Jake

I have successfully double-fried yams at home. Cut like potato chips and single fried works nicely, and quickly as well.

Sadistick, that's not nice, you have to say more than WOW! Seriously, you've got me terribly curious now as we frequent that area more often than perhaps we should. Please tell us more, including what you enjoyed so much. To add my comments to Endy's question, for late night food I have a terrible weakness for crispy ginger spicy beef at Rol San on Spadina or souvlaki's from the Danforth, often Omonia as they seem to always grill them fresh rather than just reheat them.

Susan, I was just thinking I've always made one large one and reading this was wondering about individual ones and scaling down as per Jack's suggestions just to make 2 individual ones for a quick meal. I can say from my experience, one large is easy as pie (no pun intended) and mine always rise, touch wood.

Great essay, Lori. Your writing is so evocative that I couldn't imagine it being shorter. My condolences on your loss, and congratulations on your souffles.

Lovely, thank you for posting your tour. I'm sure the chocoholics will be drooling.

I'm voting for Starwich, especially after the discussion last week!

It is called DOP as that is the letter order when translated into Italian. I'm sorry I missed your question and failed to address it earlier.

Fabulous blog, Megan! I, too, love SoHo and oh I want bread from Balthazar now!

IMHO, I think it is ridiculous. I could *possibly* understand if it were based on allergies etc. but for sanitary reasons? Hellooooo, are they checking all the stores/bakeries/restaurants the parents will now have to frequent to make sure everything is up to code??? And ummm, what about lunches? Is your child still allowed to bring a lunch? I would assume so as it is not meant to be shared (we all know that's not the case...) I guess the fundraising bake sale is out of the question now, hmmm.

Oh how wonderful! More please!

For an interesting dinner, just a short cab ride from the business district, may I reccommend Chiado - a Portuguese restaurant, wonderful food, and something different for both the Japanese and US contingent.

I can get Zapps here, but not Old Dutch. Zapps are good. I'm hungry.

Lay's -- eh, could easily do without. I would, however, KILL for a bag of Old Dutch potato chips. Ahhh, just thinking about them. Must travel west soon.

Hi Megan, although you mentioned you were off this week I wonder if you might elaborate on what you do when you are working. I'd also love to know where you picked up your cooking skills, at what age, and any "defining" moments in your culinary adventures if that's not asking too much!

Ummm, illegal noooooo not really (as she bats eyelashes at crusty customs officer). Seriously, some people don't consider it edible, so you wouldn't actually be smuggling FOOD, right? Of course, in the interest of legality, you could hand deliver it and inform customs it is a special scottish sculpture from a renowned artist (technically sorta true....)

Great report Endy'. I think you and Sadistick have convinced me I'll have to try it in the near future.

Mmm. The quality has been stably (is that a word?) good for the last 7 years:) So if there has been a drop, that must have been 7-10 years ago But then I only have it about once every two months, so not such a huge expert at all.. I enjoy both their traditional and the vegetarian version. ← I'm not sure I believe you, and since we can't order it perhaps you should send a care package -- for comparison purposes of course.

Really looking forward to your blog, Megan. It's been awhile since I've been in NYC and I'm missing it desperately, EVERY photo will be welcome.

The secret fish is likely tilapia or perhaps whitefish (Olde Yorke uses this). The site seems to be run by someone else. There is no "tourist-trap front end" and nothing for sale save the items on the menu at the restaurant. There are likely better sites for researching clans and tartans, but that would be off topic. The menu is definitely not what I would call adventurous, nor I believe, is it intended to be. I'll ask some of the guys from across the pond to weigh in here, but I wouldn't expect a visit to a local fish & chip shop to be adventurous. In this case, I think the owners are trying to offer a traditional, plain menu. Do let us know about the white filet if you try it. I hope you enjoy the haggis.....all this talk I'm going to have to return soon!

You heard correctly. There is virtually no similarity between the 2, other than there are beans in a can. Same for Canadian versions of Heinz vs. British. I guess it's all what you get used to, but I buy imported British cans for days when I need a quick start or for simple beans on toast.

Why not eat both fish & chips and haggis??? I did!!! (insert "oink" emoticon) Please report back on your visit.

hmmmm, maybe I should start flying out of Winnepeg it that's the case! Sorry, my comments were definitely Toronto-centric.

Sounds like a very interesting, rather untraditional tartare. Hope you'll post back when you ask them for the recipe, I love tartare and another version would be fun...

I agree with Marlene completely here. The points programs in Canada are dominated by Aeroplan (Air Canada and codesshares only) and AirMiles and are heavily restricted, rarely include non-stop direct flights and are often limited to some VERY unusual days and hours based on their "availability". As well, all our taxes have to be paid in cash saving a very few exceptions. The last 4 times I've flown anywhere it has proved to be cheaper to book direct on another airline. In fact flying to NYC last fall the flight, taxes etc. on an airline other than AC was cheaper than flying on points and paying the applicable taxes and fees! With the use it or lose it option, perhaps some kitchen appliances are in order here too!

Thanks, Wayne..... I should've done a seach myself for that!