So many “best of” lists abound in newspapers, SM, magazines, etc. this time of year.
Prompted by @Desert-Dan’s excellent question here I’d love to hear about your favorite meals, dishes, and other random food thangs you had. I had to think long & hard about this, as food seemed to take a bit of a backseat for us in 2025.
Thank you!! It was fun to make and even more fun to eat!!
Presunto
(2026 so far: El Hierro-> Gran Canaria (ES)-> Lisbon(PT) ........................................................................ [Fleeced Taxpayer])
10
I’m travelling at the moment and not having access to photos taken on my 7 trips this year but, I can say for sure it’s pretty much every thing I ate in Penang back in June! Specifically every single durian that I tried each day (15!). A. MA. Zing!
Some other things I enjoyed:
Lapas (limpets) and Herreño* goat’s cheeses (and goat’s butter). (*Being here on El Hierro island)
Mett, breakfast at my hotel in Köln. (Super fresh and full of umami)
Fish & prawn tacos in Guerrero Negro, MX.
Succulent lamb chops in Athens, GR.
Various Fischbrötchen in Langenoog, DE.
Breakfast beers and Weisswürste at my favourite Wirthaus in Nürnberg.
My trip to CDMX resulted in some of the best food I had in 2025.
A Guava Bun from Panaderia Rosseta
Tostadas de Atun, pulpo and the fig tart all from Contramar. So many delicious eats down there, but these were the ones that really stood out for me.
Yellowtail sashimi at Maguro
DH’s homemade Sachertorte
My take on ATK’s red wine pot roast
An apple danish with cider reduction from OWL bakery
Charred Napa cabbage Caesar at Wildwood Still
In a bowl, Mix 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of Mayo (per boneless skinless chicken thigh), 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (or whatever spice you like), dash of salt, shred 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese (depending on your cheese tolerance). Place (Boneless/Skinless) chicken thigh on foil lined baking sheet, slather on mayo/cheese mixture, bake at 400 (F) about 25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 (F), then serve with your favorite sides.
*** NOTE *** This does get a little messy – so definitely put a layer of foil in your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
