another vote for Le Tub! I was even trying to get my parents to visit when they were down in FL this week.

I find that the non-drinking, just got a salad crew are always more than happy to grab some of my appetizers, take a sip of my drink and a bite of my dessert...oh and are you going to finish that side cause mac & cheese is my FAV!

while there are certain exceptions I would say that 99.9% of the time people "put in what they owe" I end up having to stick and extra $20+ in there not to mention that in reality while they only ordered a salad they ate half of the appetizers and desserts too but since the words didn't leave their lips apparently it doesn't count on their bill? kinda of like when I eat cake in front of the fridge in the dark... if your not sitting and no one sees you it didn't really happen!

also the non-drinking crowd sometimes forgets non-alcoholic beverages at $3 each (or $5+ for an espresso etc) can really add up too.... I might sip one glass of $9 wine but your 5 cokes in the glass bottle are actually more expensive

I got a 6" henkel chef knife last year and so far its my favorite... but I hope to have many more in my life!

lately I can't seem to stop with the butter toffee.....covered in chocolate and nuts of course

short rib & cheddar covered fries from iron chef jose garces' village whiskey at DMB caravan in Atlantic City... definitely not diet food but absolutely delicious (if a bit messy for someplace where I haven't washed my hands in 12 hrs)

if you aren't up for making your own recipes there are some pre-made glass bottles that have recipes already on them
amazon link

the le tub burger was amazing but I think replicating the scene would be more important than the burger

at my normal store - like many I make my list based on whats in the circular for the week -- so its rare that I find something on sale that I wasn't expecting. I plan my meals around what is going to be on sale that week so usually there aren't many surprisese but if I see something very interesting or the broccoli etc looks bad I might sub something else for it

I don't buy cookies/crackers/cheeses and that type of stuff unless its on sale and then I stock up for parties/unexpected guests

if i go to some gourmet market however all bets are off -- I will come home with 3 types of cheese, cured meats, olives, pickles etc - basically the making of a lovely chartucherie plate which is my foodie weakness

after going to frankies the other night I would have to recommend their dishes

we live close by friends and often have people over for after dinner drinks (cans of PBR) and tv/sports/conversation ... in general I don't mind having a full house but I do hate when the list of likes/don't likes/don't eat/diets/vegetarian/lactose intolerant/gluten free etc comes out as I am taking something out of the oven and 2 minutes away from sitting at the table

if you want to come hang out that's great, and I almost always have leftovers so if your hungry make a plate but this isn't a diner.... I don't take requests! I feel like my mother saying that but seriously if you don't like it you don't have to eat it...just don't expect me to make you something else

I use to do a lot of uncased sausage with white beans and greens (spinach, kale whatever) or uncased sausage with pasta and tomato sauce..... add in some zucchini, peppers and onions if you want more veggies

the pasta isn't super healthy but its not terrible either if you use whole wheat

hmmm just got my annual email - up to $600 this year! yikes

i can't wait for my CSA share to start up --- tons of veggies that I have to eat each week makes for a very different meal plan