On January 4, 2019, I celebrated 10 years of Pop.Bop.Shop. On that anniversary post, several readers commented with the same suggestion: that I extend the toast to the decade by sharing a Top 10 list each month of my best discoveries from the past 10 years. Well, I thought that was absolutely brilliant, and decided to implement it immediately.
In case you missed any of the previous lists, you can check them out here:
- Top 10: Brunch Spots
- Top 10: Viewing Party Moments
- Top 10: Favorite Books
- Top 10: Outdoor Dining Spots
- Top 10: Dog-Friendly Spots
- Top 10: Cape Cod Spots
- Top 10: Martha's Vineyard Musts
- Top 10: Ice Cream Favorites
- Top 10: Birthday Meals
- Top 10: Pumpkin Dishes
- Top 10: Gratitude Moments
For the December list, it felt only right to do a year in review. I typically do these David Letterman-style, going from #10 to #1, but today I am breaking down the winners by category. Here we go!
Entertaining
I start each new year by hosting multiple awards show viewing parties. The Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards are usually in January, with the Oscars following in February or March. I've tried all kinds of decor, flower arrangements and special foods over the past 10 years, but my favorite new thing from 2019 was these M&M and mini cupcake champagne flutes!
I did these for my Oscar party this year. I found the idea on Pinterest! I already had the flutes and it was very easy to pick up the candy and cupcakes at the grocery store.
This idea is so simple, but the presentation is gorgeous and immediately eye-catching.
Dining Out
Looking back at all my restaurant meals over the past 12 months caused an urgent desire to repeat every one of them!
Let's start with two amazing places at Baha Mar in the Bahamas, the location of my tropical getaway this winter. On our second night of the trip we had a reservation at Katsuya, a Japanese restaurant. I was obsessed from the moment I saw the menus. How sexy are these?
We proceeded to order multiple savory dishes and loved every single one.
We also had two fantastic desserts. Surprise, surprise, the molten chocolate cake was my favorite.
In addition to a cool atmosphere and one delicious plate after another, we were also seated two tables away from Basketball Hall of Fame star Ray Allen.
On our final night, we had a meal that I think will go down in history as one of the most luxurious places I've ever dined. It was a Mexican restaurant called Costa, where guests enjoy their meals in bungalows over a koi pond.
We swooned for every dish placed in front of us. I could write a love song about my stuffed poblano pepper.
This experience felt completely surreal - the location, the stellar service and the beautifully plated food.
Back in Boston, I headed to the newly opened Fox & the Knife, helmed by chef Karen Akunowicz. I have admired chef Karen for a long time. First, as the powerhouse leading the open kitchen at Myers + Chang in the South End (for which she won a James Beard Award), and then on television as a contestant on Bravo TV's Top Chef.
The star at Fox & the Knife is the foccacia with taleggio cheese. We loved it so much, we placed a second order!
The broccoli alla grillia Caesar is a fun (and very crunchy) spin on the classic Italian salad.
All of the pasta dishes are exceptional. We tried two that evening and I can't wait to go back and sample others.
I have been looking for an occasion to return to Fox & the Knife. That foccacia is calling me!
Over the summer, I discovered Colette Wine Bistro, the French restaurant on the ground floor of the Porter Square Hotel in Cambridge, MA. Colette has a large outdoor patio, right on Massachusetts Avenue, making it an ideal people watching spot.
The risotto was also incredible. In my original review I wrote, "The green vegetable risotto with fava beans, peas, asparagus and herbs pistou is a revelation. I felt like the food critic character in Ratatouille, who takes one bite of the vegetable dish and is immediately transported back to his happy memories."
We also enjoyed two desserts: the Nutella chocolate mousse and the eclair du jour (which was fruit-themed for the evening). The plating and presentation of both dishes was so elegant and made us feel like we were about to taste something very special.
I have already been back to Colette twice since that first visit, and I look forward to many more!
During my family's annual trip to Cape Cod in July, I finally made it to the Chatham Bars Inn, a place I have been seeing on social media for years. The grounds and waterfront are absolutely gorgeous.
We had lunch at the Veranda, a restaurant just off the lobby. We sat on a covered porch overlooking the ocean.
While enjoying the view, we noshed on super fresh salads. All of the vegetable's came from the chef's garden on the premises.
Though our family vacations in Truro on the Outer Cape, I was happy to know about the magic of Chatham Bars Inn. I will definitely be offering to meet friends there in the future.
The final accolade in the dining out category goes to the neighborhood of Venice in Los Angeles, CA. In August, I flew to California for a friend's wedding and stayed in an Airbnb in Venice. Not only was the location perfect for exploring and enjoying the beach, but we were walking distance to dozens of amazing restaurants.
Our first meal when we got off the plane was at Great White, right off the Venice Beach boardwalk. If I lived in Los Angeles, I would be here every single weekend.
I also fell in love with The Butcher's Daughter. Just look at this space!
It's also where I had the best breakfast sandwich of my life.
Venice is also where I discovered the chocolate babka croissant at The Rose.
Their savory dishes are amazing too. On that particular morning we tried the shakshuka and the huevos rancheros.
One of the evenings, we did the chef's tasting menu at The Tasting Kitchen (hence the name). The restaurant's dining room is quite memorable, because there is a tree growing in it!
Our four-course meal was stellar. With each round we couldn't believe our luck! The portions were generous and each and every dish was a home run. My favorite was the pasta course. I licked that bowl clean!
This trip reminded me how fun it is to really get to know a neighborhood. While I was there, I bought a letterpress postcard of the Venice boardwalk and I hung it in my bedroom. Looking at it every day sparks joy!
Streaming
Though I just finished season three of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon and loved it, my favorite streaming discovery of 2019 was Somebody Feed Phil. The show was recommended to me by a friend and her husband. If you've never seen it before, the show follows Phil Rosenthal, the creator and executive producer of Everybody Love Raymond, as he travels the world in search of deliciousness.
Though he's well over six feet tall, traveling with Phil is a bit like traveling with a Jewish grandmother. He's picky, he's constantly noticing and commenting on the other diners, and he can't stand it when things don't go according the plan. In the episode where he flies to Paris, France, he intends to make his first stop at Angelina for its famous hot chocolate, and when he arrives, the cafe is unexpectedly closed. He gets back into the car, and shouts into the camera, "Well, now the trip is ruined!"
I absolutely love him (even when he complains!). There are three seasons available on Netflix and I really hope they make more. Revisit my original review of the show for my episode guide!
The other show I was completely addicted to this year was Dead to Me, starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. Applegate plays Jen and Cardellini plays Judy, two women who meet in a grief support group. Jen has recently lost her husband. What transpires is crazy, unexpected and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The season finale ends in a way that could easily set the show up for a second season. I really hope they continue!
Movies
It took me no time at all to decide on my favorite movie of 2019: Booksmart. Directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, the story is about two best friends in their final days of high school. It's wickedly funny, endearing and has one of the best soundtracks in a movie ever.
One of the friends I saw it with said, "This was like Can't Hardly Wait and Superbad had a baby." Who could resist that?
Books
At the beginning of this year, I made a New Year's resolution to read two books per month, 24 for the year. I'm currently on book #27 (woo!), but my favorite is the very first book I reviewed here on the blog in 2019, Becoming by Michelle Obama.
It is difficult for me to put into words how important this book is. While reading it I was impressed, inspired and felt a deep responsibility to do more. While it breaks my heart that Michelle Obama will likely never be in the public eye in the same way, she continues to sprinkle her magic all over the world, with a focus on the health and education of women and girls. If you haven't read this book yet, that should be your first 2020 resolution!
This year, I was also completely gripped by Tara Westover's memoir, Educated. Her life experience is so unique.
I was struck by her bravery in retelling the stories from her traumatic childhood and the exclusion she felt in college. She has gone on to master so much.
Lastly, Daisy Jones & The Six was a captivating read and I am elated it is already being produced as a series for Amazon!
For those who aren't familiar, the book is written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick (the second most powerful book club, only behind Oprah Winfrey's). It's a work of fiction about a rock band in the 1970s, told as an oral history. It's basically like reading the best episode of VH1's Behind the Music that you could ever imagine.
I highly recommend this book as a vacation read.
There you have it! My Top 10 discoveries of 2019. I can't wait to see what 2020 brings!
Comments
Seo link creator
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 07:52
I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks read otherworldly evil monarch novel online free
NIMRA SHAIKH
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 07:52
Getting used to the new normal has had its impact on the field of education as well. Lots of apps have become popular during distance learning. What is more, having these apps on hand has made online education possible during these turbulent times. Nowadays, no one is asking the question ‘what is distance learning’ as check article
Seo link creator
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 08:32
Thank you very much for this useful article. I like it. the founder of diabolism
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 01:35
Please share more like that. the founder of diabolism
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 02:28
Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. novelfull
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 07:14
Thank you for helping people get the information they need. Great stuff as usual. Keep up the great work!!! receive SMS free
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 08:19
Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. frisco plumbers
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 09:09
Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. pgslot
saba 033
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 12:07
Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I m happy I found this blog. Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post. 강남홀덤
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 01:58
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. شراء متابعين
Muhammad Moiz
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 02:00
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. professional flour sifter
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 03:09
This is my first time i visit here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially it's discussion, thank you. Tax Refund Advance for Christmas
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 05:45
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks ジュエリーバッグ
Seo link creator
Fri, 12/25/2020 - 00:54
When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. voyance par telephone
NIMRA SHAIKH
Fri, 12/25/2020 - 02:18
fetish kläder ledapol nätbutik kinky festkläder partykläder vinyl look by www.xxx-couture.se kinky klänning
NIMRA SHAIKH
Fri, 12/25/2020 - 04:00
Explore your dream home at Prestige Smart City Villa. Discover a quality of life that is truly unique.
NIMRA SHAIKH
Fri, 12/25/2020 - 04:04
Godrej Woodland Plots By Godrej Properties.
Muhammad Moiz
Fri, 12/25/2020 - 06:25
I have been impressed after read this because of some quality work and informative thoughts. I just want to say thanks for the writer and wish you all the best for coming! Your exuberance is refreshing. custom patches
asim seo
Sat, 12/26/2020 - 03:36
Excellent website you have here, so much cool information!.. Download Astra Image PLUS Crack
saba 033
Sat, 12/26/2020 - 05:12
This particular tools are extremely important to me whenever I require because they help me get the practical analysis of my project completed. 먹튀검증사이트
Seo link creator
Sat, 12/26/2020 - 07:49
Daisy Limo offers the best ground transportation service in Princeton New Jersey. When you need a reliable airport ride from Newark airport to Princeton University call Daisy Limo or book your ride online. Princeton Limo and Airport Car Service
Seo link creator
Sat, 12/26/2020 - 08:14
You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. portable toilet hire Edinburgh
Seo link creator
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 07:09
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. good texts
asim seo
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 08:41
The key thing worth remembering here is that your medium should remain moist and cool as mushrooms grow. Keep checking them periodically and spray water if necessary. magic mushrooms canada
asim seo
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 08:44
Hi! Thanks for the great information you havr provided! You have touched on crucuial points! Download Astra Image PLUS Crack
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 14:21
Shop our huge inventory of Wholesale Hats and Caps wholesale hats
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/28/2020 - 02:38
Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also Electrician Near Me
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/28/2020 - 06:04
Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. lustrakazan.ru/catalog/lyustry-920
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/28/2020 - 08:23
You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. history's number 1 founder read online
Seo link creator
Mon, 12/28/2020 - 09:07
Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! read novels online
saba 033
Mon, 12/28/2020 - 11:13
Obviously I like your web site, but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to inform you. Nevertheless I will surely come again again! 마진거래
Seo link creator
Tue, 12/29/2020 - 09:25
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me. pussy888
NIMRA SHAIKH
Tue, 12/29/2020 - 13:49
We bring to you the best of all the hallucinogenic items accessible. Z strain mushrooms
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/30/2020 - 06:14
very interesting keep posting. Indian express editorial vocabulary
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/30/2020 - 06:31
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. susz cbd
Naveed mughal
Wed, 12/30/2020 - 06:40
We pioneered the 'Lifetime Guarantee' for any new gun we sell, and continue to stand behind every firearm- providing an extra level of confidence, and another reason to consider purchasing with us.
best firearms
Seo link creator
Wed, 12/30/2020 - 08:38
Wow, excellent post. I'd like to draft like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon. olejek cbd
NIMRA SHAIKH
Wed, 12/30/2020 - 10:42
Bringing you all the elements of success and happiness, Bingo-voyance.com is the place to be for someone who wants to know his destiny. Believing in our own energy is the best way to start understand the great power everyone can have to make the life better. The esoterism's secrets and the tarot cards will serve to answer the question about love, work, relationshop, career, fortune. Be sure that you are never alone, the fortune teller are pleased to help. voyance tel
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 06:17
I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. Orbit 交易所
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 07:08
Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! darknet stores review
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 07:43
I read that Post and got it fine and informative. bitcoin tumbler
Naveed mughal
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 07:51
We own every BIKES outright and have a clear title in our possession.
bike for sale
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 08:26
If you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away. forex signals providers
Seo link creator
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 11:13
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! Vapes
asim seo
Fri, 01/01/2021 - 05:32
Bringing you all the elements of success and happiness, Bingo-voyance.com is the place to be for someone who wants to know his destiny. Believing in our own energy is the best way to start understand the great power everyone can have to make the life better. The esoterism's secrets and the tarot cards will serve to answer the question about love, work, relationshop, career, fortune. Be sure that you are never alone, the fortune teller are pleased to help. עורך דין רשלנות רפואית
asim seo
Fri, 01/01/2021 - 07:15
Tourists to India are usually amazed by the incredible energy of its streets and also its folks. インドのビザ
Naveed mughal
Fri, 01/01/2021 - 07:19
Well, stealthbaymeds.com is one of the trusted suppliers of top-shelf snow.
buy cocaine
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sat, 01/02/2021 - 07:22
Whеnеvеr уоu want tо buу any medicine, you nеvеr wаnt to compromise оn thе ԛuаlіtу оf thеѕе products to avail оf thе health-related benefits. black tar heroin
Naveed mughal
Sat, 01/02/2021 - 08:22
We likewise urge you to peruse and see all item data, dose, conceivable symptoms and contradictions of the prescription drugs for your utilization. For this the web can be an incredible wellspring of data, given you utilize proficient connections.
ALPRAZOLAM
asim seo
Sun, 01/03/2021 - 06:06
While testing a software application, testers perform a variety of tests to evaluate its accessibility, functionality, performance, usability, security, and user experience. Express vpn Activation Code Generator