-like foie gras truffle jus on a piece of toasted brioche.

#43 Arroz con Crema at Zarela (now closed)

We have had many a margarita-fueled good time at Zarela and were saddened to hear of its closing in the Spring of 2011.  We snuck in for one last visit and a taste of Zarela Martinez’s signature standout dish — the creamy white casserole known as Arroz con Crema y Poblanos. It’s like Mexico’s answer to Southern-style comfort food. Imagine grits with a smoky, tangy creamy flavor. I hope she brings this dish back at the new restaurant we hear Zarela is opening near Union Square.

#42 Queso Fundido De Hungos at El Vez (Philadelphia)

Everytime we visit Philly, we make it a point to stop in at this Stephen Starr Mexican spot for a couple of apps and margaritas. Each and every time we order the Queso Fundido De Hungos (truffled wild mushrooms, chihuahua cheese, huitlacoche, fresh flour tortillas). It’s earthy, rich and spreadabl-y delish.

#41 Lamb Burger at The Breslin

When we’re looking for a place to chill on a weekend, the Ace Hotel is our spot. It’s not uncommon for us to start at the John Dory with some oysters and a glass of wine and then move on over through the lobby to The Breslin.  There, we typically take seats at the bar grab a beer or cocktail and order up a couple of the amazing lamb burgers that arrive on a board with “thrice cooked” fries and housemade cumin mayo. This burger delivers a mix of delicate and robust flavors, both earthy and rich, that emanate from the glimmering medium-rare center. The creamy feta cheese and thin red onions add a nice touch of Mediterranean flare and flavors. Damn, I want one of these bad boys right about now.

Related: #31-40 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

We here at Wined & Dined would like to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and a Happy, Healthy New Year!  We will be celebrating Christmas Eve in Connecticut with our families and then celebrating back in the city on Sunday at our apartment for a Christmakkah Dinner Feast with friends and family.  Check out the menu that Jill put together.

The stage is set for the inaugural Get Real NY Beer Bar Fest tomorrow at the 404 event space located at 404 10^th Ave @ 33rd St.  The list of beers is insane, as are the food pairings provided by 8 of the city’s most notable beer bars.  There will also be oysters, cask ales, frites and more.  GET ON THIS! We’ll be there partyin’ it up all day.

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is just a week away. We spend the holiday each year here in the city with our families. There are tons of restaurants that offer great meals on Turkey Day. In the past, we’ve had terrific Thanksgiving dinners at places like Dylan Prime, Primehouse NY, Atlantic Grill and Blue Water Grill. Here’s a list we’ve compiled of our top recommendations for spending Thanksgiving dinner in the city, with options around town arranged by price-point (less than $50; $50-74; $75-100 & $100+).  We’ve included links to Thanksgiving menus as available. Oh, and be sure to check back — we’re adding more restaurants and Thanksgiving menu details on a daily basis!  p.s. for those entertaining at home, we also feature some special take-out options at the end of the list.  Where are we heading for Thanksgiving dinner this year, you ask?   Continue Reading »

Batali. Silverton. Vetri. White. Oh My. The crème de la crème of Italian chefs are joining together tonight for one helluva James Beard Gala & Auction.  Now that’s Italian! is a celebration of the unique contributions of American chefs to Italian cuisine and vice versa. There will be a reception featuring the exec chefs from A Voce, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, Nick & Toni’s, Salumeria Rosi, SD26, and Sullivan St Bakery set in a recreation of an Italian piazza marketplace. The evening will also include silent and live auctions of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Pièce de résistance is the gala dinner featuring powerhouse  James Beard Award–winning chefs Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton, Marc Vetri, and Michael White. We’re talking truffles, pasta, lamb, prosciutto and more. Check out the auction items and get your bids in here.

WHAT: Now that’sItalian! The 2011 James Beard Foundation Gala Dinner and Auction featuring Mario Batali, critically acclaimed chef, restaurateur, award-winning author, and television personality

WHEN:  Wednesday, November 2, 2011 // 5:00 p.m. Invite-Only Press Preview // 6:00 p.m. VIP Reception and Silent Auction Preview // 6:30-8:00 p.m. Reception and Silent Auction

WHERE: Guastavino’s // 409 East 59th StreetNew York City

I bet you didn’t know that Michael Jordan’s Steak House in Grand Central offers free beer & pretzel tastings from 6-7pm every Wednesday during the Fall.  Taking these craft beer tastings one step further, on November 9th beginning at 6pm, Beer Table Pantry’s Justin Philips will pour some special craft beers when he co-hosts an evening of Old and New World pairings at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House.  For $80 you can expect to taste your way through 4 courses of pairings and a reception in which you’ll taste ProfFritz Briem, aka the ‘champagne of beers.’

RSVP to rsvpmjtsh@theglaziergroup.com

Follow Grand Central Terminal events & specials on Twitter here

Word comes in that starting this Saturday and Sunday and continuing through the end of the year Pera Mediterranean Brasserie (303 Madison Ave b/t 41st and 42nd) is celebrating its 5th anniversary – and a soon to debut Soho sibling – by offering a weekly Boundless BBQ with unlimited servings of some of Pera’s most popular grilled meats and seafood, accompanied by three signature appetizers and three sides served family style, plus dessert ($29 per person; 2 hr limit).  Available every Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner through the end of the year, Pera’s Boundless BBQ has been a carnivorous 4th of July treat for the past couple of years, but this is the first time it has been presented on a weekly basis. This is the perfect pit stop while you’re out and about doing your holiday thing around Bryant Park and Grand Central.

View the Boundless BBQ Menu here

Follow @PeraNYC on Twitter here

Snag a Resy for Pera here

Check out Pera’s fabulous $39 Wine & Meze special here

Throughout the Fall season, Geoffrey Zakarian’s The Lambs Club in the Chatwal Hotel on W 44th Street (btwn 6th Ave and Broadway) is bringing in live jazz musicians to perform in the lounge on the mezzanine. Sit back and sip on one of the many signature cocktails, single malts or wines by the glass while enjoying a little live music and perhaps a small bite or two, like the shishito peppers or spicy veal meatballs or raw marinated hamachi.

I always wondered how they chose the name The Lambs Club. Well, it turns out The Lambs Club was America’s first professional theatrical club, organized in 1874 by a group of actors and theatre enthusiasts who met at the original Delmonico’s Blue Room on 14th Street for dinner and conversation. They took their name from a similar group, the Lambs Club of London, which flourished from 1869-1879 and met earlier in the 19th century at the house of Charles Lamb, the drama critic and essayist. In its early years, the Lambs occupied a series of rented quarters, and were for many years at 70 West 36th Street. In 1903 the Lambs Club purchased lots at 128 and 130 West 44th Street.

Murray Hill’s food, wine & beer scene has been majorly upgraded over the past year. Contributing to this overhaul is Teqa, a taqueria/tequileria on 3rd Ave between 30th & 31st.  Starting today Chris Goosen takes over as Teqa’s executive chef. Goosen most recently started The Knockout Taco Truck in Los Angeles. Prior to that he cooked at some of LA’s most popular restaurants including Le Dome and Bottega Louie. The new menu at Teqa includes gloabally-inspired tacos like the Jalapeno Teriyaki Chicken (free range chicken, roasted jalapeño, teriyaki glaze, pickled cucumber and togorashi in a soft corn tortilla) and Tacos Crudos such as Habanero Albacore Tataki (sushi grade albacore, apple jicama habanero salsa in a crispy taco shell). Other menu highlights include Roasted Pollo en Pippian (free range half chicken, classic toasted pumpkin seed sauce with toasted pepitas) and Camarones en Aguachile (shrimp, jalapeno lime dressing, field greens, shaved carrots, hot house cucumbers and red onion). Teqa is also rockin’ some hot deals like 2 for 1 Happy Hour everyday at the bar and bar tables from 4-7pm; $30 all-you-can-eat tacos and all-you-can-drink Tecate on Sunday-Tuesday with a 2-hour limit; Sunday Funday = $5 beers, $10 taco orders (3 per) and free tacos with any pitcher of margarita; Margarita Monday’s = $8 margaritas (reg $12) and $9 margarita flights; Taco Tuesday = free Teqa house shots all day + free taco order with purchase of margarita pitcher.

Follow Teqa on Twitter here

Like ‘em on Facebook here

Snag a resy here

Alfama (214 E 52nd St b/t 2nd & 3rd) has launched a Ball Night with a meatball & beer special for Monday Night Football. Each week, the Monday night games will be shown on Alfama’s flatscreen TV in the bar and guests will be able to get a selection of three meatballs – pork, shrimp & ginger, lamb and veal – plus a Portuguese draft beer Sagres for $12. The special is available all night at the bar each Monday. The meatballs can also be ordered individually ($3 each) – as many or as few as desired.  Alfama is located at 214 E. 52nd St., 212-759-5552, www.alfamanyc.com.

We’re headin’ out of town to Philly this weekend. It’s the perfect getaway spot for the food, wine & beer lover. Philly boasts some of the nation’s best BYOB restaurants, beer bars and breweries. Not to mention cheesesteaks and truffle burgers. Here are the places we plan to check out:

View Weekend in Philly in a larger map

Duck’d Up
NYC Craft Beer Week Zagat Beer Dinner
Café D’Alsace
Sept 16th-25th

Poutine D’Alsace
Frites, Cheese Curds, Mc Chouffe Gravy,
Torn Duck Leg Confit & Foie Gras
Brasserie d’Achouffe “Mc Chouffe” Achouffe, Belgium

Duck in a Blanket
Duck Sausage Resting In Puff Pastry With
Ommegang’s “Abbey Ale” Reduction, Cooperstown, NY

Roasted Crispy Duck Breast
Long Island Duck Breast, Potato Galette, Baby Vegetables,
Natural Duck Jus & Liefmans Cuvée Brut Coulis
Bronx Brewery “Bronx” Pale Ale, Bronx, NYC

Duck Leg Confit Over La Chouffe Risotto
Fava Beans, Asparagus & Snow Peas Topped With
Reggiano Cheese & Truffle Oil
Brasserie d’Achouffe “La Chouffe” Achouffe, Belgium

Floating Black Duck
Vanilla Ice Cream & Cracked Cookies Swimming In
Greenport Harbor’s “Black Duck” Porter, Greenport, Long Island