2014 Food Blog Roundup

Pop the champagne and blow your horn - it's the end of 2014! Besides Auld Lang Syne, it's the time of year for "best of" lists. Here's the highlights from the food I blogged about in and out of Santa Cruz last year:

Best burrito - De La Hacienda Tacqueria

This one has it all - a generous size, delicious ingredients, and a salsa that won't quit. All for an affordable price. Nestled along Laurel Street, across from the high school, don't blink or you might miss this Mexican gem.

Best place for a pint - Half Moon Bay Brewery

There's a reason we live on the west coast. The sun, the waves, the mellow vibes. So, why not with a cold one? HMB Brewery has a great atmosphere to enjoy your meal inside or out. But better out.

Best breakfast - Zachary's

If Michelangelo was a short order cook, the Mike's Mess would be his masterpiece. Everything there is tasty. There's a reason that this place is a Santa Cruz institution.

Best Asian - The Panda Inn

There were many Asian places I went to over the last year - Thai, Chinese, Japanese. But out of all of them, I'm rated the Panda Inn in Aptos the highest. Everyone who goes loves that place. You should go too!

Best overall dish out of Santa Cruz - Rangoli's Sweet & Spicy Cauliflower

No other dish I enjoyed this year topped this. It was a surprise to find something so flavorful with of cauliflower! Of course, you need to like a bit of spiciness, but if you do, it pays off big time. The texture, the color, the flavor... I will be making special trips to San Jose for this one.

Best overall dish in Santa Cruz - Scalloppine do Pollo alla Modo Mia at Lago Di Como

Mmm, this was the best dinner I had last year at a restaurant. I never heard about Lago Di Como on Portorla Drive before then, but now I'll never forget it. Treat yourself to this and the rest of their wonderful menu. The burrata appetizer is heavenly as well.

Where would I go for my last meal?

Okay, so this is a bit controversial, because it's not in Santa Cruz, but my pick for best meal (all courses) for 2014 would actually be in South Lake Tahoe at Mont Bleu. The meal I had at the Ciera Steakhouse blew the doors off my culinary car.

It was a bit pricey, but so worth it. From the French Onion Soup starter to the Chocolate Molten Cake dessert, I can not say enough about this dinner. I still dream about the Chicken Mediterranean entree I had. This steakhouse is now on my "must-stop" list when in Tahoe.

So that's it! Forty-nine blogs about where I ate in 2014. It's been fun and I will continue to write up more into the new year. Please send me ideas for places you want to hear about. We live in a great city with lots of great food choices. Bon appetit!