My friend Jenna asked me "So what was this the year of?" Unsurprisingly, I couldn't think of one particular thing to define the year.
But 2011 was big for us. It was our first full year as residents of the Capital Region, far from the big city that we called home for the start of our adult life, as well as its many amenities. The second half of the year also made it the year of The House, The Dog, and The Second Car--none of which would have been possible for us without that first part, the move. And, of course, the marathon invaded all other thoughts from April to November, and my body (in new ways) from August to Central Park.
In travel, it was a year of new North American cities. Portland, Oregon. Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. Montreal, Quebec. Hudson (which we've come to know better and love). We hadn't even been to Saratoga Springs before (I'm discounting a meeting where I only saw the inside of a conference room).
For tea, J seeped most of the year with Prince of Wales (like 2010) and I had Honey Vanilla Chamomile. Brunch almost always means corned beef hash for one of us, and quick lunch or cheap early dinner often meant Andy's & Sons subs. In 2011, having company meant having brunch, dinner, or apps and drinks at New World Bistro Bar. But in our own kitchen, it was the year of grilled pizza, grated ginger, crispy no-knead bread, and the slow cooker.
In fresh and local, it was most definitely the year of the cherry. When we talk about picking cherries back in July, our eyes light up, our faces flush, and we ooze with joy. J had never even tasted a cherry before this past summer, and there we were, plucking them from trees on a clear sunny day and eating several pounds entirely too quickly.
I'm not sure what 2012 will bring. We have a list of new (to us) restaurants to try, so we can start there. More new places to check out, including Toronto, Nashville, and--fingers-crossed--some cities across the Atlantic. And maybe we'll get our act together and decorate our house.
If you're curious (I was), the last post of 2010 was The Roundup of Roundups. In 2009 it was Chanukah at Equinox. In 2008 I was buried in finals, and in 2007 I was giddy over Rasika, upscale modern Indian cuisine that is entertaining and delicious.
A very happy new year to you and yours.
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