Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

@adam: I have to admit that so far, I'm not a fan of Usinger's. I've tried their cooked brats, hot dogs, and pastrami (virtually fat and flavor free), and found them lacking. I'm also not a fan of summer sausage in general. I did visit the Milwaukee area last month, so I know that sort of sausage has it's devoted followers. But for the rest of us, I think a good Sopressata would be more welcome.

Re: The Salt Lick BBQ in Texas. The "Q" is fine, although I much prefer Coopers in Mason, Texas; but the Salt Lick's sauce is the best in the world. It seems to be mustard-based, unusual for Texas, with a deep, rich golden hue. And it is thicker than mustard-based Carolina sauces. It tastes like nothing else I have ever had, and I accompanied Mr. dks all over the US during his active duty days, so I have tasted most of it. I do like the Salt Lick's turkey better than any otherof their meat; and if anybody does try Coopers, I recommend both the pork chops and the cabrito. It is goat cooked sort of "al pastor", rather than the ususal "al horno" we see in South Texas. Throw a little Salt Lick sauce over 'em, and you will be in that part of heaven called Texas.

Adam, great piece. You know we're big Wichita, KS fans around here. We never did make it to Nu-Way, though...

I guess a test of what makes good food photography is if it makes a guy hungry -- and that Bobo's photo has me scurrying off to score some lunch -- thank you. I'm looking forward to what you guys do with L.A.: in spite of its terrible deficiencies in the areas of pizza and bagel, this is a serious burger town.

Oh my gosh. I want one of everything. You New Yorkers better be eating a lot just to satisfy the rest of us.

Better link for the Picklicious pickles:

http://www.picklelicious.com/cart/index.php?cPath=34

Check out the Pickles from Picklelicious.com as well:

http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/2006/08/04/nj-dining-picklelicious/

http://www.picklelicious.com/

Mail order, a whole bunch of interesting varieties avaliable. With a pedigree.

How about weekly beer reviews penned by Diana?

I agree with Thor, Byrne & Carlson are at the top of the American artisanal chocolate world. I have been sampling fine chocolates from the US and Europe for years now, mostly from artisinal producers, and B&C has been consistently perfect. Ellen Byrne worked with Bernachon in Lyon, arguably the World's top chocolatier, and she makes many of the French classics, as well as originals of her own design. Her crystallized pansy bars are beautiful, although a tad gimmicky, but do try the ideal Palet d'or and exquisite truffles.

Pictures, text, a story -- comics are perfect! The dishes look great, but I have to say you're really brave to do the Tartare. I'm not sure why I think that's different than sushi, but there you have it -- I make irrational snap judgements. Also, pho is very close to the perfect food; it is the nectar of my gods.

Another fun distraction from paperwork! Great as always. :)

Someone please, please tell me that "Pho Shizzle" is a photoshop job? ... Please?

I miss New York! Anything cuisine you want, delivered right to your door! I don't think I'd have any more problem with Tartare delivery than with sushi delivery, which we used to get all the time... Yay for adventurous eating!

I like eating at Mekong rather than getting delivery, since, yeah, they give you all the produce in little bags. It almost feels like you did grocery shopping instead of take-out.