I just made a list of places I want to check out -- or spend more time in -- during the New Year. Here are my '09 destinations, and feel free to add your own using the Talkback feature.

1. BD's Mongolian Grill, 598 W. Northshore Dr. or Genghis Kahn Mongolian Barbeque Restaurant, 725 N. Mayfair Rd. My kids love feeling in control of their diet and picking out what they eat, so it occurred to me that restaurants such as these -- where diners select raw meats and vegetables and then watch the chefs cook the food -- would be fun for them on a few levels.

2. Blackbird, 3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Every time I go out in Bay View, I end up at Burnhearts or Sugar Maple. I really love both of these places, but I'm itching to visit Blackbird, a new, non-smoking bar that opened a few months ago. I've heard rumors of a Guns 'N' Roses pinball machine that's calling my name.

3. Botanas, 816 S. 5th St. This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Milwaukee and yet I only ate there once in 2008. I hope to triple my attendance rate in '09.

4. Bryant's, 1579 S. 9th St. I stopped in the new Bryant's shortly after it reopened this fall, but I'm already craving another Brainbuster. I'll be there before the first thaw.

5. Hector's on Delaware, 3040 S. Delaware Ave. I've been to the Hector's in Wauwatosa, but never the Bay View location. The Magic 8-Ball says it's time to journey there, en pronto.

6. Juniper 61, 6030 W. North Ave. I love Lulu Café & Cocktails, so I have no doubt this new restaurant that's operated by the same ladies is worth visiting.

7. La Merenda, 125 E. National Ave. I have never dined here, but my friend and coworker Julie Lawrence assures me I won't be disappointed.

8. Transfer Pizzeria, 101 W. Mitchell St. I walked into Transfer one time, just to eye it up, and it looked and smelled very appealing. I have a sitter line up for later this month, and hope to nosh away on their pizza that I've been told is delicious.

9. Two, 718 E. Burleigh St. My husband and I nestled into a private booth at the beautiful, cozy Two before the holidays and enjoyed a few smooches and strong cocktails. Now that the holidays are over, it's time to hibernate in small spaces again, so we'll be back for another tipsy love-in very soon.

10. Y-Not II, 706 E. Lyon St. This is classic Milwaukee, kids. In the '90s, I went here frequently, but now, it's been a few years. I need to stop in to see if the drinks are still eye-watering strong and if the popcorn's still free.