Jake

Looking forward to the blog, Marlene. Is Ryan generally an adventurous eater, or does he prefer the more standard kid fare?

I'm with you, great comfort food. Much better made at home, too.

Ondine, I know exactly how you feel. If tea and honey is working when you can't keep anything down great. If not, or you want something cold, I use Powerade or Gatorade in these instances - seems to work. When I really can't eat anything I make my grandmothers eggnog, always given to us a children when we were ill. Milk, beaten egg, vailla and sugar. Shake and drink. Enough protein to keep you energy level up. Hope things get better soon. Time seems to go so slowly when you are suffering.

Jaymes -- recipe is almost identical to mine, except I use fresh garlic. As I'm out right now, going home tonight to make some your way! BTW, I made your soup -- fantastic!!!!!!!!! A million thank you's

Chow guy, loved your annecdotes! Especially the lamb.

Yep, still love tuna sandwiches. Same as childhood, white albacore, in water, homemade mayo, onion, cornichons. Usually on really fresh grain bread. Tuna melts with tomato when I'm in need of some comfort food.

Quick and easy tonight: Spicy lamb sausage with carmelized onions and garlic, chick peas, corriander, diced tomato and EVOO. Poached pears and port later...

Wonderful review - thanks so much!

Although eating isn't something I can do in that situation cooking is. This does have the added benefit of having a lot of interesting stuff in the freezer for when I can eat again, and the possibility of inviting a guest or two for dinner. Or when you know you need to eat something b/c last nights dinner was vodka and cigarettes. If you don't feel like cooking, order in whatever you feel like, and spoil yourself a bit. Feel better.

Oh can I relate!!!! I grabbed the cinnamon instead of the paprika the other night.....I have no idea what I was thinking - they're not even the same colour!! Needless to say, the lentils went in the bin.

Ha, ha. Good for you Marlena -- any olives?

I'm told (sorry, no exact reference) that it was originally called soda pop. I guess some shortened it one way, and some another. If indeed my information is correct. It's always interesting what we pick up from where we live, work or how we were brought up. When I don't feel like cooking, I always stop for a "take-away" never a take out.

Nope. All those lessons the parents taught must be well ingrained -- but I envy you your freedom! Enjoy!

I agree. And you've mentioned many of my favourite restaurants as well, with the exception of Opus, a personal favourite.

Excellent idea.

Excellent point, Marlene -- many other groups are doing this.

Sounds great! Can't wait to hear about the food!

Just wanted to weigh in and say that April 9-11 being Easter would not be a good choice for me. Plan to be in NYC - definitely not cooking. Not to mention the crowds and lineups would be horrific on a long weekend....

Very interesting that Joanne Kates & you, both dislike the desserts made by Dessert Trends. In a previous eGullet thread in the Toronto section, I brought up Dessert Trends, & it got praise from all that responded. -Steve Steve, Interesting in what way? As I said in my post, IMHO only. I'm pleased to hear in your previous posts that it got praise from all that responded. To each his own, no?

I'm with you guys. I can't think of anything I actually despise. I do hate poorly prepared food, but that has nothing to do with the ingredients!

Yes!

I am in complete agreement. Drenched is a bit more than a slight spill. The manager should have not only come to the table and apologized, but comped the lunch as well. Depending on how she was dressed, the dry cleaning bill alone could easily approach $20 or more. Did the waitress not notice? Did the girls not say anything?

Sounds like a fun idea -- and I haven't been to Costco for awhile -- count me in on the virtual dinner!

We've ALL done it at one time or another. I popped a roast chicken with herbs and lemon in the oven last week. Went downstairs and started doing some work, got involved in a couple phone calls for same. 2 HOURS LATER -- remembered the damn chicken (could smell it burning by now!) so much for dinner. Ended up with cheese, bread and a lot of wine.

Diet Pepsi, out of the can, ice cold. There is no other!!