Best Meal in 2008

[bam bam]

Both of my MiLa were quite excellent. I don't think I could choose between the two but they were far and away the two best meals I had this year.

Where was the best meal you had in the past 12 mos?

[BobRSnow]

Not that I dined out all that much, but our dinner at MiLa was professional cooking at an entirely higher level. Allison and Slade Rushing are extremely good chefs. From apps to entrees to deserts, the four of us at the table enjoyed a great dining experience.

[justagirl]

My bday dinner at Pelicano was tops.

[Turbodog]

That is a hard question to answer. My best meals were probably at home. As far as restaurant meals, I ate alone at the bar at Muriel's on the Monday after 2nd weekend of Jazzfest (the Hornets played a home playoff game that night) and it was fantastic.

[Mrs. Fury]

My birthday dinner at Stella was outstanding.

[TulaneRebel]

I had truly excellent meals at Patois and Gautreau's.

[Double M]

Far and away the best meal I enjoyed (so far) in 2008 was in St. Martin FWI
at La Vie en Rose on the waterfront in Marigot. I had a poultry consomme with truffles and foie gras ravioli followed by a Red Snapper filet in a puffed pastry with a tomato, basil and lime sauce. It was so good we went back the next night so that my husband could have it. I had been very stingy with my "have a taste" portions. Lots of great dining on the island of St. Martin.

[Gourmondo]

We took a friend of ours from Switzerland to Stella in April and it was by far the best meal of 2008 for me in the haute cuisine category. Remarkably outstanding in every respect.

[jodyrah]

Probably my perfectly cooked, USDA prime, dry aged ribeye with truffled spinach at Striphouse.(NYC) Here's the crazy thing, that fabulous 20oz. steak was $50. La Boca had a "special" one night: 10 0z. dry aged Angus (not USDA prime) for $45! LOL.

[edible complex]

Avenue Sea in Apalachicola
(chef worked at French Laundry)

did the tasting menu w/wine pairing at $75pp

started w/sunchoke veloute' w/marjoram and curry scented creme fraiche

on to:
sashimi of cobia w/savory cabbage and thai peppercorns
hand cut tagliatelle w/heirloom beets and sweet grass dairy asher blue cheese
roasted alligator point harbor clams w/roasted garlic and rye toast points
olive oil poached oysters w/garlic, fennel, nicoise olives and sourdough crisp
benton bacon wrapped grouper w/early corn and green bean succotash
roasted rib eye w/young onion, pomme de terre puree, and sauce bordelaise

and finished with:
milk chocolate souffle tart w/salted caramel, milk chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream
apalach river tupelo honey pecan baklava w/english styled ice tea w/ pecan foam

it is highly recommended by the staff that all members of the table do the tasting, as the timing of this meal and its service is best done all together. everything mentioned and then some are menu items a la carte if the table does not want to do the tasting.

by far one of the best tasting/wine pairing menus...ever! and one of the best meals of 2008.