Detroit Restaurant Experts Recall Their Best Meals of 2015

As is tradition at Eater, we close out the year by surveying local food writers and our own staff on various restaurant-related topics, and we'll be publishing their responses throughout the week. Readers, feel free to share your thoughts below. Next question: What was your single best meal in 2015?

Serena Maria Daniels, Dining Editor, Metro Times:

Hand's down, my best meal for 2015 had to be at La Dulce in Royal Oak. The Secreto Iberico ham killed it, with a wonderfully crisp, salty outer layer and a tender, moist inside. Top it off with the service and amazing variety of drinks, it was an experience I won't soon forget.

Aaron Foley, Author/Editor, BLAC Detroit Magazine:

The fried shrimp at Auntie Betty's Cafe in Rosedale Park. Since we've lost all the Miley and Miley Shrimp Shacks, it's getting harder and harder to find battered shrimp in the city. Auntie Betty's has it. So does E&S on Six Mile. If there are any other places out there, please let me know.

Seoung Lee, Blogger, Chow Down Detroit:

Khai Soi (Coconut Curry Noodle Soup) from Katoi.

Victoria Trudeau, Eater Contributor:

Torino's farewell dinner: the company, service, and drinks were all so memorable, but the food and the overall atmosphere was something I'll never forget.

Melody Baetens, Co-Owner of Small's Bar and Features Reporter, Detroit News:

I loved the ploughman's plate at Republic because it hit all the right notes: pickled items, mustard seeds, cheese, bread, butter, and — most importantly — variety. I also went back for the Cuban and the fried cheese curds at Zeke's more than once, the power salad at Townhouse Detroit, the shrimp and mussels dish at Chartreuse (with popcorn!) and the hot sea stone bowl at Inyo. My favorite cocktail was the Last Word as prepared at Chartreuse Kitchen.

Brenna Houck, Editor, Eater Detroit:

I can't pick just one this year. I love the simplicity of the Recovery Park salad at Chartreuse. The vegetables in that are so pristine and fresh! The octopus there is also exceptional. I was really surprised and excited by the food at La Dulce. The croquettes with the squid ink are delicious and my cocktail (thank you Ian Redmond) was very good. Brion Wong cooked at a dinner I attended this fall and did a very tasty and spicy dish with a type of rice noodle that I remember very fondly. I can't wait for The Peterboro to open. I also had a chance to sample some really exciting dishes at the new Marais. The team there is doing some really innovative food.

Dorothy Hernandez, Co-Owner of Sarap Filipino Pop-Up and Managing Editor, Hour Detroit:

Sturgeon at Standby. The chicken wrapped fish made me think: Why isn't everything wrapped in chicken skin? This needs to be a thing. And why am I sharing this dish with others? I need my own sturgeon, RIGHT NOW. Also the first time I ate at Chartreuse was fantastic; everything was delicious and executed well, from the ramp butter that greeted us to the spring pea ricotta to the doughnuts at the end.