100 best things we ate and drank this year (in no particular order)

59. Raspberry brioche | Bleeding Heart Bakery
We prefer to munch on this sticky, pull-apart pastry as we peruse the farmers’ market for healthier items. But for the times when we can’t get to Bleeding Heart’s Green City Market stand (or the times when the swarm of bees around it keeps us away), getting the brioche from the store sates us just fine. 1955 W Belmont Ave (773-327-6931). $3.25. Seasonal.

Al pastor from Taqueria Moran

Photograph: Brendan Lekan

60. Al pastor | Taqueria Moran
When TOC printed a pork-packed al pastor showdown earlier this year, the nuances between various versions of the spit-roasted slices of pig were pretty subtle. That is until we found this spot, whose version stood out for hitting all the right notes: tangy with vinegar, sweet with brown sugar and spicy with chile paste. 2226 N California Ave (773-235-2663). $1.75 a taco.

61. Sunchokes with arctic char roe | Lula Café
By the time you read this, you probably won’t be able to get this dish at our favorite neighborhood joint anymore…and that’s precisely why we love it so. Chef-owners Jason Hammel and Amalea Tshilds compose their dishes with season in mind, so when we had this, the sunchokes were a day out of the ground, caramelized to perfection with butter-sauced maitake mushrooms and turnips, then christened with little pearls of wild arctic char roe, dried kalamatas and pumpkin foam. If you missed it, just close your eyes and point to anything on the specials menu and you’ll understand why we’re so smitten. 2537 N Kedzie Blvd (773-489-9554). $12. Seasonal.

62. Bandeja paisa | Gloria’s
This Colombian “country plate” is a commitment-phobe’s dream: an assortment of tender skirt steak, over-easy egg, fantastic housemade pork sausage links, a dense corn cake, crispy chicharron, a hunk of avocado, and enough beans and rice for three people. Cut up the egg, sausage and avocado and try to get a bit of everything in each bite. 3300 W Fullerton Ave (773-342-1050). $13.

63. Quail | Anteprima
This adorable neighborhood Italian joint does many things well, but if it had to submit one dish for a “Top Chef” contest, it should put up the balsamic and honey–laced quail, perfectly roasted so that the crispy skin gives way to juicy, tender meat, while borlotti beans offer smoky contrast to the bird’s sweet marinade. 5316 N Clark St (773-506-9990). $20.

64. Pineapple-caramel bread pudding | Lagniappe
It’s true the gumbo at this Cajun spot is fantastic, the fried chicken is some of the best in the city and the shrimp po’ boy is unforgettable. But the incentive to not overindulge in all three is this finale of warm, gooey pineapple-caramel bread pudding. 1525 W 79th St (773-994-6375). $3.25.

65. Brisket panini | Vella Café
This press of braised Heartland Meats brisket, plum-apple compote, caramelized onions and butterkäse cheese was our favorite from the Vella stand at the Green City Market—only here at the newish café, we don’t have to juggle bags of produce while devouring it. 1912 N Western Ave (773-489-7777). $8.

66. Curry puffs | Thai Grocery
For most people, Argyle means steaming bowls of pho. For us, it means an excuse to step into this cramped little grocery store and grab a few containers of these flaky pastry puffs stuffed with sweetish curried potatoes. According to the store owner, an elder in the Thai community hand-makes these to supply the shop. 5014 N Broadway (773-561-5345). Four for $2.

Barca di crema from Pasticceria Natalina

Photograph: Brendan Lekan

67. Barca di crema | Pasticceria Natalina
Natalie Zarzour doesn’t always have this flaky tart on hand in her bakery case (after all, the rich amarena cherries that crown the thing have to be imported). But when she does, there’s no reason to get any of her other treats. Unless, of course, she has those delicate, ricotta-filled sfogliatelle. Or the clove-kissed cuccidatti. Oh, or those savory pastries filled with peas and mint…. 5406 N Clark St (773-989-0662). $4.25. Seasonal.