Chris Cipollone, the chef at Tenpenny left the restaurant just days before we visited. I had read about the departure on Eater, but thought maybe the cooks in the back would still be upholding the chef’s culinary offerings until a new Chef was hired. It was a quiet Friday evening at Tenpenny when we made our way through the Gotham Hotel to a surprisingly empty small, red dining room in the back. I don’t know if this is a reflection on the strange location of the restaurant or because other’s knew about the Chef’s absence.

We sat at the bar (even though there were plenty of tables) and had a very enjoyable meal. The bartender was great, giving recommendations and sticking around just as long as we wanted him to. I had read good things about the food and atmosphere and almost everything I read (and tasted) was right on.

The complimentary pretzel bread hinted at how great the food was going to be. It was tender and warm with a fantastic duo of sauces: apple butter and horseradish mustard.

We had limited time before the theater so we only ordered a few dishes. In addition to the TONY list item, we got an appetizer of crispy artichokes which were on top of a nice smoky lemon aioli with trout roe (simple, flavorful, good textures) and the entrée of smoked organic salmon, which was cooked nicely (perhaps a little undercooked) with a rich egg-yolk emulsion and bacon and brussels sprouts.

The roasted vegetables that TONY raved about were actually my least favorite thing on the table. The presentation was beautiful reminiscent of modern art. And I really loved the idea of this plate of seasonal vegetables gussied up with dehydrated ranch powder. The seasoning was a little too intense for my tastes and made the entire dish taste like a bag of sour cream and onion chips. I suppose the vegetables were healthier for you, but the strong flavoring got in the way of the natural vegetable flavors.

I was also a bit disappointed to not see the autumn (which was the season we were in when we came here) fully represented. I was hoping for more root vegetables, like butternut squash and parsnips. We got a lot of onions, potatoes, and carrots. But in the end, it was definitely interesting and playful with nice textures. And unfortunately, it cost quite a bit more than ten pennies, as the restaurant name suggests. Perhaps that’s why the Chef left.

Would Tenpenny’s Roasted Vegetables make my Top 100 of the year? These could have been fantastic (I wonder if they were before the chef left), but I had a few quibbles which brings it down to a 7 out of 10.

10. PORK MILANESE at ROMAN’S

At most restaurants you may never have the same meal twice, but at Roman’s in Fort Greene, it’s completely true. The menu is brand new every day and while some favorites, like the pork milanese from the Time Out list return, the restaurant seems to constantly re-invent itself. This might make for an inconsistent meal, as other bloggers have hinted at, but the one time we went, I was pretty impressed and satiated by the Italian influenced meal.

Everything was good, but Time Out hit the nail on the head with this pork cutlet. It took a few phone calls to confirm it would be on the daily menu, but it was well worth the wait. This is the Italian version of a pork schnitzel, pounded until very thin and then breaded and fried until tender. The one at Roman’s was rather greaseless and perfectly seasoned. It’s topped with some bitter greens for bite and garnished with a lemon for acidity. If you find it on the menu at Roman’s, I urge you to order it while you can. Price: $19

9. CHICKEN BISCUIT at PIES ‘N’ THIGHS

At Williamsburg hangout Pies ‘n’ Thighs, the best things to order are the fried chicken and the dreamy rotating dessert pies. In many ways this chicken biscuit, which is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner brings both those worlds together.

It’s a brilliant combination of sweet and savory. The biscuit might be the best I’ve ever had with a firm, browned crust and a buttery, flaky middle. Sandwiched between those two gorgeous buns is a battered and fried chicken breast that’s slathered in honey butter and drizzled with hot sauce. The spicy and sweet flavors linger as you savor the rich butteriness of the chicken and the biscuit. It’s a match made in heaven, well more specifically, at Pies ‘N’ Thighs. Price: $6

8. JERK GRILLED CORN at MISS LILY’S

When you think grilled corn in this city, the one place that comes to mind is Cafe Habana. Their classic Mexican-style corn found its way a bit higher up on my list. But this year Miss Lily’s opened a few blocks away from Cafe Habana and they’re serving a version of grilled corn that is changing the game.

This place is so interesting – serving both homemade cakes and refined, hip takes on Jamaican food. The vibe is a cross between the lounge of a big music producer and an island luncheonette. Here they serve what they call jerk grilled corn. The cob is grilled and blackened playing up the sweet and smoky flavors of the corn kernels. It’s loaded with a spicy and garlicky jerk mayo and studded with crunchy toasted coconut. It’s an inventive flavor explosion that makes me re-question where I should go for my grilled corn cravings. Price: $4

7. BUTCHER’S STEAK at ST. ANSELM

This turned out to be a beef heavy year for me. I ordered large ribeyes, bone-in strip steaks, and other cuts from some of the hotter new restaurants, like Red Farm, The Dutch, and Tertulia.  And I have to admit that they were all pretty flavorful and tender. It was a good meat year, but the best steak I tasted happened to be at newly re-designed grill restaurant St. Anselm.

Hanger steak may be my favorite cut of beef since it’s thin, lean, and full of flavor. I quite enjoy the chewy tenderness of the cut when it’s done right. And here it’s done perfectly. Charred on the outside, rich and tender throughout, and bursting with seasoned and meaty flavors. The bright garlic butter melting on top puts this steak right up there with the best in the city. Price: $15

6. GOAT’S MILK ICE CREAM at VICTORY GARDEN

That first fateful evening that I stepped inside the clean and bright shop known as Victory Garden was the night I begin my new obsession. This store sells any number of healthy and lactose free items, including soaps and sachets. But the main attraction is their soft-serve goat’s milk ice cream.

Not only is this ice cream healthier and cleaner than most soft serves, but Victory Garden offers it in exotic and cathartic flavors like Mastic (an anise-like plant resin that aids in digestion), Cinnamon Lemon, and Healing Powers of India (turmeric, carrot, nigella, and ginger). These flavors are balanced with sweet, spicy, herbal, and floral notes. It’s a wonderful combination and with some crunchy cocoa nibs or sweet honeycomb candy as toppings, you’ll certainly feel like you’re eating dessert. But won’t feel nearly as guilty about this new obsession. Price: $4-$5

25. TRES HOMBRES at DINOSAUR BARBEQUE

It’s quite a statement that we took this barbecue platter to go from the ultra-busy BBQ joint up in Harlem and by the time we found our picnic area on a holiday weekend, the meat was still so tender and full of flavor.

I can never decide what to eat at a BBQ joint (or anywhere for that matter) because I want a little taste of everything. The Tres Hombres combines my favorite smoked meat staples: pulled pork, beef brisket, and 1/4 rack of ribs. There’s more than enough food and all of the meat is incredibly tender and loaded with sweet, charred flavors. Served with sweet cornbread and a choice of sides, it’s a testament as to why Dinosaur BBQ is my favorite in the city. Price: $19.50

24. PORK CHOP at APIARY

I’ve been working as a server at Apiary for about a year now and in that time, I’ve had the honor to learn of the culinary genius of Chef Scott Bryan. Many in the food industry know him (there’s even an entire chapter about him in one of Anthony Bourdain’s books), but he tends to fly under the radar. His food is simple, but with powerful, rich flavors that make you question whether something as plain as chicken should be allowed to taste this good.

This year I’ve been pretty obsessed with his pork chop. It’s a thick cut of Berkshire pork that’s pan roasted to a soft, tender texture. On its own, it’s full of deep, moist flavors but the chef pairs it with a rotating group of accompaniments. Currently, the hearty mascarpone polenta, sweet braised escarole. Price: $26

23. STEAK TARTARE at BRINDLE ROOM

Our first trip to Brindle Room was sort of lackluster. Nothing was bad, but nothing blew me away. That changed on the second visit when I got some tastes of amazingly flavorful dishes and was taken care of like I was part of the family.

The dishes this time around, including a nice kale salad and a thick juicy pork chop, were much more memorable, but it was their version of steak tartare that really got me excited. It’s served with housemade potato chip crisps which are much preferable to a limp baguette. Chef Jeremy Spector’s raw chopped meat is fresh, flavorful, and kissed with some special hot sauce that gives it a surprisingly tangy, mustardy kick. Price: $9

22. OXTAIL TERRINE at SALT & FAT

I was frightened about eating at Salt & Fat. All the reviews, while raves, talked about how rich and fatty the dishes were. The “Crack and Cheese” (which was no longer on the menu when I finally made it out to Sunnyside) sounded like a heart attack. But I am pleased to announce I did not suffer a heart attack at Salt & Fat and I discovered dish after dish of deliciousness.

The Oxtail Terrine was my favorite dish. The presentation is rather dark and rough – it looks like a big, black brick. If this was dessert, I might have been more eager to dig into what looked like a brownie. Once I touched my fork to the terrine, it generously fell apart and revealed itself to be a meaty, umami delight. It’s been braised in a dashi and shiitake mushroom broth before being assembled and perched on some exotic mushrooms with a spread of  sweet, rich caramelized onion puree. Price: $10

21. LECHON ASADO at EL NUEVO BOHIO

“Lechon asado” simply translates to roasted pig, but the version at old-time Puerto Rican restaurant El Nuevo Bohio is so much more than that. And the always crowded dining room is proof. I don’t know if I ever would have discovered this place if not for a summertime visit to the Bronx Zoo.

The chopped pork is a moist, meaty mess of flavors with crispy pork skin shards for texture. A wonderfully intense mojo sauce gives the meat an extra garlicky kick, while the side of tostones (fried green plantains) provide a sweet. starchiness that complements the meat. And even though it’s simply roasted pork, this dish makes the trip to the Bronx worthwhile. Price: $7

30. LEMON BAR from THE TREATS TRUCK

I miss The Treats Truck so much. Ever since Kim Ima stopped parking in Midtown due to the ban on food trucks, my treats intake has shrunk dramatically. And while my doctor might be happy with that, my tastebuds certainly are not.

One of the treats I miss most is the Lemon Bar. I’m not even a fan of lemon desserts, but this one which premiered last winter as a way to reminisce about the bright days of summer could turn even the biggest lemon snubber into a fan. The shortbread crust gives the gooey dessert an extra buttery crunch, while the sweet and tart filling is fresh and succulent. And Kim always asks you which piece you want, giving you the option of getting the crunchy end piece. She still parks at a few locations in Manhattan, so she’s just a subway ride away from wherever you are. And even though they wouldn’t be the same, maybe I’ll have to buy her new cookbook and attempt to make them myself. Just don’t tell my doctor. Price: $2.50

29. COCONUT CHAI at BONOBO’S

This was a true New York discovery. I was just thirsty one afternoon and wandered into what looked like a generic deli across from Madison Square Park. In fact, it’s Bonobo’s, a casual vegetarian restaurant. And on display, I stumbled upon a very intriguing drink, which turned out to be one of the most delicious things I had tasted in my life!

With creamy, sweet coconut flavors on the front and spicy, sweet chai masala spices on the finish, this drink may as well have been dessert and a nutritious one at that. It’s made with fresh young coconut and the only extra sweetener is the healthier agave nectar. My only complaint is how small the bottle is and how addicting the stuff inside is. There’s not even close to enough to give me a satisfying fill of my new favorite discovery. I guess that just means I’ll have to buy another bottle.

28. GO FIG YOURSELF PIZZA at PAULIE GEE’S

Good ol’ Paulie Gee! I’ve written about his amazing contributions to the pizza world and have been a fan of his since the first day I tasted his wood-fired creations. Last year, the Cherry Jones made my list. And this year, a seasonal pie with similar ingredients made my list. That’s right, this is another fruit pizza!

Usually the thought of fruit on pizza (pineapple?) earns gasps in the serious pizza world. But Paulie is a master of flavor combinations and discovering fresh ingredients. The Go Fig Yourself (the name alone should make a Top 100 list) uses fresh black mission figs (hence the seasonality of the pie). The rich bite of gorgonzola and salty earthiness of prosciutto di parma keep the sweetness of the figs and fior fi latte in check. All good chefs know every dish should have some sort of acidity. Paulie takes care of that with a sprinkling of orange blossom honey. Brilliant! Price: $17

27. STRAWBERRY CINNAMON RIBS at TRAIF

I’ve always been a bad Jew. I used go out every year for my birthday to get a big slab of BBQ pork ribs. They really were my favorite. And I would tend to agree with most of Brooklyn that pig is the tastiest of all the meats.

Traif is a perfect place for me in many ways. The name itself hints at things only a bad Jew (or a non-Jew) would eat and the food here is stupendous (and affordable). The second dish to make my list this year (there were two on last year’s list as well) are the glazed baby back ribs. This is a throwback to my youth, but I never experienced any as uniquely flavorful and tender as these. The glaze is quite complex with a good level of sweetness from the strawberries and a mild spiciness from the cinnamon. Maybe this could convince more Jews to finally come over to the dark side. Price: $9

26. GRAPEFRUIT GIVRE at BOULUD SUD

The Grapefruit Givre was perhaps the strangest dessert I’ve ever tasted. And yes, I’ve had beet ice cream and celery sorbet, but this takes the cake. Not because of the strange flavor combinations, but because there are so many things going on in this visually striking, slightly avant garde, playful dish. 

I probably wouldn’t have tasted this if it wasn’t listed on Time Out’s list for 2011, so I’m eternally grateful. Pastry chef Ghaya Oliveira, who hails from Tunisia, uses a hollowed out frozen grapefruit as the bowl. Inside are layers upon layers of delicious treasures, including a tart grapefruit sorbet, creamy sesame foam, and chewy pieces of floral rose candy. The interactive dish is sealed up with a brittle sugary caramel tuille and beautiful cotton candy-like halvah shreds. The fruit is garnished with sesame seeds. And like an enthralling piece of art, at first I didn’t know what to make of it, but eventually I let the experience overtake me and I reveled in its glory. Price: $13

NUMBER 50: BELGIAN MADNESS at WAFELS & DINGES

I bring people to the Wafels & Dinges truck almost every day on one of the Food Cart Tours. Their amazing liege waffles topped with nutty, rich speculoos spread is a perfect way to end the food crawl. That particular spread made my Top 100 last year (and look for another version of it further up on this list). But I assure you, Wafels & Dinges are not just a one trick pony.

In addition to the waffles, they make stellar hot cocoa, pulled pork, and this year they introduced ice cream! The flavors rotate from time to time and are created by former Jean Georges pastry chef Benoit Gerin. The first time I tasted what they call the Belgian Madness, I think I went a little mad myself. Mad because I couldn’t eat the entire tub. This beer is made with Hoegaarden beer, honey, and just a touch of lemon. The beer flavor immediately comes through, but doesn’t stick around long enough for it to be bitter or boozy. The honey and lemon mellow it out to make this a refreshing and well-balanced creamy delight. Price: $3

NUMBER 49: PEACH BERET YOGURT from WHITE COW DAIRY

In New York, there are so many artisanal food goods available at any number of food-centric stores. I very rarely buy these, not because I don’t want to support local small businesses (I do, I do) but because I don’t keep many groceries in my apartment. I can’t remember the last time I went shopping to purchase anything other than an item I needed for cooking.

But something about the packaging or the ingredients of White Cow Dairy’s yogurts made me want to buy a jar. It was an impulse buy at Murray’s Cheese in the West Village and I’m thrilled I decided to support this Buffalo-based dairy operation. Deciding which flavor was a tough decision, but the Peach Beret was intriguing. The ingredients sound are all over the place: peaches, cranberries, maple sugar, lemon, ginger, and spices. Do those flavors go together? I assure you they do and this creamy, chunky fresh tasting yogurt is some of the best I’ve ever had. You can bet the next time I’m in Murray’s, I’ll be stocking up. And coming from me, that says a lot. 

NUMBER 48: CHEESE CURDS at BEECHER’S HANDMADE CHEESE

I’m so sorry Beecher’s. Aside from some drinks and a few lunches, I have yet to actually purchase anything from the new cheese palace near Union Square. Beecher’s came to us via Seattle’s Pike Place Market earlier this year and they brought with them their Flagship cheeses, their world famous mac and cheese, a new wacky grilled cheese martini, and their fresh curds. And the most amazing thing about all this is that you can get free samples of any of them every day right in the store (except for that martini, of course).

If you’re here at the right time, you can watch the cheese being made and read about the curds. These squeaky bites of soured cheese are salty, creamy, and just a bit sweet. Beecher’s is smart to offer free samples because it’s pretty difficult to eat just one. I’ve thought about buying these suckers on a few occasions and will soon cave in, but I know how addicting they are and decided for my own best interest to resist. You, however, should buy a package immediately. Price: $5.75/$9

NUMBER 47: FROZEN YOGURT at CULTURE YOGURT

The frozen yogurt phenomenon took this city by storm a few years ago and has left sad, generic dairy chains like 16 Handles and Red Mango in its wake. The dairy dish got a much needed boost this year with the opening of Culture in Park Slope. When I first read about this place, I thought, “Oh no, not another pathetic fro yo wannabe.” But I was wrong, oh so wrong.

When I finally worked up the courage to head to Park Slope to give this a try, I kicked myself for waiting this long. The yogurt is made in house (take that, Pinkberry!) without any antibiotics and is sold both fresh and frozen. The flavors vary from day to day and everything I tried tastes like the flavor’s supposed to with a clean, smooth, slightly tart backing. If you really want to taste what they do best, order one of their speciality sundaes (like strawberry balsamic, key lime pie, or Vermont maple). Culture came at just the right time and saved the day for frozen yogurt! Price: Varies

NUMBER 46: STILL WARM FRESH MOZZARELLA at ABC KITCHEN

ABC Kitchen is a restaurant focused on local, seasonal vegetables, but they also do a fine job on pizzas, pastas, and desserts. And now we can add making their own mozzarella to that list. 

The circular mound of cheese comes out looking like Greek saganaki (without the flames of course), floating in quality olive oil, seasoned generously with salt and pepper, and wearing a lemon garnish. It’s soft and chewy with a rich, sweet milky flavor. I was a little upset I had to share this creamy sensation with the rest of the people at my table, but that was the deal. The cheese is expertly made in house and served “still warm,” which sounds as if it just came out of the cow. It doesn’t get more local than that! Price: $14

NUMBER 55: BUTTERNUT SQUASH MACARON at DESSERTTRUCK WORKS

Every single dessert from the brick and mortar location of Jerome Chang’s DessertTruck Works was heavenly. Time Out brought us here to sample their Honey Rosemary Ice Cream and we went a little ballistic – ordering just about everything on the menu. Including a very unique little bite: a butternut squash macaron.

French-style macarons seem to be everywhere of late, but I’ve never discovered a flavor quite this special. Sweet potato or pumpkin are one thing, but butternut squash are usually saved for soups, right? Well, the dessert masters here manage to balance the rich, earthiness of the squash with maple caramel and make it delicate, refined, and unbelievably delicious. And that was just one of their desserts. Price: $2

NUMBER 54: SFERA DI CAPRINO at DEL POSTO

If I hadn’t called this dessert by it’s proper Italian name, many people may have stopped reading. This is in fact a vegetable dessert. And the veggie used is not as obviously sweet as butternut squash or sweet potatoes. This is a dessert made with celery. Can’t even imagine it, can you? I had celery in a fruit salad a few years ago at an Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side and enjoyed the light earthiness it brought to the other fruit’s sweetness. But with this dessert at Del Posto, the celery is the main attraction.

The words actually translates to “spheres of goat cheese”. Pastry chef Brooks Headley starts with little balls of creamy goat cheesecake and dips them in salted olive oil bread crumbs. They’re accompanied by a thick sweet and sour fig agrodolce and two celery components: light, vegetal celery sorbet and a shredded celery salad garnish. All these flavor come together to make a light, refreshing, sweet finish to a rich, decadent Italian meal. And it makes me a celery dessert believer. Price: $14

NUMBER 53: ZUCCHINI PANCAKE at JAY & LLOYD’S

We all know potato pancakes. They’re a staple of Jewish deli food and a good one could have easily fit into this category as well. But the fact that Jay & Lloyd’s, which is an old-school deli in the far reaches of Brooklyn, is taking those classic Jewish dishes and playing around a bit, makes the trip on the Q train that much more worth it.

You can see specks of the green vegetable dispersed throughout the fried potato patty. The addition of zucchini gives the pancake a more vegetal flavor with a hint of sweetness and an extra textural crispness. The brown exterior is perfectly fried giving way to a moist, earthy treat. I love when restaurants re-invent the classics. It’s a subtle little change, but it makes a world of difference. Price: $4.95 (for 3)

NUMBER 52: THREE DIFFERENT EGGPLANTS at ST. ANSELM

I had some grief when I discovered St. Anselm changed their entire concept this year. They originally were serving artery clogging New Jersey specialities like disco fries (featured on Time Out’s 2010 list) and Trenton pork rolls. But after closing for a few months to obtain their liquor license, they re-opened with a brand new concept: grilled food. That meant no more fryer and no list item for me.

But after having a phenomenal meal there, I was so happy they made the change. I could have probably included any of the dishes on this list, but the one that really blew me away was the appetizer of three different eggplants. I didn’t even know there were three different types of eggplant. St. Anselm seasons and chars Japanese, Thai, and Italian varieties which gave some different levels of texture and sweetness. The smokiness of the aubergines paired beautifully with a block of fried goat cheese (wait, I thought they didn’t have a fryer!) and a sweet, tangy pool of caramelized onions. Amazing that perfectly cooked vegetables don’t make me miss fries or pork! Price: $7

NUMBER 51: MARKET PLATE at WESTVILLE

Westville is such a refreshing little spot. This is affordable food that’s real and hearty and delicious. Sure, they serve hot dogs and hamburgers, but the best thing to order here is a mixed plate of their market vegetables. Every day offers a new list of almost 20 different local, seasonal vegetables prepared simply. Not much is done to these veggies and that goes a long way.

Some of the veggies are just grilled, others are roasted, some are seasoned with garlic and parmesan cheese, others with ginger and sesame. Whatever they do, they bring out the flavor of the produce without sacrificing flavor. You get to pick any four on the market plate. Try the sauteed kale with shallots or the artichoke hearts with parmesan. It’s hard to find a plate this pure, simple, and affordable.

NUMBER 60: DUMPLINGS at WHITE BEAR

All the dumplings I tasted out in Flushing (the Chinatown of Queens) were stellar, but the best version I had was at an unassuming little storefront that used to be an ice cream shop (and still has signs for it!). White Bear serves up my favorite dumplings in the city.

And while most reviewers and eaters go ga-ga over the #6 (the wontons with hot sauce), I preferred the simplicity of the #19. The moist filling was full of complex, diverse flavors and textures: crunchy Chinese cabbage, meaty pork, and spicy ginger. The wrappers were the softest and most tender I had sampled. It almost didn’t even need the soy vinegar that they’re served with. The #6 were also pretty darn tasty, but I recommend coming here with some friends and trying as many different varieties as possible.

NUMBER 59: PIEROGIES at LOMZYNIANKA

You can get pierogies from almost any corner in Greenpoint. While the young hipsters are moving in, the Polish community is not going anywhere. My favorite of these Polish restaurants (I’ve not been to all of them) is Lomzynianka, which resides on the main drag of Manhattan Avenue. The food is affordable, hearty, and authentic.

I liked this place so much that I brought a tour group by one Saturday. I was hired to customize a food tour of Brooklyn and this was a must-stop. We got a tasting of their pierogies and all the different stuffings (including potato, mushroom and sauerkraut, and beef) are delicious, but I really love the Farmer’s Cheese. This is not made from the milk of a farmer, but instead a sweet cow’s milk not too dissimilar to cottage cheese. The rich sweetness of the stuffing is cut by the crunchy, greasy dough wrapper which is topped with beautifully caramelized onions. A side of sour cream adds some cooling tang. Price: $5.50

NUMBER 58: HOUSEMADE RICOTTA RAVIOLI at ABC KITCHEN

Of all the things I tasted at ABC Kitchen, I’m sort of shocked that the dish I keep coming back to were the ravioli. I only had a taste of them since somebody else at the table ordered them, but I was surprised at the brightness and sweetness to this rather ordinary sounding dish.

The plump ravioli were stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese and topped with parmesan and herb oil. Underneath was a complex, but light tomato sauce. These flavors are rather obvious and traditional, but here they were elevated to something fresh and delicious. And that’s why I can’t stop thinking about a bite of someone else’s dish. Price: $15 (appetizer)/$23 (entree)

NUMBER 57: BUREKA at GAZALA PLACE

Ever heard of Druze food? I hadn’t either until my first visit to Gazala Place some years ago. Druze is actually a religious group that primarily reside in the Middle East, with Israeli, Syrian, and Lebanese influences. The food is easier to classify as Middle Eastern. And the only place I know of that serves this speciality cuisine in the city is Gazala Place, which now has two locations.

The rotating list of fillings is always encased by a rich, buttery bun made of browned flaky phyllo dough. The sesame seed crusted pie falls apart in tender delicious bites. I’m partial to the sundried tomato and goat cheese stuffed boureka which has a savory sweetness that makes me want to learn more about Druze food.

NUMBER 56: VARENIKI “KUBAN” at CAFE GLECHIK

Whenever I travel anywhere, I make it worth my stomach’s while. So when I took the trip out to Coney Island one afternoon, I figured I’d better get in all the eating I could. And since the Russian-Ukranian neighborhood of Brighton Beach was just a few blocks away, I knew I’d be having a taste of Eastern Europe. But I’m never content just sampling one thing, so before the main course of a gutbomb chicken tabka at Kebeer, I visited nearby Cafe Glechik for an appetizer of Russian dumplings.

This place is known for the varniki, which are smaller and more delicate than pierogies. I chose the Kuban, which houses mozzarella cheese and is topped with a gorgeous amount of my favorite herb, dill. They knew how to win me over. An order comes with about 20 of these almost bite-sized dumplings. They were so tender and pleasant that it was practically impossible to not finish the entire plate. Price: $8.50

NUMBER 65: BLACK TRUFFLE AND SEA SALT CHOCOLATE from MAST BROTHERS

The black truffles in the chocolate bars from Mast Brothers, which is a bean-to-bar chocolatier based in Williamsburg, are not the French candy variety. Rather these are real black truffles. The kind you may get with your fancy pasta. Mushrooms. That’s right. This is mushroom chocolate.

And it is incredible. The black truffles give this chocolate a deep, rich earthy flavor that plays in to the bittersweet frutiness of the dark chocolate. The salt rounds it out and not only works on the sweet salty front, but also plays up the sea and earth flavors. This seasonal bar is available at the storefront in Brooklyn and many grocers around the city. Unless you have a mushroom or chocolate allergy (God forbid), you must give this a taste. Price Varies

NUMBER 64: ROBIOLA WITH EGGPLANT CROSTATA at DEL POSTO

Hopefully I already convinced you on the wonders of chocolate and mushrooms. But chocolate and eggplant? And cheese? This might be the wackiest savory sweet combination of all. Yet it’s one of the most delicious.

This was served to us as a cheese course during a spectacular lunch this year at Del Posto. The expertly fried fritter was stuffed with tender eggplant, served with sweet, melty robiola cheese and drizzled with just the right amount of rich, decadent dark chocolate. This was heavenly. The flavors worked so well together. The eggplant contributed sweet, soft textures and if I hadn’t known any better, I might have mistaken it for banana. Oh, now you’re on board!?!

NUMBER 63: COLD SMOKED CORN SOUP at DO OR DINE

Even if I didn’t know the owners of Do or Dine, it would have been high on my destination list. Justin, George, and Luke were friends of mine from when we worked at The Modern together. They have wacky ideas and fun personalities with an eye for flavor and hospitality. And the fact that none of them are trained chefs was not a reason to deter them from creating some of the most exciting and creative food I’ve tasted the entire year.

We didn’t try the now infamous Foie Gras Doughnut (it will be ordered on a future visit), but I fell in love with their seasonal soup that is now sadly no longer on the menu. What a crazy concoction that delighted my tastebuds and played with my mind! A roasted corn and chipotle puree took care of the sweet and spicy balance. But then more layers were added with sweet honeydew cubes and surprisingly subtle Crunch and Munch (the poor man’s Cracker Jacks) croutons. The soup is smoked with a hand smoker and the hickory aromas are released at the presentation, making this a full-sensory experience. And I’m not just being biased, believe me.

NUMBER 62: BACON POPCORN at SALT & FAT

To some it might not seem so strange, but I can assure you to all naysayers that bacon popcorn is delicious. Especially the way they serve it at Salt & Fat, a newish neighborhood spot in Sunnyside, Queens with Korean and Southern influences. I loved the entire meal at my recent visit, but the one thing I couldn’t get out of my head was the complimentary bag of bacon popcorn.

The popcorn is popped in bacon fat, which could make for a very greasy and heavy flavor. But these are surprisingly light and addicting. The bacon flavors are fully present, but not overpowering. It adds smoky, umami notes to the already buttery and salty popcorn. This bag disappeared in a matter of minutes and it was to my delight (and detriment) that the server was only too willing to bring us a re-fill. It’s a perfect way to open up a meal of salt and fat (which is much more pleasant and refined than it sounds). Price: Complimentary with Meal

NUMBER 61: KATZ’S PASTRAMI EGG ROLL at REDFARM

Chinese and Jewish culture have been intertwined since the early days of the Lower East Side. And there are still some great Cantonese restaurants down there serving up egg rolls and the like. And of course, so is Katz’s Deli, which makes some of, if not the, best pastrami in the entire city. So you’d think it would be a natural fit to combine the two flavors. Yet nobody in this city has tried something as outlandish (and obvious) as the egg roll at the new high end Chinese gastropub RedFarm.

This classic Chinese American appetizer is given the kosher treatment with the addition of some generous slices of Katz’s tender, smoky pastrami. Along with the meat, Chef Joe Ng fills the fried egg roll with cabbage and hot chilis. A tangy honey mustard sauce on the side cuts all that delectable fat. They make for a great starter to a consistently creative and delicious meal at RedFarm. Price: $7

NUMBER 75: POTATO CHIPS WITH AWESOME SAUCE at WEATHER UP TRIBECA

I do have a weakness for potato chips, but it takes a superior version for me to stop the automatic hand-to-mouth process and pay attention to what I’m actually crunching on. Weather Up Tribeca is a cocktail bar (in Tribeca, duh!) that has a small bites menu furnished by Chef Tyler Kord, of No. 7 and No. 7 Sub Shop. And thanks to him, the chips almost overshadow the cocktails.

The menu says they’re served with “awesome sauce”, which is truth in advertising. The orange hued sauce is reminiscent of a thicker, smoother Thousand Island dressing. It’s the perfect sweet, tangy topping for the homemade chips which are browned to perfection and salted to addiction. And so my weakness continues. Price: $5

NUMBER 74: SWEET POTATO FRIES at SCHNITZEL & THINGS

Schnitzel & Things, which now has both a mobile truck and a storefront on 3rd Avenue, is known mostly for their breaded and fried meats. But vegetarians and lighter eaters can rejoice in their selection of delicious side orders. There’s no shame in skipping a schnitzel one day and just ordering a sampling of sides, like roasted beets with feta and cucumber salad.  When the storefront opened, they added another magical side option to those favorites.

When I tasted the sweet potato fries for the first time, I wanted to share them with the world. But I couldn’t because I ate them way too quickly myself. They’re thin-cut and fried to the perfect crispness. The generous seasoning of salt plays off the sweet candy flavors of the potatoes to make that perfect sweet, savory, salty combination. I could eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With schnitzel or without. My visits to this store will never be the same again. Now if only they’d start serving them on the truck, life would be perfect. Price: $3

NUMBER 73: ROSEMARY FRIES at STRONG PLACE

There’s nothing better than a pail full of golden fried french fries. Well, maybe if you add some flavorful seasonings to it. And maybe some special homemade dipping sauce. At gastropub Strong Place, all those things are taken to the next level and that’s why these are the best french fries I tasted all year.

The fries here, which are simply seasoned with rosemary and salt, have the proper balance between crisp exterior and soft starchy center. Each bite is a burst of flavor. These golden nuggets are served with a bottle of homemade ketchup. The ketchup is much darker than the store bought variety and has a deeper, truer tomato flavor with just a hint of sweetness. It doesn’t get much better than that. But Strong Place’s huge selection of craft beer sure helps.

NUMBER 72: CRACK KALE at WHITMAN’S

Kale is the favorite green leafy vegetable of hipsters and foodies in New York. You’ll find a kale salad on every single locavore and market-driven menu in Brooklyn and the East Village. But I wouldn’t say it’s the favorite food of meth addicts, yet Whitman’s, a burger shop in the East Village has brought those two ideas together when they created crack kale.

I’ve enjoyed kale chips that I’ve bought in health food stores and even made roasted spiced kale at home that turns out incredibly crispy. Both of those recipes hint at what crack kale is, but neither come close. Here they flash fry the green leaves until they resemble crackly shards and then dust the chips with salt and seasonings. It’s a flavorful, crunchy, dangerously addicting experience and the healthiest type of crack you could possibly consume. Price: $4

NUMBER 71: FRIED EEL BONES at EN JAPANESE BRASSERIE

We came to En Japanese Brasseries to experience their monthly Fish Heads, Eel Bones, and Beer dinner. The tuna collar was on Time Out’s list last year, but we also got lots of well-prepared interesting leftovers – the parts of the fish and meat that they don’t serve to customers. Waste not, want not.

And while I enjoyed the tuna collar and many of the other dishes, the one thing I kept adding to my plate from the buffet were the fried eel bones. These are not something I ever anticipated eating in my life. They just don’t sound digestible. Well, they certainly are. There are basically two layers of crunch: a lightly Panko breaded and salty exterior and then the fragile bones themselves that crunch away much easier than you anticipate. Part of the fun is realizing you can eat through these delicate little bones. The flavor isn’t much aside from salty and greasy with very subtle hints of the sea. But with all this beer and fish parts, what more do you want? Price: Only available with $45 dinner

NUMBER 100: THE WATER MILL at QUALITY GREENS

I started last year’s list with a grilled chicken salad and I’ve found an even better one this year.

Quality Greens opened this summer inside FoodParc, an eclectic food court owned by Jeffrey Chodorow. Their salad kiosk has lots of customizable options and also a list of salad creations to choose from, including The Water Mill.

The salad itself is quite simple, with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and tender organic chicken. But it’s the quality of those ingredients along with the sweet and zingy apple cider vinaigrette dressing that make this salad stand out from all the other tiresome grilled chicken salads out there. Price: $9.75

NUMBER 99: MISO COLE SLAW at COCORON

When I think cole slaw, I think sweet, mayonnaise laden bowls on the table at Jewish delis. Cocoron may be in the Lower East Side, but that’s about all it has in common with Katz’s.

This excellent new soba joint offers a few extra appetizers and side dishes to accompany their noodles and this was by far my favorite. It’s just a few bites, but the vibrant red cabbage tossed with a smoky earthy miso vinaigrette and topped with sesame seeds and scallions, has loads of flavor, crunch, and creativity. Price: $2.50

NUMBER 98: ROASTED BEETS AND HOMEMADE BURRATA at BELL, BOOK, & CANDLE

It seems every new restaurant is required to have a roasted beet on the menu. At Bell, Book, and Candle, a new-ish haunt in the West Village, they take it up a notch.

I had no doubt the beets (which came in both beautiful deep red and cantaloupe orange hues) were going to be fresh since the restaurant has a hydroponic garden on their roof where they grow many of their vegetables and herbs.

But it was the addition of an earthy olive oil, a pistachio pesto, and dots of mint that brought the rich, sweet flavors to life. And it never hurts when you have a creamy, homemade burrata cheese to accompany it and keep it from becoming too wholesome. Turns out they’ve been serving the burrata now with blistered tomatoes instead of those delicious beets. Price: $12

NUMBER 97: SUMMER BEAN SALAD at MÁ PÊCHE

NUMBER 96: SMOKED CUCUMBERS at REDFARM

There seems to be a theme here, doesn’t there? I guess I really like Asian-influenced salads with sesame seeds. So sue me.

These were a play on pickles with rich sweet smoke flavors that gave way to a refreshing bit of heat from specks of red chilies that hid throughout the cucumbers. This was a great way to start the meal at this new upscale, market driven take on Chinese food.

And while the rest of the food was great here, I’d be just as happy to munch on these addictive and flavorful cucumbers all night long. How often do you hear that? Price: $6