The Other Critics

Brad A. Johnson Breaks Down 2011’s Best

One of the world's best dishes in 2011, at Patina
One of the world’s best dishes in 2011, at Patina Photo: Brad A. Johnson

Brad A. Johnson, one of our favorite local restaurant critics, has been busy trotting the globe (“spending a lot of time in Mexico lately,” he tells Grub Street, and backed up by a round-up of his favorite dishes from around the world) twirling his fork about town in the last year, and scoring a SATW Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award for the “best independent travel blog” ‘following his parting with Angeleno.

Like S. Irene Virbila and Mr. Gold, the critic drops his own “best-of” lists to wrap up 2011, endorsing 20 new eating options that landed on L.A.’s map. Spice Table takes the number-one spot, while M.B. Post scores a hat trick, mentioned on all three critics’ lists. Elsewhere, Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing gets an alternate shout-out, while Mezze, N/Naka, ink., Next Door by Josie, Artisan House, Maison Giraud, and Cook’s County are among the worthy that also get the big thumbs up from Mr. J. [Brad A. Johnson]

Brad A. Johnson Breaks Down 2011’s Best