As the end of the year is approaching I was looking over my notes from various trips and thought it would be fun to start a thread to share personal dining highlights and lowlights for the year. Out of 20 or so trips during the year this is what stood out for me:

Highlights (all first time visits)
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Restaurant Gordon Ramsay - lobster and salmon ravioli practically knocked me off my chair
Club Gascon, - first time trying grouse - I think I can still taste it
Blue Stem, KC
The Citadel restaurant, Cairo - grilled prawns to die for
Mumtaz Mahal, Muscat

Disappointments
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Petrus and Nobu - only because I had to cancel my reservations as I was stuck in my room with pneumonia!
Murano because my plans changed at the last minute and I had to cancel
Medici, Baden-Baden
Ray's the Steaks - just thought it was a bit overhyped

Surprises
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Rustic Stone, Dublin. This restaurant has been absolutely panned on TripAdvisor but I thought my meal was pretty good.
Red Robin, St. Louis. - don't laugh, our kids had a great time and it was a memorable experience, plus I seem to recall they had pretty good margaritas!