2024 EATS
I loved everything here.
The following arrangement of foods and beverages are some of my favorite things to have passed my lips in 2024. As always, I find myself shocked at how much I eat and drink, but my bank account balance reminds me that it did indeed happen. I’d like to hold space for the immense gratefulnes for the hands that not only cooked the food but grew, transported, cleaned, prepped and plated it. One thing that really warmed my heart about this year’s collection is that I personally knew a lot of the folks who did these things, what a joy.
Notice I did not imply in the title that this is a top ten list or involved only “the best”. I’m over the number of articles that said as much this past December and want to transition a tradition of mine from the past few years that lived on Instagram stories to substack. If you’d like to catch up and see 2022 EATS or 2023 EATS, follow those links and enjoy.
In this longer format, a few new categories that felt worthy of particular call-outs are included. You’ll find Favorite Bites, Favorite Martinis, Favorite Food-Related Thing That Happened to Me, and Favorite Snack followed by a loooong list of everything else. While this is the first official post to Substack, I promise what I have planned for the rest of the year won’t be this long. That is, until we do this all over again at the end of 2025.
Hope you’re hungry.
Favorite Bites
Spanish Mackerel | Penny | EAST VILLAGE, NY
Holy shit guys. I was fortunate enough to dine at Penny twice this year and it was worth every (sry) penny spent. Fuck me it’s that good.
West Coast Oysters | The Walrus and the Carpenter | SEATTLE, WA
I love oysters! These in particular just kept getting better as you progressed through 5 different kinds, all from the Washington region.
Zuccihi Calzone | OPS | BUSHWICK, BK
There’s a lot of good pizza in New York. But when’s the last time you had a good calzone? Ops are always running a pie and calzone special featuring what’s in season. In the summer when it’s abundant, I tire of zucchini quickly. But tucked inside this bad boy and draped with cheese? I almost ordered a second.
Oeuf Mayonnaise with Squid Ink, Fava Beans and Osetra Caviar |The Four Horsemen | WILLIAMSBURG, BK
It hit the table and I was stunned. Then I ate it. Wow, these horsemen deserve every accolade they have (and will continue to) receive.
Shiso Tacos | Saint Julivert | BOREUM HILL, BK
Another bite that took me by complete surprise. It ticks every box: herb, sweet, salt, tart, wow. A knockout. Dining at Saint Julivert is special and always a meal that makes me think, something I appreciate in addition to being delicious.
Spring Vegetable Fritters | DUCKSOUP | SOHO, LONDON
Bougie onion rings baby, that’s the vibe. Lil tahini schmear moment underneath, pop of lime and pomegranate seeds for acid, divine.
Favorite Martinis
Whether you like them absolutely filthy, dry as a whistle, or 50/50 down the middle, here are some that stood out.
Will I ever order a $68 martini ever again in my life? Probably not. Did The Polo Bar’s come served in a goblet, with a sidecar of gin, and an oyster topped with caviar next to the usual olives and twist? Absolutely. It was my 30th birthday martini and I don’t regret it one bit (thanks Dad for snagging the check)!
A New York happy meal (fries and a martini) is good on any occasion, but at Hotel Chelsea, it feels particularly special and very New York.
Lastly, the Duke’s Martini is legendary in London. While it wasn’t my favorite, the aura of an old carpeted room and suave Italian waiter really did something for me across the pond.
Favorite Food-Related Thing That Happened to Me
It’s a tie! Not only was I quoted an NYT article about chore coats in restaurants, but I also made Tina Fey a PB+J. I kid you not, proof below, she took two whole bites!!
Favorite Snack
Kettle Brand Pimento Spicy Cheese Chips
Did you know that Kettle Brand is based in Oregon? Well, I learned that on a recent trip to Portland. There, I stumbled across this delicacy in the grocery store. Please sign my change.org petition to bring these to the East Coast, year-round good god.
Scallop Tostada | Found Oyster | LOS ANGELES, CA
No Benny Blanco sighting but this place lived up to the hype. Wonderful wine service and seafood on a patio with friends, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Pint of Guinness | Guinness Factory | Dublin, Ireland
Lager Half-Pint } Some Pub? | LONDON, UK
Half-Pints!!! Why are these not common in the US!!!! Bars please, I’m begging you.
Madeleines | St. John Restaurant | LONDON, UK
My first time in London and this infamous restaurant was the one I was most excited about. Notorious for snout-to-tale cooking, we went all in with bone marrow, welsh rarebit, and an endive salad laced with slices of pork jowl. While the dishes leaned heavy in fat, a delicate madeleine with espresso at the end was a wonderful touch, especially since our server gifted them to us.
General Tso’s Chicken | Wu’s Wonton King | LES, NY
Alex’s 30th birthday meant a king crab had to be ordered, but more people talked about how good the general tso’s was after getting up from the table.
A Cuban Feast (Ropa Vieja, Frijoles Negos, Plantanos, Mojito)
Sandra traveled to Cuba and upon her return whipped up this absolute feast. It paired beautifully with a game of dominoes and cigars she brought back.
ANY AND ALL THINGS MATASSA AND CELLAR36 | LES, NY
It’s still my favorite place to drink wine in NY and while the Olla Rouge is pictured here, I think I might prefer the Olla Blanco. We love a magnum too, no?
Mezcal | Guillermo’s Home Bar | CHICAGO, IL
Memo is the Willy Wonka of agave spirits. Seriously, his home bar is overwhelmingly well-stocked with bottles that don’t exist anywhere else. You even get to pour it yourself!
The DiBucci Family Tuna Sauce with Fresh Tagliatelle | WINDSOR TERRACE, BK
Warm tuna in a tomato sauce sounded bizarre when Alex pitched it, but what an absolute pleasure to be completely wrong in thinking that.
Tuna Salad Board / Gorg lil lunch with allll the veg.
Mint Julep | Maison Premiere | Williamsberg, BK
This joint remains one of my favorite places to drink in NY (including my fondest memory of martini service). On the day of the Kentucky Derby, they featured a classic version of the drink the race is most famous for along with a slew of riffs.
Ye’er Ba Sticky Rice, Littleneck Clams, Berkshire Pork Katsu, Lotus 4 Ways | the baodega pop-up at Hana Makgeolli | GREENPOINT, BK
This gal can COOK. Truly some of the most inventive, fun, and delicious dishes I’ve seen recently. She runs a Sichuanese supper club out of her apartment and I know it’s on my list to finally go this year, it should be on yours too!
Challengers alla Tequila (spicy like that three-way kiss)
If I’ve got heavy cream or tomato paste to use up, I’m making an alla vodka riff. Typically I sub the vodka with tequila as it’s more easily found in my bar and pairs nicely with the fruity notes of the spicy Calabrian chile I like to throw in.
Carnitas a la casa for Mexico’s Independence Day
Making carnitas in your house was not really worth it but I’m glad we tried it still tasted fab!!
Oh Ah We Swa | WenWen | GREENPOINT, BK
On any other regular day, WenWen and 886 are some of my go-to spots. What landed them here though, was a special they ran in honor of Eric’s Uncle. It’s worth hearing the full story from him here. Noodle congee vibes with all the toppings and a fresh oyster. Truly haven’t had anything like it and probably won’t until they do this pop-up again this year.
Dinner at Srishti’s | PROSPECT PARK, BK
A good host makes it look effortless. Srishti is a fantastic one. Lucky for us, she has a cookbook coming out soon!
Aguachile Verde | Mariscos Submarino | GREENPOINT, BK
GRACIAS DIOS that they opened up a location in Greenpoint and I no longer have to get over to Queens for (ok I’m going to say it) the best mariscos I’ve found in NY.
The Ice Box+ | Penny (AGAIN OKAY) | EAST VILLAGE, NY
Pro tip that a line cook there turned me on to, dip the shrimp in the mayo AND cocktail sauce.
And if your friend is in town and willing to throw part of the bill on his company card. Get the mfkn lobster and a bottle of champagne.
Lula Cafe | Chicago, IL | Chickpea Frites with nasturtium béarnaise / Pasta YiaYia (a must order), Banana Nut Muffin
A teeny tiny sliver of my heart beats in this restaurant nestled in Logan Square. It’s a place I used to live around the corner from where I’ve shared meals with family, hangovers with friends, and kisses with lovers. In 2024 they won a James Beard Award for “Outstanding Hospitality” which was felt specifically when the server dropped a surprise-to-go box at the table after the meal. It was a banana muffin that they hadn’t sold that day and were gifting us to enjoy the next morning. Lula’s my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Chicago and I don’t see it ever changing when this level of service is part of their DNA.
Taco Norteño | Dove’s Luncheonette | CHICAGO, IL
Dove’s is another special place in Chicago. Courtland’s always spinning the best tunes and pouring the best mezcal.
Natural Espresso | Four Letter Word | CHICAGO, IL
Bonus pic of the inside of 4LW as it was my first time there since before COVID. What a joy!!
A Bride and Her Perfect Cannoli | SOUTH HAVEN, MI
Mike and Mar got hitched and this stunning platter of canolli was dessert at their rehearsal dinner. Love you guys.
Summer Corn and Tomato Salad
Backyard BBQ Plater | CLINTON HILL, BK
Bagel with Creamcheese and Tomato | Apollo Bagels | EAST VILLAGE, NY
I kicked off my 30th birthday by finally snagging one of these long-line-on-the-weekend bagels since it was a Wednesday. Is it worth an hour's wait? Probably not. Is it totally delicious, absolutely.
The 30th Birthday Party of My Dreams
Ya’ll, these photos truly don’t do it justice. Once again I must start with a THANK YOU to those that made it possible. Chef Kevo throwing down on the food and my second birthday cake by pastry queen extraordinaire, Erin.
A personal favorite from the menu was the Chicago Dogs with hot dogs that Kevin made in Detroit and flew in his suitcase to the event. What a guy.
Corn Pasta Romans’s | FORT GREENE, BK
Went here for a belated birthday dinner with friends and it was a perfect evening in a perfect neighborhood restaurant. I can’t wait to go back!
Jimmy Nardello peps | Rolo’s | RIDGEWOOD, QUEENS
When they’re in season, you simply gotta, especially if they’re grilled like these.
Cold Tofu, Sesame sauce, Cucumber salad, Rice.
Repeats for a Reason
All of these have appeared in previous years and you know what? They have staying power for a reason.
Keens mkn Steakhouse | This establishment used to be a gentleman’s club. but while dining there last year, I found myself surrounded by 2 other lesbian couples. Now that’s what I call fate. Go here and eat and forget what number martini you’re on.
Red Hot Ranch | A must whenever I’m in Chicago.
McConolly’s Piña Colada with a Henny float | Need I say more?
big salad at bungalow at middlebrow | perfect every time
Super Baleada - La Perla Del Ulua - BUSHWICK, BK
Lula Cafe Birthday Cake | BUSHWICK, BK
It was Ashley Benny Benton’s birthday and a gal so fabulous needed a cake to match! Here is sweet Riley holding a mini version of that carrot cake from the Lula Cafe cook book.
Sausage and Pep Pie | Iacono’s Pizza & Restaurant | DUBLIN, OH
Did you know Columbus-style pizza is a thing? Neither did I until earlier this year, even though it’s the only pizza I ate for years growing up. Think Chicago tavern-style cracker crust with a bit more chew. God damn it’s good!!
Crispy Schmaltz Potatoes | Agi’s Counter | CROWN HEIGHTS, BK
We sat outside, and lighting was dark but wowee finally hitting this spot for their dinner menu was worth it. Take a look on the left side of the frame to find the most gorgeous potatoes ever that come with crispy chicken skin on top. No, you’re not dreaming, we ordered a second serving.
Dark Beer | McSorley’s Ale House | EAST VILLAGE, NY
I hope I did my 26.2% British/Irish ancestors proud with this one.
Rol de Caneal y Coco | Pancho Maiz | MERIDA, MX
Oh honey, I love me a cinnamon roll. This one was familiar enough to draw me in, but immediately on the first pull of the airy bread, I knew she was something else. The nutty coconut flavor paired beautifully with the white-bread-meets-brioche dough.
Zucchini Quesadilla + | Ramiro Cocina | MERIDA, MX
Alright, I’m going to say it. Ten toes down, full stop, I think Ramiro Cocina was one of my favorite restaurants I dined at this year, and it’s completely vegetarian. What Chef Aleli is throwing down on her limited menu that changes often is astounding. We ate twice on this trip and frankly, it wasn’t enough.
Cochinita Pibil Taco | Chef Rosalia Chay’s House | YAXUNAH, MX
To be honest, this whole experience was so much more than this simple photo of a half eaten taco. I’ll likely make a whole other post about it. To be continued…
Relleno Negro Panucho | Taqueria La Lupita | MERIDA, MX
Relleno is a word used in the Yucatan to describe a spice rub mixture (it’s called “adobo” in other parts of Mexico). The base mixture is white and mostly used in soups. Add charred chiles and you get black relleno, the addition of achiote seeds creates red relleno, the base of cochinita pibil above. The negro coated turkey and cooked slowly for this taco. A hard-boiled egg on top surprised me, but honestly when is that ever a bad thing?
Tacos de Camarón en Costra de Chicharra | El Lagarto de Oro | MERIDA, MX
DEEP FRIED WITH CRUMBS OF FRIED PORK RINDS….yep.
5 Sentidos Espadín de Boda | Jay and Nicole’s Wedding | CANCUN, MX
Jay wrote a book on mezcal (literally, this one) and was a bartender for years, so I knew the booze would be elite at his wedding. Little did I know that he and his bride had a one-of-a-kind 5 Sentidos Espadín bottled and ready for all of us to enjoy in custom jicara cups.
Dijon and Cognac Beef Stew | NYT Recipe
I cooked this the day after the election while filled with dread, despair and disappointment. To combat those 3 Ds, I selected a recipe with two different types of booze and a quote I’ll never forget: “long before there were antidepressants, there was stew."
Savory Soy Milk | Ho Foods | East Village, NY
I cannot WAIT to go back here. This dish took me by such surprise, I genuinely thought the waiter dropped the wrong item at our table for a solid 5 minutes.
White Pie Slice | Fini | WILLIAMSBERG, BK
Capital Y Yum. Sandra ordered a different slice at first and after watching me devour this in envy, went for a second to try for herself.
Delicata Squash, Ricotta, Sage/Maple Butter, Fried Sage
Whipped this little ditty up to have a friend over for dinner. That friend ended up putting it on their end of 2024 wrap up as one of the best things they had last year. Now isn’t that something special (love you Alex xx)
PB+J Jello | Hellbender | RIDGEWOOD, BK
Growing up I despised Jello. Chef Yara showed me that Mexicans do it best, even when using a classic American flavor combo.
Dunkin’ Donuts glazed donut and hot coffee | BAY RIDGE, BK
Biking the marathon route in the early morning before the race is run existed as an unofficial tradition for 19 years. I’d been looking forward to doing it for the first time when the organization in charge of the race decided to ban it. Well, after anticipating it all year, I had to at least give it a go. Girl, this photo was taken at 5:30am and 45 minutes from my apartment when it was 35 degrees outside. The cops kicked Erin and I on and off the marathon route for the first few miles, but we made it! Btw, going over the Queensboro bridge (illegally?) with inches of space between my shoulders and the cars in traffic was one of the absolute DUMBEST and FUN things I’ve ever done.
Radicchio Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette, Pickled golden raisin, and Gouda cheese |Hera pop-up at Honey’s | WILLIAMSBURG, BK
Chef Jay is truly one of a kind and it feels like every fellow chef and green city market farmer absolutely adores the guy. With his infectious presence in the kitchen, it’s easy to understand why. That’s all before the food even hits your table, which is impeccably dialed in and delicious by the way.
Peanut Creamed Greens | Kann | PORTLAND, OR
I had verrrrry high hopes for Kann and honestly was a bit disappointed. The second you walk through the dark hallway that envelopes the host stand, a curtain is swished aside to reveal a gorgeous…oh never mind…you’re immediately met by the massive James Beard awards next to the bathrooms? Weird choice. The service felt very heavy-handed and disingenuous in a way that would only impress your pompous uncle. That being said, you can tell Chef Gregory is building something special and highlighting Haitian cuisine with love and care. These greens in particular were rich without being overwhelming and were a side that shined much brighter than some of the mains.
Canard | Oeufs En Mayonnaise | PORTLAND, OR
This is where we stopped to grab a drink and a light bite before the Kann resy. Not only was this bite on point, but we also had the most fabulous server who was such a vibe, that we returned for a shaken Baulio digestif post Kann. If I’m ever back in Portland, I’m definitely eating at their sister restaurant Le Pigeon next door.
Farro & parmesan pie + Octopus w/ potato & olives salad | Luce | PORTLAND, OR
Farro has had me in a chokehold and is taking home my favorite grain of 2025. This dish showed me an entirely new way to cook with it that was fab.
Literally Everything | Han Oak | PORTLAND, OR
It’s a set menu, so you really only have to worry about what you want to drink, which is so nice sometimes. Especially when everything that’s brought out is just perfect and they refill the banchan as much as you want. I love Korean food and this was one of my favorite experiences with it thus far.
White Curry with Brisket Burnt-ends | Eem | PORTLAND, OR
Due to an issue with the water in the restaurant, we couldn’t dine in and I had to eat very spicy Thai curry on the patio during a 95-degree heat wave. But guess what, I’d do it all over again it was that good. Burnt end briskets AND curry?? Literally the best of both worlds.
Assorted Persian Cookies | Ceour D’Alene, ID
At the stunning wedding of my dear friends Taylor and Nima, Nima’s aunt served an array of Persian sweets she’d been making at home for months. I wish the photo was better to honor these the way they deserve to be!!
Ribeye Tacos | Hellbender x Rolo’s Collab Menu | RIDGEWOOD QUEENS
I LOVE YA FOR THIS ONE CHEF YARA. I was at Hellbender for work drinks while Yara and her staff whipped up dishes for their upcoming Rolo’s collab, taking photos and dialing them in. I tried to not let the person I was meeting notice how distracted I was as plate after gorgeous plate walked past me. Apparently I did a poor job in hiding that because these hit our table for us all to try. She is so talented and lovely and go to Hellbender or you’re a DUMMY.
Braised brisket, charred onion mustard, red onion, smoked Gouda, and fresh grated horseradish | Hot Soup and Bad Larry’s Sandwiches | LES, NY
Deepest apologies if you didn’t make it in time to snag a sammie or soup from these guys as their pop up in the old Scarr’s space is sadly over. Damn were they good though. See what these they’re up to next by following Hot Soup and Bad Larry’s.
Masala Smashburger Pop-Up by Srishti!! | Baba on Withers | WILLAMSBERG, BK
How lucky was I to not only eat in her home but also at her pop-up! OOOOOOOOOBAAAAAABBBYYYY I wanted 4 of these burgers. A side of Chutney Potatoes to boot, absolute bangers.
Parle G Ice Cream Sandwich by Erin!! | Baba on Withers | WILLAMSBERG, BK
Erin Chen does no wrong!!! My teeth are wildly sensitive and I abhor biting ice cream. I wouldn’t do it for anyone else though and they were worth every single twinge of frozen pain.
Irish Coffee | Dead Rabbit | FIDI, NY
These were a delight and you can indeed get a half-pint here thank goodness.
Jinmaek Soju | Atomix | NY, NY
After only drinking soju with a frog on it and hating myself the next day, it was refreshing to have one from a province in Korea known for it (told to me by the server). Its mellow flavor paired beautifully with every dish buty unfortunately, it was too fancy of a restaurant for drinking games.
Farm fresh fried egg, blue corn tortilla, salsa made by a mom | MICHOACAN, MX
Encacahuatadas with Chicharron Prensao | Fonda del Pon Piticon | QUERÈTARO, MX
Sandra ordered this and I was very jealous. The 3 bites she shared still got it on here.
Espresso, Drip | El Apapacho Café | QUERETARO, MX
The community Mau’s built is so much bigger than the tiny window of his roastery and 6-seat bar location. The passion, details, and collaboration are felt in every corner, even down to the packaging design that his incredible partner creates (@renatamtz). The best way to start your trip in this city is to head to the barra and let them do what they do best. Don’t forget to bring some beans back home and continue enjoying the magic.