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Best high tea experience for Mother/Daughter in Vancouver

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:34:16 GMT

Has anyone tried the High Tea at the Fish House in Stanley Park? I've always been impressed by how kid-friendly they are and the location is lovely.

Korean Vegan food in Queens

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:39:00 GMT

It can be more difficult than you think due to wide use of fish sauce. For example, fish sauce is present in a lot of things you wouldn't expect such as kimchi, soy bean sprouts, spinach. The tofu/kimchi stew may use dried anchovies as a base. Pajun (scallion pancakes) generally have egg in it. One can always ask the waitstaff, but there may be language barriers. A few dishes that have greater potential to be vegan than others: bi bim bap (without egg and beef) kong gooksu (cold noodles in soybean broth) some porridges such as squash, pine nut, adzuki beans -- generally hard to find in restaurants unless you go to a specialty place like Bonjuk tofu jorim (pan-fried tofu in sauce)

Want Real 'Cue in ATL

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:47:58 GMT

Fat Matts boils their ribs. Ick. I also don't consider Fox Bros a chain ?? Really excellent barbecue can be found at Sam’s BBQ1 in Marietta, Zeigler’s in Acworth. Both are worth the drive. Look for the Atlanta Magazine BBQ issue for full reviews of these and many other places. For something just a bit different, I have heard wonderful things about Heirloom BBQ near the intersection of 285/75 (Akers Mill rd?). I plan to try it asap since I have had very good reccos from very picky friends.

40th Birthday Weekend in Manhattan

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:43:48 GMT

Both excellent suggestions, Spiritchaser. If they do The Modern, they should definitely requested a table along the windows with a view directly out to the Sculpture Gardens. Another slightly over the budget option ($115) is Corton. Our most recent dinner there was stellar. Corton photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157628170337735/ http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

Diana's Seafood opening restaurant

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:50:25 GMT

You had an ice bucket set to the side of your table? What a luxury at Diana's. There wasn't enough room at the side of my table - that's how tight space can be in the dining room. So on my table the ice bucket went. Maybe it's more spacious on the patio during good weather. The small wine list is acceptable, but not much more than that. All out of Pinot Grigio? Not good. No well-priced Gewurtztraminer in a fish house? Also not good. More reds than they need, not enough whites. Markup is mostly about triple the LCBO prices, which is standard, I suppose. But how charming it would be to have one or two mad buys on the list, if only to keep the neighbourhood locals coming back.

Trip Report - Green Goddess, Commanders, Mandinas, Pascale Manales...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:17 GMT

Thanks for a great TR. I know you enjoyed your trip. Come back again soon. Good luck.

What to expect at a "Tea"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:41:44 GMT

i'm sorry if this comment may literally be a premature buzz-kill-- but most nonprofits that do not have an onsite liquor license would have to obtain a temporary/event lq license in order to serve alcohol, even bubbly. your local jurisdiction legality may vary, but in many cases the cost to get the license may not offset the net monetary gain, unless you have a great many people attending. however, if you are set on a happy punch of some sort, a workaround for this might be to get a wine or spirits company to agree to donate alcohol as a sampling/promotion. generally you will credit the company on the event literature, and they in turn will take care of licensing costs, send a rep and donated product, and their staff will pour alcoholic libations. *do not* try to duck the local lq laws, as the consequences of this are much more serious than many folks realize.

Could your/ IS your significant other a picky eater?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:46:34 GMT

I agree. As I get older, I am even less inclined to waste money and calories on mediocre or questionable-in-quality food

Looking for a restaurant to host a dinner party for 30 in the Derry/Hampstead area

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:38:47 GMT

I am planning my son's christening and need to find a restaurant that will host 30 people close to the Derry/Hampstead area. Any suggestions? I have contacted the Brookstone, but are there any other places to check out?

Is all 100% grass-fed beef pasture-raised?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:33:13 GMT

That is for sure; very few consumers actually know where, what they eat, comes from!

Separating pasteurized eggs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:49:35 GMT

I have some pasteurized eggs that I use when I'm baking with my kids. I though I would attempt hollandaise sauce using those eggs -I've never made it before and I'm worried about the eggs cooking enough. But in the past it seems pasteurized eggs don't separate really well. Thoughts? Ideas?

Virgin Gorda

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:38:49 GMT

SO & I go to Virgin Gorda almost every winter. We usually stay at Biras Creek. Their restaurant is open to the public for dinner & is probably the best place to eat in the area. Check out Saba Rock. Fun place, great waitstaff & just a relaxed atmosphere.

Indonesia - A Taste of Babi Guling in Bali

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:39:01 GMT

Going be eating our way through Singapore/Bali at the end of March and babi guling is no.1 on the must have list in Bali. I understand that Ibu Oka is too "touristy" but is it still the best? The two pictures of the food plates look good, especialy the soup, but the first one lacks meat IMO. And where is the whole pig? I'll be staying in Nusa Dua, but plan to go to Ubud (maybe for just one day, two if its amazing) just for the pig. Any clear cut winners on whats best?

Pinon Grill

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:42:49 GMT

I've been there a few times and had the eggs/crab cake benedict, the pecan crusted trout (twice), the ceviche, roasted artichoke, white chocolate bread pudding (or something like that) and the grapefruit mimosas are awesome! My dining partners have had the tuna burger, cheeseburger, regular eggs benedict and ribs. Everything was outstanding. I think this place is pretty solid.

Hammersmiths

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:50:19 GMT

Don't order confit hash next time and it should be cheaper! :-) That is steep for a brunch, but seems like something that can be prepared at home for a fraction of the price.

YES IT'S TRUE! PYREX EXPLODES

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:34:13 GMT

For me it's only happened when I've exposed it to a severe temperature differential. Like preheated a Pyrex dish in a HOT oven (450) to roast chicken, then put in a cold chicken. (I now roast my chicken in cast iron). It also doesn't stand up well to deglazing (cool room temp liquid into hot pan)

What is the correct phone number for coni'seafood/mariscos chentes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:50 GMT

this is a glitch with the phone company. i'm sure than when coni returns from her trip to mexico, it will be worked out. they are DEFINITELY still open, i ate there last night. just no phone service for a while.

SARASOTA....Sweet Tomatoes / your thoughts ???

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:49:16 GMT

Whenever we babysit my niece and nephew (4 and 9) this is an easy stop. Plenty of options for the kids and a good salad bar for the adults. The hot dishes ain't great, but pretty standard cafeteria food. I'll drive the extra distance to Noodles & Co. when I can, but for parents of small children, this is a convenient option. If I was searching for a place solely for me and my wife, this wouldn't be on the radar.

Offset Bread Knife Recommendation

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:44:14 GMT

Lamson & Goodnow make one, in 7 and 10 inch lengths: http://www.lamsonsharp.com/store/p/767-Rosewood-Stamped-7-Offset-Bread-serrated.html I don't have this, but I have two other similar knives from Lamson with which I am quite happy. These are discontinued, so limited quantity available.

Chocolate Filigree

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:43 GMT

I'm wanting to do some Chocolate Filigree for a grown-up birthday party. The theme is black, white, silver and gold I'm making cupcakes in black glitter liners and using chocolate cake and white cake. They will be frosted in white frosting and I wanted to do some chocolate filigree for the decoration -but I have questions - 1) can I make the chocolate black? 2) Can I make these any other shape that's not a heart? Most of the recipes call for melted chocolate chips -but should I add some paraffin?

North Vancouver -- green grocer/vegetable store

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:41:10 GMT

I forget that the eastern side of the NS is 10 mins away from this area. Hastings-Sunrise is one of the best areas to shop in the city in terms of price, variety and quality. Around the corner is Commercial Dr and going the other way (about 10 mins) is Burnaby Heights - both are also excellent grocery zones.

Is There Any Commonplace Dish You've Never Eaten?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:49:41 GMT

Came to the realization this weekend that fried chicken on the bone os completely overhyped. Ordered it at a fine dining establishment and SO said it was the best he ever had and everyone there was getting it and the servers were gushing about how good it was. Decided that if that is the best, then i'm not really a fan. Surprising I like a nice chicken cutlet fried with some tasty season bread crumbs.

Trader Joe's February 2012 Fearless Flyer is out

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:35:39 GMT

I added this to my shopping list as soon as I saw the name. Can't wait to try it.

One Star Michelins

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:47:57 GMT

Go to GT like others say and make up your own mind, though I would add that go more than once before you rank it. I've been to GT many many times over the years. I don't feel like its ever disappointed me. It may not be the pinnacle of dining in NYC, but it ain’t shabby. I guess my expectations for GT may be different than others. I expect a fine meal, solicitous service and helpful advice on picking my wine. It’s a comfortable place to go. May be a little more worn now since it close to 15+ years I think, but its still a wonderful place. Kind of reminds me of what Montrachet was like before it was closed and turned into Corton. As a frame of reference, I was at Le Bernardin a few weeks ago for a very good Dover sole (but not the best I’ve had) and I have a reservation in a couple of weeks for EMP. The food at GT may not have the same pyrotechnics as those two, but I keep going back for it. I also think its pretty good value (I know that sounds like a ridiculous statement) for what it serves.

Not my Mama's Meals.... Bobby Deen's answer to his mom Paula's foodways.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:33:19 GMT

I'm a lot more qualified than Paula Deen. :-) It's notable that the personal attack of "what's your credential" or "who appointed you" never comes from anyone with information to offer instead.

Naples steakhouses

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:42:29 GMT

Thanks, I was thinking about Trulucks, I've to Capital Grille numerous times in my area and wanted to try soemthing different. Thanks!!

Orange Soda on tap?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:42:24 GMT

Don't forget Rock 'N Rye!

Best Restaurant in DIA's Jeppesen Terminal?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:52:46 GMT

Hmm, that's a tough one; can't say that there's anything at DIA that really stands out for me. There's a Denver ChopHouse in the A Terminal - I've never been, but if it's on par with their other restaurants then it's probably a decent (if not great) lunch. There's also a Rock Bottom Brewery in C Terminal, which I've also never been to, but again probably OK for airport food. Otherwise, it's mostly takeout and typical airport bars. The gourmet airport food trend (that's hitting O'Hare and SFO right now, among others - I had one the best sandwiches of my life at Frontera Torta in O'Hare) hasn't hit DIA yet, unfortunately.

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ- Dearborn

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:33:17 GMT

Has anyone tried Aloha Hawaiin BBQ on Michigan Ave. in Dearborn? Been craving some hawaiian bbq and this was the only places I could find in the area. I don't want to make the 2 hour trip for bad food. Any other suggestions?

Recommend an electric cooktop I will hate a little less, please

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:50:55 GMT

Aw hon...I'm so EXCITED that you love it! Induction really sounds mysterious and its hard to wrap one's head around it, but once you try it you'll never go back. And the big bonus is in the summer, when it is hot outside, you can cook indoors without heating up your kitchen like you do with gas or coil. xoxoxo

Classic cocktails and fine spirits used

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:09 GMT

There was a space for a tip on the receipt. Sorry if I wasn't clear. If people usually tip well there at the 20% or higher level, I wonder why they see a need to have a "service charge" at all? I've never seen that in any other classic cocktail bar. Hell, if PDT doesn't do that, then I don't think CPH should.

Where to find fresh (non-processed) dates in SF?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:34:46 GMT

Flying Disc ranch sells at Ferry Plaza farmer's market, Marin Farmer's market and Berkeley farmer's market. Medjool are the softest of the dates. As the season ends and they dry out, they get harder and stickier. They aren't processed, they just dry out naturally. They are at their freshest in the winter months.

What do you make in your pressure cooker?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:42:21 GMT

cowboyardee is absolutely correct. "Regular/traditional pressure cookers" CANNOT be used for pressure frying and it would be very dangerous to attempt to do so. Be careful also when reading about various PCs. For example it might appear that the Fissler Blue Point 4-Quart Pressure Cooker/Frying Pan 4-Piece Set is a pressure cooker that can be used for pressure frying, but while it functions beautifully as a traditional frying pan (I own this set), it CANNOT be used for PRESSURE frying. Also while I don't think cowboyardee was saying that price is an indicator of whether or not a unit is capable of pressure frying, I wanted to note that some traditional pressure cookers are just as expensive as pressure fryers. For example the Fissler just mentioned above sells for $265 on Amazon.

La Hacienda - Mason City Help!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:32:28 GMT

Sounds like a possibility, I'll give it a go, and thanks. :)

"Nice" Mexican in SF

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:44:00 GMT

And Tacolicious just got a big boost in today's SFChron--but not where you'd expect--rather, in the Sports section! In the front page interview, Tim Lincecum talks about his struggle to eat more healthfully--and in that context, says he eats @ Tacolicious all the time--pulling down the hood of his hoodie to reveal, not an SF Giants cap, but a cap from Tacolicious!

Looking for Dining Recommendation in Kitsilano

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:41:21 GMT

Reporting back. We had a nice meal at Cafe Regalade. The service was attentive and friendly. Despite being full, they sat us at 4-top which was much appreciated with the little one in tow. The room did get awfully warm as the night went on though so dress accordingly. We had the rillettes and french onion soup to start, both delicious and a nice portion size. I had the duck confit with salad which was enormous: two big legs of duck served on a potato gallette which was unexpected and a side of frisee salad. Unfortunately the execution was a bit hit and miss. The duck was very tasty but a tad salty (and I love salty things), the gallette was yummy and crispy but swimming in oil which was a bit off-putting. The frisee was overpowered by the garlic in the dressing. My SO had the rabbit in creamy mushroom sauce and had nothing but good things to say. All in all, it was a good experience, nice ambience and I would go back again.

Plastic containers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:43:53 GMT

Have you checked with the container store? Maybe someone else will be able to point you in a better direction, but I believe I've seen containers for baked goods there.

Ah' Pizz -- Authentic Neopolitan pizza in Montclair

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:43:04 GMT

Real brick oven -- in a very, very similar oven to Ah'Pizz. Check out the pictures online at http://www.biviopizza.com/Photos/photos.html

Adults that have been "sheltered" from cooking?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:48:04 GMT

My step-father didn’t cook… he was in WWII and Korea and was a Titan of Industry (so to speak) but he wouldn’t boil water to make himself tea (we got a microwave for that) …oh wait, he had a ‘famous’ onion dip that he made… what’s with these guys and their ‘famous’ dishes? Hahaha! Famous because he actually MADE something? When my Mother was taking some courses for her job, she wouldn’t get home till sometime after 9pm… after commuting an hour and back, working 8 hours and then going to school, he’d still expect her to prepare him dinner (I was 13… guess when I started to get really into cooking??) he ate lunch out every day and I suspect if Mom weren't there to make him dinner, he would surely eat every meal in a restaurant or at the country club Both my grandfathers were great cooks! So is my Dad… now that Dad’s retired, he’s actually taken over most of the cooking for him and his wife.

Best Sandwiches in westchester?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:50:15 GMT

A&S thornwood eggplant combo-eggplant cutlets, mozz, broccoli rabe and roasted red peppers

What mistake do you always make when you're cooking in a rush?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:48:51 GMT

I've not hurt myself popping out the pit, but once I tried to pull the it off the knife with my hand instead of kind of tapping it on the cutting board. I keep my knives very sharp, so I got a nice slice across my palm.

What's for Dinner? #127

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:49:52 GMT

Last night was lamb shoulder steaks seasoned with garlic, cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, and who knows what else I grabbed, broiled in a cast iron skillet (it was too cold to grill). Served with a mango-mint sauce for the lamb, wilted spinach and fried apples. Mango sorbet for dessert. So now I have all this mango-mint sauce left over. It's just a mango, fresh mint, green onions, lime juice, and a serrano pepper whizzed in the food processor. What would you do with it?

SURVEY COMPLETED: What would you like the name of this board to be?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:46:14 GMT

Frankly, I'm offended that my neighborhood is called the "Lower" East Side. How is it "lower" than any other side? There's no "Lower West Side" after all. It's inherently demeaning to us LESers!

The Ten Most Insulting Things Anthony Bourdain Has Said About Food Network - Grubstreet

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:47:24 GMT

Ha Ha Ha! I mean LOL

Cheap cuts in Montreal - Plateau

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:47:40 GMT

At the Jean-talon market I buy my soup bones at about the same price.Theres 2 places,one is boucherie milan(its on the side street next to the parking lot and has a front door on Jean-Talon).For the offal you can check boucherie Mundial which is a spanish butcher on the street that starts the market.The italian place Capitol will even give me free veal bones when they have.Theres also a Tunesian butcher at JTM that sells all kinds of bones (I dont remember the name but its on the same side as the sushi shop).Basically you just cant go to the inside market cause prices are crazy

Al Bustan -- thoughts?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:51:07 GMT

This is a new Al Bustan..they moved from Third Avenue to East 53rd Street a few years ago. The new place is glossy, shiny, and seems very large. It never looks filled when I pass by early in the evenings. http://www.albustanny.com/

JAPANESE MONTH: WASHOKU: Rice and Noodles

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:42:59 GMT

Just to say, when I saw that this month would be Japanese -- hence rice rice rice -- not for a second did I figure anything BUT rice cookers would be used, by anyone, anytime, for any recipe. That's how much I depend on mine. What a useful useful invention!

Need the ambience says "Wow! We're not in Kansas anymore!"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:53:01 GMT

The one on 2nd ave and 27th street closed about a year ago. No idea why but its too bad.

Buffalo Cheddar Popcorn in Ann Arbor?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:49:53 GMT

I hear you mk - My local WalMart is actually not terrible (it is one of only two supermarkets in town and they seem to keep it up quite well, good customer service, etc.) but when I stepped in that WalMart in Ypsilanti, it was depressing! A different world.

Cosecha Cafe dinners

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:53:10 GMT

Cosecha Cafe in "old" Oakland has become a favorite lunchtime spot for me. They occassionally have Saturday dinners by reservation. Have any readers checked it out? What did you think?