It is nice to reflect while also having the opportunity to pick up tips from other travelers. 2011 has been a really good year for me from the cuisine standpoint and I hope every year gets better!

Highlights:

Caprice, HK - probably the best overall dining experience I've ever had. An exemplary combination of superb execution, top-notch service, and an extensive wine list, all in a comfortable and unpretentious dining environment. I would travel to HK just to eat there.
Sawada, Ginza, Tokyo - best sushi experience I've ever had. Pure artistry and the closest to perfection I've witnessed, all at an intimate 6-person bar. A must-visit for sushi fans.
Esaki, Aoyama, Tokyo - traditional Japanese cuisine, superbly executed. Excellent service.

Lowlights:
Masa in NYC. Food was excellent as expected, but the service was so pretentious and awful as to ruin the entire experience.