Raoul Duke

Since I traveled quite a bit as well, I occasionally frequented spots that offered service at the bar. In Nashville it was an architect with a wife about town involved in the arts , they knew everyone who came in, and took the time to introduce me. In Seattle it was the Nordstrom lawyer w/caterer wife, good company that enjoyed a bloody mary at 11:00am. Pheonix at pizzaeria bianco with the Italian food service salesman at the bar who ended up being a hoot. So many people out there have lots to enrich our lives and just need an opportunity to do so. Then again if it's a table for 1, out comes the book.

Are you braising it on the bone? Raoul

Alan Scott, Ovencrafters, has plans that includes materials lists for the home builder. I'm starting one this spring, as well. Got to say Ciao, your patio area looks great tying in the gazebo with the oven. Raoul

Same problem of the alarm being triggered by heat and/or smoke, so I use the fan trick and it works well. My issue is that we have 13 smoke detectors in the house that are linked together, so when one goes off, you get the picture. The three cats and two dogs seem to be tolerating it now. Dockhl, is this a Paso thing? Raoul

Olive oil that is not dated when is was picked/processed.

Waring DF-250 Deep fryer. Donuts at 10:00pm Christmas night with a local late harvest Viognier. Large lava Molcajete from Mexico

The Clairborne recipe has worked for me twice, both outstanding roasts usually 4-6 bone, Costco one year and last year a Hearst Ranch piece of meat. If an oven can reach 500 degrees it has to be well insulated, and being well insulated, will maintain the decreasing temp very well. The key is keeping the door closed. Whatever the method here's hoping it turns out well. Happy Holidays.

I agree on the loss of large glasses, 20+ oz. I use them in my kitchen when doing my prep and on into the cooking. Hydrating myself for the inevitable cocktails and dinner wine. Daily I'm at the local 7/11 with an insulated 56 oz cup they sold when I lived on Maui. There's more than one caffeine delivery system.

The Craig Claiborne, New York Times Cookbook has a recipe I've used for years, with great success. It accomodates 2 rib roasts, or more, but requires an oven capable of 500 degrees. The technique involves heating the oven to 500 degrees, roasting at this for a short period of time then, turning off the oven and leaving the roast in the oven for a period of time, w/o opening the oven. If you are interested in this method and do not have access to the book, let me know and I'll post it here or in a pm to you. Don't you just love holidays and the smell of that rib roast in the oven!

Without seeming elitist, I would opt for a dual temp unit with 50-60 bottle capacity. Spend a little more than you want and think of it as a long term investment. In the long haul you'll be thankful you don't have to "trade up" later down the road.

I have one of the built in vacuum systems with the baseboard vents in the kitchen and office area. Great for hard surface floors where you can sweep everything up and open the vent, with your foot, and viola, gone. If you go with fired tile for the kitchen floor, make sure it is sealed correctly and redone often, to insure it stays stain resistant, as well as the newer grouts that are not a porous as the older types. 2 more cents!

Ahhh Jaymes, the voice of reason, let's have anotehr drink, it's Friday.

It's writer, like you guys, that spoil it for serious drinkers like me.

Dude, that looks like the bionic bong I picked up on e-bay!

But when you speak of low pay, minimal advancement, and repetive work maintanance, installation and repair are among the lowest incidents of depression, without the advantage of a higher education. So does the education theory hold water?

Cafe Campagne. Bloody Mary w/brunch, please.

MO?

Chanterelle mushrooms are back, fresh 16 oz. for $ 7.99. Living in Paso Robles I find their wine prices cheaper than the wineries at times and this includes a large local selection. The cheese selection here has grown large and extremely diverse with imports and domestics.

I have just finished reading "The House of Mondavi", the history of a dysfunctional family. Interesting read. If you haven't read it I have it in hard back and am willing to rent/trade it for a wine. Any interest? You could read it this winter between punching down must. The best part of crush for me, not being a winemaker, is that all the restaurants are easy to get into w/o a resrv. Every wine maker's to tired. Raoul

Say, did you say we could have our picture taken with you and/or Dan?

I saw some today at the Alternative Fuel gaspump for $ 3.59/gallon.

Complete the position descriptions immediately. No one knows (or will admit) what their jobs are without a detailed description. These are the basis for any corrective action. The three step process works well for eliminating sub-optimal employees, documented conversation regarding the offenses, written warning and dismissal. "Practically throwing a pencil" is open to interpretation as to the seriousness.

But we're willing to spend $ 16 and up, for 750 ml of wine that seems to disappear faster than the oil! I suspect oil prices here are similar to NYC for imported products, or cheaper, since we are in a producing area and have 25 - 30 local oils to select from.

As an out-of-towner and frequent visitor to Seattle, I'll second Cafe Campagne for brunch. I can taste the Bloody Mary now.

Get out of the ordinary turista places in Monterey. Go to Carmel Valley, check out some winery's and lunch at Cafe Rustica. Wood fired pizza!