Gifted Gourmet

Applebee's and others of that genre (a term I hesitate to use here ) just seem to lack the ambiance I enjoy in dining romantically .. something about the kids squirming in their highchairs, the smell of french fries, the level of the "din" ... not conducive to l'amour ... but then I am a perfectionist ... possibly just a purist ... the choice of Pepsi over Coke ... I like a sommelier who can't kill the fizz ....

Megan, you do move swiftly! Candles are all around the interior walls of Notre Dame Cathedral, yet it is somewhat less than romantic ...

Most of the discussions on eGullet regarding the romantic dinner are placed in various regional forums as members seek out optimal places to indulge in these delightful meals. The topic at hand here is not so much about the "where" of the romantic dinner but the "what" ... So, without further ado, what elements make for the truly romantic meal? Does it have to be a dinner? How about the element of sensuality? How does a restaurant, a commercial enterprise, create that ambience? How should it be made gratifying to the senses as well as palates? And how about the element of lighting? How should the tables be spaced? The background music? Obviously, subtle .. but what type of music conjures the romantic atmosphere? And from the kitchen? the aromas? The table service? and the pace? Is it all about making you comfortable? Talk to me about the romantic meal ... "speak to me only with thine eyes ..."

the website has new links on food items Appears that this is part of the "makeover" ... If you look at the meat link, you will find it looks quite "healthy" ... reality or illusion of health? and then there is their Food News section

The prom or the food at this hotel?

Saying "men can't cook" is just as sexist. ← Anyone who says anything about one specific gender in these times is branding him/herself as ignorant. To generalize is the mark of one's personal foolishness .. but it gets more PR for the Ramsay "image", no? If he cooks so well, why bother with this meaningless argumentative stuff?

four children, huh?

At least he lets her prepare the salads ...

article from Times-Picayune Yet another Brett Anderson article well worth reading ... Anyone here longing for Galatoire's reopening?

click here to read full article After 8 Weeks, La. Oysters Being Harvested By JANET McCONNAUGHEY ASSOCIATED PRESS This is yet more good news for those of us who appreciate Louisiana oysters ..

When I looked this over, I thought it might be quite lovely but I have had no direct experience with the food there. I imagine that each individual private event will have variations on a set menu made by the hosts of the wedding itself. And then there is this additonal "reassurance':

and that cloyingly sticky element, matched with your well-described mahogany sauce, makes the disposable option virtually essential.

article here from Hotel-Online.com Restaurants: 'We're taking it shift by shift' (Chicago Tribune) Good article and, if you scroll down to the end, you will be able to see which restaurants are now open.

thread here on Krispy Kreme recipes Enjoy!

article from Money of CNN Do you believe that this new approach, which emphasizes quality, will cause some naysayers to trust the McDonald's brand? Would an emphasis on quality products and ingredients make you more inclined to try McDonald's over other outlets? Will this still the "nattering nabobs of negativism?" Your opinions?

More than a bit peckish, I daresay ...The deadliest mushroom in the world ...

The St. John the Baptist Parish Andouille Festival is going on right now! more photos from Nola.com

Jackal, Mr. Maw is one of the guys with too many requests? Do his groupies concur with his culinary needs?

I find Mr. Maw to be exceptionally impeccable, in a peccable world, and quite fastidious, a virtue in this otherwise increasingly casual, often sloppy, world.

Did anyone from eGullet's Triangle community attend the event with Steven Shaw? If so, can we hear how it went?

Th answer to your first and last question is "anything Alfredo" depending upon the location ... and wanting garlic anything is not reality ... Now, back to the topic of Fat Guy's book ...

several posts in this thread on cooking octopus with corks to make it less rubbery ... nice article on octopus cuisine ... Lessatura del Polpo per Ridurlo Tenero

Yes, Jamie, I am duly humiliated by this flaw in the fabric of local dining ... and as to whether Gunter's makeover" will bring in the dining dollars? Hopefully so .. I intend to see how the new place works out by dining there shortly ... Your second point is also well taken .. the list is a compendium of various somewhat expensive places around the US. What the exact specifiactions were for compiling said list, I have not a clue. methodology ... That said, I still trust Forbes to bring forth some good articles ... on occasion ...

Forbes Magazine article (Be sure to take a look at the link called "click here for the slideshow" ...) Is fine dining reaching really stratospheric proportions now? How far would you go in paying for a dinner for two people?

Has anyone mentioned making a sweet preparation for spaghetti squash? I bake it and remove the strings, mix them with a bit of butter, brown sugar, and nutmeg ... delightful!