Alex

Here's the full story. What do you think about that recommendation? Is campylobacter contamination primarily a supermarket chicken issue? I almost always buy whole chickens freshly killed, so I rinse them to get rid of the last traces of blood, then dry them well (and wash my hands thoroughly, of course).

Here in Michigan, we're big on cherry wine, which can be good if the sweetness is kept under control. Here's one example.

Coffee #1 or #3 would be the most interesting for me, I think. I might be up for the Tour de Food (and can drive)! Let's talk Thursday night. I was planning to pick up some supplies at the Deli either later in the afternoon on Friday or when we're at the Farmers Market on Saturday; the Roadhouse is near Tammy's place.(N.B. The Tour has to be completed within 24 hours.)

coffeecoffeeCOFFEE!! I'd do it Friday afternoon, so long as it's not too late. I love coffee, and would like to learn more about its nuances, but it tends to keep me up at night if I have any after about 3.

This might be somewhere in the forum and I simply missed it, but what are the starting times for the restaurant meals (and the bread workshop and the tour)?

Spanish chorizo is available via Zingerman's mail order, so you can call them to see if it's also available at the deli. I suspect that Tammy knows other places, too.

OK, I see that Jaccard makes this one, in a 1x16 or 3x16 configuration and a white handle, and this one, in a 1x15 or 3x15 configuration and a differently shaped black handle. Is there any practical difference between the handles? Also, for a very occasional user, will the one-column version be adequate or should I still opt for the three-column?

OK, I'm thinking poached shrimp served cool with a mild tomato-avocado-corn-lime salsa and homemade basil oil. A bright Marlborough (NZ) Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect with this. I might bring a bottle or two of the 2009 version of this one, which recently received a 92 from Wine Spectator and is on sale here in GR for $12.49.

It depends on the community, which police force (state, county, or local), and, some cynics say, how close it is to the end of the month. In all but the pissiest communities, you usually have at least a 4-5 mph (7-8 km) leeway. The Michigan State Police and county Sheriff Departments (at least here in west MI) usually enforce 10+ mph over. Ann Arbor, I don't know.

For folks who'll be driving, especially those flying in to DTW and renting a car, be careful with your speed. In 2008, The Detroit News ran an article about quotas and speed traps, one of them reportedly on I-94 near the airport. Almost the entire city of Ann Arbor also was listed as a "hot spot," according to their readers. I haven't seen any reason to think that's changed since then. Tammy, do have any further information or insights about this?

Isn't it depressing that we even have to consider asking the question? In any event, I don't see why not, but then, you never know with DHS. You might want to give them a call. I have one I can bring, but it's pretty small.

A little less sarcasm and a little more proof, please. You and I started posting on eG about the same time, but I don't perceive the same global animus toward the man that you do. From what I recall and from what I see via a quick search (and from the small sample now on this thread), the comments are within shouting distance of balanced. For an interesting and somewhat related (and long) forum, here's the one about Rick Bayless and Burger King, mostly from 2004.

Because Auguste Gusteau is his hero.

We actually have (farmed) shrimp here in Michigan, so I think I'll pick some up on my way to the Gathering and make an app with them for our Feast. Tomatoes and basil in some form will likely be involved.

Hey, if we can have a forum about the Best Fast Food Burger, why not one about Popeye's? For what it is, it's good stuff. According to their web site, there's one not too far from you, in Roslindale. Give it a go and let us know what you think.

One of my favorite books, What to Drink with What You Eat, actually has an entry for Popeye's Fried Chicken. Paul Grieco, general manager of Hearth in NYC, says, "Popeye's should offer [dry Spanish] sherry at all its locations! It helps cleanse the palate, and that salty tang to it mirrors the saltiness of the fried food. It's a staggering match."

Echoing Beebs, I believe that at the very least you have grounds for a complaint to the EEOC if--and this is a big if--they actually wrote that they weren't hiring you specifically because you were younger than the other finalist. Management experience is a legally defensible reason; age in and of itself--including its relationship to comfort level--is not. I understand if you hesitate doing this out of legitimate worry about possibly gaining an undeserved reputation as a "troublemaker" in your community.

Not my style, thanks, but others might enjoy it. I was planning to enjoy some quiet free time and maybe a bit of socializing in those hours betweeen the bread workshop and Grange. In fact, I was contemplating seeing if a couple of folks wanted to join me for an informal drive around the area--perhaps lunch at The Common Grill with a stop at Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, or maybe a visit to Zingerman's to stock up on supplies (it'll be less crowded than on Saturday, I imagine) and to bring back some stuff to eat with our bread. I also want to spend a little time at Motawi Tileworks.

It would be great if you wanted to talk to MetroTimes. It also occurs to me that I know someone who writes for the Ann Arbor Observer who might be interested. So Fat Guy, maybe loop me in to your conversation with Alex? I've sent info out to my local foodies and some are definitely looking forward to attending. I just need to get those last couple menus, and then I'll be able to get the reg site up and point people there, and we'll get a better sense of confirmations. I just remembered that I was a friend of one of the Observer's editors, although we haven't had any contact in over 20 years, so I don't know how much that would mean, if anything.

But maybe Metro Times would like to do a story about us. Would you like me to contact them or would you like to do that? I was their restaurant and food writer back in the 80s somewhere, but I don't think that'll get me any special treatment nowadays. Steven, can you pass along some written information or a web link relating to what the KC Star did? Tammy, what's the current status re local A2 foodies?

May I introduce another option for Saturday night (or for your next trip to Chicago): the eight-course tasting menu at Vie, in Western Springs. It's not as "ultra-modern" as Avenues or L2O (as I mentioned earlier, I haven't been to either), but in its own way is certainly "high end." (Here's an eGullet thread about the place.) If you don't have a car (or even if you do ), it's right by the Western Springs Metra station (timetable), about a half hour from Union Station.

I certainly don't want to ignite another pizza debate, but as a native NY'er, I have to agree with Josh's assessment. Deep-dish pizza was an interesting diversion when I was much, much younger and in my "mo' cheese, mo' better" mode, but frankly, I think there are better alternatives if you're looking for Chicago-ish food. For example, there are authentic and delicious Mexican restaurants in the Pilsen neighborhood, as I mentioned in another forum. (Here's an article about Rick Bayless's Pilsen tour.)

Here's my feedback as a semi-frequent visitor to Chicago, not a resident. Unless there's a specific need for a car, I'd recommend against it. If you're considering walking to Xoco from your hotel, then you're centrally located and pretty much everything will be within easy reach of public transportation or your feet, or even a cab ride if need be. I suspect you won't have too much trouble getting a seat at Avec, but I've always gone there early, so I'm not the best advisor about that. For Friday breakfast, do you mean Lula Cafe? If so, good choice, and very near the Logan Square stop on the Blue Line. For lunch, North Pond would be fine, and is indeed accessible via public transportation (Brown Line to Diversey, then the eastbound #76 bus.) However, there also are many excellent choices much closer to where you're staying, including The Purple Pig, Naha, and Topolobampo. For Saturday breakfast, M. Henry is a bit of a schlep, but it's right on the #22 Dearborn/Clark bus line. For lunch, as a closer-in alternative to Hot Doug's, you might consider Franks 'n' Dawgs. (Here's their LTH forum thread.) It's a short walk from the North/Clybourn stop on the Red Line. I have no opinion about L2O vs. Avenues, never having been to either.

I can't tell you anything about the food, but you're in for a great concert.

I'm in the market for a large skillet. In my research I ran across this line of cookware with a durable, non-stick ceramic coating and, apparently, a bunch of chef endorsements (which I know is neither here nor there). It's sold in the U.S. through this (very small?) company, GoCookware. The 12½" skillet is US$122, with free shipping through July. Does anyone own, or have experience with, this line of cookware (not their earlier, Teflon-based product)?