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Brew on Premise

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:40:25 GMT

southern pacific just opened. excellent beer, but just ok food. however i'm willing to chalk that up to the fact taht they just opened and still might be getting it together.

BEST FRENCH RESTAURANTS IN CALGARY?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:17:08 GMT

that looks delicious! ill definitely check out cassis.

Dissapointing Dinner at Friends House

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:16:35 GMT

quail eggs for 1.25, sashimi quality tuna, and oyster shrooms for about half the price of whole foods? heck yea! plus the one by my house has live tilapia that they will kill, clean and even scale for u in case u want to do crispy skin. try getting the high school kid behind the counter at whole foods to scale ur freshly cleaned tilapia.

What happened to Midtown Global Market?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:33:46 GMT

Yeah, I don't know how anyplace survives there. It deserves more traffic than it gets.

"Restaurants" Database To Be Eliminated

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:12:46 GMT

No. It was added a few years ago and then discontinued.

San Francisco breakfast.... 20 years ago

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:25:36 GMT

http://thepalacehotel.org/ 1909 - The Palm Court/Garden Court dining room

WOW - what a Treat

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:22:19 GMT

Welcome! Yes can understand the being so excited about a place and the good meal that you forget to let us know where it was. :-)

URGENT! Where to watch the Super Bowl in Midtown?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:57 GMT

Thanks for the help. They wound up at a pub in Murray Hill and had fun...... though very crowded fun.

Wifey birthday dinner

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:19:22 GMT

The Bar area is wonderful at LBV.

Cast Iron Pans

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:21:49 GMT

here's a link for cast iron care if you want - http://www.cookingissues.com/2010/02/16/heavy-metal-the-science-of-cast-iron-cooking/ and they say like i said, that it was the lye based soaps that would ruin the seasoning, but not the soap we use nowadays

Big Meal, a new Japanese all-you-can-eat with table service

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:31:29 GMT

I just tried Big Meal for the first time. I am not one for AYCE japanese food but I was longing to try this new restaurant based on all the positive reviews here. I'm not sure if I was expecting a big wow because of the reviews here, but I was greatly disappointed and do not have plans to return again. Yes, the presentation were nice and hoping to eat into something scrumptious , I was constantly disappointed. The fresh sashimi was not so fresh and tasted quite bland. I had the salmon, red tuna, butter fish and shrimp. I tried 2 different rolls which were also tasteless. Had some unagi hand rolls, though the filling was nice with a good portion of unagi, avocado, cucumber... it was really tasteless. We had some baked mussels as well, which did not taste fresh. Our grilled beef ribs were very chewy and tasted like it was just boiled and then grill marks were placed on them. The tempura shrimp and vegetables had a "hard" batter that made it difficult to bite into. I should mention that we ordered the tempura when we first arrived and after about an hour, we inquired about it and they quickly brought it out to us afterwards. This place is understaffed hence the slow service, but the ladies are trying to do their best. They are continuously apologizing for the slow service in getting the food out or in clearing the plates. I think the best part for me was the sesame seed ice cream. Originally I did not want to write a negative posting and was holding back because of all the praise it was getting on this post... I was wondering if it was just me... but really, I can't see myself returning as I really felt the food was tasteless.

ISO Valentina Hot Sauce

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:41:19 GMT

I just got a bottle at the No Frills at Pape & Gerrard

Cocktails With Swedish Punsch

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:21:41 GMT

haven't tried Momofuku's but Clio's are similar to the ones in your picture-- and chef Oringer has always put out fantastic pork belly (drifting off topic here, but I think Shangri-La in Watertown, Shanghai Gate in Allston and Myers & Chang in the South End also have versions of this)

Did Your Mom Repeatedly Cook a Dish You Despised?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:42:43 GMT

My Mom was never the greatest cook but I can't remember anything I disliked as much as "Rouladen". Even her stuffed peppers made with UNCOOKED rice were better, although a bit crunchy! I don't think she made the Rouladen wrong but they are thin pieces of pounded steak that are rolled up with a filling of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles. And I never liked mustard or pickles (could tolerate the pickles by themselves but never with meat, pick them off hamburgers to this day). I also don't like bacon with any other meat. She thought they were the greatest thing, so I never said anything and suffered in silence.

private room for 15-20 people at a restaurant

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:23:11 GMT

cafe birks seems too open for what you want, ;lauriergordonramsay has a rental room above so you might want to call to see if thats of interes; I think there is a separate entrance but there are stairs which could be a problem. There is comfort food but also chicken. http://www.lauriergordonramsay.com/en/salle-privee Family members have used the private room at auberge saint- gabriel in old montreal which could be another possibility but I am not sure of their opening hours It also depends on how many people you are expecting to be present and are stairs going to be an issue, many of these rooms are upstairs there is another link on this site with same inquiry

Wolf DF304 v R304

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:42:48 GMT

For those of you who are in the market or who already use one/considered one, thoughts about the Wolf R304 v. Wolf DF304? For what it's worth Consumer Reports gave the DF304 very high marks, but wasn't so keen on the R304. I would have anticipated that the ratings would have been comparable. Was wondering if anyone could share their insight on this!

Not my Mama's Meals.... Bobby Deen's answer to his mom Paula's foodways.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:44:51 GMT

The show is not geared to diabetics specifically. As a matter of fact no actual "diet" or "medical condition" is ever mentioned on the show. Suggestions to substitute vary and certainly go beyond avoding or sub'ing the use of butter.

Who likes Cajun food?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:45:43 GMT

Cacheinhand, I new home-style Cajun place has just opened in Parkland near Pacific Lutheran University. (Madea's Cajun Cafe, 417 Garfield St., Parkland.) It is owned by two sisters from Louisiana and they are starting out small with a limited menu. (i.e. Gumbo is only served Friday & Saturday and not during the week.) I have not been yet, but it is on my short list to try as I still miss "From The Bayou" which used to be in the same neighborhood.

Pig Out BBQ in Pickering

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:31:49 GMT

I actually went on the opening day, which wasn't until Thursday! It was pretty packed.

Could your/ IS your significant other a picky eater?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:48:29 GMT

Perhaps I'm not a typical female SO, but it would be fine by me. I have friends - both male and female - who don't share my partner's dining preferences. So sometimes I go out with them. And sometimes he goes out with his friends - both male and female - whose interests don't jibe with mine. This system might not work for every couple, but it works very well for us.

What Pepper? Red, slightly spicy and somewhat sweet

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:46:15 GMT

Some types of bell peppers are mildly hot, such as Mexi-Bell.

What are you baking these days? February 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:30:51 GMT

How are the tropical mango muffins? Excited to hear about the peppermint brownies of course, too!

That would be too easy.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:35:59 GMT

Didn't the British lose the war? If so, I say the colonists get to decide what "just right" means.

Good Indian Food?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:46:42 GMT

I always enjoy seeing the odd mix of folks at Madras at lunch. I like the food, but you better like it spicy.

Upscale Dinner for Two, first trip to Vegas, Swan Room at Aureole or Sage?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:16:42 GMT

Le Cirque is too wonderful (and expensive) a place to dine at with any time constraint. Go there when you can make an evening of it, or at least when you will not feel rushed. A 6 o'clock dinner with a 9:30 show would work, but please, nothing less! Going there when you only have 90 mins. would IMHO, be a real shame.

Problems with San Marzano tomatoes in sauce

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:32:23 GMT

Are you certain that the puree is cooked? I would think, if it made a big difference in the taste, that they would just pulverize some tomats in the can, then add whole tomato.

Sichuan Food in Cute Houses - Sichuan Garden 2 and Red Peppers

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:45:26 GMT

???? wasn't a hot pot but it was delicious! Okay, I can't really call it delicious because it had no flavor that I could discern, but it had a pleasant texture, chewy like squid but less rubbery. It was served with mixed vegetables including both red and green pickled peppers. It was clearly not striated muscle and unlike any other part of a cow I've eaten. And I woud be surprised if it weren't an inland analogue for squid--if you think of pieces of squid scored on one side but 1/4" thick you'll know exactly what it's like. I'll leave it to Sam to report on the rest of the meal, since my small friend needs to play some Magic Piano before he goes home, but I do want to mention the standout dish for me: corn with egg. I've had this only once before, at the poorly named "Hong Kong Palace" thanks again to Steve Siegel who insisted we order this boringly named but spectacularly addictive dish. Red Pepper called it (I think) sweetcorn with duck egg. Its unusual nature was clearly evident to anyone who's smelled a birdcage, and if you like the intensity it was better than the HKP version. Andy Tannenbaum found a recipe online as part of an interesting food blog I haven't encountered previously. http://kake.dreamwidth.org/25486.html ~ Kiran

Is There Any Commonplace Dish You've Never Eaten?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:48:37 GMT

Texture, smell, taste...I revile it! When I was a kid I hated mustard as much, and was forced to eat cold cuts with inferior condiments like catchup and mayo. Fortunately I came around on that. 8>D

Flour +Tea in Pasadena on Arroyo

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:46:35 GMT

drove down Arroyo today and looks like something called Flour + Tea is being created at Cordova and Arroyo at the ground floor of the somewhat new condos across from the New Balance store. I'm assuming it's a coffee shop but anyone else know anything about it? i say it's a pretty ambitious spot seeing that there's hardly any street parking on that block.

ISO Italian bread book

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:10:10 GMT

oops baking time the same for the smaller buns? I imagine they get done much quicker no?

The Modern Bar Room - portions

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:33:01 GMT

You never mentioned having been there before -- an important piece of information in my view. Considering what you said about too many meat-centric dishes, I was thinking this was your first time there Since it wasn't, I see no reason for your complaint that the menu was meat-centric. Our last visit to the Bar Room was in July, and as I said, the food was excellent. And Cheeryvisage just posted that she had a great lunch there today, so it sounds as though your experience with the food may have been just an off night -- though I would not excuse them for that. . I don't thnk the room not being full the entire evening on a Saturday means that the food has gone downhill. You did say the place was packed when you arrived, and your table wasn't ready. Sounds to me as though there was a very healthy pre-theatre crowd that left to make their 8 p.m. curtains. This is the case with most restaurants in the Theater District area. Finally, the last word I'd ever use to describe the Bar Room -- or, indeed, any Danny Meyer restaurant -- is pretentious. http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

Most opulent, lavish brunch in town?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:47:30 GMT

I recommend The Carlyle Restaurant @ Carlyle Hotel. They used to have sunday brunch buffet but sadly discontinued it recently and now it's prix fixe. It's really elegant. For photos of its interior and settings, please refer to: http://blog.naver.com/kosmose7/90116886804 Sunday Brunch Menu: http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/carlyle/i/downloads/Brunch_Menu.pdf

Winterlicious 2012 menus are out - anything CH worthy?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:30:41 GMT

Just got home from Prime Steakhouse at Windsor Arms. Discovered a great Ripasso while I was there as well. A 2007 Palazzo Maffei, very smooth. Sadly, at the end of the meal, I wasn't paying attention and wound up wearing some of it. Bread arrived shortly after we were seated. We had the Wild Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil Croutons and Caesar Salad and they were very tasty and ample portions. For mains we both selected the 10 oz Char Grilled New York Striploin (21 Day Dry Aged) Cremini Mushroom and Herb Pomme Puree. The steak was cooked to perfection for me, medium rare and the Mrs. ordered it Med-Well and felt it could have been done a little more at first glance howeve,r she was very happy with the overall flavour and tenderness once she started eating it. Very pleased. Desserts were Chocolate Peanut Butter Bombe - Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Chocolate Glaze and Caramelized Peanuts and also the Pumpkin Crème Brulee respectively. Very decadent on both counts and yet not overly sweet, which is fine for my taste. George was our server and he was very attentive. In all, this was a very positive Winterlicious experience for us, outside of the wine incident lol. This was a "HIT". The Manager came over and engaged us and asked us about our dinner and the wine experience. Again, not for a second did we feel second class because we opted for the Winterlicious menu items. The manager even offered me soda to help with the wine spill that got on my tie. Will definitely be back. The Mrs will be going for Tea in the near future as well.

Chef Peter DeRuvo Leaves Cuoco Pazzo

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:24:34 GMT

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Chef DeRuvo and, after frequent visits to Cuoco Pazzo in the last 4 months, I've become fans of the Ranas too so was very disappointed to hear the news. I actually had plans Thursday night to take a friend for dinner for the first time. Even though we heard the news earlier in the day, we kept our plans and we're glad we did. Many dishes remain on the current menu. My husband and friend ordered past favorites - the crispy duck with saba and amarena cherry glaze and the bistecca alla fiorentino with chianti butter - and weren't disappointed. I had the salmon special with fregula and it was excellent. I was also happy to see the antipasti misti still on the menu. Of course, we had to order that to share, along with the meatballs and polenta scaheld mentions (forgot pic), and moz with white anchovies. Too full for dessert, though we made room for Mario's cherry 'cello and an amaro for me. Some of the new items they plan to add to the menu include wild boar ragu with fresh tagliatelle, salmon ravioli, and porchetta. Obviously, the expansive beer and wine list remain. Mario told us he was adding 8 more Italian wines by the glass on Friday. Friendly service as always. I wish both well. I can't wait to see where Chef Peter DeRuvo ends up and I'll be the first to make a reservation, and Cuoco Pazzo is still my favorite Italian restaurant. Pics from Thursday's visit including my pre-dinner Il Coyote cocktail.

Russian River valley day trip - picnic spot, help to narrow winery list?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:36:40 GMT

Sorry for the poor editing- typed that on an iPad!

Cozy Café in Montreal

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:41:27 GMT

Great coffee, yes, but very small and busy. Not cozy in the least. When spring comes you can sit on the terrasse; that's a bit less noisy.

What's for Dinner? #126 (Super Bowl Edition)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:18:12 GMT

OK. You're a good man, Charlie Brown. :-) I'll even say "donated in steve h's and his winning Giants' team names...as much as it pains me to say that!" And yes - GO RED SOX! :-P

HK bound this coming week. Seeking Tai hang/Tin Hau resto recs please!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:42:23 GMT

We had a chowmeet of over 10 chowhounders at the Chairman a couple of years ago. Enjoyed the food immensely! Service could be erratic though! Fan Tan in Causeway Bay is very similar in style but ambiance is much better! For something new, give the new Michelin1* 'Yue' a try. Its inside the City Garden Hotel close to Tin Hau. Fellow chowhounder skylineR33 just tried it out a few days ago and thought the food was great! Tin Lung Heen on the 103rd floor of the ICC building was also visited by skylineR33. Thought the dim-sum was better than the 3* Lung King Heen at the Foursason! Book early though!!!

Any memories of "poor people food" from your childhood that you still crave?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:36:00 GMT

I was told the hard, crackly edges of an envelope served to my home was a "warrant".

What's your fav ramen shop and why?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:44:11 GMT

Servorg, the best way i can respond to you IMO is that MSG is like a steroid version of the naturally occurring MSG when you cook down kombu and bonito to make a broth, or eat a piece of ham, thats a big difference, and its one I think you can taste, and sense in your mouth. For me, it means your not taking the time to create flavor the right way. In japan, you will never see a famous place sprinkle ajinomoto in their broth ever. If you think japanese food tastes the way it does because of ajinomoto I have to seriously question that. Mr Taster I assume Japanese dont go to the museum for the disney atmosphere, i certainly didnt! Yokohama ramen musuem is the first place in japan as far as i know that had the idea to invite the best shops from around the country to come and set up shop in their space for a few months. It changes constantly, and i think its age gives it clout. People were waiting for 2 or more hours to sample shop A's ramen from some place far away. The comparison to a local train station or even an area like takadanobaba is not completely accurate because there are only so many top places at one time even in japan (ie the top 100 every year.) However I will say that many stations began to set up similar concepts where they would invite a bunch of ramen shops as well, so it is no longer a novel idea. But they always had top top quality ramen there. I used to go and eat 3 different minis. If you love ramen, that is heaven. 3 years ago Santoka would be #1 on my LA list and my NJ/NYC list. For the US they are pretty good, and I will give that special chashu credit, its excellent. I also like their kimchi ramen. Maybe i have just eaten it for so long, I guess I should include them. . Funny thing is some are better then others, i have had it in SD, NJ, Venice, Torrence, Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa is the best one for some reason. Their decent, but I think LA has just caught up. If you would ask me

ethnic markets

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:55:56 GMT

cool. yea i dont do a lot of these boards so im not real up on the "rules"...one thing tho....look at ur expiration dates, people. some of these places will happily sell u stuff that has gone funky a LONG time ago. but if u know what to look for and are careful, u can find some great deals. example: 10 quail eggs are about $1.25 at tri-ocean market in denver. they are about 5 bucks at whole foods. little saigon even makes their own tofu. nice. they are fun just for the weird factor too...especially the asian stores. theres some stuff in there, i dont even know what it is. :) and some of the latino stores sell tacos and burritos in there. yum.

Bison meat in Toronto?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:54:06 GMT

I do not marinate them at all. Just grilled them on the bbq to rare. I usually like my steak medium rare, but a butcher once told me bison has to be cooked rare because they have less fat content then beef (hence healthier). I did not find them tough at all cooked this way.

before you buy any bottled drink you might want to know this about the ingredients it may contain.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:45:11 GMT

I appreciate the information and I have desperately tried to get back in and soften it but I can't edit my own post I will be removing it if I can figure out how to do that.

For those who have to teach themselves to cook

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:13:26 GMT

Yes and I am studying it but it doesn't seem necessary for survival. As you said, it is a discipline...not a technique. For that, there is a wealth of info on Baking911.com. With baking being more of a science, cookbooks are more important. The following ones are very good. Professional Baking by Wayne Gisslen 4th edition college book with CD. The cd has all the recipes which is worth it's weight in gold. Lots of hows and whys. Bakewise by Shirley Corriher even more hows and whys Desserts by the Yard and Secrets of Baking by Sherry Yard She is Wolfgang pucks pastry chef. enough said Perfect Baking by Flo Braker The Dessert Bible by Christopher Kimball of America's Test Kitchen fame Studying and learning about ratios is critical in baking especially if you someday wish to create or modify recipes. In cooking, you can use a handful of this a pinch of that. That much looks about right.... Not so with baking.

Super-Frugal Meals -- around $1 per serving -- Beyond Rice and Beans

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:25:47 GMT

I would like to point something out to people. Serving rice and beans with a salad and bread would be possible but fairly difficult to do for $1 per serving at prices today. If you could do it on a regular basis, a family of four would still have a food budget of $84 per week or about $360 per month. That's without snacks, desserts, household stuff like laundry detergent, toilet paper, shampoo, etc.

Strange Pairings that Taste Uncommonly Good

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:56:32 GMT

Pickle soup (just an odd combination...but it's delicious!), a dollop of peanut butter in my cereal, peanut butter mixed with maple syrup on white bread (or ice cream), cottage cheese with peaches/pears, pickles and peanut butter on a grilled cheese sandwich.

Brownie Sundae??

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:52:06 GMT

While not a brownie specifically, I'd recommend the Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake with Vanilla bean ice cream at Chee Zee. A good place where it is normal to just order desert.

How do I avoid soggy mushroom pizza syndrome?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:45:14 GMT

I've been having the same problem too and tonight I got it resolved, thanks to some of the suggestions in this thread. First, I made the drexelles recipe mentioned earlier and found here: http://www.thecitycook.com/cooking/recipes/data/000078 Next, I cooked the pizza with sauce and cheese only, for about 5 minutes. While that was cooking I thinly cut and pat-dried tomato slices with several paper towels as well as rinsing and pat-drying some marinated artichoke hearts. After the first five minutes was up, I put on the drexellles, dried tomato and artichoke, then baked another 3 minutes. The best pizza I've ever made. Just perfect. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

Best Beach Chicken in Boston?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:40:31 GMT

BS,,, like Beach SuperDelicious?

Recs for Chinese in SF for a group

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:43:51 GMT

We'll have a group of about 20, some adventurous, experienced eaters, some not at all, looking for a post-memorial lunch / dinner at the awkward hour of 4:30 or 5pm. The former group will want bony and fatty bits, the latter...something Americanized. Oh yeah, and then there's the vegetarian contingent...but at least they'll eat tofu and eggplant. And I don't think spice is a problem. We'll be in several cars coming from Sausalito and staying everywhere (everyone's from out of town), so logistically, the Richmond seems best. Initially I'd hoped to find somewhere acceptable in Sausalito, but the state of Marin Chinese looks grim. It doesn't have to be fancy but can't be a hole in the wall; a specific regional cuisine isn't important; price should be moderate so as not to give the old timers (who don't think anything but crab should be more than $5.95) a heart attack.... I think that's all the qualifications. And I, a former SF'er who now lives in Portland OR, would love a good Chinese meal. My short list after perusing the board includes: Five Happiness, Hong Kong Lounge (the one at 53rd?) & Hakka Restaurant, but a review of their menus (when I could find one online) scared me off a little because they seemed so pedestrian...but maybe there's more upon request. Thanks for the help. P.S. We're actually half Korean so if there's a Korean place that fits the bill, I'd love to have recs for that as well. But Chinese seemed better for the range of the group.