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We just got one here in Vienna, VA but having been spoiled by Wegman's, I've only been to FM once since it opened. I remember going to the first Fresh Market (the original), in Greensboro, back in 1981 and was dazzled by the gorgeous fresh produce, fabulous varieties of coffees, cheeses, pastries, and spices. Back in those days there were no "gourmet" supermarkets (like Wegmans) in NC so it was wonderful to shop there. When I visited the new FM in Vienna last summer, I bought a lot of beautiful produce and then zeroed in on the coffee beans (Kenyan!!). Fresh Market is like a blend of Whole Foods & Wegmans but smaller. I only tried a loaf of French bread from their bakery & didn't like it (someone forgot the salt). I need to go back 'cause I want more of that Kenyan coffee & plan to give the bread another try (could have been just an off day in the bakery department :>) I like to call Fresh Market "Whole Foods For the Fun People"...it has gourmet food but doesn't get into the tofu and vegan stuff. I think you're very fortunate to have a Fresh Market opening near you.

I finally bought a kitchen scale but must confess that I find ingredients listed by weight in a recipe to be a PITA. Geez...baking used to be so much easier for those of us who were accustomed to using measuring cups. But I must admit that when I need 3/4 lb of tomatoes to make some type of sauce, I like using that kitchen scale.

I'd start off by ordering for him a fried seafood platter (a combo of fried oysters, shrimp, fish). This way you're not wasting money if he doesn't like the oysters. He can enjoy the other seafood on his plate. If he decides he likes the fried oysters, then he can move on to the fabulous fried oyster po'boy on a baguette with aioli. Squirt some fresh lemon juice on the fried oysters. There have been too many vile comments, pathetic "jokes" made about the texture of oysters for a newcomer to try oysters raw. You could order Oysters Rockefeller or Oysters Bien Venue (sp?)...again, if he likes the fried oysters he can take a taste of your version. No jokes, comments about oysters allowed...it's great food from the ocean. If he really, really likes oysters, then move on to Dirty Oysters (raw oysters with a dollop of sour cream, chopped red onions and caviar on top - my favorite!)

What is a Scanpan? I must be living under a rock. I've put a new electric skillet on my Xmas wish list (to replace an almost 40 yr old skillet that doesn't have a nonstick interior and I can no longer read the temperatures).

Thanks Burger 365 & Kenji. I just looked at the emmenthal I bought and it looks rather shiny so I guess I better buy some gruyere (may just 1/4 lb ;>)

Geez...there have been so many times I've made a recipe and realized it needed some of this and some of that and a bit more of this and less of that. I'd changed enough of the ingredients (many additions & several omissions) that I "sorta" could call it my own. But it always bothered me that I initially got the idea for the dish from someone else and so I always note: "adapted from so & so" underneath the title of the revised recipe.

I bought a Martha Stewart Dutch oven several years ago. It has a few chips around the rim and the middle of the bottom is stained. Last week I returned it to Macy's since there is a recall on Martha Stewart Dutch Ovens sold between 2007 and (maybe) 2010?? There was a notice in Consumer Report about this recall. You don't have to show a receipt either. They give you a gift card for the value (based on the size of the Dutch oven...mine was the 5.5 qt and I received a $48 gift card to use at Macy's). Unfortunately I need to replace it but Macy's had no Dutch ovens in stock. I think I'll buy a Tramontino at Sears (it received a good recommendation from America's Test Kitchen a while back). Re: Batali's marinara - it's delicious and very close to home-made.

I love Quizno's - and I always order the Honey Bourbon Chicken - no lettuce, no tomatoes, none of the spice stuff...just chicken, sauce & onions,and toast away! I've never cared for Subway...their subs are faux IMO.

Fettucini al fredo (ordered it once in an Italian restaurant and could barely get it down - never again!). Of course, I can only make it once a year due to the cholesterol....but it's gotta be mine, mine, mine!!!

A grilled cheese place sandwich shop? Reminds me of that Scotch Tape Boutique comedy skit in the early days of SNL (it was located in the mostly empty mall). I love grilled cheese sandwiches.

It's raining here (metro DC) - won't get nasty until 6PM they say. I did my cooking the last two nights: Giada's Spicy Baked Macaroni, a frittata, and a chicken casserole w/ crunchy topping. Just wanted to have some things ready. Got lots of ice cube trays filled with filtered water in the freezer and two pitchers of filtered water in the fridge. Keeping two terra cotta saucers filled with birdseed - our poor, drenched birds keep coming - they're hungry (and I guess they sense something unpleasant is on its way). Glad we're west of I-95.

Oh boy - I meant Pinot Grigio...I'm just not ready for another Big Event so soon after the quake :>(

Lawdy...usually Mr. Zee is working overseas when stuff like this happens but thank God he was home (I thought he was doing work on the house or a plane from Dulles was flying way too low). Oy vay. We missed the earthquake that hit this area in July 2010 (much smaller than this one)...wish we'd missed this one. I've just stopped shaking! And now...Irene is on her way. Better hit the supermarket to stock up on some decent food.