He offered this list as the starting point for a game, along the following rules:
1. Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2. Bold all the items you’ve eaten. (I’ve added a few annotations in italics)
3. Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4. Optional extra: post a comment on Very Good Taste, linking to your results.

My list follows; I am missing 31 items, really all of which I’d be willing to try, although I’ve struck out the ones that I know would require some prodding. Two years ago my list would’ve looked rather different.

Even if you don’t have a blog, play along. My thoughts about the list are below.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea (I’ve had lots of other herbal/medicinal teas, though)
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp (I can’t say this would be on my 100)
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho (It makes me very happy that Toronto has some Pho that rivals that in Vietnam)
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart (As a Chicago guy, I say this should be from a cart or stand, but I’ve had both)
16. Epoisses (although I’ve had other pungent and/or unpasteurized cheeses)
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream (Most recently, I had some from Vijay, who replied “It says, but does not contain” when I asked if the transliteration from Hindi on the container meant pistachio)
21. Heirloom tomatoes (any kind will do quite nicely, but there’s a yellow variety the size and shape of Roma tomatoes we are growing this year that’s super yummy)
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese (for some reason this has always turned me off)
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper (I don’t have anything against raw peppers, though, and I would put money on having eaten a hotter pepper raw in India. It was SUPER small and SUPER hot. Although I was ready for hot, I was not ready for the longevity or increasing intensity. Thai chiles are awfully hot too.)
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters (ahh, memories of Sete)
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda (The Italian in-laws aren’t from Piedmonte)
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (I’ll pass on the bread bowl, though)
33. Salted lassi (I’ve had seemingly every variety of sweet lassi, and salted buttermilk, so I can imagine.)
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float (I have a real soft spot for these, but I haven’t had one in years)
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (I won’t smoke. Anything. Period.)
37. Clotted cream tea (I’ll take chai – true Indian style – over this anytime, though)
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O (I especially like the ice wine jelly my mother-in-law sometimes makes)
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (Not sure I can use the plural or not, but there was at least one cricket in Thailand)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk (Although not straight. But it was straight from the goat into the pan, cooked over a fire with the tea and sugar and served to me fresh)
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more (I don’t think it has to be malt whiskey. I’ve had some premium liquor, although I’m not sure any was to this price level)
46. Fugu (Realistically, not every omnivore will have the chance to eat this one.)
47. Chicken tikka masala (I usually prefer it without the masala)
48. Eel (Unagi!)
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal (But not for a long, long time)
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini (I’m pretty sure, at least. I’m a vodka guy.)
58. Beer above 8% ABV (I’m pretty sure, anyway. I know I’ve had 8% at any rate.)
59. Poutine (This is on a short list of things to eat. Especially now that I’m in Canada. I’ve been holding out for some good stuff to initiate me, though.)
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads (This may be on the shorter list of things I’d like to try.)
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian(The second bite was pretty darn good)
66. Frogs’ legs (I believe frogs are now endangered in France thanks to rIAm’s relatives and the ginormous pile of them foisted upon me to eat).
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis (This is not on my short list)
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini (I’ve had roe, but not “caviar.”)
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill (I can’t say this really is appealing)
76. Baijiu (The Thai and Lao rice whiskey should count)
77. Hostess Fruit Pie (bleh)
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini (but Kir Royale is nice)
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant. (Oh, but which one!)
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse (I had been hoping to try horse in France, but it never happened)
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa (Based on similar things I’ve had, I think I would like this an awful lot.)
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano (mmmmm)
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor (This is a good example of the arbitrary-ness of the list)
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee (I’ll stick to tea)
100. Snake (Once, and probably only once)

The list is as fair as any other would be, I’m sure, but there do seem to be some odd choices. I think a good omnivore should be willing to try a great many things, so in that way, the list makes sense. But I’d probably say toro sashimi over Fugu and I’d make room for fresh sweet corn on the cob. I might have said 100% blue agave tequila instead of cognac, or perhaps a grand cru from Bordeaux (or, for that matter, any grape wine!). I might have also included duck or bison, or perhaps chicken feet or tripe.

I’d also include som tam, although tom yum is good too. Or kesar mangoes. Blueberry pancakes. ceviche or Italian seafood salad. Fresh young herring. Poi.

In any case, there’s my 100. Be sure to include a link to yours in the comments.

(click above to try it for yourself; report back here in comments)

With all that in mind, I can’t help but think of seeing all of our friends and family in the coming months. Although we got a little bit less of these questions than I was expecting in July and August, it seems inevitable that we will get lots of questions upon our return about what was the best country, the best food, the most amazing thing we did, and so on.

These are not easy questions to answer, but at the same time, totally understandable. In fact, they’re the sort of questions we’ve even considered ourselves. I have a nice long list of superlatives that I was going to turn into a post while in Toronto as a “best of, so far” kind of a deal. Alas, it didn’t happen, and now it is left to be a “best of the year” sort of a deal.

So, what do you want to see included? Let us know through comments and/or by email.

Be creative with these. We’ve got things like “best cultural experience,” “best post system,” “grossest snack,” “best busses,” “nicest people,” and “wateriest beer.” And many others. We want serious, funny, wacky, and whatever else comes to mind. Good things, bad things, strange things and so on.

The trip isn’t over yet, although Asia is, but we like thinking about these things, and we like to make notes about these things so we remember them later on. It’s good plane/train/etc talk.

We can tell you that we both found Taiwan and Vietnam to be most captivating, felt the greatest affection for Thailand’s food, but also feel that if you just want to experience the best and worst of everything all at once, you should go to India.

But what else? Let us know.

So this post is for Alarik and Jessica, with many thanks for sparking our interest in doing this post. But, of course, it’s ultimately for everybody to use (or not) as much as you like. And please, by all means, add your favorites and thoughts in the comments.

1. One place I found myself continually going back to I believe is called Carniceria Guanajuado at 1436 N. Ashland. It’s possible I have the name wrong, which means the address would be wrong, but it’s not far off. You’re looking for the Mexican supermarket on the west side of the road at roughly that address. The taco and torta counter is inside the market, which has an adjoining parking lot. The food is cheap and quite possibly the best tacos I ever had in Chicago. On weekends the barbacoa is the best barbacoa in town, and the birria de chivo (goat) is the best I’ve had (but, admittedly, I haven’t had this too many places). Other days you can’t go wrong with the steak tacos (carne asada).

2. For some of the best Mexican seafood in town, you can’t go wrong with El Barco Mariscos at 1035 N Ashland Ave. The parillada, or mixed seafood grill, is fantastic (pictured below), served on a sizzling hot plate. The huachinango (red snapper) is also a treat. They’ve got land based meat stuff, but you’re really coming here for the seafood feast. Price? Not the cheapest by any stretch, but not unreasonable for what you get. Expect $15-30 per person, depending on what you order and what you’re drinking.

3. Another treat for all around good food is Nuevo Leon, in Pilsen at 1515 W 18th Street. This cash-only favorite serves up excellent tacos, shrimp in garlic sauce, snapper, queso fundido and just about everything else you go into a Mexican spot for. It’s Nuevo Leon style (that’s a state in Mexico), and that’s fine by me. It’s under $10 per person, easily. Doesn’t serve alcohol, but you can BYOB.

4. Perhaps the gold standard in Mexican cuisine is Rick Bayless’s gems Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, sharing a space at the intersection of Clark and Illinois in River North. Using nothing but the freshest of fresh ingredients, organic and sustainable products whenever possible, and traditional recipes and methods learned in Mexico, you can always count on a fantastic meal. Everything, truly, is superb. The margaritas are the best in town, possibly anywhere. The seafood is superb; it’s a crime to leave without trying a ceviche. It’s nearly impossible for rIAm to pass up whatever the scallop dish is; I find myself ordering duck or the fish more often than not. The sauces are divine, the flavors sensational throughout. And save room for dessert, because it too is about as good as it gets. Or, actually, don’t save room but have it anyway. Once you taste the Kahlua whipped cream you won’t regret it. The restaurants share a kitchen, but Topolo offers the more refined (and expensive) restaurant experience. Frontera is a bit more “earthy,” and less expensive ($15-25 for mains) but not one bit inferior. A representative example of Bayless’s cuisine is this skatewing fillet in mole.

5. There are three outposts of La Pasadita on north Ashland Ave within a block of each other. Try heading for 1141 N. Ashland and if that one’s full, head a little south to 1132 N. Order the steak tacos and let your mouth water while waiting for them, then let your taste buds do a happy dance while eating them. Don’t miss a chile relleno taco either, for some poblano and cheese dream come true of a taco. So, so very good. You can also find burritos roughly the size of small children, and while we’ve not sampled one, they sure are popular.

6. For some darn good tacos, head to a Los Comales. For perhaps the best tongue tacos in town, go to the original outpost at 26th and Kedzie, but you can’t go wrong with any of their locations, mostly around the south and west sides of the city. Each filling is very good, it’s a matter of personal preference as to which is best. I recommend the barbacoa for a nicely flavored tender taco.

7. For some fresh, authentic, delicious Mexican head to La Condesa. They have two or three outposts, and the best location is on south side, something like 63rd and Pulaski (but not exactly there!)on south 59th street, between Kedzie and California. Since it’s easiest to find, and order at, this location if you’re Mexican, we also recommend their north Ashland (1003 N) location. The food is excellent and very fresh, and you simply cannot go wrong with a cecina (cured thin steak), the complimentary salsa or chilaquiles. Simply everything is superb. Note: See Comment #1 for more information.

8. My friend Armando tempted my tastebuds with his descriptions of cochinita pibil, a marinated and slowly cooked pork dish that is elusive on American Mexican menus. So it was with great delight that I found Carnitas al Paisa at 3529 W. Fullerton advertising their cochinita pibil. Granted, the name implies their specialty is carnitas, another form of slow cooked pork, and I wouldn’t dream of discouraging you from trying carnitas at the aptly named establishment. But sampling their cochinita will not disappoint, nor will the barbacoa. You can order your meats by the pound if you like, for take-away or to make your own tacos on site. The rounded older Mexican woman behind the counter gives off the impression — and as it turns out, reality — of this place: they know what they’re doing and they know it tastes darn good.

9. For some top notch Mexican grocery shopping, get yourself over to Casa del Pueblo (1834 S. Blue Island), the best Mexican supermarket we found in Chicago. And we did our best to sample many. The dry goods selection is extensive, but the real winners here are the produce and meat sections. You can find superb poblanos, chiles and assorted seasonal vegetables. Some excellent – and cheap – limes are always on display. Around the corner from that you’ll find yourself tempted by all the delectable Mexican cheeses, and a little bit further down you’ll find yourself face to face with an impressive meat case. You can get all sorts of things, but I suggest you get at least a pound of their house-made chorizo, and then sample whatever else strikes your fancy. Don’t forget your tortillas – often still warm after a delivery from nearby tortilla factories – and then you’re ready to check out. Of course, if you don’t buy items needing refrigeration – or you remember to pack a cooler in the car (or it’s winter!) – head across the parking lot to the taqueria of the same name. Serving up excellent tacos and similar fare, you won’t go hungry here. They make the food and put it into buffet-like serving containers so the people taking your order can make up the tacos right away. Therefore, I recommend you order what all the Mexicans crowded around the counter are ordering – it will be super fresh and super delicious.

10. For a slice of Mexican culture and life you will never forget, make the journey to Mi Tierra (just north of 26th on Kedzie) on a Friday or Saturday night. Don’t arrive before 7:30 or 8pm if you want to see things getting into full swing; whole families will still be waiting for tables until well after 10pm. There will be at least one mariachi roaming the restaurant, often another band to sing as well in this enormous Mexican paradise. The food does not disappoint – try a carne asada tampiquena if you’re having difficulty choosing – but remember that you’re here for ambiance as much as food.

11. If none of these quite tickle your fancy, just roam Ashland Ave, north of Chicago Ave and south of Fullerton. Or Western Ave in roughly the same stretch. Or meander through Pilsen, between Halsted and Ashland on the east and west, around 18th Street (but don’t forget to wander a bit north or south). You also can’t go wrong along Belmont or Fullerton, headed west from Western and not stopping for quite some time! Of course, these are hardly the only stretches good for Mexican, so don’t be afraid to pull into the nearest spot you find and give it a shot.

12. Mexican street vendors around the city offer up some tasty treats. You can find delicious fruit, chicharrones and so much more. The fresh sweet corn in a cup is always a tempting treat, too. If you’re scared to make an order, just point at what the person in front of you got and say you want the same.

Lucky 13. The best Mexican food in town is offered up down near Archer Ave and 55th Street by Armando’s mom. The chile rellenos (pictured below) served to rIAm would more than suffice as an example, but I can still taste those incredible taquitos de olla. You don’t get food that good very often. Unless you live with the kitchen magician that is Armando’s mom. Problem is, Armando’s mom doesn’t cook at any restaurant. Yet. Of course, you can try making friends with Armando hoping to get an invite. You never know when you may get lucky and find yourself sipping some Herradura with la familia Larraga!