markabauman

Lillian's is a pleasant place with mediocre food. Convenient place to hold a meeting. Not a place that I would recommend visitors from out of town to dine at when there are other places locally-even in the same price range- that are better.

If so, with great trepidation lest they infringe upon the Artisanal/Picholine empire and incur the wrath of Max McCalman. Which begs the question of what sort of copyright/trademark rights restaurants have over their names. Obviously, we've seen same-named restaurants in different locales, unrelated but with no apparent legal conflicts. Perhaps one remembers the ill-fated "Margaritiville Restaurant" on Broadway in Saratoga a few years back. When Jimmy Buffett's legal representatives got wind of the name, they had to change the name of the restaurant. (Not that you'd want to eat there anyway). Interesting piece a while back-not sure if it was on FoodTV or Travel Channel about all the legal wranglings over the naming of the various "Ray's, Original Ray's, etc." pizza establishments in NYC.

Confirmed that Paradiso is now closed. There is talk of them re-opening the original Villa Balsamo at the estate south of Saratoga near SPAC. Used to enjoy going there in the summer, only open then during track season. Will keep you posted. Agree wholeheartedly with Docsconz re: Chez Sophie & Springwater. Chameleon is worth a try. There's a newcomer on Caroline Street named Artisinal. Very ambitious menu (only have seen it from the street). Will check out soon. It's in the old location of Madame Jumel's/Hurricane Sam's.

Has anyone seen a new book entitled "Bread: A Baker's Book of Technique's and Recipes"? It is by Jeffrey Hamelman who is (was?) director of educational programs at King Arthur Flour in Vermont. Just heard about the book, haven't seen it personally-wondering if anyone else has and what their opinion of it is.

Had lunch there once pre-ballet across the street at Lincoln Center. Just ok; more for the convenience than the cuisine. I think the best thing was the antipasto selection.

Here's their website: Mina Restaurant

Looking for a good book or books for the "serious amateur". The following have so far been recommended to me elsewhere: -"Bread Alone", by Daniel Leader -"King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion" -"Bread Bible", by Rose Levy Beranbaum -"Baking Illustrated", by Cook's Illustrated Any comments? Thanks

I checked their website and the store locator- it appears that locally for us the Village Co-Op in Cambridge carries their products. I'll check it out next time I'm out that way.

So sorry we had to go to New Jersey for a family function for the day! Doc, where is Starhill Dairy; where you get their mozzarella di bufala?

Julia Child AP report: With gratitude for all her inspiration. May she rest in peace. Bon Appetit/Happy Cooking in culinary heaven

In or near the area where Docsconz and I live (Glens Falls/Saratoga): Putnam Market, as mentioned In Albany: Honest Weight Co-op (they have a great "gourmet" food product section separately in the back of the store, run by Gustave who is very informative); Lee's and Asian Food Market for Asian products. Adventures in Food- Montgomery St. Albany- game, cheeses, other interesting products. Andy and Son's-near the Spectrum theater. Great sandwiches, Italian cheeses, olives, salumi, general food products. Vince and Carm will take good care of you. In Schenectady: Cappiello's, Capri Imports; Perreca's for bread, Villa Italia for pastries. For spices: www.monalissainc.com Steve's often at the Troy Farmer's Market. A little further afield- while in the Kingston/Saugerties area: Adam's Fair Market. Of course, all the local Farmer's markets while in season. Otherwise, internet; field trips to NYC, Boston, etc.

Oops, meant "Blue Hill at Stone Barns".

Report from today's NY Times: Blue Barns review

Anthony- Was in Rhinebeck two weekends ago (actually, twice, on the way to and from Long Island; Rhinebeck is often our dining stop from Saratoga to NYC). Stopped in to see the folks from 40 West, pre-dinner just to chat. They were the ones who told me about CC's closing. Don't recall if they mentioned the reasons why. Had enjoyed a couple of meals there. Also enjoyed them (among others) at the annual Taste of the Hudson benefit at CIA. The 40 West gang told me about their plans to open a new Southwestern place in the same location. Was surprised, considering it was a decent place, but sorry, not sure if they mentioned why. Had a funny thing happen at CC a couple of years ago. Went to lunch there, happened to have a NYC Ballet shirt on (being from Saratoga, we are big fans of the ballet). The maitre 'd asked me if I was Jerome Robbins (there probably is some resemblance). I said, no, I'm not, and besides, he's no longer living. He fumbled for a minute and said "Oh, you look better than dead; I guess you're not him". May Jerome and Cripple Creek rest in peace.

Cripple Creek is apparently closed. I believe that the folks from 40 West may be opening a southwestern/Tex-Mex restaurant in that space. GiGi remains good.

Louisa's is still there. Cash only. Reservation system is a little quirky. They start taking reservations on Tuesday at 4 pm for that week only. Food, however, is the epitome of "fresh,local, seasonal". Prices are relatively reasonable for Cape May. Bring your own wine. Will be there next week! Also good: 410 Bank St.. Daniel's on Broadway. Both a bit more upscale and $$$.

John- great pictures-bravo! Wish I could have been there. Just returned from Seattle-heard a bit about Bumbershoot. If memory serves me right- bumbershoot is British slang for an umbrella- I presume a play on Seattle's weather conditions and an essential personal item.

Anyone see the article on "Extreme Eating" in the May 17 issue of New York Magazine- there's a reference to durian ice cream from the Spice Market on W. 13th St. Quote: "The refreshing frozen dessert derived from the spiky Asian fruit tastes somewhere between almond and coconut ice cream. But to get to the taste you must get past the smell, a heady aroma reminiscent of vanilla, kerosene and baby spit-up"

Anyone remember the famous New Yorker cartoon where the bartender says to the patron standing at the bar "A Manhattan? That will be $24" ?

Was at a weekend conference at the Sagamore not too long ago. Doesn't seem quite as good as a few years back. Trillium was great when it opened. Interestingly, the former executive chef now runs the Springwater Bistro-one of Saratoga's best. I believe that Suzi may be referring to the Waterfront Restaurant on Saratoga Lake- a popular restaurant/watering hole. Haven't been there in a number of years, so I can't comment on how it is presently.

I heartily concur with the good doctor's opinions about these places and the local scene. Paradiso is very good. Another good basic red-sauce (in a complimentary sense) place in Saratoga is Pennell's-near the harness track. A little simpler than Paradiso, little more family style; a local favorite, though not quite up to Paradiso in quality. Depends on what your mom is after.

Depends on the date and my schedule,, but since I'm local-definitely interested.

Cape May, NJ is one of our favorite destinations. Great b and b's, excellent restaurants (most byob), nice beach, interesting architecture, history, etc. Relaxing.

Great for a risotto; can add additional seafood (e.g. monkfish) if desired.

Also check out Villa Italia in the Schenectady/Rotterdam area for Italian pastries.