We've eaten at all sorts of excellent restaurants in the city this year, but what were the dishes that truly stood out? Here are my best bites of 2011. More

We'll be spotlighting all of the delicious sandwiches, desserts, and drinks you'll find at the Serious Eats All-Star Sandwich Festival from now until the big day. "Wow. That might be the best meatball sandwich I've ever had," said our man Ed when he took a bite of this meatball sub from Best Pizza in Williamsburg. Just look at the thing. Hungry yet? Obvious next question, have you bought your tickets yet? More

We never tire of meatballs—be they beef or lamb, pork or veal, all of the above. We've found ones we love on sandwiches and on "sliders," of Mexican and of Swedish persuasion, at pizza joints and lunch counters and pork stores. In the end, we couldn't rank one above the rest—but we can present you 15 meatballs in New York City we love. More

The meatballs themselves are a mixture of Pat La Frieda short rib, spices and herbs that Best would not specify, some pecorino Romano, and a little ricotta. And, get this: They're blasted in the wood-fired oven, giving them a slightly chewy sear with a little bit of charring, with the rendered fat poured back on after the meatballs are nestled in the bread. More