What was the biggest dining surprise of 2014?

Nancy Nichols, senior editor/critic at D Magazine: "Poutine, specifically the dessert 'poutine' at Blind Butcher. Also CrushCraft."

Teresa Gubbins, dining reporter/senior editor at CultureMap Dallas and Star-Telegram restaurant reviewer: "Tristan Simon leaving his restaurant empire."

José R. Ralat, blogger at Taco Trail and writer at Cowboys & Indians magazine: "The fact that I found truly great tacos al pastor in Austin, and solid Cuban sandwiches at ¡C Señor! in my neighborhood."

Mike Hiller, travel writer and blogger at EscapeHatch Dallas: "How little LA chef Jet Tila revamped the menu at Pakpao."

Malcolm Mayhew, Star-Telegram restaurant reviewer and Fort Worth contributor at Eater Dallas: "That Fort Worth's best new burger joint is also a 40-year-old bakery, Swiss Pastry Shop."

Whitney Filloon, editor at Eater Dallas: "John Tesar closing Spoon and Tristan Simon peacing out. Also, that Bonchon called it quits after less than six months."