2022 In Review: My Top 10 Meals

Looking back at what I consumed this year, it was hard to pick favorites. We had amazing meals around the world both casual and fancy. It took some time to narrow down the list, but these are the meals that I remember most fondly.

My ten favorite meals of 2022:

10. The Mayfair Classic (The Mayfair Chippy | London, United Kingdom)

Fish and chips are a staple of British cuisine. My favorite in London comes from The Mayfair Chippy. Fried cod with mushy peas, tartar sauce, HP gravy, and chips (fries) is a classic combination that I find myself craving. The fish is light and not greasy.

Address: 14 N Audley Street, London W1K 6WE, UK

9. The Chef’s Choice Dinner (Fang Restaurant | San Francisco, CA)

This meal I had with my team while attending a conference. I had been to Fang Restaurant before, but it had been a bit. None of us had food allergies, so we were treated to an assortment of dumplings, rice, shrimp, and the most amazing sweet potatoes (among other dishes). If you’re near the Moscone Center, head here for dinner.

Address: 660 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

8. Chicken Parm Pizza for Two (Quality Italian | New York, NY)

I have enjoyed this dish many times. This time, we were with friends so we chose both The Classic and Alla Vodka. The “pizza” is actually made entirely of chicken. It’s served with crushed red pepper and honey, which sounds weird bu works delightfully. These are huge and you will leave satisfied.

Address: 57 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA

7. Assorted Dishes (Le Colonial | Lake Forest, IL)

Le Colonial has several locations, but we had lunch in the one in Lake Forest, IL. We sampled a variety of dishes including the vegetable rolls, dumplings, chicken curry, beef noodle soup, and more. Everything was prepared well.

Address: 655 Forest Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA

6. Margherita Pizza (L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele | Naples, Italy)

Julia Roberts was right in Eat, Pray, Love. The pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is simple and sublime. The lines may be daunting, but it’s worth the wait to try this piece of heaven. Sit at the bar across the street and have an Aperol spritz while you wait for your table.

Address: Via Cesare Sersale, 1, 80139 Napoli NA, Italy

5. Assorted Dishes (Rose Mary | Chicago, IL)

Chef Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant, Rose Mary, is inspired by his Italian heritage combined with the flavors of Croatia. We enjoyed the Lamb Culatello, Beef Burek, Zucchini Fritters, Skradin Risotto, Pork Ribs Pampanella, and Rigatoni Amatriciana. All of the flavors worked well and since it’s just a few blocks from home, we’re dying to go back.

Address: 932 West Fulton Street, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

4. Tagliere (Il Salumaio Di Santa Marina | Palermo, Italy)

I am still dreaming about this antipasti from Il Salumaio. The meats were sliced to order and the cheese melted in my mouth. It was huge and satisfying. I keep telling my husband that I am ready to go back just for this platter. We dined in the alley outside the restaurant and loved every minute as scooters and cars squeezed by our table.

Address: Via del Celso, 3, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy

3. Assorted Dishes (Sampan | Philadelphia, PA)

I have been coming to Sampan for over a decade and have never had a bad meal. We brought friends and tasted a ton of dishes. You can’t go wrong with any of their takes on Asian fusion. The Cheesteak Bao are a playful favorite. It has a fun, clubby vibe and you’ll want to hang with friends while watching the cool kids here.

Address: 124 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

2. 5-Course Cocktail Tasting with Food Pairings & Black Truffle Explosion Ravioli (The Aviary | Chicago, IL)

We had the privilege of doing this tasting menu at The Aviary and added the incredible Black Truffle Explosion Raviolo (yes, it’s one for $19). Every cocktail was inventive and the flavors were amazing. This meal focused on the drinks, but the food was equally impressive. Reservations must be made on Tock in order to have this experience. You can also pay with Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you don’t want to spend the $145 per person (which is well worth it).

Address: 955 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

1. Sommelier Tasting (RPM Seafood | Chicago, IL)

My best friend treated us to the incredible experience. We started in the kitchen with an oyster and progressed through one beautiful course after another. The service was impeccable and we had zero complaints about the food or wine pairings. Simply a perfect meal and a heck of a way to spend a birthday at RPM Seafood.

Address: 317 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Anthony’s Take: There were many other contenders, but these are the meals that I enjoyed most in 2022.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m dining out, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice for restaurants and food delivery is the American Express® Gold Card. With it, I earn four Membership Rewards® Points for each dollar spent at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases). It also includes up to $120 annual credit (up to $10 per month given in statement credits) for Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and Shake Shack. Plus, up to another $120 annually (up to $10 per month) in Uber Cash that I can use for Uber Eats. When I’m hungry, this is the card I choose. (Terms apply and enrollment required for select benefits.) Learn more.