Jake

Cold and rainy last night, well, all day actually so we had braised short ribs, roasted garlic mashed potatos, maple glazed brussel sprouts and carrots.

Jason, that looks exquisite! I love Ruby Swiss Chard.

Ore, I have no idea how I missed this thread throughout the last few months, but I have just spent the most enjoyable hour reading from start to finish. Thank you so much for posting and sharing your experiences, especially the photos. I sincerely hope you'll continue this blog at your new stage, wherever that may be.

Welcome, Purpledingo! I think it would be safe to say that is one of the best f*&k ups on here. Sorry to hear about the damage, but I'm really impressed you continued with dinner. Cheers.

Definitely an interesting recipe from a terribly interesting man. Perhaps some Canadians are more familiar with his technique in his recent demonstrations on Rick Mercer's Monday Night Report???

I agree with you there, although my first million would be rescuing more German Shepherds! (Sorry for going off topic there -- it's a dog person thing!)

Sounds great! What was the price point, if you don't mind, and did that include alcohol. How is the wine list?

No thank you!! I still sneak some raw hamburger when I'm making something....but of course now I'm just testing the seasoning!

With this comment in mind, I would have to say that, at this point in my life, I would not pay $300 per head for dinner. I will pay premium prices for food/groceries but that sort of dollar value for dining out is unfathomable to me. I guess I'm in touch with my inner Scotsman a little too closely... ← And that's great. It's what works for you, although I will say that paying a premium for food/groceries that are important to you is the same type of thing. It goes back to the heart of the thread what "would" you pay. Now, if you won a couple million dollars would your answer change?? Would you then book a table at your personal dream place?

I think you're overstating your case. There's no doubt that some of us simply couldn't afford such a meal even once, period, but even many of those of us who are by no means rich could spend $300 on one meal by saving up for it. The question is whether we'd feel we could afford it. When your rent is ~$700/month, $300 is a pretty damn big chunk of change. ← I understand your point rosebud, but agree with Michaels reply. I don't think the thread was about what people on the site could actually afford (nor is it our business) but rather "would" they. Certainly providing exceptional food at lower prices is important, and comendable, but I think experiencing something one finds exceptional has its place as well. Nor does that make them "rich" or "foolish".

Yeah, it's all about the food for me. If I don't enjoy it, than even the $20 experience is a waste for me and I do not consider it value for the money. And frankly, I don't enjoy most chains I've been to. So, yes, it is personal, as well as relative. I would willingly spend the money to experience certain foods, chefs etc. because it is such a huge part of my life and I personally see value (not just $, but experience as well) in spending X amount of dollars at Per Se, E Bulli or wherever else I feel would be worth it for me. Just as I accept that many others would not.

An early version of steak tartare, perhaps?

If you like ribs, I definitely reccomend you start experimenting. Use the bbq, buy a smoker if you don't already have one, start making your own sauces (really, really easy and well worth the time compared to some glop) I guarantee you'll see a huge difference. Oh and most importantly, imo, DON'T BOIL THE DAMN THINGS!! P.S. Don't wail 'til summer, what could be better in late January than some great ribs, beans and slaw?

I agree with docsconz, ones ability to afford something can easily change perspective as well as ones ability to differentiate tastes. It is true that some people will like something because it's rare, new, special, expensive etc. and we can draw comparisons to wine this way too. You can't taste price or rarity, you can taste and decide if you like it. You will, however, pay for rarity, etc. Just my two cents....

Sorry, can't agree with you there. Been there a couple times at others behest, found the pulled pork rather dry and I honestly thought the ribs were awful. Tasted like they had been boiled for hours and covered in a gloopy supermarket sauce. I admit to being terribly picky about my ribs though and tend to make them myself (including sauces) rather than be disappointed while out. I've never tried cajun perogies....I imagine the cajun is in the spicing of the filling?

Nope. Everything in moderation, right. We're not talking about a daily diet, we're talking about treats. A bowl of chips, dip and a soda every so often is not going to kill ya.

I concur, most falafel places in Toronto are lacking. Aidas is good, Sababa mentioned upthread was too last time I was there (6 - 8 months ago). Beware though, last place I ordered it looked promising -- till they put MAYONNAISE on it.

Sam, great blog. Thank you, and Kathleen, for sharing. Thanks for making sure to get a picture of the ferrets in too! We will, of course, expect another blog for your next multi-course gathering.

Please post the recipe, Susan. I haven't been happy with the last couple I've had. The steak and raw oyster sounds interesting, how was it? Would you do it again?

I know what you mean. I have a sister-in-law like that. In fact, I've had more sneers and complaints from her in the last 3 years than I did from paying customers. Or anyone for that matter. My brother married her anyway. Now they both sneer at everything. Guess you can't choose your family. And then there are the people you invite in for a meal who mention upon arrival that they're on some diet etc. and proceed to disect every morsel of food and continuously inquire about grams of fat or make comments about how disgusting it is that I used real butter/duck fat/bacon etc. Usually makes me want to pick up the closest wine bottle and ...... well, you get the picture.

I have some food allergies but that doesn't stop me from cooking with the things I can't eat when I am preparing a meal for other people. I also can't drink any raw alcohol but can cook with it, if it is cooked long enough for the alcohol esthers to cook away. And I buy wine and liquor for gifts, although I need help in choosing them because I can't taste. I think it is extremely rude for someone to force their food preferences on others. I like some spicy foods but not super hot foods but prepare them all the time. I took a couple of salsas to the L.A. Potluck that were too hot for me but others enjoyed them and I had advance notice that there would be people there who appreciated the hot stuff. Just in case, I also took along some of my homemade sour cream and also cream cheese to temper the hot stuff just in case. If I am preparing something that contains an ingredient to which I am allergic, I ask someone to taste it for me so I will know if it is seasoned correctly. It isn't difficult to accomadate food allergies but some people make a career of being unpleasant about demanding attention to their needs and make a fuss if there is anything containing their problem ingredient anywhere near their food without having any consideration for other people. I simply avoid the foods I can't have but try not to interfere with other's enjoyment. ← Sounds to me like you are the guest everyone loves to invite and the host everyone loves to receive an invite from. Cheers to you!

Haven't weighed in here yet, and was doing some reorganizing today and did a count: 85 for me right now --- but that could change in the near future.

I enjoyed and agreed with many of Mr. Rogov's comments, most especially his disdain (disgust?) for horrid customers. I find more problems (as a customer) with other customers in higher end restaurants than I do with the service. To illustrate the point, my SO and I were out for dinner the other week at a high end place where we happen to know the owners. We entertained two other couples for dinner and paid the bill when they left. One of the owners invited us to the bar for a drink and we accepted. As it was later in the evening it was slow enough in the dining room for them to spend some time with us. We ended up staying a couple more hours and having a variety of wines. The bartender was new and we didn't know her, but the service was excellent. We were never presented a bill and as we were leaving my SO quietly tipped and thanked the bartender. The couple who had been sitting next to us at the bar and voicing their views loudly to all and sundry exclaimed "Why the hell would they tip her, I didn't see them get a bill, and it is her job to serve." Those are the kinds of customers I wish I could hit over the head with bottle!

Wednesday night - quick and simple. Steak tartare topped with a dab of mushroom/truffle creme Salad of mache, radish and parm with a dijon vinaigrette accompanied by one of Peter Lehman's reds, although I can't remember which one. Might be the fault of the Grey Goose later in the evening while out. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I rather think Kathleen is also a marvel! Kudos, Kathleen -- one job wouldn't be possible (or as enjoyable) without the other. Happy Thanksgiving.