Food Experts Describe 2012 in One Word

As the curtain falls on 2012 (and the world has not ended) Eater surveyed a group of critics, writers, eaters, and more. We asked the group eight questions: everything from Top Standbys to Top Newcomers, from Best Meals to Restaurants Broken Up With. Everything will be revealed—cut, pasted, unedited and unadulterated—by the time the curtain raises for 2013.

Q: Describe 2012 in one word.

Jeff Ruby, Chicago Magazine: "Don'tletthedoorhityouintheasscharlie."

David Manilow, Check Please: Experiential.

Ellen Malloy, Restaurant Intelligence Agency: Cider.

Sarah Freeman, Zagat: Piggy.

Joe Campagna, Chicago Food Snob: Cornucopia.

Chris LaMorte, Urban Daddy: Rebounding.

David Tamarkin, Time Out Chicago: Fried.

Penny Pollack, Chicago Magazine: NoReservations.

Catherine De Orio, Culinary Curator: Chill. Everything took on a laid back vibe, while still dishing out elevated food.

Steve Dolinsky (The Hungry Hound), ABC 7: Burgers.

Mike Gebert, Grub Street: Relentless. (Amazed how many big money openings there were this year.)

Carly Boers, Chicago Magazine: Sodikoff.

Julia Kramer, Time Out Chicago: Sodikoff.

Daniel Gerzina, Eater Chicago: Doughnuts.