As the year comes to a close, it’s important to reflect. About your life, your goals, your relationships, and – of course – about the food you ate. Of course.

And, since I dedicated a pretty sizable chunk of time towards stuffing my face this year, it’s seemed only right that I documented some of my favorites. So, without further ado, here they are – the best things I ate in 2014. (In no particular order, with the exception of the first item from Blackbird, which absolutely takes the top spot on my list this year.)

The best thing I ate this year: Six year cow’s milk cheddar (with smoked paprika biscuit, toasted hazelnut and calabrian chili) — Blackbird, Chicago

Cuban sandwich — Publican Quality Meats, Chicago

Garlic shrimp taco — Antique Taco, Chicago

BBQ’d carrots — Publican, Chicago

Pineapple upside down cake buttermilk frozen yogurt — Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

THE cheeseburger — Au Cheval, Chicago

Smoked brisket taco — Dove’s Luncheonette, Chicago

Pepperoni and ricotta pizza — Coalfire, Chicago

(And of course I had to throw a craft beer into the mix, too!) Abraxas — Perennial Artisan Ales, St. Louis

And, last but not least, those that I didn’t take a picture of (I know, I know)…

Confit octopus (with braised beef cheek, chanterelle, brussels sprouts leaves, sunchoke puree, red wine jus) — Dusek’s, Chicago

Beef bourguignon — Deca, Chicago

Date shakes — Windmill Market, Palm Springs

Salmon tartare — Kinmont, Chicago

Salad of endives (with crispy potatoes, basil, Dijon, pancetta and poached egg) — Blackbird, Chicago

Need more tantalizing food porn? Dig into the archives and see my Best Of lists from 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010/2009.

What were some of the best things you ate this year? Share in the comments section below, or send me a Tweet @freshandfoodie.