Jake

Kathleen, this blog keeps getting better and better. I keep finding excuses at the office to check it. Cesar es muy hermoso!! Soy alegre para usted. (Forgive the probably poor spanish, it has been awhile!)

I am soooooooooo glad you're blogging! Look forward to the week.

^ Yes! Thanks.

What are some of your favourite places to eat? I only manage to get down there every couple of years or so - been a while since I ate anything other than what you see here. BTW - i think the place we stopped for lunch was called Narula. Oh, I also said I suspected that some of the street eats may be illegal in Toronto. Upon further reflection, I think it may be legal to set up on the sidewalk if youre associated with an adjacent restaurant. So, some of the stands may be legit. And, the law is beinng changed anyhow - which may allow for things like corn on the cob etc. Cheers, Geoff Ruby ← It is my understanding that it is legal for them to set up outside their restaurants.....we'll see what happens with the law change. I like Siddartha quite a bit, we order off the menu, not the buffet, and there is a good dosa place on the opposite corner (sorry can't come up with the name) beside a beautiful sari shop. Just looking at the colour in the windows and the gorgeous material is a treat. We tried Paan down there one day, and I must admit I am NOT a fan, felt like i was eating sand flavoured with perfume, lol. Another place I went to once does a great thali plate.....i'll try and come up with a name. I haven't eaten at Narula I don't think.

Geoff, great photos. We are only a 15 minute drive from Little India and are down there frequently for lunch, dinner and snacks. The fresh sugarcane juice is a refreshing treat and can be found outside a couple different establishments, usually with the grilled corn.

Piedsdesanges, I'm very curious about your statement "It's just gotten so much good press that people are bitter about it" While Dufflets has received a fair bit of press in recent years (not all of it good) why would that suggest people are bitter? To qualify my earlier statement that I am not a fan of Dufflet may I add that I find their cakes to have an oily taste/texture and many of the icings more so. I have sampled many offerings over the past 5 years while working within the industry and have no personal affiliation with any pastry shop in the city.

I am not a fan of Dufflet at all. Had a lovely cake recently from Yorkshire Pudding, telephone 416.251.9039

I would suggest trying SLM first off, otherwise call Cumbrae.

I'm so sorry you were stood up John. I was looking forward to hearing about the french meal. I thought of you when I made fiddleheads again last week, hope all is well. What did you end up planning on besides apericubes?

I should be able to tell you after the coming weekend!

Great dinner Peter! The shot of rainy Bedford looks exactly like it did when I was there at Easter, just slightly before the snowstorm began! I really enjoy emu, in fact one of the earliest emu dishes I had was at the restaurant in the Prince George hotel in Halifax, probably more than 10 years ago!

Umm, can you tell me what Ak Mak crackers are? Is that a brand name?

Peter, it's great to see you blogging. I have been to Halifax and area many times, most recently this past Easter as we now have family there. I did all my shopping at Pete's Frootique, it is just so much better than the grocery stores there. I purchased a Nova Scotia cheese while there by the name of Dragons Breath that was just wonderful.....I got it at Pete's as well.

I have a number of chef friends I've cooked for many times. The best advice has already been stated, do what you do well, and keep it simple, and within your own abilities. If you know you don't grill steak well, and it's always overcooked, don't do steak. If you love pan-fried fish, and do it well, go for it. Food of some other origin or region than the chef cooks every day is always appreciated. The best advice my chef friends have given home cooks - don't underseason (or overseason) your food. Taste it! Above all - don't try and recreate one of their signature dishes!! Let's face it, chef is not coming to dinner to critique your food, it's the company that counts.

Sounds great! $100 tasting? Is that new? That's VERY reasonable.

Sounds great, I must get back there soon.

Beautiful! Wish I'd been there.......

Kozlicks mustards are fabulous....I have about a dozen of them. They also do some wonderful vinegars including raspberry and tarragon.

Wow, is Gio still there? cool. I used to stay at the Prince George all the time. Not sure that'll work with my nephew, but we'll see.

Cava didn't thrill me. Service was problematic and while the food was good, it was overpriced for what it was. It wouldn't suit the romantic meal they're looking for, the room is quite loud.

will be in Halifax over the Easter weekend. Although I used to spend a lot of time there on business, I haven't been back for about 5 years. Are there any "Not to be missed" meals? Any old standards that aren't so good, or have changed for the better? Rec's for fine dining for one night, maybe as there is a 7 year old involved?

Elie, thank you so much for teaching me more about Middle Eastern food, the more I broaden my knowledge, the more I love it. Your recipes were always sensational as well! I will look forward to your continued contributions!

Wow! I picked some baby artichokes up at the weekend. I now know what I'll do with them for dinner tonight -- many thanks.

I cannot speak from personal experience but I know a few business acquaintances who will not go there anymore based on service issues and the food being "okay" to use their description. I do trust their opinions on restaurants/food. Is there a particular reason you would gravitate towards it rather than another, or just curiousity? I have attended private events at North 44 before and everything was great, but it's been a few years and I did not organize them.

For those of you who may not have spent a Grand Prix weekend in Montreal I highly recommend it. Thanks for the telephone info JAS - I'll be in town the 17th - 19th this month on business as well, and oysters are always a good choice...........