The 10 best things I ate in 2015

But I digress.

I’ve written many reviews detailing Charlotte’s eateries on Zomato, and I was asked by one of my three regular readers (thanks, Mom) about which establishment I thought was the best.

I just couldn’t decide. I did, however, create a list of my favorite dishes from the year.

So, without further ado, here are my top 10 favorite meals of 2015:

(1) Petite Filet at Ruth’s Chris ($37)

Predictable? Probably. There is no denying that Ruth’s Chris serves some amazing steaks. Some Charlotteans prefer The Capital Grille, Morton’s, Beef & Bottle… But for my money, I’m choosing Ruth’s Chris. I appreciate the flavor, but especially their ability to always cook it to my desired temperature.

(2) Large Pulled Pork BBQ Plate at Mac’s Speed Shop ($13)

Honestly, I could eat this pork every day. The food at Mac’s is sensational and the service is prompt. There is no better bang for your buck than Mac’s. I paired it with mac ‘n cheese and the green bean casserole. Highly recommend.

(3) Beignets at The Fig Tree ($8)

This is the only dessert prepared by the executive chef himself, and I can’t fathom a better way to spend $8. I’ve heard other locals compare these beignets to the ones you’d find in New Orleans. That is high praise. The Fig Tree is such a beautiful restaurant that it almost doesn’t matter what they put on the plate. Just be thankful that the food happens to be phenomenal.

(4) The Southwest Chicken Salad at Kennedy’s ($10)

Surprised a salad from an Irish pub made on my list? Don’t be. This salad is no joke. First, the portion is easily enough for two people. Second, opt for the fried chicken to maximize the delicious medley of textures.

(5) Steak & Fries at BrickTop’s ($26)

BrickTop’s in SouthPark offers up a meat-and-potatoes classic. The Kobe beef is extremely tender, the fries are thin and crispy, and then there’s the herb butter. Honestly, I bet a lot of kids order this dish for the fries alone. Well played, BrickTop’s.

(6) Classic Shrimp Scampi over Linguini at McCormick & Schmick’s ($21)

I love pasta. I have to force myself to try other foods because my heart really just yearns for that magical flour and egg combination. If you’re going to toss in seafood, it’s game over. That is exactly what they do at McCormick & Schmick’s. The hint of lemon zest applied to this dish puts it over the top.

(7) Moriawase Double Deuce at The Cowfish ($23)

Do you love sushi? No? Shame on you! The Cowfish is known for its vast menu. The burgers happen to be wonderful here as well, but if I’m going to spend my money, I’m going with the delicious sushi. A California roll, spicy tuna roll, salmon, yellowtail, etc… Okay, now I’m really getting hungry.

(8) Fish & Chips at Ri Ra ($15)

No place does fish and chips better than Ri Ra in Uptown Charlotte. The Workman’s Friend on Central is a close second. What puts Ri Ra’s version over the top is the sensational tartar sauce.

(9) Donuts at Duck Donuts (who cares, it’s donuts)

Located in the Kenilworth Commons, Duck Donuts is quickly rising to fame in Charlotte. I typically get half a dozen, mainly because I hate my body. I feel like it quit on me a long time ago. My personal favorites? The cinnamon sugar, original, and maple icing with bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon on their donuts?

(10) Mozzarella Sticks at Hawthorne’s Pizza ($7)

I often find myself barreling down 7 Street near Uptown to get my fill of Hawthorne’s Pizza. I know this simple dish might surprise you, but I’m a sucker for mozzarella. I mean, I really love it.

So there you have it. Those are my favorite Charlotte dishes from the year. Follow along for 2016’s culinary delights via @TheCltJohn.