AlexBernardo

Had dinner there a few weeks ago and found the fresh, light, and uncomplicated dishes (especially the seafood) a needed respite from the heavy, meaty fare prevalent in France's bistros. The wine list presents an impressive selection of Bordeaux wines, as well as Burgundy and others. But I wonder if some find the limited selection of dishes somewhat incongrous with the top heavy wine list. Best, Alex

Hi, Well, San Francisco Bay Area is damn beautiful, too! And I do love Acme bread, I have it almost everyday. Honestly, though, that generic baguette I ate at the cold, uninspiring environment of the Gare de Lyon, while waiting for my train, was of better quality. Alex

I just got back from France last week and train travel is still pretty much the same. At the Gare de Lyon and Dijon you certainly see more armed guards with dogs patrolling. And there's the constant drone of the security advisory over the PA as well as lighted signs adivising travelers to secure their bags and be on the lookout. Apart from that everything was business as usual. Alex

I know we have great artisanal bakers here in the States. Every big city in the US has a slew of them. But every time I go to France, whether in Paris, Provence or Burgundy, the baguettes taste so much better. Crispier crust, sweeter, not as hard to chew, and also tend to taste good much longer. It doesn't matter where I pick it up-a train station, a patiserrie, a deli. or a restaurant-they all taste better than Stateside. So what gives? Alex Bernardo

In the Bay Area it's hit or miss. I sometimes go to Goldilocks in Daly City. Cafeteria-style turo-turo. If the cook gets it right that day you can have a good dinuguan or laing. I also go to Max's in South SF. Decent atmosphere, sit-down restaurant style. Fried chicken is good as ever. I wish Romy at Cendrillon would open a branch here. Alex

I'm headed for Avignon in a couple of weeks. Upon strong recommendation from a friend who just got back from there, I've made reservations at Christian Etienne restaurant in Avignon. A very reasonably priced, Michelin-starred restaurant. I'm definitely looking forward to that meal. Alex

Still one of the best steaks I've ever had was one I grilled myself at a large steakhouse in Des Moines, Iowa 15 years ago. As some folks have described in this thread, this is one of those tavern-like places with a large communal charcoal-fired barbecue grill. One wall is lined with coolers filled with assorted steaks, the opposite wall is lined floor-to-ceiling with Kingsford charcoal briquet sacks, and there's a condiment table with salt, garlic powder, pepper, etc. to flavor your steaks. You have the option to grill the steak yourself or, for a few bucks, have the restaurant staff do it for you. Anyway, I really liked the experience, but this is certainly not a fancy place, more like a roadhouse. Alex