Buffalo Chicken Wrap from Landmark Inn.
I've been going to this casual bar and grill in my hometown forever. I even spent my 21st birthday here :) They make an excellent burger but I love their spicy Bufflalo Chicken Wrap. Upgrade to waffle fries and be sure to ask for their homemade coleslaw.
Dulce De Leche Chocolate Cake from Capa at Four Seasons Orlando.
This restaurant was one of the many reasons we loved our stay at the Four Seasons in Orlando when we went to Disney World this year. This warm, gooey chocolate cake was a fantastic finish to our meal.
Lechon from Esme.
I finally got to dine at Esme in May and while many of the dishes were excellent, it's the pork cooked in a clay pig that was really memorable. See all the garlic on top? Perfection.
Vanilla Cruffin from Newport Coffee.
This new-to-me coffee shop with locations in Bannockburn and Evanston makes all of its pastries in house. I loved this cruffin (croissant muffin) filled with vanilla cream. It's light and flaky and not overly sweet.
Mexican Cornbread with cheddar cheese and brisket from Hurtado Barbecue at Windy City Smokeout.
The annual barbecue and country music fest is one of my favorites and the food and music lineup changes each year. I loved this cornbread topped with butter and brisket. It was sweet, salty, smoky and perfectly moist inside.
Tortelli di Zucca at Tre Dita.
Chef Evan Funke's restaurant inside the St. Regis Chicago was one of the biggest restaurant openings of the year. The steak and handmade pasta are top notch. Each bite of this delicate squash pasta with brown butter and sage was better than the last!
Monkey Bread from Hewn.
I was thrilled when this local, women-owned bakery opened a third location in Winnetka this year. We visit A LOT for their fresh breads and pastries. The mini monkey bread is sticky, sweet and crispy and you won't want to share it.
Sushi Homakase (at-home omakase) with Chef Jordan Dominguez.
In February, we had an epic multi-course at-home omakase dinner filled with beautiful cuts of fish and explosions of flavor. Sure, this isn't just one bite, but they were all so delicious I couldn't pick a favorite. If you're looking to host a unique dinner with sushi-loving friends, I highly recommend Chef Jordan!
While this wasn't a restaurant bite, I had to include it on this list. Dan's homemade chocolate chip skillet cookie adapted from this recipe is incredible. Make it yourself in a cast iron skillet or individual ramekins, topped with vanilla ice cream.
Flat Iron Steak Sophia at Sophia Steak.
While I love all the steaks and sides at Sophia Steak, its signature Steak Sophia with roasted mushrooms, cognac cream and a peppercorn crust is a must order.
The Zingerman's and Shake Shack collab burger from this year's EEEEEATScon at the Salt Shed.
It featured a double Shake Shack patty topped with pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, pickles and ShackSauce.
Chicken Shawarma Hummus Bowl from Ami.
This Israeli street food restaurant (which opened this year) offers the most authentic Israeli food I've had in the Chicago area. Their hummus and pita are phenomenal and the food is always fresh.
Daal Indus from Indus.
This dish features lentils smoked and slow cooked for 12 hours. It's one of the many family recipes served at the acclaimed Highland Park Indian spot that opened this year. It's worth a trip from the city for sure!
Triple Layer Chocolate Cake from Wildfire.
Dan and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary with a meal here this year and ended on a sweet note with this fantastic and decadent chocolate cake. It's rich while still being super light.
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