In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types and bloggers. We asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Now, it's all about narrowing 2012 down to a singular word. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.
Wood-fired cooking was a thing this year [Photo: Facebook]
Q: How would you describe 2012 in one word?
Stephanie Barna, editor at City Paper: Overhyped. So much national press. So many new places coming onto the scene. I fear we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.
Angel Postell, Director of Charleston Wine + Food: For me, wet and whirlwind. We had the worst ran storm in 10 years during the Festival and I still feel a little damp by it all.
Maggie White, editor at The Local Palate: Porkified
Holly Herrick, food writer/cookbook author: How about 6? Locally sourced, back to basics cooking.
Katie Abbondanza, editor at Charleston Eater: Brocked
Eric Doksa, restaurant critic for City Paper: Asian – look at all Asian places that opened this past year, not to mention banh mi and Asian noodle dishes making appearances in many non-Asian-centric eateries.
Annabel Jones, blogger/freelance writer: Retrospective
Mandy Coleman, co-founder at Gusto Group: Asian
Erica Jackson Curran, arts and scene editor at City Paper: Banh mi (sorry, that's two words — but there were so many new Asian restaurants this year. And still no more Chinese!)
Robert Moss, author of Going Lardcore and restaurant critic for City Paper: Wood-fired (I think the hyphen makes it one word.)
