Top Fives in Photos of 2010.

A recap of 2010.

Well it’s the last day of 2010! I can’t believe how quickly this year flew by! In the grand scheme of things I guess it was an OK year. While I didn’t do anything completely amazing I managed to survive the year without any catastrophes. Well, unless you count having to get all of my wisdom teeth removed.

Usually I end the year with a massive recap of everything I did. And I put together a slideshow of all my photos that I am sure I am the only one who watches.

This year I was lazy. Or maybe I just decided to use my time a little differently, so instead I will present to you my year in top fives…

 

FIVE FAVORITE PHOTOS

I loved this photo I took of a tree in New Jersey. Simply because I often pay too much attention to composition and not enough to light. And I saw the light on those leaves.

 

You can’t forget this classic shot of MK from his birthday…he may have been a little inebriated…

 

I ended up not finishing this class because I never felt like going out and doing the homework for it… But I loved this photo I took for Street Photography.

 

I have to admit that this photo was a total mistake. I also have to admit that I totally love this photo of Mucca Pazza at the Renegade Craft Fair.

 

Took this while camping at Turkey Run in Indiana. Jen and Andrew had a light-up frisbee so I set up my camera on a long exposure to capture their game.

 

 

FIVE FAVORITE THINGS I COOKED

This pan roasted chicken will forever be my favorite recipe.

 

I made these mushroom sliders when I ate vegetarian for a month. They were so delicious they kicked any burger cravings.

 

This may be just a salad, but this chopped salad, another vegetarian month entree, has become one of my favorite go to meals.

 

Successfully making a Thanksgiving turkey is always an accomplishment.

 

Wiener Schnitzel — because I still can’t believe I made wiener schnitzel correctly and deliciously on my first try.

 

 

FIVE FAVORITE THINGS I ATE

Girl and The Goat has to top my list! This is the smoked goat pizza. But all of their food was amazing.

 

Anthony Bourdain called the greatest sandwich in America. He was right. The Three Little Pigs sandwich at The Silver Palm might give you a heart attack…but at least you will die happy.

 

I hate the Cubs…but kind of love that they offer two pounds of nachos in a helmet at Wrigley Field! I failed miserably at finishing, but it was kind of awesome to try!

 

Just like with Girl and the Goat, everything at The Purple Pig was delicious. And much of it fried! My favorites were the fried mussels and the Fried Manchego.

 

I really don’t think I can leave off the best grilled cheese sandwich ever (cheddar, apples, and grilled onions on cheddar bread) at RedBone Willy’s Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival.

 

 

FIVE FAVORITE PLACES I WENT

Started the year off with a song at Lincoln Karaoke for my and Heather’s birthdays. Private room karaoke — amazingly fun.

 

A whole festival devoted to bacon? Yes please! Baconfest Chicago was my porky, greasy heaven.

 

The City Museum in St. Louis was just a giant playground…that I enjoyed despite my fear of heights!

 

9 days. Over 3,000 miles. Driving through Virginia and North Carolina. Hanging out with the Hungry Sisters and Will. Watching Bluegrass and eating BBQ. It was one of the best road trips ever.

 

My favorite artist, Kurt Halsey, (who actually once drew a portrait of me) had a showing in Wicker Park so I dragged Mat along through a crazy storm to see.

 

 

FIVE FAVORITE MOMENTS IN COMPETITIVE EATING

Joey Chestnut winning the Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. Even though he hates me. And Kobayashi getting arrested! Even though I didn’t see it.

 

Pat Bertoletti getting messy and winning the Chicago Ribfest ribs eating contest.

 

Major League Eaters taking on wings made with insanely hot Bhut Jolokia pepper.

 

Driving six hours in one day to watch a loose meat sandwich eating contest.

 

My favorite bakery hosting a cupcake eating contest down the block.

 

 

So there you have it. My 2010 in twenty-five photos, ten food experiences, five great places, and five eating contests. 2011 is just a day away and I am so ready for this new year to come. Believe me. It’s going to be a good one.