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Look Who's Talkin': Comments, Quips, and Tips We Have Known and Loved

Posted by Adam Kuban, May 8, 2009 at 3:30 PM

There's so much to keep up with in Talk that we almost can't keep up. If you're in the same boat, here's a small selection of topics and responses that have piqued our interest this week.

What to charge for catering?

"when i was doing catering i usually used this formula: 1/4 food, 1/4 labor, 1/4 overhead, 1/4profit.

"but take into consideration, you can't charge 4x what a steak costs and if you only charge 4x what couscous costs you'll be missing the boat.... so you must take that into consideration. on high items like steak, fish, i think i used to only double it because these items are also less labor intensive.

"also the number of guests really bumps up your bottom line, so the larger the parties, usually the more money you make on them." —pooch

Spice bugs!

"Refer to my similar query from March 29: http://www.seriouseats.com/talk/2009/03/bugs-in-the-cupboard.html

"After cleaning out and washing down my cupboard, and then storing all my bags in plastic containers (the ones I buy my salad in), the problem is gone. I've been keeping some stuff in the freezer but mostly in the cupboard in jars or bags in covered containers." —CanadianFoodieGirl

Tipping on takeout?

"This is my rule-of-thumb:

"I get 'regular' takeout from a favourite place (like my local northern-chinese rest) I tip lots and send christmas cards so they remember me as a customer. Remember: Karma!? Maybe I'm too optimistic

But other than that I would tip based on the above discression and because the FOOD IS GOOD! But I'm a bit too generous some times ahah I bought my city transit-driver a coffee on christmas haah" —hungrychristel

Your Favorite Bacon Moments in Film?

"Charlotte's Web???" —Paula Maack

Men don't have guilty pleasures?

"Through jr high and high school I never ate lunch, as a matter of fact I rarely even went into the cafeteria. I was about 10 lbs over weight and terrified of anyone seeing me put anything in my mouth for fear of ridicule. I'm, well never mind how old I am now, but I dont care what anyone says or thinks, if I want something decadent I'm by god going to have it! Time for women to tell society to kiss out collective rearends, and if they happen to be plump, just more to kiss! ;-)" —huneybumper

May Is National BBQ Month: Who serves it up best?

"Oh, arm1970!!! I am so offended, I will never ever read another thread of yours! :P Hey, if you don't eat the vinegary style BBQ, that just means there will be more for me. As long as you ALWAYS know that BBQ is a NOUN not a VERB, then you're ok by me." —cdp1223

Chicago, with a teen-ager

"Definitely go for pizza. I used to love Due's, but I feel the quality has slipped slightly since Uno's became a national chain. I love Malnati's and Gino's as well for deep dish, and Edwardo's for stuffed pizza.

"There are some nice restaurants near Lincoln Park Zoo, including R.J. Grunts, which is perfect for lunch. Great sandwiches, good service, huge menu, excellent prices. Very relaxed, fun place....

"I'll also tell you the least hidden secret in Chicago. Go to the Hancock Tower, and take the ear-popping ride to the lounge. Have an over-priced drink and enjoy an amazing view without paying the admission fee for the observatory deck, which is one floor up. It's all tourists and the drinks are a rip-off, but you can sit right by the window and look out on the lake." —NotAmerican

What's Your Perfect Omelette?

"Ever since I was 9-10 years old, my all time favorite omelette has been fresh crab and lobster omelette.... These days, when I make this myself, I add baby spinach leaves or I'll steam asparagus and serve it on the side. No salt, with a bit of fresh ground black pepper on top." —Cassaendra

Should I have sent the drink back?

"The guy was a d-bag for being upset. Them's the breaks. He took the chance, he had to accept the outcome, whatever it may have been, and that included the possibility of your bf walking in to scoop you up. He should feel lucky that your bf didn't show up moments later than he did, which would have been infinitely more awkward. In my opinion, he got off easy." —simon

You can only eat one type of cheese for the rest of your life...

"So you're suggesting I've gone to hell? One cheese? Can't be done." —smallkitchen

Leftover Steak?

"Slice it thin, saute it with onions and put it on a bun! My dad was a firefighter, and would work overnights, so my mom and I would do this on nights when he was on duty!" —dharmon

It's a Little Quiet in This Corner

Aww. These Talk threads have few or zero replies as of today. Anyone have anything to say? —AK

Korean tapioca bread recipe?

"My mom loves this Korean bun that is crispy on the outside and airy and chewy on the inside, and is speckled with black sesame seeds. Does anyone know where I can get the recipe for this? She buys it at an Asian supermarket but they sell out really quickly and we don't always get there early enough in the morning. I thought I might be able to make it for her, especially as Mother's Day is coming up, but I can't seem to find a recipe. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!"

Dulce Mediterraneo Peppers

"So I'm in love with these peppers from Holland. They're kind of like bell peppers but sweeter, fresher, and more complex. Has anyone had these? I can hardly find a trace of their existence online. I can't be the only one..."

Six Hour Layover in Zurich.... Feed Me!

"I'm traveling to Rome next week and somehow I ended up with half a day to kill in Zurich on the way home. I've never been and I would love to see what the city is about. Any recommendations for good eats around the airport? Thanks so much!"

Jefferson Diner

"I love the Jefferson Diner in New Jersey. If you have been there, how was your expierience and what is your favorite dish there so far?"

Mother's Day - Help!

"I am looking for a reasonably priced but nice place for Mother's day brunch/lunch on the Upper West Side. Nothing too exotic, though chinese would be great. Ollie's on Bway doesn't take reservations, but that's where we'd initially been thinking. We've done Carmine's, Ruby Foo and Edgar's in past years, and want something new. Please - any suggestions SOOOO appreciated! "

Merk's Cheddar in NYC?

"I am originally from Chicago and some burger places serve Merk's cheese on their burgers and fries and it is AMAZING. Anyone know of any places in NYC that does that? Thanks."

San Francisco food trucks

"Hi, all! I'm heading to SF at the end of the month and want to do a food truck tour there...plan to hit up as many as I can! Please share the ones you know about so I can get my map together. Thanks!"

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