by Stephanie

A year I would not wish on anyone and yet a year that was full of sweet love and tender care. Food and restaurants definitely took a back seat. We had some extraordinary food lows and much lower highs. The main themes of the year were eating since we have to eating with friends and family like a way to spend some time with people and dining out as a distraction from the mundane deal of day to day living. These are not the heady tributes to eating out and food blogging because you wake every day thinking about what you will eat that day and talk about what’s for party at lunch. There was little in the year that needs a round up. The highs are pretty well documented already. 

Indian food was well represented year round by home cooking from Vij’s Indian Cookbook and cheap meals at Spice Route Curry Leaf and Naan-N-Curry.

Chinese Vietnamese and Thai meals were a mainstay for quick and comfort meals. We helped support Tamarind Tree Tien Phat Shanghai Cafe Buddha Ruska Ton Kiang (for some of the best bbq duck we’ve had) Top Gun  Jamjuree Sea Garden Lemon Grass Restaurant on 12th and Jack’s Tapas.

Ethiopian meals were mostly misses this year with our favorites trying to be something else except old Awash came through with a tasty and ample meal with friends.

Brunches were a hit with visits to Geraldine’s Counter and sister Table 219 Esmeralda’s Senior Moose the Corson Building Rover’s Monsoon and Both Ways Cafe.

Happy Hour took on new heights this year - or at least eating early. Poppy truly shined and light suppers at Anchovies and Olives and at How to Cook a Wolf were filled with good food as well as conversation.

Returning favorites included the vegetable plate at SpringHill pasta at Spinasse Steelhead Diner Verve Spur and La Medusa.

In the what’s new department store。 we enjoyed Tilikum Place Cafe Delancy came close to living up to its pre-opening excitement Rancho Bravo provided fast tacos tamales and guacamole and Brickyard BBQ produced some clean and tasty plates.

Innovation reward of the year must go to Mashiko and the switch to all sustainable fish for their sushi. Rolled out with a great party.

We hosted a few dinners at home attended more potlucks than typical and had meal at homes of friends and family including my 3rd passover seder. There was a garden party celebrating the opening of LightRail a picnic at a showroom with luncheon from I Love NY Deli and a celebratory dinner for Dad’s 90th birthday.

Sweet highlights of the year came from the opening of Full-Tilt Ice Cream within walking distance to home. And the continuing relationship to Sugar on First Hill with the fabulous breakfast treats and filled cupcakes. There was also chocolate (truffles from the farmer’s Market) cookies from BreadFarm in Edison and way as well many cakes from North Hill Bakery.

Traveling to San Francisco and Victoria provided a little food tourism opportunity.

On to 2010. May every mouthful be sustaining and satisfying.