Check, please: Favorites from a year of reviews

And now, the end is here.

And so I face the final curtain.

Just as Frank sings, I face my final curtain. After reviewing more than 50 restaurants, this is my final column. This past year has been an absolute blast. I’ve met many great folks, savored your encouraging words and indulged in a ton of tasty delights.

My friend, I’ll say it clear.

I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

This much is certain -- Wahoo’s is my all-time favorite restaurant. I love everything about Wahoo’s, from the blackened fish and Polynesian shrimp tacos to the teriyaki tinged Maui bowl. It’s casual, ocean-close and offers $1.50 beers-of-the month. The only thing lacking is parking.

Other things of which I’m certain: You won’t find friendlier service or more delicious breakfasts than at the Breadcrumb Café (try the breakfast burrito plate) and the Good Day Café (I dig the “off the hook” scrambles). My best restaurant find was Ciao Brasserie -- parmesan-crusted stuffed mushrooms, fantastic stone pies (pizza) and the incredible Milano insalati make it difficult to leave room for their fabulous entrées and decadent desserts.

More certainties -- the best seats in town are on the deck at Duke’s (with a cold glass of Kona firerock and any halibut dish) and at the teppan table at Matsu (love the steak and lobster combo).

The restaurant that most exceeded my expectations was East Winds Asian cuisine. Sandwiched between two tawdry eateries in a space formerly occupied by a failed and shoddy buffet, they won me over with a crisply remodeled interior and some wonderful honey-walnut shrimp. On the other hand, one highly acclaimed eatery that failed to meet my high expectations was Captain Jack’s.

Two restaurants I applaud for their longevity (18 and 23 years, respectively) and consistency are Las Barcas and Fuji’s Famous Burgers. Two places to grab a great sandwich are East Coast Deli (gotta try the pastrami) and Super Hero’s (the Hawaiian crunch dessert sandwich has peanut butter, bananas and a warm Nestle Crunch bar on grilled Hawaiian egg bread).

Half-price on both beer (28-ounce Amstel Light only $3.50) and appetizers -- such as jerk chicken potato skins, honey crunch chicken tenderloins and marinated steak skewers -- help to make Hurricane’s my favorite happy-hour spot.

I’ve lived a life that’s full.

I traveled each and every highway.

I’ve eaten Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Irish, Italian, Mexican, Hawaiian, Chilean, Indian, Mediterranean, Cuban and even Hungarian. I’ve walked, biked, driven and kayaked to different eateries.

And more, much more than this, I did it my way.

My way is by no means the best way. I just hope my attempts at humor and personalization helped make the column more palatable.

Regrets, I’ve had a few.

But then again, too few too mention.

Fortunately this rings true.

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught.

To say the things he truly feels

And not the words of one who kneels.

I truly feel grateful to everyone who subjected themselves to dining with me, considering I often dictate what’s ordered and am incapable of stimulating conversation when I’m focused on the food. I’m especially thankful to my wife (my accomplice stealing menus) and boys (great sports considering I dragged them from place to place).

I’m most appreciative to those of you who were loyal readers (or should I say masochists) of this column. Thanks.

The record shows I took my blows.

And did it my way.

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Interested in becoming the Independent’s next dining reviewer? Send a sample review and a bit of background on yourself to [email protected].