2009 Bites!

Yup, it's that time of year. Even though I've hung up the professional feedbag, there's just something about the end of the year that shoves me into a reflective mood, compelling me to boil 12 months worth of eating into a bite-size list.

It was a hell of a year. The newspaper folded. Our Baby Girl went off to college. And so did Johnny. He's this close to getting a masters in elementary education after putting his 30-year newspaper career to bed on March 17.

Still, this roller coaster ride of 2009 has had a whole lot of thrills, especially when it comes to meals shared around a table filled with friends and family. Here's to 2010 and all the great bites to come!

Some of my favorite morsels of 2009, pictured from top to bottom:

One of everything please at Couchon, New Orleans.

BLT handroll at Do, Memphis.

Walla Walla Sweet Onion taco, Walla Walla.

Claire's high school graduation party on the water at Lincoln Park: BBQ pork sammies, Nana's beans and cake from the same bakery where we got our wedding cake, Borracchini's.

Deep-fried dill pickles at Luizza's On the Tracks, New Orleans.

Go meet the new pastry chef at Barking Frog, Woodinville.

Post-hike bratwurst with my brother Chris at Munchen Haus, Leavenworth.

Duck egg ravioli made by Tom Douglas at the Tom Douglas Summer Boot Camp, Seattle.

Charcuterie and local cheese plate at The Pike, Seattle.

Hitting the snack bar at The Seaview Theater, Orcas Island.

Getting piggy with my barbecue guru at Central, Memphis.

Breakfast at Mother's, Portland.