As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types and bloggers. This year we asked the group eight questions, from Meal of the Year to Top Newcomers. Responses are related in no particular order; no responses were coaxed or changed. Readers, please do add your survey answers in the comments, or send us an email.
Q: What was your biggest dining surprise in 2013?
Lindsey McClave, "Foodie Girl": There's a great reason to cross the river—Feast BBQ.
Bim Deitrich, local restaurant legend/national restaurant consultant: The patio bar at El Camino.
Damaris Phillips, Food Network Star: I ordered room service at the 21c in Cincinnati and had THE MOST AMAZING English muffin of all time. I have since tracked down the bakery and am contemplating a deep freezer purchase so that I can have them everyday. Seriously, I was stunned and overjoyed by this English muffin.
Allen Button, retired restaurateur/active attorney: That according to local media, Louisville seems to have more 4-star restaurants than New York or San Francisco.
Dan Dry, Senior VP/Chief Visual Officer, Power Creative: The closing of Lynn's Paradise Café.
Zach Everson, Travel news/travel buzz editor at MapQuest: Hillbilly Tea's opening a second restaurant. In Shanghai. China.
Ruth Coleman, lawyer/world traveler/woman-about-town: 1860 Bistro.
Kevin Harned, Chief Meteorologist WAVE-3 and co-host, Secrets of Louisville Chefs Live: Chocolate Bar effectively using chocolate in appetizers, entrees, cocktails and desserts.
Steve Hacker, Eater Editor: Brian Enyart assuming the Executive Chef position at El Camino.
· All Year In Eater 2012 Coverage
· All Year In Eater 2013 Coverage