There’s been so much to enjoy in 2018. With that, I finish up the Dianderthal Best Of with sweets, randomness, and a countdown of the best restaurants of the year. Wishing you and yours a magnificent and delicious new year!
Sweets
Romeo Chocolates
I met Romeo a little over two years ago. We worked together on a grant at Long Beach City College. Our first meeting, he shared a few chocolate treats that he’d made with the label “Romeo Chocolates,” telling me that he was planning to open up his own shop. Six months later, Romeo Chocolates arrived on Pine. Talk about passion and hard work. Visit for decadent, indulgent treats and rich desserts, like his brownie sundae.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
The line for Jeni’s in Chicago twisted out onto the sidewalk. I didn’t to wait; plus, I was on my way to Mindy’s Hot Chocolate for dessert (although there’s nothing wrong with back-to-back desserts). The next morning, I encountered a different Jeni’s, this one without a line (since many in the area were likely still sleeping off their hangovers). Jeni’s made me a firm believer in ice cream for breakfast. – Featured in Gluttonous Chicago
Sherri B Dessert Studio
I caught a glimpse of Sherri B’s S’Mores cake featured on Live with Kelly and Ryan this summer and knew I had to put them on my lists*. For my birthday, I checked this place off, their Purple Velvet Ice Cream Cake Sandwich welcoming me in to my next year.
Do Good Donuts
Damn this place. Their doughnuts are so good, they make me want to curse. Like, fuck this keto shit – I want a mutha-fuckin’ doo good donut – especially the perfect little local honey & sea salt ones served fresh and warm. Damn you, Do Good. You done too good.
Random
Little Apple Treats
On my trip to San Francisco, I fell in love with a shrub (a zesty combination of vinegar, sugar, and fruit) from Little Apple Treats. I didn’t buy one from their stand at the farmer’s market (TSA would have gotten it), but ordered a bottle from their website once I got home. A few months later, I purchased another bottle from the (now closed) Merchant Provisions Shop (the bakery is still there). Why am I so crazy about fruity vinegar? Why, the wonderful cocktails it helps to create.
Bar Cart
I used to make fun of homes with liquor cabinets. Like, oh, look at you – showcasing your stupid overpriced bottles of booze, you alcoholic. I’ve since had a change a tune, thanks to a reboot of the cabinet concept. How very 1960s of me. Maybe one of these days when my husband comes home from a hard day of work, I’ll mix him a drink, help him take off his slippers, and light his pipe.
Murals
I’ve always been a mural freak. This year, I took a little time to pose with a few local favorites, as well as others in some of my favorite cities. My buddy Jay-go, her kids, and Kourtney joined me on what we coined Mural Day (perhaps an annual event, where we admire Long Beach Pow! Wow! art?).
Kelsey’s Engaged!
Yep, I’m going to be a mother-of-the-bride. I will try hard not to have a new show developed for moms like me – Motherofthebridezilla.
Pantages
It all started with Hamilton. Now, I’m musical theater crazed. Although my addiction is kind of like what they say about heroin – you’re always chasing that original high. Don’t get me wrong – The Color Purple and A Bronx Tale were both fabulous. And, of course, seeing Wicked again was phenomenal. But there ain’t nothing like Alexander Hamilton (we are waiting in the wings for you…I can’t help it). Still, at least for this year, I’m a Pantages season ticket holder.
Restaurants
- Prime by Shenandoah
Not only am I a fan of Prime’s brunch (particularly the chicken biscuit) and their fries, but I love that it’s an outdoor patio spot. Sooo LBC.
- Black Tap Las Vegas
Black Tap is over the top with their crazy shakes, but I’m sometimes a sucker for showy. Sometimes. (One’s opening at Downtown Disney in early 2019)
Who could hate on a restaurant dedicated to nachos? Not this girl. (I was going to try to work in a pun, but I didn’t think it would read well…like, Nach-yo girl, Dianderthal) (or maybe, Nach-yo mama or yo daddy)
This Detroit favorite’s props are well deserved. I loved my pizza squares. And they served some of the best dang chicken fingers I’ve ever had in my life.
- Lovers Only Detroit
More props for the Motor City – Lovers Only is part of the downtown renaissance taking root in the city. And it’s super cute, with great energy and yummy food.
- Bar Ama
I’m a superfan of chef Josef Centeno, in love with his Baco Mercat concept in downtown LA. I’ve been wanting to try his more traditional Mexican restaurant, Bar Ama, for years. And in 2018, I finally did it! I hope to make it back again (several times, this time with a driver so I can drink several of their delectable margaritas) in the new year.
- Beauty & Essex
It’s a good scene for pretty people. And lovers of 90s hip-hop. And those who seek variety in their dishes. I met at least two of these criteria, so damn right, I enjoyed visits to both their Vegas and NYC locations. Featured in Dinner Date :: Beauty & Essex
- Carson Kitchen
This off-strip establishment is just as cool (if not cooler) than it’s glitzier brothers and sisters to the south. Most memorable: the mac & cheese. – Featured in Tasty Places :: Carson Kitchen
- Night Hawk
My favorite find was an all-day breakfast joint that was featured on The Next Food Network Star (ya, I I watch that show). All day breakfast? I mean, come on. [Yes, I’ve heard of Denny’s and I-HOP.] – Featured in Date Night :: Night Hawk
The End!
*I keep both a Google Map list and an Instagram bookmarked images list of restaurants and dishes to try in various cities. I’ve maybe tackled about 2% of noted spots. #GOALS