As I look forward to trying out the new dietary guidelines I have set for next year, I would like to take a moment reflect on the changes I made this year.  2008 brought both the beginning of my foray into locavorism, as well as my shift away from sugar.  For the first time in a long time I was forced to think outside the box (often quite literally), to try new foods, and to be more conscious about what I consume.  Along the way I discovered many new foods, and restaurants that have become important parts of my life.  In no particular order, here are my top ten Best Eats for 2008.

1.    Zia Gourmet Pizza – Although they technically opened at the end of 2007, I didn’t discover it until the beginning of this year.  Owner Khaled Waleh has created something truly magical with Zia’s.  His pizzas are packed with fresh ingredients in tantalizing combinations, and are available by the slice.  I am currently hooked on the Vegan Eggplant, with its roasted eggplant and rosemary potatoes, and the Papay with generous helpings of spinach, drizzled in yogurt sauce.  There is not a bad pizza on the menu, so whatever slices he has on hand, I am guaranteed a tasty meal.

2.    Liquid Stevia – On my Candida diet I had to give up sugar, but I was permitted to use Stevia as a sweetener.  Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener that is used around the world as an alternative to sugar.  The FDA has authorized Stevia as a food supplement, but not as a sweeter, so it is not widely available.  I have used Stevia to sweeten beverages, quinoa and adzuki bean porridge, and plain yogurt with satisfying results.

3.    Mary’s Gone Crackers – These have saved me on many occasions when I have needed a snack, or have been left hungry at the end of a breadless meal.  I love them with a little goat cheese, dipped in soup, or on their own.  I also love Mary’s new sticks and twigs line.  I am grateful to finally have gluten free, organic treats to munch.

4.    Tender Greens – New to San Diego and new to me.  With delicious meals at just $10 a plate, Tender Greens is an affordable farm to table restaurant.   Depending on my mood, my favorites are the Seared Ahi or Temecula Vegetable hot plates.  Both are served with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and a small salad, and both are equally craveable.

5.    Womach Ranch Farms Chicken – My most recent Farmer’s Market discovery is sustainably raised, pastured, local chicken.  Farmer Curtis Womach is raising his birds on organic vegetarian feed without hormones or antibiotics.  These birds are soon to become a staple of my diet!

6.    Raw almonds – I had eaten roasted almonds on occasion for years, but I had never tried them raw.  They are now my bring-along food when I am on the go and won’t have time for a proper meal.  I also love to sprout them and make almond milk.  The left over pulp makes a great base for humus, and also works as a breadcrumb alternative in turkey burgers. Nutritious and delicious!

7.    Ghee – Having watched a few programs on the perils of Genetically Modified foods, I have developed a slight aversion to most corn based products.  I began using Ghee as an alternative to corn oil for high heat cooking.  It is made from unsalted butter, but does not contain milk solids.  I find that my food tends to burn less when I use ghee, and I like the hint of buttery flavor that it adds.  It is now the only fat that I cook with.

8.    Empire Apples – Tiny apples that pack a powerful punch of sweetness.  Grown locally in Julian, I found these at my neighborhood Whole Foods Market.  They are crisp and juicy, and just the right size for a sweet treat.  I look forward to the return of the Empire’s next year.

9.    Burger Lounge – The Kensington location opened in 2007, but I didn’t discover it until this year.  Burger Lounge is definitely not your typical burger joint.  For starters they offer only 3 burgers – grass-fed beef, turkey with basil, or quinoa.  They each come on a sweet bun with tomato, lettuce American or Cheddar cheese, onions, and house-made Thousand Island dressing.  My favorite is the turkey burger with cheddar cheese which is one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten.

10.    Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Co-op – While not technically a food or a restaurant, OB People’s has certainly made an impact on my eating this year.  I finally connected with People’s while searching for a sprouting jar this summer.    In addition to being the only local source I could find for sprouting jars, they also carry other hard to find items like wheat-free soba noodles, Mary’s Sticks and Twigs, and raw goats-milk cheddar cheese.  They have the widest range of organic produce outside of the farmers’ market, and a great selection of dried grains, nuts, and beans. It is well worth the trek to OB.