A virtual swearing-in for this year’s Supervisors
True to the COVID-19 era, there were some technical glitches; gratitude extended to outgoing officers.
Pandemic, protests and politics upended our “normal” lives in 2020. Last year tested local restaurants, bars and our local hospitality community like never before. As the calendar turned to a new year and I reflected on the requisite recap of my year in food, I realized there were still many bright spots.
Mind you, this isn’t my typical collection of the year’s best bites — it feels strange to put together a list of the best when the year offered nothing but the worst. Instead, this list highlights the meals that offered light when there was darkness, comfort when there was chaos. I’m sharing as a reminder of how vital restaurants are to the fabric of our communities and I hope you’ll join me to rally support for all of our local, independent eateries this year.
Fried chicken, Akaoni (Carmel)
Akaoni is famous for sushi, but last year, the Japanese karaage fried chicken became my mustorder each visit — perhaps a subconscious craving for the comfort
of childhood chicken nuggets? Make no mistake, chef- owner Shinichi “Shin-san” Yamada is as thoughtful and precise about his fried fowl as he is about Akaoni’s stellar sushi.
Anytime chilaquiles, Aki Fresh Mex (Marina)
Aki Fresh Mex was a welcome addition to our local dining scene last year. Chef- owner Isabel Escorcia’s food is fresh, flavorful and rooted in familia. The anytime chilaquiles — her daughter’s favorite — might best encapsulate why Aki has so many fans. Escorcia’s food honors her family, but more importantly, welcomes us into the family too.
Dry-aged whole duck dinner, Aubergine (Carmel)
Few have the resources to enjoy Aubergine’s Michelin-starred experience, but pivots during the pandemic have made the restau