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2011 was a terrific eating and drinking year that included trips to Austin, Baja California (twice), British Columbia, Charleston (South Carolina), Hawaii, Las Vegas, Miami, San Diego (twice), and San Francisco (three times), plus daily forays to SoCal restaurants and bars. Here’s my rundown of the best bites and sips. Click the links for more details and photos.

41. Italian Meal of the Year: Trattoria Lucca (Feast of the 7 Fishes) – Charleston, SC
42. *Japanese Meal of the Year (Non-Sushi): Kagura – Torrance, CA
43. *Japanese Meal of the Year (Sushi): Sushi Gen – Los Angeles, CA
44. *Japanese Meal of the Year (Sushi + Contraband): Kiriko – Los Angeles, CA
45. Jerky of the Year: Sophy’s Fine Thai and Cambodian Cuisine – Long Beach, CA
46. Korean Meal of the Year (Modern): LaOn Dining – Los Angeles, CA [CLOSED]
47. Korean Meal of the Year (Old School): Jae Bu Do – Los Angeles, CA
48. Lamb Belly of the Year: Chimu – Los Angeles, CA [CLOSED]
49. Meal of the Year (International): Sooke Harbour House – Sooke, BC
50. Meal of the Year (United States): Snow’s BBQ – Lexington, TX
51. Merguez of the Year: Farid Zadi + Susan Park @ Ecole de Cuisine
52. Mexican Meal of the Year: Baja California Culinary Fest Dinner @ Mision 19
53. Miami Meal of the Year: The Dutch

54. Mochi of the Year: Two Ladies Kitchen – Hilo, HI
55. *Mofongo of the Year: Jimmy’z Kitchen – Miami, FL
56. Moroccan Meal of the Year: Aziza – San Francisco, CA [CLOSED]
57. Noodles of the Year: Matsugen – Honolulu, HI
58. Oysters of the Year (Uncooked): Hog Island Oyster Farm – Marshall, CA
59. Oysters of the Year (Cooked): Red Fish Blue Fish – Victoria, BC
60. Pastry of the Year: Kouign Amann – Bouchon Bakery – Beverly Hills, CA

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