When I sat down to plan several of my blog posts for the year, the Best Bites of 2020 was one that I looked forward to writing. This stroll down memory lane allows me to relive some of my favorite and not so favorite dining experiences, all while realizing I’ve consumed a million + calories in the past 365 days. C'est la vie!

Prior to 2020, this list would include legendary restaurants that I discovered during my travels and, of course, those hometown favorites that are so near and dear to my heart but midway through the year, I started rethinking this post. Would all of my best bites be served in clamshells, or would this piece be a best of Trader Joe’s frozen food listicle? You laugh but rest assured the first half of quarantine was spent eating my way through the TJ’s frozen food section, and if you want recommendations, I have plenty.

Best Bites Of 2020

Before we get started, a few disclaimers.

You may be thinking, there are WAY too many “best of” or “top restaurant” lists floating around, and I don’t disagree with you. However, this list is a little different.

Unlike other listicles, these dishes haven’t been “crowdsourced.” I’ve eaten every single dish that I am featuring here. Trust me, my scale will prove it. While other media outlets may like to source opinions for their “it-lists” it’s not something I believe in. If I don’t love it or I haven’t tried it, why would I write about it?

All of the dishes featured were 100% paid for by me. Not one dish was comped by a restaurant or PR firm. As a food enthusiast, I feel that this transparency is necessary. I want to share these dishes with you because I enjoyed every single morsel not because a PR firm’s excessive courtship landed it here. It happens, trust me.

Alright, let’s dive in face first, shall we?

During my only trip to Chicago, I had a chance to <safely> explore the city and check out a few new restaurants, one of which was Daises. Located in Logan Square, this charming eatery may be known for its housemade pasta, but their sandwiches are secretly stealing the show. Walking in, I had the intention of ordering their Chicken Parm and glass of wine, but I was easily swayed to try their daily special, which happened to be the most decadent Beef & Cheddar I have ever enjoyed. Close your eyes and imagine the most tender, melt in your mouth wagyu beef topped with cheese wiz and green chilies and served on a fresh onion roll. Drooling yet? If there was only a way to have these magically transported to Nashville.

IMG_8687 3.jpg — The Catbird Seat

Tomato Three Ways

The Catbird Seat is one of my favorite hometown restaurants. I have been fortunate to follow this culinary incubator from the outset, exploring wines and cuisines that awaken my palate. The fifth iteration of The Catbird Seat is lead by someone who called Music City home for a short time, Chef Brian Baxter. The menu evolves with the seasonality of the ingredients, and I was fortunate to visit shortly before tomato season came to an end. I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many tomatoes. When our first course was comprised of three different interpretations of tomatoes, I was elated. Each bite presented a different texture and flavor profile, but the standout was the tiny tomato pie (middle) with smoked tomato, sauce choron, and cheese fat. The bite may have been tiny, but it left quite a lasting impression.

Pinchy’s Lobster Company

Nashville Style

The lobster roll may be known as an East coast favorite, but Pinchy’s is serving up this classic dish with a Nashville Twist. Chef BJ Lofback, owner of Funk Seoul at The Factory at Franklin, opened up a new concept this summer featuring all things lobster. While lobster rolls are the main attraction, guests can enjoy lobster mac and cheese along with homemade chips and dip. My favorites are the Nashville Style lobster roll, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and chips with homemade french onion dip ( be still my heart!). If you can’t make it to Franklin, Pinchy’s has a food truck that makes its way throughout the city. Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.

IMG_8730 2.JPG — Josephine

Mighty Mick Cheesesteak

I’m beginning to think that I have a type. Juicy beef smothered in cheese. There’s nothing wrong with that, right?

When Chef Andy Little rolled out his new happy hour menu earlier this year, you might have heard me shriek with excitement from Green Hills. It’s not often that you find a cheesesteak done well and to find one on the menu at an upscale dining establishment? Get out of here.

In all seriousness, Chef has perfected the cheesesteak and offers five different variations of this Pennsylvania staple at Josephine. If you want to keep it classic, I recommend ordering the Balboa, but if you are feeling a bit adventurous, perhaps the Paulie or the Creed speak to you. I decided to keep it classic with a twist and opted for the Mighty Mick. After all, you can’t go wrong with sliced ribeye, lettuce, Duke’s mayonnaise, tomato, and American cheese < heavy on the cheese, please>. These delicious creations are available Wednesday through Sunday, during happy hour.

Rolf and Daughters has been one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville since they opened in late 2012. For those of you who are unfamiliar, this Germantown gem serves rustic pasta dishes and shareable plates that are sure to make everyone at the table swoon. RAD has done an exceptional job pivoting during the pandemic offering DIY pasta kits, market boxes, and even going as far as to curate a case of wine for their guests. In late September, Phillip Krajeck decided to offer outdoor brunch, adding bloody marys, croissants with tomato jam, and avocado toast to the menu alongside popular favorites like the Garganelli and chicken with lemon and garlic confit. However, the brunch standout was the Sweet Corn Agnolotti. While this seasonal dish can be found on the dinner menu, I knew I’d be remiss if I passed up this opportunity to enjoy these pillowy pasta bites. Krajeck does a remarkable job offsetting the sweetness of the corn-filled agnolotti with the sharpness of the jalapeno and lime. Keep your eyes peeled for this dish in 2021, as it is only available for a limited amount of time. I, for one, have learned my lesson, one order is simply not enough.

Chicago may be known for dishing out the sauciest, cheesiest deep-dish pies around, but let’s talk about this Pilsen-style pizza at Bob’s Pizza. When I stumbled upon a pizzeria that made legit pickle pizza, a tear came to my eye. Aside from wine and cheese, pickles are one of my favorite foods. While this is far from your traditional pizza, you will quickly forget about that as you are enjoying the garlic cream sauce, mortadella, and endless dill pickles. I loved this pizza so much that I smuggled the extra slices on the plane in my purse! Now that is true love, y’all.

The highlight of 2020 was the long-awaited opening of Locust, an eatery dedicated to dumplings, numby noodles, and perhaps the most incredible kakigori this girl has ever seen. Nestled in the heart of 12th South, Trevor Moran, former Catbird Seat chef, understands the magic necessary to create an unforgettable experience. Pro-tip: Order the entire menu and go all-in with the numby noodles. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a wild ride, and I know I am not alone when I say this- I’m ready to get off!

I want to take a moment and commend those hospitality workers who made it possible for people like me to leave their house and have something to look forward to giving me the smallest sense of normalcy during a time when the world was just weird. Thank you!

Here’s to 2021. May the New Year bring you happiness, adventure, and copious amounts of delicious food.

Until Next Time!

The Best Bites Of 2020

Best Bites Of 2020