The Best Meals of 2013 #11-13

The Miami food scene continues to grow and I was fortunate to enjoy several outstanding meals in our own backyard this year.  From the delicious and fun Pop Up Series hosted by chef Michael Schwartz at Harry's Pizzeria, to some great collaborations along the way and to the "underground and experimental" dinners we throw with talented chefs over at Cobaya Miami.

I must admit that doing this was not easy as each were great in their own way. As with my normal "tiers" these rankings take all facets of the meal into consideration. Food is the primary component but phenomenal wine or simply a great time can bolster the ranking.

Big thanks to all of the chefs, kitchen crews, managers, sommeliers, bartenders, servers and support staff for making 2013 another happy year for my belly!!

Rankings:

Link to #'s 14-15 plus ties.

13.  Brad Kilgore Tasting.  This was a dinner Brad did prior to becoming the chef de cuisine at J&G Grill.  He nailed it as usual.  You can read more about it here.

12.  Jeremiah Bullfrog dinner at The Wolfsonian.  I've enjoyed several dinner with Jeremiah over the years.  This one was one of his best efforts across the board.  Recap here. 

11. A solo visit to Macchialina and a self curated tasting menu that included some great specials.  I was seriously unable to stop eating.  Yellowfoot chanterelles with bone marrow and parsley toast, veal cheek and pork meatballs, veal crudo with crispy prosciutto, braised escarole and tonnato sauce, tripe parmigiana, yellowfoot, white button and shiitake risotto with preserved truffles and spaghetti vongole with Calabrese peppers.  Great meal and a great place.  And YES I ate all of that by myself.