Heather McNeil – amusements for your mouth

Today I was asked if I had a "Top 10" list for this year...you know, best meal, best cocktail, favorite restaurant, which got me thinking....

I have had some great meals...but more because of the company I enjoyed when I ate them.

I have drank some great wine...but more because of who shared those bottles with  me.

I have had some great cocktails...but more because of the laughter that accompanied the imbibing.

BUT, if I had to choose...

1. Dinner at Jim's house...

It's been kind of quiet around here lately due to the fact that my little "side business" has become a full time job for two people and I am a one-woman show. Believe me, I am in no way complaining, but instead feeling the gratitude in the fact that I have business. But when the food eating holiday of the year is approaching and the 7000 magazines I get a month are touting new recipes for gluttonous menus, I completely had no interest.

I have to say, "I'm so pissed"! I don't like being negative and all serious and most certainly perceived as someone who wants to "stir the pot"!

Dear Mr. Bauer,

I was completely shocked to hear about the closing of Michael Mina. I know you have enjoyed many meals at your good friends' restaurant and it must be a sad day for you. What surprised me was that even with all the wonderful accolades you showered on that restaurant and the multiple stars they received from you over the years, they still decided to close.

But, I do like to focus on the upside!

Don't you?

After reading the scathing review of San Francisco's Morton's Steakhouse by Michael Bauer this past week, I decided to take a stand. I think certain aspects of his criticism were irresponsible, to say the least.

1."My first inclination was to steer them to Harris' or Lark Creek Steak, because why go to a chain restaurant in San Francisco?"