LaNiña

It's legal and we are a democracy" - so maybe speeding should be legal too, then? When is it the responsibility of society/democracy to protect its citizenry?

I'm lactose intolerant. And it's real, believe you me.

Only two questions? Cabby?!?!?!?!

Mahvelous.

Yes, I saw it, just used you as a springboard...

So much for "authentic."

And Cabby, we have to try that sea urchin pasta dish at Basta Pasta...

It's TV, for god's sake. Of course it's bullshit.

Beachfan, the Marriott has not been affected at all.

Beachfan, I emailed my friend just now, and here's her response: "Here's the story: The riverside part of the Lesser Town area (left bank of the river in the center), esp. the Kampa island, will probably not be fit for visiting for a while. But the Old Town is standing, they are checking for structural damage in the foundations right now, and from what I've heard today (I talked to maybe 10 different people over there this morning) the Old Town will be reopened to residents and visitors next week, with all the buildings in place, of course. But will things be "normal"? No. The subway is in a really bad shape (13 stations are still flooded, actually), so that won't run for a few months. There will be construction work and scaffolding here and there. Two sidewalks in the Old Town (which was not flooded for the most part) have collapsed. So there will be inconveniences, but it won't be a warlike scene. Plus the castle is still there, as well as the other 90% of the city which was NOT flooded. We are telling people to go in mid-September if possible. By then most of the major sights will be reopened, businesses ditto."

Can I watch? Provide refreshments, perhaps?

as opposed to you, oh delicate demure and shy one

uh, no, don't put it in your body in any way shape of form. you should cork it back up, and return it to your wine merchant. hopefully you bought it at a place that accepts returns, as most reputable stores will. although, i'll admit that i've never returned a corked bottle, out of probably hundreds i've come across. probably because they set me back only 12 dollars or so. my local wine merchant makes sure he reminds me every coupla visits that i should return anything that is off. they just pass it back to the distributor, and so on. at least, in a perfect world. but don't dump it, and recork with the same cork, to cover all of your bases. Although you did return a corked bottle at the Oyster Bar, and I was very impressed - yeah, it wasn't a store, but still, a good thing.

Soba dear, where there's a will there's a way. I live in Park Slope. If traffic isn't horrendous, it's a 10 minute ride to the bridge from my house. 3 minutes over, and then Rich picks us up...or you take the subway to the Brooklyn side of the bridge, and we get Rich to hop over...it doesn't take any longer than getting to the Bronx or to certain parts of Queens... ...wait, you're a young guy...oy, what's gonna be when you're older?

My friend is the head of the Czech tourist board. She has sent me some updates - most of the old buildings are okay - lots of cleanup necessary, but good prognosis...I'll get more information when she has time...

bus over Verrazano, hello....

Whenever I go to Sripraphai and it's getting a little spicy, I always get their coconut milk drink - nothing seems to cool my mouth like that drink does. Lassi works beautifully with Indian food in that same way.

You've never been in a concert or the theatre or a movie when people forgot to turn their cellphones off? Lucky you. I've seen them even answer the phones and talk.

SA, it's not far, really. The good ethnic food is in the outer boroughs...

Rosie, no wine?

Yes.

Rich, I don't mean to be mean, but I just looked through the entire Babbo menu (where I also ate recently), and the ONLY dish that would qualify as having a tomato sauce is Pappardelle Bolognese. So what Mario tomato sauce ("gravy") are you criticizing? And do you know about the sausages he carries? I won't go into detail, but suffice it to say that his father undertook a multi-year course of study and experiential learning in Italy before opening his own sausage-making business, which is the supplier for the restaurants. I believe his cooking meets all of your "authenticity" criteria, so I'm having trouble understanding what you mean. Read the article in the new New Yorker. And try Babbo again with an open mind.

I went to Tazo de Oro for lunch today, and much to my dismay, they do not have Cuban sandwiches, not today, not ever. I had a dish of mofongo, which was the usual...heavy and not so interesting, but I do enjoy that texture. Next I'll have to have the tripe there - maybe when it's not so hot. I'm told by a latin colleague of mine that the Cuban sandwich at Havana Central is really good - and despite the yuppy nature of the place, I'm likely to try one, based on his recommendation. Will report.

Doesn't look like it.

So Rich, if Mario's food isn't "authentic," what isn't "authentic" about it? Define your terms.