Memorable morsels in the 757

By Tammy Jaxtheimer

Restaurant critic

Recounting the past 12 months of restaurant reviews brings to mind some of the memorable morsels we had during 2008.

Here, in alphabetical order by restaurant, are some of our favorite dishes.

Harris Ranch Black Angus USDA prime rib eye of beef –Byrd & Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse, 116 Brooke St., Norfolk

Roasted chicken, Brussels sprouts and scalloped potatoes – Comfort, 725 High St., Portsmouth

The Ray Ray sandwich with fried egg, andouille sausage, cheese and grilled Parmesan tomato on an onion roll – Doc Taylor’s, 207 23rd St., Virginia Beach

Vine ripe yellow tomatoes, red beets and house-made mozzarella stack with pistachio pesto, balsamic syrup and “first pressed olive” – eat,  an american bistro , 4005 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach

X.L.B.L.T. triple stacked bacon, lettuce, tomato with fried egg on brioche toast with Duke’s mayonnaise and French style mustard – Eurasia Cafe & Wine Bar, 960 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach

Fried chicken wings – Fly’n Fishbone, 4316 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach

Baby spinach salad with roasted beets, caramelized garlic and toasted macadamia nuts, perfectly dressed with dried cherry Riesling vinaigrette – The Heritage Cafe, 314 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach

Tempura fried lobster risotto – Pacifica Little Bar Bistro,  214 40th St., Virginia Beach

Wild mushroom bruschetta and jumbo shrimp sauteed with garlic and shallots – Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro, 189 Central Park Ave., Town Center, Virginia Beach

Jumbo diver scallops with roasted yellow beet root, tomato, daikon radish and kalamata olives with herb onion compound butter – Stove, the restaurant, 2622 Detroit St., Port Norfolk, Portsmouth

Teriyaki bento box with green beans, tempura vegetables, rice, salad with ginger vinaigrette and half spicy tuna roll –  Sushi Aka Japanese Fusion, 239 W. Washington St., Suffolk

Veal cutlet Valdosta, tender veal stuffed with ham and provolone cheese in light red sauce with mushrooms – Veneziano Italian Restaurant, 4024 Granby St., Norfolk

To those restaurants, chefs and culinary crew who did not make “the list,” please accept my appreciation for the fare you expertly prepared with care. And to the restaurateurs who tirelessly give of their time and resources at tasting events to benefit worthy causes, I thank you all .

Tammy Jaxtheimer, flavor@pilotonline.com

Restaurant critic Jerry Cronin contributed to this roundup.

Tammy Jaxtheimer, flavor@pilotonline.com