Two Years Later

I began this blog with a post about my favorite beers, whiskys, and food.  The end of this month will mark two years of posting, and I have enjoyed it immensely, as I have used it as an excuse to try new foods, beers, and other things that I may not have experienced over that time.  So, below you will find my favorite things from the last two years, as well as ones that I want to try in the coming year.  Some of these are new, some are places I have enjoyed for years but reviewed over the life of this blog, and some have not quite made it here yet, but will in the near future.  I hope you enjoy, and as always, I welcome suggestions on the next thing(s) I should try!

Restaurant:  Bouchon Bistro

Short ribs at Bouchon Bistro

My family went to Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bistro for my mother's birthday in 2012, and it was a sublime experience, with food to die for, impeccable service, and an atmosphere as comfortable and enjoyable as any I have ever been in, which is surprising for a Las Vegas restaurant.

Honorable Mention:  Tacos Lupita and Julian Serrano

Local Restaurant:  Curtis' BBQ, Hope and Olive and of course, Manna House

Before the end of this year, I hope to try more than a few new restaurants, but Neptune Oyster in Boston's North End, and Lotus of Siam in Las Vegas, are the two that I most want to try.

Beer:  Maine Beer Company's Lunch IPA

A flight of beers at Maine Beer Company; Lunch is back left

A perfect IPA, this is my favorite iteration of my favorite style.  I love the citrus notes and complexity of this beer's hops, and it is an easy drinking brew despite a 7% ABV.

Honorable Mention:  Sam Adams' Tetravis and Ballast Point's Sculpin IPA

I am hoping to get my hands on one of the Sam Adams Utopias for a reasonable price (or split one with someone), and of course try anything new from MBC, Ballast Point, or Great Divide.

Whisk(e)y:  Glenfiddich 18 Year Ancient Reserve

The far too tiny bottle of Glenfiddich

This is a ridiculously smooth, powerful and complex Scotch, and while I only had a small "nip" of it, it was tremendous and I cannot wait until I have an opportunity to try it again.

Honorable Mention:  Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon and Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Family Reserve Bourbon

There are not really any specific whiskeys that I want to try over the next year, but I think I would like to get more into ryes and some of the whiskeys from countries outside the normal list we think about, like India and Japan.

Bars, Coffee Shops, and Other "Not Quite Restaurants":  The Dirty Truth

A burger and fries at Dirty Truth

With great food, an incredible beer list and a knowledgeable staff, this is sort of like a mecca for people like me.  Try the french fries with white truffle oil, the Pulled BBQ Duck Nachos, and of course the Mac and Peas.

Honorable Mention:  La Fiorentina

Anywhere with good coffee will be on my list to try over the next year; any suggestions would be appreciated!

"Other":  Sweetfern Farm

A very inquisitive looking sheep

My friends' farm, it truly exposed me to the wonders of fresh eggs, and it is just so relaxing there (at least for me; I don't have to wake up absurdly early to feed the sheep and all that) that even spending a few hours there makes me feel like a whole new person.  Plus, cute furry animals.

So, I hope you have had as much fun over the last two years as I have, and I hope that everyone gets to experience just as much as I have!



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