Jake

There used to be a fabulous falafel cart near Robarts at U of T -- mmmm Of course, that was in the mid eighties and I have no idea if it still exists. Many students didn't even know what falafel was then....

I have to agree with you winemike. Although I've only eaten there once, it was not memorable enough to return. I don't recall anything particuarly poor, but the service was barely average and the meal was just okay. With so many other choices downtown, there just didn't seem to be a reason to go back. Perhaps others have had better experiences??

Sultana's. Haven't seen them in years, but haven't looked either...

Or better yet --- caviar!

Excellent point - I am a master of good extravagance (or good for me, shall we say) but not of the variety that will a) make no difference to the dish or b) have no basis is fact (see above).

Heck, go right ahead and call me cheap!! No bottled water being used for pasta here.

Oh yes, please. Years ago I had a boyfriend who had a ferret. It was lovely, but did have a rather potent smell...

Merci beaucoup!

Perhaps because of the wine??? I'm just guessing, seeing as she has to sing and all in the morning....

Thanks, Marlene! It was wonderful. Cheese potato puff? Mashed mixed with cheese, egg etc. or something else?

Nothing I did, but I will never forget it just the same. As a young child in the early 70's my parents would often take us to fine dining restaurants while travelling. (NB: we had been taught how to behave and did so under threat of punishment. ) One night we were at the typical fancy steakhouse, red and gold velvet curtains and all. As the waiter prepared the cherries jubilee, he set the curtains on fire. Not a SMALL fire, it whooshed right up to the ceiling, waiters were running everywhere, and my brother and I were having a fine time! Needless to say, the restaurant was evacuated, and no one was presented a bill that evening!! My mother couldn't order the cherries jubilee for years without laughing.

Great blog, Marlene! Your sunroom is absolutely beautiful -- and how perfect for morning coffee and the papers! I'm envious, especially as I am about to brave the grey day and take our 3 dogs out for a good run.

Not your day for butter tart squares, is it?? Oh well, I'm sure Ryan will eat them anyway.

That's incredible! Back to work AND 22 lbs? Congratulations!

Careful, Marlene. You're going to have busloads of eGulleters showing up a your door in time for dinner!

I don't disagree with you malcolmjolley. I have heard from friends that the "scene" may be less than ideal, and others who have loved it (no, not the twenty-something set!). However, we are going strictly because of the chef in this case and some memorable meals he's made in the past.

Best wishes to your wife, I hope she's improving daily. Sounds to me like you are both lucky to have each other. Good luck.

Reservations Friday night. Would be happy to post review here if anyone is interested....

You have a beautiful home Marlene. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Oh what I wouldn't give for two ovens!!! Lucky girl.

More often than not do I try out a new dish on guests. Even if it's just tweaking an old one a bit. In fact, some of my friends/family have come to expect it. No disasters for a number of years now, but back when I was learning.....oh yeah!

The chef, Paul Boehmer, was likely struggling to put together a menu to please the owners. I haven't yet eaten at ULTRA, but have eaten many of Chef Boehmer's creations in the past - he is superb. IMHO.

Cigarettes and running -- a girl after my own heart! cheers.

Full agreement. Would go so far as to say I will never even have it in the house! I will never leave the veal on the counter when I quickly run out to the store for a missing ingredient. (We have 3 large dogs....guess who didn't get veal for dinner?)

Marlene, could you enlighten us as to what Monkey Bread is???? Sounds intriguing...