2014 Recap / Top 10 Highlights of the Year

My final lunch of 2014 was the fabulous kale salad from Blossom, plus a spinach smoothie that I blended up at home. The pomegranate seeds add a wonderful bright flavor, and that creamy avocado ginger dressing is to die for. I’m glad I had a healthy, green lunch before ringing in the new year with vegan burgers and sparkling wine!

Anyway, it’s time for my highlights of the year… I know I’m a little late, but better late than never! Here are some memorable moments of 2014:

1/ This year was all about “new age” ramen. Classic ramen flavors with a twist. Mok Bar, Ivan Ramen, and Union Republic were my favorites of 2014. Also, the vegetarian options at Ivan and UR are vegan without the egg!

2/ We got a Vitamix! Well, it was a thank you gift from some friends for helping out with their wedding. Our old blender had just said bye bye, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Smoothies and blended soups galore. The Vitamix is *life changing*!

3/ I’ve enjoyed some amazing dinners with friends, but Boulud Sud stands out as the most noteworthy upscale dining experience. Beautiful dishes, refined Mediterranean flavors.

4/ We visited Dallas, Pittsburgh, and DC for weddings. I haven’t shared any of my photos from the DC trip because a lot of them are on John’s phone. Someday!

5/ I met up with the lovely Mitzee Mee at Delicatesen for delicious mac & cheese. We talked about food and blogging, of course! This year, I also met up with the folks over at Tabelog and attended on a Tabelog event at Skal. They have another event coming up next week, but it, unfortunately, doesn’t work out with my schedule.

6/ In 2013, I stopped eating land animals. In 2014, I stopped eating sea creatures as well. Being vegetarian is easy peasy. This March, I’m going fully vegan for an entire month!

7/ I finally had a chance to brunch in the stunning garden at Pure Food & Wine. I love that restaurant, and there really is no other place like it. It’s very unfortunate that this and this just happened days ago. Who knows what is going on there?!

8/ Hedwig & The Angry Inch. Michael C. Hall. Need I say more?

9/ I got back into baking in 2014! Layer cakes seem to be my thing lately, and I always make them vegan. Perhaps my next layer cake should be for Valentine’s Day!

10/ We had friends over a vegetarian holiday brunch. Crostini, cranberry sauce, biscuits, deviled eggs, chocolate cake, and more! Lots of full bellies that day.