Top 5 Restaurant Meals of 2008

Most Disappointing: Chinese Food in Madison
Another year in Madison and another year without a decent twice-cooked pork or kung pao chicken. I started the year with such hope for Tom’s Red Pepper but was utterly disappointed. Then I heard great things about the chef at China Palace but he took off for greener pastures in Chicago. I’ve pretty much given up on ever finding good Szechuan in town and settling for the multitude of excellent ethnic restaurants we have.

5. Liliana’s
A breath of fresh air in suburban Madison, Liliana’s brings Creole flavor to the table while moderating the spice. I might be a spicy food enthusiast but I enjoy flavor most of all. Whether it was the hushpuppies flecked with jalapeno and cranberries or the layered flavors of the etoufee, Liliana’s exceeded expectations at every corner.
Liliana’s, 2951 Triverton Pike, Fitchburg, WI (608) 442-4444

4. Humpy’s
This Anchorage bar/restaurant was the first stop on our trip to Alaska and perhaps the most memorable. Their halibut fish and chips were fried perfectly. The fish was fresh and absorbed all the fried goodness and the fries were above average. We also had some mini King Crab cakes. A nice mix of crab and filler these dandies came with a great garlic aioli. Plus, this began a weekend where I got to sample many great micro brews.
Humpy's, 610 West 6th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska USA, (907)276-BEER

3. El Dorado Grill
Sometimes I wish I could live at the El Dorado Grill. On Sundays in 2008, I practically did. Their Sunday brunch is the best in town. The banana pecan pancakes are the best cakes in town especially when paired with chile butter. The vegetable chilaquilas are my favorite breakfast dish of the year as the layers of cheese, veggies and tortillas melt together in your mouth. Throw in excellent sides of potatoes and beans and you’ve got the whole deal. Oh wait, I almost forgot about the best god damn Bloody Mary in town. Their Killer Bloody Murder features their house-made chili vodka and provides the perfect kick to your morning. A recent take out order from their BBQ smokehouse only furthered their standing as one of my favorites.
El Dorado Grill, 744 Williamson St, Madison, WI, 608-280-WEST

2. The Strip Club
Every dish at this St. Paul establishment was a culinary adventure. The rib eye special with avocado butter and roasted pumpkin might be the best dish I had all year. The pumpkin soup was by far the soup of the year and the venison wrapped in pancetta causes me to salivate just by thinking about it. Located outside of downtown in the Dayton’s Bluff area, The Strip Club is by far the best restaurant I visited in the Twin Cities last year and a culinary delight all should be lucky enough to enjoy.
The Strip Club, 378 Maria Avenue St Paul, MN 651-793-6247

1. Fresco
You know a restaurant is great when they can take an ingredient you don’t care for and make it shine. Fresco did just that with their beet salad by making the locally raised beets sing in my mouth. The various textures and tastes were a theme in the Fresco dishes I experienced. The halibut dish served in a spring lemon beurre blanc was amazing and their deserts were to die for. The seasonal menu always highlights the best local ingredients and chef John Jerabek does amazing work with them.
Fresco, 227 State St, Madison, WI, 608-663-7374

Looking Forward to 2009: Sonic comes to Madison
I know it's not a new gourmet restaurant opening but in light of the recession this actually makes sense. Drive-in king Sonic finally comes to our area after invading the Twin Cities in 2008. Their smoothies are addictive and their burgers devine (at least on a fast food scale).