{los angeles} top 20 bites of 2014...

As my mind and body prepped for a new family member this year, 2014 included a ton of places I simply craved (which meant lots of sweets and lots of carbs). Here are my Top 20 Bites of 2014 in Los Angeles {in no particular order}...

1. The lobster roll from Salt Air is like the runway model of lobster rolls. It's not the meatiest out there, but it sure is pretty.

2. The blistered corn from Good Girl Dinette. I don't know what they do to this corn, but it has this amazing mix of crispy, sweet, and soft that is unlike any corn on the cob I've ever had.

3. The Cap'n Crunch Chocolate Chip Cookie from Black Hogg (recipe here) has become my favorite chocolate chip cookie in the city.

4. For a meatier lobster roll, the version from The Hungry Cat with those amazing fries surely satisfies (we love their Sunday brunch!).

5. The best waffle I might have ever had is this one with a poached egg and bacon from Dinette.

6. Because toasts are the new black, this Trout Toast from The Hart and the Hunter is one of my favorites.

7. The "slut" (a coddled egg over potato pureé) from Egg Slut makes for a comforting and cozy morning meal.

8. The double chocolate cookie from Republique (middle) is gluten-free but you'd never know it was missing anything—it's chewy, sweet, crunchy, and simply out of this world.

9. The kimchi deviled eggs from Faith and Flower take deviled eggs to a whole new level.

10. Cinnamon Buttermilk Sherbet from Sweet Rose Creamery offers a fun twist on a cold treat.

(see the other 10 below the jump...)

11. The scallion waffle and Korean fried chicken breakfast from Black Hogg mixes savory and sweet, crunchy and soft, American and Asian, and it's all so good.

12. The Smoked S'mores in a Jar by Room Forty (recipe here) is the Anna Wintour of s'mores...sexy, sultry, and a little bit untouchable (Photo by Ryan Haack).

13. When you need a break from all those cards, get a Veggie Sandwich from Olive & Thyme.

14. Ok, so back to carbs, this Chai Toasted Almond Donut from Donut Snob is like my favorite morning pick-me-up in donut form.

15. The Salted Oatmeal Cookie from Sprinkles has become my favorite cookie of all time. It's salty, sweet, buttery, crunchy, and makes you think it might be a little healthier with the inclusion of oatmeal. But, let's be honest, there's a TON of butter in there which makes it SO good.

16. Because I love a good, spicy sandwich, the Tofu Banh-Mi from Hero Shop has been one of my regulars this year.

17. For a sweet, creamy, and indulgent dessert, get yourself some Monkey Bread from Salt Air.

18. While I typically steer clear of anything healthy (kidding...maybe), this Abbott Kinney Salad by Room Forty at Broome St. General Store actually makes me want to eat vegetables.

19. So do the Broccoli Potato Skins from Heirloom LA (recipe here). These are the best skins I've ever had, and they get bonus points for having veggies.

20. Finally, we'll end the year with The Donuts & Coffee chocolate from Compartes—a kick of crunch and a pinch of caffiene, and this chocolate sums up 2014 in a nutshell...a little crazy, a little sweet, and worth every bite.

And, of course, you can see more food adventures in L.A. right here and see previous year's Top 20 Bites in Los Angeles for 2011, 2012.

{Photos by Oh Joy and Casey Brodley for Oh Joy, unless otherwise specified.}