Feasting on memories

For the past three weeks I've been deep into writing the Dining Guide 2007. That's why my regular dining review has been missing from this space but it will return next Friday.

Frankly, I've loved researching my seventh annual Guide. It was like dining again at all my favorite restaurants from years past . . . well, without the calories, fat grams and hard chairs.

During this process of choosing winners, I came across a copy of the Dining Guide 2002 online. My, how quaint and small the publication was when I had only been reviewing for a year or so.

There were a mere 12 categories then, including a separate "Burgers" designation and a general "Asian" grouping. It only honored one steakhouse and one Middle Eastern restaurant because I had only reviewed a single example of each.

Now, I name the best five eateries in 36 categories, plus an overall Top 20 list. Asian has morphed into Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Asian Fusion categories.

So many restaurants that won in 2002 are ghosts now. Do you remember Sacre Bleu, Manhattan Grill, Le Delice, Emiliana Dessert House, Shiraz, Swiss Haven, Sunny China, New York on 17th, Emma's, the Painted Bench, Fourth Story and Micole?

It's also very satisfying to see the eateries that have stood the test of time. Panzano, Mizuna, Vesta Dipping Grill, 240 Union, India's, Gateway Cafe, Tamayo, Tom's Home Cookin', King's Land, Cuba Cuba, WaterCourse Foods, Sam's No. 3, Rosa Linda's Mexican Cafe and Del Frisco's have been part of every Dining Guide since 2002.

That's enough looking back and a lot of calamari and crème brûlée under the bridge. You'll find the Dining Guide 2007 in the March 23 Rocky. Me? I've got a list of about 200 restaurants I need to visit.

Let's eat.