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Hmm...the last time I ate at that particular Mel's Drive-In, I waited almost an hour for my food at lunch time, when there were probably about five other customers. Maybe there's a reason why they need enticements to bring people in...

Chinese herbal soups never bring to my mind any pleasant memories. Mostly they taste bitter. Here's hoping she's getting some winter melon soup which is sweeter.

It's pretty interesting to read all the different opinions. It will be a pretty small wedding. Several people, including us, will be flying in from out of town, across the country to attend it. We love these friends dearly and would show up no matter how they were doing their wedding, but I still find the idea of a potluck reception completely odd.

I ate there on my first trip to NYC. It's fantastic. The tasting menu changes, but what I had was excellent, and you can see Wylie poking out his head every now and then to watch how everything's going.

If you make it to Lucky City, a Chinese restaurant in Monterey Park, during a weekday they may be running a 2 for 1 lobster or crab special. It's something like $8.99. GET IT! They fry it in a wok with piles and piles of garlic.

I love Lemongrass in Eagle Rock for its pho and the banh mi are good.

Chosun Galbi for a really nice atmosphere and delicious Korean BBQ. They butter the grill! (Service can be slow. It's also expensive, but the quality of the meat makes up for it.)

The Kitchen for delicious, new American-style food. I remember loving the mac n' cheese there.

As for markets: I second the recommendations for Hollywood Farmers Markert, and for ethnic markets, you should hit up: Super King on San Fernando (Armenian/Latin), Seafood City in Eagle Rock (Filipino) and 99 Ranch in Monterey Park (Chinese).

Get a giant thing of Bertolli's under the Kirkland brand at Costco. I think it's a two-pack, about twenty bucks, and will last you months. Tastes great, too. Otherwise, get yourself to an Arab/Armenian market like Super King and get one of those giant cans for pretty cheap. (I think you live in Los Angeles, right?) Super King has a few locations, one in Altadena and one near Silver Lake on San Fernando. (While you're there, take advantage of super cheap fruits and vegetables and their awesome and equally cheap deli counter.)

I like seafood mostly as sushi. But I will admit to adoring a great smoked salmon.

Oh hey, I just ate here tonight with my husband! (He had the turkey burger and I had chicken pot pie.) It's one of our favorite spots. Their menu is so awesome and has so much good stuff.

I love tea. Twining's Earl Grey is great. But my favorites are from Mighty Leaf, expensive, but worth it. I also like getting Genmai Tea from the Asian markets.

Did I read this right? HALF a pound of bacon?

I love bacon as much as the next person, but that's a bit much...

ribeye ribeye!

brownies

ribeye!