As we prepare to close 2009, let's pause to look back on what this final year of the first decade of the 21st century has brought upon the human race—starting with the most important thing: a new taco joint...
Paul Kahan grilled your tacos at Big Star. Rick Bayless rolled your churros at Xoco. Bill Kim fancified your jibaritos at Belly Shack. Michael Kornick flipped your burger at DMK. David Carrier stirred your grits at Kith & Kin. We kind of like this new economy.
Those Rockit Ranch rascals (Billy Dec, Arturo Gomez and Brad Young) welcomed you into their latest playground, Sunda, where a zaftig chef calling himself "The Food Buddha" managed to wrest your attention away from all that stiletto-clacking going in the lounge. It was love at first Thai Fried Chicken.
Everyone's favorite spot for a cocktail under the Brown Line made a long-awaited comeback. And it did so in such a stylish (and roomy) mid-century lounge on this respectable stretch of Lincoln, you hardly miss the rumbling "L" shaking the ice cubes in your Manhattan.
Mornings and you were never on best of terms. But this year, Jam brokered a stable and lasting peace via braised lamb crepes, Malted Custard French Toast and a savory Pork Cheek and Egg Sandwich. And yet, the Nobel people don't even call.
When you have Valerie Jarrett and Desiree Rogers holding court at Fred's at Barneys, and architect Dirk Denison designing Terzo Piano above the Art Institute's Modern Wing (just so Tony Mantuano can ply you with pastas and wine), it's safe to say the tyranny of the $5 foot long is over.
