It's time for the annual Top Ten lists. You know, the end of the year, end of the decade, yearly wrap-up of what we've seen, done and yes, consumed.

I don't know what makes a memorable food moment. It may be just one thing, like the best pasta you've ever experienced (Lemon pasta at Al Pompiere in Rome) or maybe the sunset as you linger over a lovely glass of wine (Bay Cafe on Washington's Lopez Island).

Here in no particular order are my Top Ten Pacific Northwest Food Moments.

Best Casino Cusine: Northern Quest Resort & Casino. Here's what I wrote in a previous Examiner article: "I enjoyed a leisurely dinner at Masselow's Restaurant where Executive Sous Chef Scott Miller works closely with the Tribe. He's developed a menu that features fresh, seasonal ingredients and is a stickler for service. You'll even be greeted in Salish at the door."

Best Afternoon Tea: The Urban Tea Merchant. I spent Canadian Thanksgiving in North Vancouver, and took a quick cab ride to this unique tea room in nearby West Vancouver. What a fun find!

Best Alfresco View Dining: Sonora Resort. Located on British Columbia's Sonora Island, the outdoor deck is a great spot to enjoy fresh fish or a fab burger. And it didn't hurt that I caught a 27-lb. salmon during my stay!

Best Tavern / Pub: Toby's Tavern. Coupeville has the best tavern on Whidbey Island, with its view of Penn Cove and fresh mussels that are harvested just down the waterway.

Best Airport Restaurant: Anthony's. If I'm going on a really big trip, I always arrive extra early at Sea-Tac Airport, so I can indulge in one of their yummy Bloody Mary's and either breakfast or lunch. Great views out to the runway and Olympic mountains, too.

Best Picnic Spot: Taylor Shellfish Farms. They have eight farms in the Pacific Northwest. I enjoyed a sunny/yummy picnic at their location in Bellingham. Buy the shellfish on site and cook and dine outdoors, overlooking Samish Bay. They provide BBQ's and picnic tables and the store has plenty of other fixin's.

Best Rainy Day Resto: Bridgewater Bistro. While attending the Fisher Poets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon this year I enjoyed a rainy day lunch in this open, airy restaurant. Located across from the Cannery Pier Hotel, it's a great spot to dodge the drops.

Best Seattle Lunch Spot: Matt's in the Market. This is one of several spots where I take out of town friends visiting Seattle, as it's right in the heart of the Pike Place Market. Light and airy, good food and fun vibe.

Best Crepes: Magdalena's Creperie. Located in Bellingham's Fairhaven District, Magdalena offers both savory and sweet crepes in a lovely setting.

Best Hometown Restaurant: Prima Bistro. I live in Langley on Whidbey Island, and this is our favorite restaurant/bar. It's a "where everybody knows your name" place. Prima serves up nice steaks/moules frites, burgers and more. Great deck for fairweather dining (whale sightings possible).