I'll be honest: I'm not particularly sad to see 2006 go. However, looking back on the year, I had some wonderful new food experiences that I will hold on to going forward into 2007 and beyond. While some of these foods have been around for a long time, they are on my list because they are new tastes that I tried in 2006, and ones that stood out above all others. The top 10 is listed in chronological order because I couldn't choose a #1 among my favorites!
DOLSOT BIBIMBAP, My Tofu House (San Francisco, California). Bibimbap has been one of my favorite dishes to order in Korean restaurants for a while, but it wasn't until this year that I tasted the bibimbap at My Tofu House. It's served in a stone pot (dolsot) and comes to the table dangerously hot. I order the beef bibimbap, but have heard that the seafood version is good as well.
FRIED QUAIL, Rubicon (San Francisco, California). I had first heard of this dish from Fatemeh, and when I went to Rubicon for the first time in February I knew I had to taste it. The quail lived up to all expectations, and the entire meal was one of the most memorable of the year.
FRA' MANI SALAMI (San Francisco, California). All of it. Any of it. Any time, anywhere. 2006 will be remembered as the year that Paul Bertolli graced San Franciscans with this top-notch salami. It's available in several types, and can be found at many Bay Area stores including Cowgirl Creamery and the Pasta Shop.