Top 5 Dishes of 2019

2019 has been a great year when it comes to eating and drinking. I’ve explored more of the Coastal Virginia region, traveled to New Orleans and even tried some new restaurants back home in Baltimore. As 2019 comes to a close, I want to reflect on some of the drool-worthy dishes I ate this year. Here are my top five favorite dishes of 2019.

5. Rum Raisin Gelato from Gelati Celesti in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach saw an ice cream boom this year with the opening of three new spots to enjoy the frozen confection. From Lolly’s Creamery at the ViBe District to Blue Cow Ice Cream along Shore Drive, Virginia Beach residents and visitors had no shortage of locales to enjoy a scoop on a hot summer’s day.

Click here to read more about Blue Cow Ice Cream.

Click here to read more about Lolly’s Creamery.

In late May, a Richmond Italian-style ice cream shop opened a location in the Hilltop neighborhood of Virginia Beach. Gelati Celesti boasts over 30 delectable gelato flavors, made with cream sourced from Pennsylvania farms to create an ice cream that is 14 percent butterfat.

While Gelati Celesti has several tantalizing house-favorite ice cream flavors, I couldn’t pass up my all-time favorite, Rum Raisin. Gelati Celesti uses a rum flavoring base for their Rum Raisin gelato. I thought I loved plain Rum Raisin ice cream, but Gelati Celesti completely changed the game with heir thick and creamy take on the classic Italian flavor.

4. Chargrilled Oysters at Royal House Oyster Bar in New Orleans

My summer vacation to New Orleans was an adventure for my taste buds (and a trying time for my liver). Among the many iconic Big Easy dishes, including po-boys, gumbo and crawfish boils, I helped myself to Chargrilled Oysters.

Chargrilled Oysters are unique to the New Orleans dining scene. While Virginia is the “Oyster Capital of the East Coast,” it’s nearly impossible to find chargrilled oysters on any local menus (and if you do, they aren’t as good as they are in The Crescent City). My friends and I became so hooked on the baked oyster dish that we tried them at a couple of restaurants in New Orleans, however, Royal House Oyster Bar had my favorite.

Royal House is one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Everything we ordered was a delicious intro to some of Louisiana’s classic cuisine, including the Chargrilled Oysters. Local Louisiana oysters are shucked, topped with a signature parmesan butter filling and grilled to a bubbling perfection. We used the side of bread and even our fingers to sop up every last drop of the rich garlic butter sauce. Chargrilled Oysters are the perfect intro to oysters for people who may be overwhelmed by the thought of a raw oyster.

Click here to read more about my dinner at Royal House Oyster Bar.

3. Maine Diver Scallops from Loch Bar in Baltimore

Initially, when I was compiling my top five list, I had the Diver Scallops from Saltine in the rankings. However, after having dinner at Loch Bar in Baltimore, I had to make a switch.

Both dishes featured large, plump scallops that are seared to perfection, accompanied by creamy risotto. Loch Bar managed to snatch the number three spot from Saltine after I had dinner there just four days before the end of the year.

Click here to read about the scallops at Saltine.

Loch Bar’s Main Diver Scallops managed to edge out Saltine’s scallop dish thanks to the inclusion of a lobster risotto. This velvety risotto uses chunks of lobster meat, along with sugar snap peas, pickled red pearl onion for acidity and a rich lobster hollandaise sauce.

2. Family Meal from Two Drummers Smokehouse in Toano

My work allows me the opportunity to travel to Williamsburg a few times of year. Over the summer, we took a work trip up to the historic city but had lunch in Toano. Two Drummers Smokehouse is a hidden gem just north of Williamsburg serving up large portions of down-home barbecue.

With five people total, we decided to order the Family Meal to share. This colossal platter feeds four but could easily satiate the appetites of more. With this platter, we were able to try Two Drummers’ brisket, pulled pork, chicken, sausage and ribs. The platter also came with two large sides, so we chose the cheddar grit cakes and collard greens.

The 12-hour brisket and cherry-smoked pulled pork were juicy and tender. The ribs practically fell off the bone. At first glance, I didn’t expect much from the grit cakes. My eyes widened in surprise as I took my first bite of the moist cheddar grit cake.

To match the family-style offering of food is Two Drummers’ cozy, at-home atmosphere. The food is so comforting that you might even think your grandma is in the kitchen. Totally unpretentious, Two Drummers lets its food speak for itself while offering friendly service with a smile.

1. Bread Pudding from Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar in Virginia Beach

The number one meal on my list happened back in February during Virginia Beach Restaurant Week. I decided to finally eat at a local staple, Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar. Situated right on the Rudee Inlet, Rudee’s Restaurant offers fresh-caught seafood and waterfront views.

Just as the sun appeared to make its descent into the water, the dessert course of my three-course dinner arrived. When offered the choice of Key Lime Pie or Bread Pudding, I chose Rudee’s homemade Bread Pudding. Ten months after eating this meal, I still think of the Bread Pudding longingly.

I think I said it best in my original post:

“Rudee’s moist, slightly spongey, bread pudding steps it up with the use of white chocolate and mixed berries. The real star of this show was the warm whiskey sauce. The moment my plate hit the table; the fragrant whiskey sauce wafted past my nose. You can definitely taste the whiskey in the sauce, but it also has a sweet, buttery finish. I glided every spoonful of bread pudding through the rich, delectable whiskey sauce, and even thought about asking for some to-go. I decided not to do that because I’d just end up drinking it in bed.”

Click here to read more about my dinner at Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar.

2019 was a great year for edible exploration. Stay tuned to see where I eat and drink in 2020.