2021 To Dine Challenge

 Happy New Year!

We're here. We did it. 

I will try and focus on the positives of the past year, because there were valuable lessons learned, quality time with people that matter the most, moments worthy of celebration, and still plenty of good food experienced. I even got more comfortable in the kitchen and took on cooking dinner 1-2 nights a week! See, miracles did happen in 2020.

As I look forward to the year ahead, I know there will still be some challenges, but I choose to believe that brighter days are right on the horizon. At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to still do my annual To Dine Challenge. However, our independent restaurants continue to need us all more than ever, and there are still ways to have some fun dining adventures.

You'll see that this year's list of 10 restaurants that I'm challenging myself to dine at over the next 12 months include quite a few that are focused on takeout or roaming pop-ups. I kept in mind that Mr. H and I will likely still not be dining in for several months as we wait for our COVID-19 vaccination. Also, I wanted a good number of them to be black-owned (and other minorities) to continue my commitment of support. So, here it is...

2021 To Dine Challenge:

La Casita Taqueria
Battiste & Dupree Cajun Grill
The Square Scullery
Parilya
Squash the Beef Catering
Dang Good Foods
Black Box Fix
Istanbul Mediterranean Grill
Tommy's Restaurant
Han Chinese Kebob & Grill

I asked, and you delivered. Over the last month, you sent in an impressive list of restaurants to select from. I had a hard time narrowing it down, but I hope you're pleased with the final list. We sure are! Tell me in the comments which one you want to see first.

Again, happy new year to you and THANK YOU for contributing to the To Dine Challenge and staying tuned as we take on dining at these restaurants in 2021.