Memorable restaurants of 2011

Might not be the best meals, but these are the ones I remember.

Aronia de Takazawa (Tokyo) - Jimmy and I thought this two Michelin star restaurant was more delicious than three star restaurants in the states. Highly, highly recommended if you make a trip to Japan. Then again, we only tried one three star restaurant in Japan, and there are a TON. I'll go next year with an updated report!!

Tender Greens (Pasadena) - You can taste that they use good ingredients, plus the white meat chicken is actually tender, not overcooked like in most places. Some might say it's expensive, but I think $12 is totally worth the quality that you get.

Ike's Sandwiches (San Francisco) - When my cousin Eurie said it used to be better, Jimmy, Jane, and I looked at each other wondering how in the world could it be any better? By far the best sandwich I've ever had.

Mozza to Go's prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich (Los Angeles) - Nancy Silverton's bread + good quality ingredients = awesome sandwich.

Kagaya (Los Angeles) - The regular meat is already the best shabu I've ever had. Not sure if they have supply issues with the meat imported from Japan, but the last premium meat I ordered was mediocre. Sad, because it used to be amazing. $45 + tip for a five course meal, totally worth it.

Harajuku Crepes (Los Angeles) - I think this place is FAR better than crepes in Harajuku. Good ingredients makes a huge difference.

French Laundry (Yountville) - I thought the food was better than Per Se, plus our waitress was awesome. Getting to shake hands with TK was just...the happiest moment in my life. The "Pommes Anna" was my favorite dessert ever.

McDonald's fries (La Canada) - Yes, I would rather drive out here to get fries than eat bad fries at the local McD's. Seems like the execution here is just better - their McRibs and fries are the best I've had anywhere!!

Santouka Ramen (everywhere but West LA) - With apologies to Jason C, this is still my favorite ramen in LA. Yes I know it's not as good as ramen in Japan, but it still totally satisfies my ramen cravings. But then there is...

Ippudo (Tokyo) - Jason C doesn't like this place either (can you tell he hurt my feelings?), but this is currently my favorite bowl anywhere. But yet I do know that there is better Yokohama-style ramen in ...uhh...Yokohama, so stay tuned till my next trip!

Yun Noodle (Arcadia) - They might have some bad days, but it's usually pretty tasty. I usually get the zha zhang mien here. The other stuff is pretty good too.

Zero zero (San Francisco) - Might not be the highest rated pizza in SF (I'm no pizza douche), but it's still my favorite. Love the margherita!

Laduree (Tokyo) - I thought it wasn't THAT much better than Paulette at the time (except for the caramel, which is HEAVENLY) but after having Paulette twice since I came back, changed my mind.