Happy New Year!
First of all, I hope you all had a delicious end to 2025 – because now it’s time to look at the new year that awaits!
This gif is credited to Liza Jernow and bravo Liza! It captures the new year’s spirit with a touch of food and drink!
As I anticipate all of the unique dishes that 2026 will bring, I also wanted to reflect on the food year just ended…
Did A Really Messy Cheeseburger Call My Name In 2025?
Well, of course it did…in fact, some of you know that I share more cheeseburger recipes than just about anything else – but there was much more to share as well – here are my five favorite recipes I made at home in 2025!
This is a classic La Scala chop salad from Beverly Hills, and I shared the recipe for the dish I made at home – it’s got a unique “flip” to it!
See the entire recipe here – it’s one of my five favorites for 2025!
I loved how this dish looked on the plate – and this next one as well – which I made for the first time last year because my sister-in-law taught me about “veracruz” sauce!
I loved this “Fish Veracruz”, and you will too…see the entire recipe here:
I also returned to my Seattle roots in the best way, by cooking with a “flying fish!”
Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market includes these flying fishmongers, who fling salmon around for entertainment, and so we can take one home and make this “smoked salmon” chowder – here is the recipe!
I also had a fun year playing in the burger space with a unique “smash burger taco”!
Here is the recipe I tackled and how it turned out!
Probably the most unique dish of 2025 was this one, inspired by a Tik Tok trend:
Yes, I made a “white lasagna soup” and it was unique and delicious!
See the recipe and the end result here!
Looking forward to 2026, I will be sharing some new recipes, including one involving a unique blend of ingredients added at the end…here’s a tease:
This soup became my wife’s favorite and I will be sharing it soon.
I will also share a recipe from the great Chef / Author Michael Ruhlman….here’s a tease:
I am also going to feature Martinis in 2026 – from the classics you can make at home to the more unique ones like this:
That’s just the tip of the 2026 food iceberg!
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Categories: Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Cookbooks, Eat This!, Food, Food Pictures, Food Porn, Food Writing, Recipes, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
I think I need some smoked fish chowder of some sort now, or maybe Finnan Haddie.
Happy New Year my friend!!!!!
That sounds great….I am going to look up Finnan Haddie and make it!
Look no further than my blog my friend! https://vintagekitchen.org/2023/03/22/how-do-you-top-a-finnan-haddie-with-potato-peelings-of-course/
Happy New Year!
I am going to use this recipe and credit you and link to your post….expct it mid next week! Thanks so much!
I think you’ll enjoy it John!!! One of my favorites.
You had a great food of recipes and food experiences. I look forward to you food shares in 2026.
Robbie, looking forward to seeing all of your writing, art and food for 2026 as well – Happy New Year to you and your family!
🍾🥂💚
Methinks I have wished you and your darling wife the best for 2026 already . . . but repeating it won’t hurt 🙂 ! I DO very enjoy your food columns even if at times both your and the usual American ways may be just a tad different to Australians most oft eating Asian these days 🙂 ! Here I am looking at the Seattle fishmongers . . . don’t know whether my sense of humour reaches throwing salmon around, but I do want to find out the recipe . . . meanwhile, be well, be happy !
Oh, forgot to say I love finnan haddie – methinks Alex would love it too 🙂 !
She’s going to find out next week – thanks of the note, I will share the results!
Happy new year to you as well! The fishmongers are iconic in Seattle, and they toss the entire salmon only among each other – when they fling one to a surprised customer they switch out to a “pillow” version, and it’s very funny and no one gets hit with a fish! Here to a healthy 2026 for us all! Cheers!
Yes well, with a big smile . . . to be honest, not quite my sense of humour . . . I respect the poor deceased fish too much – it’s there to keep us alive, not to be played with . . . forgive me for being honest but please remember I have lived thru’ years of war when we ‘lived’ on grass and leaves and seeds . . .
lasagna soup! but i always enjoy your food adventures
I discovered that was a Tik Tok trend so I had to try it…it was good but a bit of a goof! Thanks for your note and happy new year!
Looking forward to another year of culinary discoveries and fun food, John!
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you Pete – here’s to a happy and healthy 2026 for us all!