As I reflect on this past year of Dining Out, I am inclined to consider what food is to us.
One of the most magnificent things about food is its ability to bring us together. Whether at home, around town, or even abroad — food is culture, history and geography. Experiencing food can be an adventure, but I also think that all good adventures are not complete without food.
Food is like a flavor enhancer to the memorable moments of life. Food also can bring us tremendous comfort amid the ever-changing landscape of life, and certain flavors become like longtime friends with a shared history that makes us smile. It gives the timid a pass to the wild side, the uncomplicated a seat with the sophisticated, and for the daring among us, an endless source of amusement.
The best restaurants boost the food experience to a level that reaches beyond the nourishing of our bodies. They leave a lasting impression that makes us want to return again and again. Beyond the fundamentals, determining which ones are the best is a subjective process. There is no limit to the joining of food and creativity — from preparation to the table, every restaurant has an opportunity to stand out from the rest and have a lasting impression.
From this year’s restaurant reviews, I’ve identified my top picks based on the lasting, positive impression they made.
• I have been thrilled about all the new food trucks and carts that have opened up in Clark County recently. The Nomad, Esoteric BBQ, Ingrid’s Good Street Food, and The Mighty Bowl are all equally outstanding. Each serves mouth-watering meals while setting a high standard for our growing food cart options.
• At Vinnie’s Pizza, I finally found an authentic Italian meatball that I think is superior to most, and I was pleased to find the rest of the menu items that I have tried at this restaurant very tasty. The fresh, traditional, family-recipe quality of Vinnie’s food (including the pizza) is what cravings are made of. The restaurant is always very clean, and the waitstaff makes you feel right at home.
• Bleu Door Bakery is out-of-this-world scrumptious. Their recently opened dining room is charming (as are the staff), and the items on their expanded menu are in line with a level of excellence that has given the restaurant such a great reputation. Everything about Bleu Door is spot on. Portland should be jealous.
• Charlie’s Bodega Tapas and Whiskey bar remains a favorite of mine. I enjoy the wide variety of small plates, which allows the sampling of many flavors and textures in one visit. I love the cozy, inclusive atmosphere of the bar-end of the restaurant, and if you happen to visit on an evening with live music, it will be unforgettable.
• Of the newcomers, Cafe Yumm is one to try. I like this place for its health-conscious menu, sensible portions, and its one-of-a-kind Yumm Sauce. The stuff is amazing.
• Corbett Fish House, which hails from Portland, is gaining traction in Vancouver with its many gluten-free options and quality seafood.
• Speaking of seafood, I would be remiss to not mention Brewtopia’s salmon entree, which recently was added to the menu. The dish presents a range of very commanding flavors that stand well on their own, are complementary to each other, and depart from the ordinary. It is a daring dish that works (in an unlikely place), and it quickly became a favorite of mine.
2016 likely will bring change in many of our lives, including new experiences with food. I appreciate being a part of bringing the news of our Clark County restaurant options to you. I sincerely thank you for reading.
Happy dining, and all the best in the New Year.
