Home

Welcome to HotDish!

This blog is an index of the best foods I have ever eaten anywhere. I started keeping track so I wouldn’t forget what to order when returning to favourite spots, and so I’d have an easier way to refer friends to truly spectacular places. I prefer writing about specific dishes rather than giving general restaurant recommendations, as even places that have lots of good things on the menu often only have one (or maybe two) things that are really memorable. As a rule, I try not to write about anything that I haven’t eaten at least twice so I can vouch for the quality. I’d love to know if you find something you like.  I’d also love to hear about any recommendations you might have, as I travel frequently and am always looking for new places to try.

One of my favourite meals ever was at a three-storey restaurant in Tokyo that I never did find out the name of (as the sign was written in Japanese characters). We were given an English menu that listed some very badly translated examples of what we might be eating, and for every course there was a list of about 7 or 8 possibilities of what those dishes might be based on the chef’s mood. It wasn’t sushi – so I’m not sure if it qualified as an omakaze – but there were a couple of dishes that featured some pretty amazing raw fish.  

I remember one of the courses had “sliced horse flesh” listed as a possibility, and we were so incredibly relieved when the dish that showed up for that section was vegetarian. Everything we ate that night was fantastic, and it wasn’t super expensive so we ended up going back again the very next night to see what other exciting things would be delivered to our table. Both nights were equally great.

That place hit all the things that make a great eating experience for me: 1) eating while traveling 2) in another country 3) with my husband 4) having the chef choose what we eat 5) an element of mystery (and possibly even fear, haha) 6) trying exciting foods and combinations I haven’t had before, and 7) everything being delicious.

What was your best meal ever, and why?

23 thoughts on “About”

  2. The best meal I ever had was in 1994 in a little restaurant near the Louvre in Paris. I had foie gras followed by rack of lamb and ending with a chocolate mousse out of a beautiful wooden bowl. It was absolutely magic!

    (Sorry, I don’t know the name of the place.)

    Reply

    • That sounds delicious. I can’t imagine there is a better place to eat fois gras and chocolate mousse than in Paris. I also kind of love eating out of unconventional materials, if it is done right (and it sounds like it was, since you’re remembering the bowl as part of the experience nearly 20 years later!). I once went to a restaurant in Tokyo that, for an extra charge, would serve your sashimi on a series of serving vessels made by a famous Japanese potter centuries ago (unfortunately, at $5000, the charge was MUCH heftier than we had anticipated so we did not indulge!!).
      I wonder if the place you went in Paris is still there. It would be amazing if you went back someday and had that same meal. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

      • I don’t believe in trying to repeat the same experience. Even if it was exactly the same, I’m sure I would receive it with less enthusiasm, somehow.

    • I’m glad you like my pictures, thanks. 🙂 Actually I don’t post recipes, but I might in the future. I love to cook. Right now just focusing on my favourite things to eat out.

      Reply

  5. Hi HD 😀 As you know I have sent out 17 green envelopes to all who left names and addresses on their cards. I have just found that I may not have sent you one. Did you receive it ? If not. Maybe the reasons are:-
    1) There was no address on your card. If not, email it to me and something will be on it’s way to you.
    2) I screwed up and lost your address.
    3) I screwed up and lost your address.
    I’ve got to send you something as yours was the best card.
    Love and hugs. Ralph xox ❤

    Reply

  6. Best meal I’ve ever eating? (I know I’ve been here before, but thought I’d answer your question.)

    Couldn’t pick just one, but it’s always going to be one of those date nights at a spendy, highly reviewed restaurant. Multiple cocktails and many courses.

    Though the first grilled steak (or ribs) of the year, served with the first grilled local corn-on-the-cob, is also amazing.

    Bet your answer keeps changing, too 🙂

    Reply

  7. Thanks for answering this question! I agree, the best meals are those that include many courses and many drinks — though, depending on the number of drinks, these can invariably become less memorable than one would hope. 😉 But yes, it’s hard to beat fresh, simple, delicious ingredients cooked outside – especially after a long winter like this one. I haven’t had my first corn on the cobb of the season yet, but I can’t wait!

    Reply

  8. Sliced horse flesh sounds scary but we know that it might be a delicacy or even a favorite for some. Looking forward to reading your posts! Thank you for sharing your experiences. 🙂

    Reply

    • You’re right – it is probably considered a rare treat by some. I consider myself an adventurous eater, but I’m still not sure I would have tasted sliced horse flesh if it had come to that. Thanks so much for stopping by, I look forward to checking out your blog too! 🙂

      Reply

    • Thanks so much for your extremely nice comment. I hope I help you find something you like. 🙂 Let me know if you end up trying anything out, I’d love to hear about it.

      Reply

Leave a reply to HotDish Cancel reply