Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I daydream about being able to cover cupcakes with brightly coloured icing all day...

this absolutely made my day!

As a university student in the process of moving to a new apartment, I think it's an interestign concept. Though, it's kind of a shame that so many of these things are bought new, only to be discarded a few years later.
I bought much of the above PLUS a frying pan and a fully functional coffee maker from a thrift store for about $30. If you're not spending tons of money, it's worth it to look at second-hand things.

I've never had a bahn mi, though my interest is piqued now. A favourite sandwich of mine, though not terribly original, is crusty multigrain bread, good dijon mustard, a creamy cheese like edam or provolone, and lots of crisp and spicy greens and edible flowers!

When the bags were for sale at Holt Renfrew up here in Canada, most of the people buying one carted it out of the store INSIDE a separate Holts shopping bag.

I hate how utterly greedy and ridiculous this whole thing is.

I'm a 19 year old student on Vancouver Island, BC, doing a politcal science degree and experimenting with food in my basement apartment. I read this site and dream of my life in 10 years.

I'm glad there are other out there who read cookbooks too! No one around me really seems to get it. Some of my favourties are the Moosewood restaurant cookbooks that have been around my house since my mum's healthy-vegetarian days... they have great anecdotes and really good, interesting vegetarian recipes. Another category are dessert books... I can stare at the chocolate porn to my heart's content!

If by "personal chef" we mean "attractive person I can keep around the house to obey all my food whims" then obviously Dave Lieberman. I can never remember exactly what he makes on his show since I am busy making eyes at him. that smile! mmmm!

I agree that Nigella would be great too, she'd probably end up being a great friend and someone you could count on to cheer you up with food/alcohol when life sucks. Her food is simple and yummy as well.