2025 - Food I Remember | Conner's Corner

I have been in a bit of a “work” funk and have been spending maybe a bit too much time clicking around Kagi’s small web feature. That has led to several year in review posts, which can be really fun, even if you are not familiar with the writer.

I started to think about what I remember about 2025, I did a what I have done post, but the other thing I like to think about is, meals that I remember. Maybe this becomes an annual tradition.

Whipped Feta and Calamari at Balaboosta - After a detour to a Jonathan Waxman restaurant, we arrived here, which was our original plan. The whole meal was amazing, but the calamari, which was not fried and the feta, which was like a dream still resonate with me.
Prosciutto & Burrata at Barbuto - Due to a naming mishap, I tried to spell Balaboosta and managed to get closer to Barbuto and failed to verify. We ended up eating one of the most ridiculous Prosciutto and Burrata dishes. Just amazing cheese draped with amazing cured pork.
Scallop Crudo at Spoon & Stable - The whole dinner was amazing, but this was so light and so refreshing. It was one of the few times I have had tepache and it was a great introduction.
Cachapa at Crasqui - Cheesy pancake goodness. I really do not have much else to say.
My Brisket on Thanksgiving - I have made brisket several times, but this one was just perfect. almost 20 hours on the grill with a 6 hour rest. Worth every moment of my time.
Hot Dogs at Rudy’s - The whole experience was perfect. NYC is such a great place to visit, and when you find beer for $4, you have to go. But the kicker is you get a free hot dog with every drink and they are actually good. Anthony Bourdain filmed here and we get it.
“Redemption” Paisano at Pezzo - Pezzo is one of my favorite hometown spots. Great pizza, good wine, nice people. But mid-year we stopped in and it was not right. The only thing good was the bar service. But they changed ownership and we went back and it was the old experience. They did not call it Redemption, but it is the story I tell myself.
Barramundi at St. Pierre - I had remembered Massimo making a dish with crazy water on Top Chef and being intrigued. This was so, so good.
Oysters at Smack Shack - Mostly because I shucked them myself, but all 12 were delicious
Bolognese at Acqua - Another local favorite, I might actually go check for reservations for NYE right now.
A pretzel from Aki’s Breadhouse - Eaten outside while listening to 4 on the Floor.
The eggrolls at Thai Boat 89 - I went for the Pho and ordered this for some reason and wow.

A few other hits; Momos at Marketfest, Hoagie from Cup n’ Cone, Pocket Full of Soul from Ville City Pizza Co, the perfect Tex Mex Nachos at Pinehaven farm, savory cannoli at Liliana, dumplings at Thep Thai.

I have no photos of this food. I never remember(or really want) to take photos of my food. But maybe this coming year I can remember to photograph menus consistently. That is more interesting to me anyway.