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  • Location: Metro New York

Pick a flavor and pull this...

I agree, katz2360. I made the same mistake. It's easy to fall in to that trap...

Dinner for 2 with a bottle of wine may become illegal...

Restaurant and tavern operators in my area are already bitching about this new proposal. By the way, it is not only about dining out. I could be coming home from dinner at a friends home and be stopped as well...
Talk about taking the enjoyment out of life.

What would you do to get a chef back in the kitchen?

Running a kitchen is onerous, relentless, tiring work. It is not always the smiling faces you see on TV and magazines. I have also seen many a chef break down...but getting the spark back is possible. It depends on many factors, not the least of which is energy. Take him to some good restaurants and watch his face, if he makes comments or suggestions back to you. Prepare something at home for him to share. Take note if he makes any of his own observations...that may be the spark you are looking for.

Tipping & Bad Service: What's Your Policy?

If you do consider shorting on a tip, make sure the problem was with your server as opposed to the kitchen or front management. Your waiter may just be doing his/her job the best he can while dealing with operational problems...

Wanted: restaurant in DC (Georgetown)

Try Clyde's in Georgetown. It is an upscale tavern with all the trimmings you are looking for...

Which iconic hotel for special Sunday brunch?

I understand all your guidelines for this meal, but if you give up perhaps one or two you can book the private dining area in the Plaza's Food Court by Todd English and have a terrific variety of tastes at one sitting. The last time we tried it we came out quite happy, and with some money left in my wallet...

The next ingredient trend..any predictions?

More healthful ingredients are already showing up on menus across the country in creative ways, at chains as well as independents. Items like kale, Brussels sprouts are on a major roll right now, micro greens, tofu of course. This stuff might even put the incredible, edible poached egg on top of everything concept off to a corner...

Moving to the 'Burbs

Don't worry, Kristin314. Westchester has come a long way foodwise. Firt of all, we now have most of the top food markets scattered throughout the county: Whole Foods, Stew Leonard's, Fairway, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's, HMart etc. with quite a few smaller food shops to cater to your needs.
As far as restaurants and dining out options are concerned, the field has matured as well. You may want to check the website for Westchester Magazine, The Journal News or Zagat/Westchester for further info. And good luck!

The merits of an unruly burger...

One of my favorite local burger joints puts their burger in between English muffins which can't handle all the toppings and often fall apart. But it is still delicious...

What is the best food in the world?

finsbigfan, I do agree. It's got to be the big meatloaf we have been slicing off this snowy weekend with all the great sides. And, oh, that cauliflower au gratin baking in the oven right now...

What Are You Eating During Snow Weekend?

We're cooking up a meatloaf for later along with a lot of flavorful vegetable sides including mashed potatoes...This weekend we hope to do Chinese Lunar New Year someplace local, and perhaps gear up to Fat Tuesday.

What Are You Eating During Snow Weekend?

We cooking up a meatloaf for later along with a lot of flavorful vegetable sides including mashed potatoes...This weekend we hope to do some Chinese Lunar New Year someplace local, and perhaps gear up to Fat Tuesday.

BBQ or Greek in Washington DC?

There is now a Hill Country BBQ in D.C. at 410 Seventh St., NW. Check out their website. The best Greek I have experienced in the D.C. area is actually in Old Town Alexandria, across from the movie theater: Taverna Cretekou on King St...

Tipping per-item vs. bill percentage

If I am reading you correctly, your tipping theory may even the scale for the patron as well. Are you saying that tipping at an upscale restaurant like Per Se would be the same as, say, my local diner? And then there is the matter of tipping on a pricey bottle of wine, would it be the same as tipping on that final cup of expresso? I don't think this would add up well for the waitstaff...

Should we just allow some foods to die out?

We can see a lot of foodie dysfunction showing up in this discussion. The fact is certain foods and/or dishes come and go on their own but to remove them by some 'higher culinary command' is a distasteful thought...
And Rorschach, I seek out Brussel sprouts!

Should we just allow some foods to die out?

The food world and the culinary movements derived move like fashion. You're hot, then not, then maybe hot again. Just look at what happened to Italian/American 'red sauce' joints. They never really went away, but now they are having a re-birth among a whole new generation. Chicken Parm has become cool again, etc.
To answer your question more directly: No! If you keep moving in the direction of your premise, our choices will be reduced down to a pill. How exciting...

DC and Chicago Burgers

In D.C. I have enjoyed the burgers at Michel Richard's Central on Pennsylvania Ave., great fries, too. And at the Olde Ebbitts Grille near the White House. Ted's Bulletin in the Barracks Row section of D.C. is also a winner. All have websites. The 'foie gras' issue is your choice...

NYC Restaurant Photo Ban ??!!

And then there are the cell phone fanatics in the dining room...
I agree with Adam, there is no major food photo ban. I would also suggest that you tell management in advance if you want to take specific shots at your table. They will probably help you thru the process.

The Reviewer Card, the best way to get thrown out.

Will this card bring you 15 minutes of fame, or a few seconds...

Where to dine before an Ina lecture in Hartford, CT...

PoorOldMama, Ina will be appearing at The Bushnell on March 28 at 7:30 p.m. The tickets were a holiday gift and we are looking forward to the trip. You can check The Bushnell website, or Ina Garten's...

The Reviewer Card, the best way to get thrown out.

I don't see that the police would have a case here...Reviewer Card? That alone is a funny premise. "Hey, Man, here is my card. I want the best table in the house, better than the one Dr. Gourmet gets!"

How Close to Closing Can You Start a Meal At A Restaurant?

Unless you walk in to a chain operation, the restaurant should allow for some flexibility. The customer could call ahead and check with the management, but ultimately it is kitchen's choice...

Foodie Celebrations: Carnevale, Chinese New Year, Fat Tuesday...

We will be attending at least one of many multi-course banquets for Chinese Lunar New Year offered by local Asian restaurants. Also looking forward to our reservations at The Bayou, a bustling local spot in Westchester County, N.Y. that specializes in Cajun/New Orleans and offers Zydeco music. We will be going to a favorite red-sauce eatery for a taste of Carnevale...

Where to Eat in D.C. Near the National Mall on Inauguration Day

You left out a number of good dining choices such as: Olde Ebbitt Grill, just a walk from the White House, Michel Richard's Central along Pennsylvania Ave., and Poste, up by the National Gallery. All have websites and are walkable from the Mall...

You're Nuts!: Where does this expression come from?

What's all this!?! I always thought the term 'you're nuts' had to do with monkeys or something. 'He's bananas' too...

Pick a flavor and pull this...

It's the hottest trend in frozen yogurt! Serve yourself. Pick your favorite flavor, place your cup under the spigot and pull the handle. Then pick your favorite toppings, and pay by the pound. I see frozen yogurt shops like 16 Handles in New York showing up all over the place now. Have you tried them; my kids love it!

Dinner for 2 with a bottle of wine may become illegal...

That is if state and local communities adopt the new recommendations from the NTB lowering the legal drinking limit to .05 from its current .08. It would be pretty difficult to go out to a restaurant that is not local, have a delightful meal and share a bottle of wine. You would be going over the limit...
Too restrictive? What do you Serious Eaters think?

Ina and Max Downtown made for a great night in Hartford!

We had tickets to see Ina Garten interviewed by NPR at the lovely Bushnell Theater in Hartford, CT. last night and preceded it with dinner at Max Downtown restaurant on Asylum St. Both experiences were terrific. Max buzzing with Hartford night-lifers and Ina bringing the packed house to applause. Somehow, we got her to sign one of her cookbooks at the end of the event...
Who knew about downtown Hartford as a foodie destination. We drove up from Westchester County, N.Y., and we were happy we did...

The merits of an unruly burger...

All you burger mavens: what are your standards regarding a delicious, decadent but unruly burger. You know the kind I mean, the one that is hard to handle, tends for fall apart due to too many toppings, but is great anyway even if you need a fork to finish it.

Do you want a bag?

Is anyone else getting tired of this phrase from your local market cashier.
"No, I want to shlep my bagels, cream cheese, newspaper and ice cream all the way home. Maybe I can fit some of this stuff in my pocket!"

So what do radiator fluid and beaver tail taste like...

Pete Wells' 'seminal' review of Guy Fieri's new restaurant in Times Square has certainly brought all parties a lot more than they anticipated. But what I really want to know is what radiator fluid, formaldehyde and beaver tail actually taste like. There were comparisons made using these chemicals and body parts to discribe dishes at Guy's American Kitchen & Bar. Zimmern, where are you?
For obvious reasons, I do not expect to get many resposes to this post...

Are you a serial overloader at a buffet?

I admit to being guilty of it over the years. I was at a new restaurant that had a big island buffet station and found myself watching as diners loaded their plates with a mountain of food, regardless of course or sauce. I mean why not just take modest portions and return for another helping. Is it just human nature?

Julia Child's 100th Birthday Celebration...

There are celebrations all over the map commemorating Julia Child's 100th birthday, from special restaurant dinners to a new book. PBS will be airing a compilation of her iconic cooking shows that started in 1962.
Share with us some of your thoughts and memories of Julia...

Kennebunkport, ME, here we come!

We are making a return visit to beautiful Kennebunkport, Maine. Would like suggestions for dining out and snacking, all price ranges ok. What's old and new in the surrounding area. Also, we are renting a house for the family and friends and will be doing some of our own cooking. Is there a good market nearby? Thanks...

Is it time to start calling pizza American?

Culinary travelers will tell you pizza in Italy is a distant cousin to pizza here in the U.S. The way we make it, the ingredients, the way we eat it, too. So, isn't it time we made it part of the American culinary lexicon? Many of the dishes we have were born in other lands and eventually evolved into our very own product...

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