Favorites of the year 2015

Everyone comes up with end of year lists so here is another one:

My favorites of the year. For details check previous posts.

Chinatown, NY -- Everything begins and ends in Chinatown in NYC. It has been expanding the last few years and there are loads of new places to try.Roast duck, dumplings and veggies. Try anyplace that strikes your fancy.

Hamilton - The is musical on Broadway is a must see. Exhilarating!

The Public Theater in NYC -- They have developed some amazing plays this year, not to  mention Hamilton.

Lisbon- This city is fun, affordable and accessible. Check it out.

Portuguese wine - They are so cheap that is it embarrassing. It is usually hard to find good, inexpensive white wines. Portugal is the place to find them. Try any wine that your local store may stock. They  are alot better than cheap swill from California.

The Borgata in Atlantic City -- Great food, excellent wine lists and close to beautiful beaches. Check out Brigantine.

Taylor Mac -- An original. Check him out if he appears near where you live.

Maui-- Go! Don't spend lots of money. Stay in Hana or rent a condo in Kaanapali.

New Foodie destination-- Hana, Maui. You heard it here first. Food trucks, pop up Thai restaurants and pizza in the jungle, what more could you want?

Wines -  Cru Beaujolais, Bordeaux and Champagne, France has it all. If a wine says Champagne and France on the label it almost surely will be good. The Wine Spectator stats show that about 90% of Champagnes get rated 90 or above.

Domaine Drouhin, Oregon -- If you have not tried their wines, you are missing out. Worth the splurge.

Chocolate - Debrands, Jacques Torres and Maison du Chocolat, perfect. They all do mail order.

Not cooking this year for Christmas but will be making a big dinner on the day after. Dessert will be Montclair Bread doughnuts, Jacques Torres chocolate and the wine will be a 2012 Chateau Haut Bergey, which I really want to try. Around $22. In a top vintage like 2010 it will sell for $40.

Book- Everyone should read Phillip Roth's American Pastoral. It is a book that resonates today.

Bakery - Montclair Bread; ancient grains bread and doughnuts.

Pet Peeve of the year -- 90 point scores of wine. Today, every store says that their wines have 90 point scores. There are so many publications and organizations that rate wine today that the 90 point scores are meaningless. Check for scores from people that you trust, just like you would for other things that you purchase. I trust the Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Vinous but even these publications have weaknesses on their staff.

This year we will continue our New Year's Eve tradition of getting a Peking duck and dumplings in Chinatown, NYC. Champagne, probably a Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay), and Italian pastries from Ferrara Bakery in NYC, what more could you want?

Have a Happy New Year!