Susan G

What are some of his signature dishes? It's usually warm whine. Everybody, altogether: "But it's *too spicy*!"

Or garum?

Not only does he not cook, he prefers not to microwave.

We had some excellent street food/ small cafe food when we went there last year............places where you screw your courage to the sticking point, decide not to worry about hygeine, and order the least-translatable item on the menu - and it was all fabulous! There's a small restaurant about four or five blocks inland from the tourist strip of bars with an insignia of a red bull on the gate: El Toreador? El Toro? It's lovely! Their stuffed peppers/cinnamon-spiced meat with cream sauce and pommegranite seeds - I'm having a serious blonde moment here - was something I look forward to sampling again! The dining is in a garden courtyard strung with colored lights; the wine list was extensive. Oh- and do the sunset cruise on the tall wooden ship! (The Pirate Cruise). I think it was built in 1893 or so, and it's one of the few remaining in the world. The deck rocks with the swells, you hear nothing but the wind in the rigging and the partying of the other guests.........it was the best time I ever had down there!

It makes a difference not only in flavor, but also in texture. The meat's more, um, springy. Edited because I can't spell OR word check this morning!

Maybe yes, maybe no, on this point ... I need a medical doctor or a nutritionist or a vegetarian to weigh in here.........I believe I remember correctly that a totally vegetarian diet leaves one deficient - in something which only a meat-based amino acid provides. It's either Vitamin K or an iron precursor which one needs shots to supply.............can someone help me out here?

I've been thinking about this for a few hours - - great topic! Unless the building's owner is himself a vegan, I hardly understand how he believes that vegans are *more* sociable than omnivores. For me, part of being sociable means sharing food. Any group with dietary restrictions will find it easiest to socialize with only their group..........like the Orthodox who keep kosher. As for the "gentler" part........I doubt it. The focus of veganism is on being kinder to plants and animals, not to humans, and I know which kindness I care more about! As for the claim to being healthier - feh. Unless these vegans are getting regular shots in a doctors office, they're deficient and/or anemic.

Ooh, thank you for the clarification! I stand corrected: It was Air China which gets my "thumbs down" for food and comfort. But I arrived safely, and the airplane appeared (and smelled) new.

Jinmyo, since you have made it clear that chocolate is *never* one of your cravings, avoiding it does not constitute denying oneself. The touchiness must therefore have other sources - - like the heat!

I've flown China Airlines within China, and it was miserable..........and not just the food! Seriously, do NOT get on board that plane without all the food you're going to need - because there will be very few comforts on board. In coach class, the seats were clearly using the 1954 biometrics, the snacks were "meat sticks" and the flight attendants were surly. I'm sure the international flights are better, but I'm not sure in what areas.

I guess it makes about as much sense to me as banning tenants based upon their art collections...........discrimination based upon aesthetics. Old nastiness in a new package.

I don't care if my server has a nipple ring, navel piercing or a prince albert...............I'd just rather not know. Really, it's just not the place to show me! Tattoos are fine, although I admit to wondering if the service will be professional or whimsical............. If my server has a facial piercing (say, cheek or septum or forehead), I'm ordering a coffee instead of a meal and then leaving. I suspect the performance artist would be disrespectful of my meal: Isn't the whole point of piercings to, "epater les bourgeoisie"?

For baking - butter For frying/sauteeing - bacon greese or peanut oil For drizzling over steamed veggies - sesame oil

I can't think of a single instance where, upon eating the authentic food in the mother country (croissants, weisswurst, spaghetti, won ton soup), I thought, I like the American version better. No wait - our frankfurters are better. It's a familiarity thing: Snapable casings are odd to me.

Whenever I want to make my sandwich *really good*, I add bacon. Easy, que no? This works on egg salad, peanut butter, melted cheese, etc. I fry one or two pounds at a shot, place the slices on wax paper, and freeze them. 20 seconds in the microwave and you're set...........

Ooh! I love it! I may have a new tag line!

I thought it was because of fewer cars and more bicycles. And then there's the *extreme* social pressure on (especially) women to remain or become thin. A few extra pounds speaks a lack of discipline, which is about as appealing to the French as a lack of rationality. I carry an extra 20lbs on a tall frame and was frowned at by French women when enjoying my deserts!

There's no such thing as too much garlic

HOW-duh, the Dutch masterpiece.

Then let's not begin the discussion on eschar and escharotomy (for those really nasty burns)!

Brooks, I'm sending you my moral support! Your cypress bar top sounds *gorgeous*!!

A comped meal for a six-top because *the bread ran low*???? What am I missing here?

Many, many mistakes and lacking good explanations. I found the translation of "gong yong dian hua" particularly tiresome. What the author also fails to note is that in many cases, the Chinese name on the restaurant sign bears *no* relation to the English translation. A good primer for the absolute beginner, who has no clue about characters or how to make sense of them..............

I have two: Newman's Own Balsamic Vinegrette Moosewood's Ginger Miso I make my own dressings only about 50% of the time.

I'll second Pickles's advice: Rectal bleeding is something for which a doctor needs to be called. Tell the receptionist *specifically* that you have this problem when you call - -the doctor may have special hours for emergent conditions.