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The waiting alone is killing me!

Congratulations Rich! I'll have to pick up a subscription!

Since I have today off, I'll have to sample some of the happy hours this afternoon.

The happy hour menu at McCormick and Schmicks includes an 8 ounce cheeseburger and french fries which is a steal at $1.95. Surprised that Sansom Street Oyster House is not on the list. They have some good happy hour deals as well between 5:00pm and 7:00pm.

Was there last week after lunch at El Vez. Had a mix of tiramisu and strawberry-tequila. The tiramisu had a nice big chunk of ladyfinger and the strawberry-tequila was rather appropriate after lunch at El Vez and quite refreshing.

My friend went there shortly after they opened. While he said service was a bit rough (standard for a new restaurant), he thought the food was pretty good. Was waiting to post until I got there and tried it myself. I'm ecstatic to see a lot of great BBQ places appear on the Philly scene.

Many thanks Holly!

Can spelling be corrected on the topic?

Stopped by Friday evening for happy hour. Started out with the Dogfish Head 90-minute IPA and the gorgonzola and fig jelly bruschetta. Excellent. Moved on to the Allegash White and a grilled sopresatto sandwich. Excellent sandwich. Finished up with a Brooklyn Lager and the flourless chocolate cake. Fantastic. Stumbled home and promptly passed out. Can't wait to get back.

Stopped by Carman's for brunch today and ordered the veal sweetbread entree. Cooked with moral mushrooms, butter, a touch of cream and bread crumbs. Served with two eggs, home fries, and toast. A wonderful change of pace for breakfast. The sweetbreads are on the menu all this week.

That was awesome. I wish I would have been there for all the fun. I need to go back there ASAP.

Best beer that I get which also happens to be inexpensive (wouldn't call it cheap) is Stegmaier from the Lion Brewery in Wilkes Barre, PA. Cost is about $12.75 ($10 for the case and $2.75 for the case deposit where I purchase it.) A case consists of 24 16oz. bottles. Could drink a case in one sitting if given a chance. Not only great for drinking, but also great to cook with. Taste is a bit hoppy, but otherwise an excellent beer. Unfortunately, sales seem to be limited to the Northeastern PA area.

Saw this posted on one of the daily deal websites. Guiness is giving rebates for St. Patrick's Day for Guiness Draught in a bottle. $2 for any 6-pack or $4 for any 12-pack. Offer not valid in AL, AR, IN, KY, ME, MO, NC, OH, OR, TX, UT, WV and expires March 31. Here's the url to print the coupon: http://www.guinness1759society.com/offer/B...22qp~FNLddaSFBD

Just wanted to say thanks to Rich, Lew, Scoats, and all the wonderful beer geeks like me for making last night a such a blast. What a night! What a crowd! Out the door and halfway around the block. Glad I made there around 7:00pm when there were only 15 people in line waiting to get in. I would have liked to have said that the Nodding Head Imperial Stout was the number one choice for me. Unfortunately it kicked before I could enjoy it. Fortunately the Flying Fish Big Fish Barley Wine didn't get kicked so early and was the standout of the bunch for me. Now, I'll have to keep an eye out for the Imperial when it's served over at Nodding Head for a liquid lunch. The Legacy Duke of Ale was excellent as always. Also had the the Lancaster Amish Four Grain Ale (didn't know the Amish made or drank ale, but it would explain my some of my inherent tendencies). While I didn't try the Brewers Art Green Peppercorn Triple, the most interesting beer for me was the Yards George Jefferson. Very complex taste, but a lot of fun. I was also sad that the Troegs Nugget Nectar Ale kicked before I could have a sample. (You snooze, you lose!) I slept till noon today and got a big grease burger to ward off the effects of last night. Time for a Stegmaier.

Just made my reservations for Colman Andrews at Vesuvio's and Jim Coleman at Jack's Firehouse. Both dinners should be real fun and filled with good food. Tried to get reservations for Georges Perrier at Pif, but that's booked solid already.

I'm disappointed that John Stage won't be making a return trip. That BBQ at North by Northwest last year was excellent. The wine dinner being hosted by Greg Moore at Django sounds wonderful and expensive. That will sell out fast. Colman Andrews at Vesuvio also sounds like a great dinner and is priced reasonable. A lot of wonderful opportunities. I'm also happy the suburbs are getting more opportunites as well.

I eat at La Lupe regularly and I love the place. I enjoy the food. Have yet to try anything bad. The first two times I had the goat tacos I admit they were gamey and had some bone in with them. The last two times, the meat has been rich and flavorful, very tender and delicious. La Lupe is my favorite.