Based on the photos I post, it would be easy to assume that I’m a constant glutton, especially when I’m on work trips. But these are the exception. I swear I don’t eat fried stuff all the time! In fact, I’m trying to limit my meat intake in favor of vegan options, swapping it out when easy. So this post may be a bit misleading since I never take photos of what I eat at home. But without further delay, the best things I ate this year.
Impossible Burger, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Atlanta, Georgia
This vegan burger blew my mind. It can be found in multiple restaurants, but I love the potato bun and special sauce at this burger chain in Atlanta. The patty has a texture that is very similar to beef and gets the charred flavor of a standard burger. Pair with crinkle fries and a boozy shake!
Spicy Chicken Biscuit, Flying Squirrel, Chattanooga, Tennessee
I spent a lot of time in Chattanooga this year hanging out with my sister and trying new restaurants around town. Flying Squirrel was one of the places we wanted to try when we first visited back in 2013, but it was closed that day. I’m so glad to have been able to return, especially for brunch, since it’s a block or so from my sister’s apartment. This crunchy chicken biscuit was sweet and hot, drizzled in honey.
Fried catfish, Bully’s Restaurant, Jackson, Mississippi
When in Mississippi, catfish is a must. It’s probably the state’s signature dish. I was in Jackson, I got to eat at this old school soul food restaurant that has been family run for decades. I loved the fried catfish with dressing and fried green tomatoes.
Torta ahogada, Tortas Toño, Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara was a dream in terms of food. I was a bit suspicious when the first place we went after arriving on a late night flight was a random sandwich place. But I’m not a believer in the torta ahogada, a total hangover cure. Made of pork and cabbage on baguette-style bread, it’s topped in sauce sort of like a po boy with debris.
Chicken milanesa, San Pedro Market, Cusco, Peru
This simple, but delicious dish was one of my favorite Peruvian meals from my trip. I saw the food stalls on my Cusco walking tour and returned back for lunch. For only $1.50, I carb loaded with a chicken cutlet, rice, and potatoes.
Ceviche, Random roadside restaurant, Peru
I can’t believe I only once had one of Peru’s most famous dishes. The only time I had it was at a seaside restaurant between Arequipa and Nazca. I know not everyone loves the idea of cold fish, but the tartness was perfectly refreshing.
Everything, The Swag, Waynesville, North Carolina
How do I begin? When I went to stay at The Swag in the mountains of North Carolina, I had no idea that every single meal and snack would be thoughtfully prepared by a culinary team. They rolled with the punches of my dietary restrictions to create deliciousness like this fish with couscous.
Black Magic Hazokushi, Oku, Atlanta, Georgia
If I only eat at one sushi place for the rest of my life, it would be Oku. This is the restaurant that made me like sushi. They invited me to
Tacos al Pastor, Las Trancas, Austin, Texas
Going to Austin meant a steady diet of tacos, so I started strong with this place recommended by my friend Michael. The simple taco truck has a wide variety of taco styles, but I went with tacos al pastor. They have a covered trailer with picnic seats for you to enjoy your meal.
Soup Dumplings, China Town, Atlanta, Georgia
It took me way too long to discover this Chinese food court in Chamblee, a suburb of Atlanta. My friend Mary Margaret took me for a feast of soup dumplings and hand pulled lamb noodles, the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
Blue corn pancakes, Syrup and Eggs, Chattanooga, Tennessee
I had previously tried the insanely delicious pancakes at nearby Aretha Frankenstein’s, but these savory pancakes at another St. Elmo restaurant were delicious and visually stunning. They are insanely filling and I was surprised at how much I loved the Mexican-inspired version.
Crab stuffed shrimp, Charlie’s Fish House, Crystal River, Florida
My mom and I took a mother-daughter road trip through Florida for me to attend a professional meeting, but we detoured through the manatee hotspot of Crystal River. We got outside of our resort to have a waterfront dinner at this seafood restaurant, where I stuffed my face with all the seafood. What’s better than fresh shrimp? Shrimp stuffed with crab meat.
Empanadas, Empanadas & More, Valdosta, Georgia
On the same trip, my mom and I were looking for a quick bite on our way south. I found this place on Yelp and when we arrived, it seemed like it was a popular local spot. The empanadas were so good that on the way back, we stopped back by and picked up a couple dozen to enjoy over the next few days.
Lovely post! Thank you for posting this list of food!