As the year draws to a close, many look back at what they've experienced or accomplished in 2015 and here the two of us think about what amazing things we've eaten and cooked. Sometimes it's difficult to recall what happened when and where all we drove our faces into food but without a doubt, we had the best meal of our lives this past year. As we consume more and more on food adventures and plate after plate of creative dishes, we start to see the pattern and trends emerge among chefs. Occasionally, there are lulls of eating where the food no longer tastes inspired but rather follow a train of thought that was already seen at another restaurant. Innovation, where are you? we ask every once in a while.

That was not the case a the end of July though. No, we had a reservation at n/naka in Los Angeles. I had just come off of a flight from New Orleans where fantastic food is bounteous. Duc picked me up from the airport where I had changed into an appropriate evening dinner dress, and we headed to the notorious restaurant with a friend...and it was mindblowing.

37 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Pricing - $$ | Dining - Casual, Dressy Casual | Cuisine - Italian (Northern)
http://unionpasadena.com/

I had expressed to Duc one day that it had been years since I had ventured to downtown Pasadena so in an effort to re-expose me to the wonder that is the street of Colorado Blvd and its offerings, he set aside a walking plan for us both which included an early dinner stop at a restaurant whose name he didn't want to reveal to me. That restaurant turned out to be Union which is a sweet 50-seat modern take on northern Italian cuisine combined with the power of sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly. The seasonality of the menu reflected the nuances of Californian cuisine and produce as transposed on what would be classically northern Italian food. I for one am a big fan of both styles so was pleasantly surprised not only with the intimate but chic decor inside but also the food and service.

We love farmers' markets. It's a guaranteed destination for any traveling that we do and originally started off as just research for an ongoing "Finding Farmers' Markets" series for Orange County. These markets have seen a revival due to the increased interest people have in where their food comes from and finding the freshest they can get. Where better than from the source? When we traveled to Durham recently, we just had to schedule time for one and despite the on-and-off rain, the Durham Farmers' Market on Saturday morning was still open. Though small, the essentials were present and the people mightily friendly!

Did you know that Yard House made its debut 19 years ago in Long Beach at the Shoreline Village? Though I knew it was a restaurant chain, I was not aware of its roots so close to Orange County nor how long the company has been slinging brews and food at people. To celebrate its 19th anniversary, the flagship Yard House tapped a limited edition, limited release beer created in collaboration with Rogue Brewery from Oregon - the Spruce Tip IPA. Known for its hundreds of beers on tap and the beer yards they serve, Yard House's step into anniversary collaborations is well-welcomed and just the next step they have taken in providing their communities with as much craft beer as possible. We were invited in to give their newest addition to their beer list a try as well as explore their winter menu available from November 2nd to January 3rd.

2001 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27708
Pricing - $$ | Dining - Casual | Cuisine - American
http://nasher.duke.edu/cafe/

Ah the Nasher Museum, what a destination spot for those visiting Duke University or even just Durham itself. The museum has several exhibits throughout the year that draw many visitors but what it also has that should get people's attentions is a wonderful cafe that focuses on sourcing from local farmers. The Nasher Museum Cafe was one of the places I enjoyed frequenting as a Duke student (previous write-up here), and on our visit back to the area during Homecoming, I made sure we would stop in to see how their delicious menu had progressed. The great thing was, it was just as fantastic as I remember it being.

A county staple, Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this year throughout the year rather than on a single day. What an accomplishment to reach that milestone. For those celebrating special occasions, many a memory has been made in its dining rooms. Earlier this year, we previewed a commemorative menu by the Lawry's family and Executive Chef Steve Kling which showcased popular classics and modern soon-to-be favorites. This menu expanded upon existing beloved dishes by tripling the selection size, and the new winter season has only contributed more to their repertoire. This time, I previewed strong contenders for new favorites as ingredients ripe for the winter have been used, and it is no wonder they have been around for half a century. Their consistency to quality ingredients and food is complemented by their constant ability to change with the times and innovate where needed. Celebrate #FC50 with them before the year's out if you can!

"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me..." quite a lot of gifts that are random. What does one do with eleven pipers piping? I suppose if you're Chef Jason Montelibano, you just get inspired to whisk up a delectable dessert in honor of the phrase. Hotel Irvine's own EATS Kitchen & Bar led by the gregarious chef is celebrating the well-known song and holiday season with creative specials starting December 12th, running up until Christmas Eve and Christmas day (when guests can reserve seats for a five-course prix fixe chef's tasting menu). These supplemental specials all pay homage to the different days in the carol and run the gamut of types with cocktails priced at $10 to dishes ranging from $12 to $20 each. Curious yet? Well you better mark your calendars because they'll only run on their designated days, and based on the preview I got, you're in for some treats.