Countdown to 2008: Jill's Five Best Epicurean Experiences of 2007

The Phillyist Staff had so many ways to countdown to 2008 that we found ourselves with quite a few leftovers on this, the final day of 2007. So enjoy this afternoon's glut of lists from your friendly neighborhood bloggers, and we'll see you next year!

At this point, I guess most of you readers out there know that I don't eat to live – I live to eat. So it stands to reason that I've had a few dining experiences this year that have been especially memorable. Some of them appeared on Phillyist, and others did not. But gourmets and gourmands alike rejoice: they're all here, in all their mouth drooling glory.

5. Cuba Libre's "15 Tastes of Cuba" Menu
Sure, when I went to review Chef Guillermo Pernot's special tasting menu, I didn't love every single item that I was served. But the menu was solid enough to cement Chef Pernot's reputation as one of Philadelphia's top chefs – and the enthusiastic service and free-flowing mojitos didn't hurt, either.

4. Ross's Graduation Dinner at The Fountain at the Four Seasons
I didn't write about this meal when it occurred in May because believe it or not, I try to keep my personal life at least a little separated from my Phillyist work, and I wanted to keep this auspicious occasion fully rooted in the former. But several months after the fact, I can praise The Fountain's excellent service (my wine glass was never less than half full), their delicious food, and their cushy atmosphere. I can also applaud them for being so very non-nonplussed by the Hugs for Puppies protesters gathered near the restaurant's windows: as the foie gras haters gathered, several members of the staff simply closed the blinds. It blocked the view of the parkway, but meant we could eat our fattened geese in peace.

3. The Mario Batali Chianti Essentials Pot
Not every amazing food experience has to happen with the assistance of a professional kitchen staff. This red enamel Dutch oven weighed as much as an overweight lapdog and had me on first braise. I'll be using it for years to come. Thanks, Food Network!

2. Ross's Post-Bar Dinner at Le Bec Fin
This was another one of those occasions where writing a review of my experiences seemed wrong, both because I was dining at Le Bec for personal reasons and because, hey, it's motherfucking Le Bec Fin we're talking about here. My opinion doesn't matter when you've got Five Stars. But I'm giving it anyway. Have I had better food in my lifetime? Yes – that's why it's not number one on this list. (I do have to say, though: I've never liked sweetbreads before this dinner, and I haven't liked them since, so cheers to the chef who made me forget, for just one evening, that I was eating entrails.) But I have never, never, ever had better service, even when it was almost laughable. (Four waiters showily removing the silver covers from our dinner plates simultaneously? Holy "Be Our Guest," Batman!) I think I finally understand why Le Bec is so expensive.

1. My Birthday Dinner at James
What is there to say about this gorgeous Bella Vista restaurant that I haven't already covered? I would go back to James in a heartbeat, even if I wasn't hungry. What makes it so outstanding? Two words: Food. Gasms.

Image Credit: Flickr user randomduck