Alex

I just wanted to add my input, which probably will sound like everyone else's -- I really liked this place. (Thanks, molto e.) I stopped by this past Saturday morning about 11 a.m. Business was steady but not overwhelming. Several tables were set up outside, but with the 55-degree-and-cloudy-and-windy weather they were nice enough to move a couple of tables into the shop. (That's pretty much it for indoor seating -- it's a small space.) I had coffee (Intelligensia) and a chocolate croissant, both excellent. I also took liberal advantage of the sample tray (turtles, brownies, cookies) and several additional proffered samples. I thoroughly agree with Ronnie about the Chocolate Delights. I tried to warn a couple of customers that the Delights were the chocolate version of crack, but alas, too late.... The chocolate-covered candied orange peel was mighty tasty, too. The gelato and sorbet selections are the only items not made in-house; they're from Palazzolo's, in Saugatuck, MI, which usually produces a credible product. Not having molto e's stamina, I took away a bag of Delights, a 500g bar of bittersweet chocolate, a chocolate croissant and chocolate-covered graham cracker for a couple of friends, and a thick slice of banana-chocolate bread for my next day's breakfast.

Careful -- it looks like "Build a Better Burger" is a registered trademark of Sutter Home. Clicky

It's walking distance from where you're staying (even after running 26.2 mi). Le Meridian is at Rush and Grand. Just walk north on Rush to Oak (~11 blocks) then turn left. BTW, I'm a fan of the weekend brunch at Heaven on Seven, just one block north of your hotel.

No kidding. I'm thoroughly impressed. Do you know the shop's hours? They don't appear to be listed on the web site.

Yes, once, a couple of months ago. I ordered the more lunch-y as opposed to the brunch-y menu items. It was three courses, either prix fixe or table d'hote, if I remember correctly. The entree and dessert were good, of course, but eminently forgettable. The starter, though -- a cold tomato-watermelon soup -- remains a vivid memory. I couldn't pry any seasoning information out of David, though.

I seem to remember a few reports which indicate that they do -- but that the pricing can be a bit out of line if you go that direction. I'm sorry. I wish I could remember more details about that. =R= ← Yes, I believe they do, but from what I remember I agree with Ronnie -- the tasting is a much better deal. I think the dinner entrees were about $18-28, but I only looked at the a la carte menu once. I'd give them a call.

It's in the squash family. Here's some info. I think there's an eG regular who uses a funny picture of a chayote as an avatar, but I can't remember who.

As close as your mailbox: Zingerman's

Ah, I remember those Rieslings! Ms. Alex did a multi-country (US, Australia, Germany, Austria) Riesling tasting with some friends earlier this summer, with some surprising results. Don't quote me on this, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that cheese is not recommended as an accompaniment for wine tasting because of how it coats the tongue. If you do want a cheese, though, I'm thinking an Emmenthaler would be a good match. I'd also want no more than a very light smoke on the fish. I love the melon and proscuitto idea. We had figs and proscuitto as a starter the other night, and I found myself wishing I had chilled and opened a Riesling instead of a Viognier.

We usually use a Melitta drip, but we also have a Senseo for when Ms. Alex wants just a quick cup or when she's too stupefied by awakening at 6 a.m. to do anything more than slap a pod in a machine and push a button. She's also less fussy about her coffee than I am; I've found that only the dark roast pods produce anything close to potable. Then, as Owen mentioned, there's the freshness issue. Here's a separate Senseo thread.

La Shish is always good, of course. Another time you might want to consider Steve & Rocky's, on Grand River just east of Novi Rd. Here's an excerpt from a report on gayot.com: "... a dining room with walls painted in contrasting shades of vibrant magenta, lime green and teal blue, with Japanese kites strung overhead and tables finished in high-gloss green. Typical dishes include spice-rubbed pork loin with apple cider-mustard glaze and roast duck with wild rice, lentils and bacon. Seafood selections outnumber meat choices on most evenings, however. At lunch, sandwiches and salads include such items as chicken salad on sourdough rye, and the house Caesar, a clever variation on the classic. Hearts of romaine are criss-crossed on a white plate and surrounded by little heaps of roasted garlic, pepper, tapenade and a crouton spread with cheese. Breads and desserts, all made in-house, include a wonderful made-to-order flourless chocolate ganache cake."

Welcome to eGullet, icecreamparty. Great screen name, btw, but you already knew that. I see you joined eG on July 9; too bad you couldn't make it to our Gathering in Ann Arbor the following weekend. Glad to hear that The Cook's Shop is still in business. I remember going there a good 25 years ago. Here's a nice review I just dug up: clicky

I found the magazine's layout so visually annoying that I would avert my eyes after about five seconds.

I'll be in DC next week and am eagerly anticipating my first visit to Corduroy. I'll be having dinner there on Thursday (all by my lonesome ), ordering off the bar menu. However, I can't seem to locate an online menu. I've read through this topic, though, and have deduced that the don't-miss items are the spring rolls, lamb w/goat cheese ravioli, scallops, pistachio bread pudding, and chocolate sabayon. OK, that takes care of the first hour, but I'm planning to be there for at least two. Bill and Heather, I saw that you ate at Corduroy about two weeks ago. Do you, or anyone else who has been there recently, have any highly recommended seasonal items?

Why of course it is me, Marlena! Thank you for the compliment. I must admit that I am particularly happy with my new hairstyle! No fuss, no muss, no flyaway hair. . .and whenever I get stressed out I can run my fingernail across it and be covered with a lovely, soothing lime scent. Guys like it, too. . .says it makes them hungry! And it doesn't "remind them of Mom" at all! ← This isn't quite on topic, but Carrot Top, given your avatar, I think you'd love the book Bad Cat: 244 Not-So-Pretty Kitties And Cats Gone Bad. And how about a post on The Avatar Story thread? Inquiring minds want to know.

Actually, it's called an attempt (and probably not a very effective one) at "negative punishment." Punishment is designed to weaken a targeted behavior (being ignored, in this case); reinforcement is designed to strengthen it. "Negative" means "decrease, avoid, or take something away" (payment, in this case); "positive" means "increase, or add something." The problem, as you pointed out, was that the server most likely didn't know what the heck was going on because Sam opted to take the plate directly up to the counter and, from the sound of things, didn't mention anything to her about it. Ergo, no punishment (or reinforcement). Ditto for the management. However, the negative reinforcement here appears to apply to Sam -- he walked out of the restaurant without saying anything to management, thereby avoiding becoming more upset. Personally, Sam, I think it's wrong to walk out without at least speaking with management about why you believe you shouldn't pay for the meal. I wonder why you were so concerned about irritation showing in your voice or about upsetting yourself further.

Wow, thanks, Phoebe. I don't get to the Metro area much any more, but Angel's will definitely be on the list for the next time.

If I may annotate CaliPoutine's pictures: Picture 1: Devilkitty and his inexhaustable supply of light cream, on its way to becoming Cream of Mushroom (or, perhaps more accurately, Cream AND Mushroom) Soup. Picture 2: Ms. jmsaul playing with her food. This creation soon became Roasted Cauliflower, which, if possible, was scarfed up even faster than at the last Gathering in Grand Rapids. Picture 3: An assortment of fresh herbs, thoughtfully collected at the Farmers Market by Fat Guy. Picture 4: Fat Guy, edsel, and our Zingerman's bread stash. Picture 5: jmsaul and tammylc at the bread table.

Here's another thread about Sweets & Savories. I think the no-corkage-fee deal is on only until the end of July. If I remember correctly, though, the corkage fee is going to be very reasonable. I agree that the tasting menu is one of the best, if not the very best, deal in the city. On my next visit I MUST get there for the burger and fries, though.

Here are some pictures, in rough chronological order. My apologies to the folks whose faces I neglected to capture. The Zingerman's Bakehouse tour: a French contraption used to transfer the unbaked loaves of bread into one of the ovens (also French). A portion of our rapt tour group. From left to right: our tour leader (Frank?); annarborfoodie; Mr. Jean Blanchard; Fat Guy; Jean Blanchard (partially obscured); edsel; Ms. Sam Iam; Sam Iam; CaliPoutine (her hair, anyway). Corn, beets, and onions at Kerrytown Farmers' Market A dragon showed up at Sparrow Market. The aforementioned squash blossoms being stuffed by Ms. jmsaul. That's Devilkitty in the background, wearing the green apron. torakris cooking the blossoms, with her nephew and Japanese friend looking on. Alex isn't really threatening the picture-taker. I'm slicing roasted golden beets for Guajolote's Beet Salad. On the counter in front of me is a tray of CaliPoutine's decadent brownies. torakris's nephew's green and yellow beans with bacon. Mrs. Devilkitty playing the Highland pipes and helping the sun to set. In the background, the far right-hand unit is tammlc's place. Jean and Mr. Blanchard and Devilkitty working on something. The famous veal roast. Sam IAm waving, Ms. Sam Iam in the foreground, Maria on the right, Mr. Maria in the back. At the dinner tables. Those are Sam Iam's Musician's Tarts in the foreground. And, finally, our hosts tammylc and husband Eric.

I can't believe no one's posted for 3.5 hours! I guess we've all been chopping, stirring, cooking, etc. Anyhow, the first course is out, so we'll get back to you.

Currently for Saturday... tammylc & crew Alex HeatherM BeJam (iffy) Maria & husband & friend and maybe friend's girlfriend CaliPoutine & Robin and friends from Chelsea TJHarris & spouse (maybe) The Devilkitties daniellewilley & Michael Bacchusrogue & spouse Jean Blanchard & husband Sam Iam & Joyce Fat Guy torakris and friend and nephew ronnie_suburban edsel Have I missed anyone?

It does sound like a tight fit into our schedule, but 9 a.m. might be a good time. I'd love to do it, but I'll be picking up Fat Guy at the airport then.

Yes, please contribute as many as you're comfortable bringing. I'll probably bring a couple from home, and I'm sure that others will do likewise or pick up a bottle in Ann Arbor.

I can do whatever -- pasta certainly would be fine. I'm also planning to make Braised Shiitakes, if at all possible ahead of time. Something with roasted beets would be good, too. Let's see what the market has to offer.