I have a love-hate relationship with this time of year. I love it because it is a time of reflection and renewal. I hate it because, as I get older, it also brings with it the realization that life is about constant change–children grow up too fast and people we love don’t live forever. There is always a bit of sadness in looking back and realizing that another year is gone. Thankfully, the idea of a clean slate at the beginning of a new year holds an incredible amount of hope. Whether we proclaim a New Year’s resolution or simply make a quiet promise to ourselves, this time of starting anew can be exciting…even exhilarating.
Each year, I make a restaurant bucket list. Part of the process of making this list includes reviewing the list from the previous year. It is a fun walk down my food memory lane. In 2014, my list included both new and established places in my community and beyond. I believe life is too short to eat at chain restaurants, so you will not find them here. I have had the great fortune of getting to know some of the owners and employees of these amazing places. It isn’t just about eating for me–it’s about community.
Cala Vela Empanada & Tequila Bar
I remember each meal, and I enjoyed every bite! I look forward to tackling my 2015 bucket list. I promise to share a few of them with you…and if you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments. Happy New Year! May your 2015 be filled with delicious local food and drink!
cookeatlife.com 
Nice list, Stacy! I still need to hit up Mandolin and Straw Valley Cafe. On my 2015 bucket list (good idea, I may borrow it 🙂 Is ONE restaurant, LaPlace out in Hillsborough and several others…
Thank you!! ONE is on my 2015 list!! Great minds think alike. I’ll have to check our LaPlace, too…never heard of it until now.
Happy New Year! Love this list. Rose’s Meats and Sweets is well placed at the top. The pastrami and kimchi sandwich… crazy delicious! I need to add a bunch of these to my 2015 list. Have you been to Lucette Grace in Raleigh? I drool every time someone posts pictures of their pastries. Can’t wait to read about your 2015 adventures!
Lucette Grace is at the top of my 2015 list!! Daniel is a talented man. Love Rose’s Meats and Sweets SO MUCH. Have you tried their ramen on Wednesdays…talk about crazy delicious!!
This is a great list Stacey, and I’ve only been to five of them. Thanks for the suggestions. Happy New Year!
I’ll have to add all of these to MY list! I’ve been to Pompieri – amazing – get your own pizza so that you can take home leftovers 🙂