What is time?! I swear I just published my “20 Delicious Things I Ate in 2020” list! This year’s list being shorter is a reflection of (or an admission to) the fact that I was less ambitious with my foodie adventures in 2021. Despite that, I still managed to have a year full of delicious foodie moments. Here are some highlights.
TAKE 5 Ice Cream from Underground Creamery
It’s no surprise that Underground Creamery is a favorite around here. Josh DeLeon’s ice cream interpretation of the classic Take 5 candy bar was perfection.
After winning “Best Pop-Up/ Startup” at the Culturemap Tastemaker awards, the craft ice cream aficionado club is very full. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this flavor makes it’s way back into Underground Creamery freezer, so I can stress myself out maniacally adding it my cart in the hunger games that are Underground Creamery drop dates.
Beef Birria Tacos from Chef Dawn Burrell and Tacos A Go Go
The limited-time Taco Tuesday collaboration between Chef Dawn Burrell and Tacos A Go Go was an early 2021 delight!
A portion of the proceeds supported I’ll Have What She’s Having, a local non profit promoting health and wellness in the Food & Beverage industry.
Holy Mole Oxtail Tacos from Chef Chris Williams and Tacos A Go Go
Another excellent Tacos a Go Go collaboration! Chef Chris Williams of Lucille’s Hospitality Group (Lucille’s) brought Southern flare to to Taco Tuesday. Tender Oxtail paired with sweet potato and cabbage slaw and a savory drizzle of Oxtail gravy delivered Sunday dinner nostalgia wrapped in a tasty tortilla.
A portion of the proceeds supported Chef Williams’ nonprofit Lucille’s 1913, which aimed at fighting food insecurity in under-resourced communities with initiatives such as community gardens and meal delivery services.
Beef Katsu Sandwich from Chef Dawn Burrell
When’s the last time you tried something for the first time? I’ve always wanted to try a beef katsu sandwich, so I was excited to see it on the preview menu for Chef Dawn’s forthcoming Late August.
Burrell’s signature approach to international comfort foods is one of my favorite things about her.
BGMW moonlights as a Chef Dawn Burrell Stan account, so celebrating her journey on this season’s Top Chef Seattle was another highlight for my 2021. I’m really looking forward to seeing what all she has in store for us when Late August opens at The Ion in 2022.
Duck Fat Fried Chicken from Roots Southern Table
Master Chef Tiffany Derry’s newest restaurant swept the Dallas food scene by storm. The entire menu is a love letter to the intersection of down home and modern cuisine, and the duck fat fried chicken is a must-order, because… duck fat fried chicken!
This was my first meal after coming back from my month in Mexico, and what a treat it was! Looking forward to another trip up I-45 to try this again and again.
Magret de Pato at Los Danzantes (Oaxaca, Mexico)
Speaking of my month in Mexico… I most wish I could enjoy this dish again. Duck breast cooked in sous vide and sealed in butter with seasonal mushrooms, peach puree and confit mushroom tapenade. It was the most delicious “Welcome to Oaxaca” meal!
Honestly, I could double this list if I added all the delicious things I ate during that life-changing adventure in Mexico. Fortunately, I made a dedicated list for that. Read: Food Diary: 11 Delicious Things I Had in Mexico
Biscuits & Gravy from The Tipping Point Coffee
The Tipping Point Coffee opened a new Heights location and introduced a fantastic weekend menu. The tacos and breakfast sandwiches are great, but the real gem: biscuits and gravy.
I love a good biscuits and gravy moment! Fluffy buttermilk biscuits topped with smoked sausage, brisket trimmings and red eye gravy? So much yes!
Smash Burger from Boo’s Burger
Burger pop-ups ruled the food scene and one of my favorites came from the Boo’s Burger.
2021 proved to be the year of the smash burger – my favorite kind of burger. There’s something so perfect and comforting about the crispy edges of juicy, perfectly grilled burger. Throw in bacon, cheese and house made pickles? Sold! Follow Boo’s Burger here.
Breakfast Biscuit from blacksauce kitchen
I am the queen of saving restaurant recommendations on social media. A friend regularly raved about the biscuits at @blacksaucekitchen, and I knew I needed to try them as soon as possible.
During a quick trip to DC, I intentionally flew into BWI so I could get my hands on this beauty: skirt steak, free range egg, and tangy onion jam sandwiched between a buttermilk biscuit. It was messy and delicious, and I had to resist the urge to double back to order a second one.
Duck Breast Noodle Soup from Kin Dee
If you have a duck dish on the menu, I’m ordering it! Although I’m not much of a soup person, this Heights hotspot’s Kuaytiaw Ped Toon blew me away.
This was my first time at Kin Dee, and everything was great – the food, the drinks, the service, the dishes (gold rimmed glasses & chopsticks!) I’m looking forward to making it a staple in my Houston rotation.
Smashed & Fried New Potatoes from Georgia James Steakhouse
Georgia James Steakhouse is a successful reimagining of the (often stuffy) steakhouse experience. While the steaks are fantastic, they won me over with this unexpected darling side dish. The crispy-outside-fluffy-inside potatoes are tossed in a garlicky cheesy goodness and are perfect for a steak and potatoes situation.
I celebrated my 30th birthday at Georgia James steakhouse and the table may or may not have argued over who got the last scoop.
My Goal for 2022
The end of the year makes me reflective on what I want for Black Girl Meets World. I love sharing my food and drink adventures, but I didn’t prioritize it like I hoped I would in 2021. My new year’s resolution for the brand is to be more intentional about using this platform – my blog- to document those adventures.
Hopefully, shifting my focus where social media is secondary will help me overcome the procrastination triggered by not wanting to battle with algorithms, and also prevent me from rushing to get lists like this up before the year officially ends.
Final Thoughts on 2021
Whether your 2021 felt torturously long or incredibly rushed, I hope 2022 is much kinder and more generous to all of us. Have a safe and happy new year, lovelies!
Want to keep up with my Black Girl Meets World adventures?
This post is everything! Will be adding these delicious looking items to my list of food stops!
Great content! Keep up the good work!