Oh man. I've been counting down the days. The last one I attended was in Rockefeller Center and I was on line for hours (worth it!!) - I assume that in PVD the line will be much shorter. :) If only it were sunny!

That's one of the greatest names I've ever seen. Hail seitan, indeed.

Hahahaha. I've been following the breathless anticipation on ML waiting for this place, and I love the thorough review you have here. I'm still absolutely thoroughly perplexed as to exactly what societal need is being fulfilled by a pizza cone, but hey. It's cute. But one question - is it any good? The pictures and all make it look nice and not unappetizing...but what did you think?

Oh man! Something about this experiment is simultaneously a little revolting, and oh-so-appetizing. I suppose it's just the slightly sadistic-seeming burger-squishing process that threw me off. But for that burger......it's worth squeezing the heck out of some sacrificial patties.

Love this column. I'm always on the hunt for great fancy-pants lunches. This one looks fabulous!

God, this restaurant is so good. Their corn salad (pictured) is also delicious. Great review!

I'm so glad you posted thoughts on this article; when I read it, I was absolutely stunned. First of all, the Atlantic has such a great and reliable food section that generally departs from the somewhat slanted/occasionally provocative tone of the rest of the magazine, and casts its net wide to deliver impartial, humorous, and informative food news. I was so disappointed to see endorsement of Flanagan's radical and, indeed, sometimes quite racist arguments.

The idea of employing gardening and healthy food philosophy to educate children is valuable and can be successful, if implemented correctly. It is true that such activities should never supplant real curricular material, and if that is what is happening in California schools, action should be taken. But it is impossible to tell from Flanagan's article what the goals of the Edible Schoolyard program are, and what measures are used to indicate their success! As you say, if there is (appropriately) no expectation that the program help math and english grades, then who cares if it doesn't help math and english grades as long as the children continue to perform well?

And I won't even discuss her abhorrent and frequent references to how teaching gardening was a disgrace to immigrant field workers, or how having children in a garden is somehow comparable to discrimination in the Jim Crow south. Just awful. And I'm not even a huge Alice Waters fan!

I completely agree with your resolution to exercise more - especially if you can find a way to exercise through fun activities like squash. But I have to disagree with ignoring the "I'll never get back here again" voice in your head. Sometimes you just have to embrace special eating experiences for what they are - an indulgence. For instance, when I treat myself to a special lunch in Manhattan or throw a dinner party for friends, I acknowledge that there are foods being prepared that I may never encounter again. In those situations, there is value to living life in the moment and not relying on the hope that sometime in the future you'll have another chance to eat in moderation.

I'm also surprised to see such a level-headed serious eater as yourself drawing such firm lines in the sand as we look toward a new year. Remember not to be too hard on yourself! We all know you'll get your weight headed down again. Emphasize exercise and take your diet one day at a time. Make the best of every day, even if that means a few "empty" calories at a special restaurant. =) Happy new year Ed!

I received a total surprise gift from my uncle - he works for an environmental organization that recently held a food-centric conference with big name foodies. (He casually dropped into conversation that he sat between Mark Bittman and "what's her name? Marion...something?") I'd already hounded him with questions about the conference and engaged in heated debate about food policy, etc...and I thought the book was closed. But come time to open presents at our Chanukah party, and I tore the paper from a framed copy of the conference program signed by Mark Bittman himself!! I flipped out, just a little. Such a surprising and thoughtful gift!

My parents also generously gave me the Ad Hoc cookbook (already made the chocolate chip cookies - truly the best). A wonderful foodie holiday season.

Oh, what a great giveaway!
I'm headed to a big family Chanukah party this weekend. And of course the traditional Chinese food on Christmas eve. :)

lox of course!

gingerbread men, complete with icing faces :)