herbacidal

We gotta do another Brooklyn trip. DiFara's and L&B Spumoni/Totonno/Patsy's.

Man, you guys are slacking. Almost 24 hours after the kickoff and no posts.

I actually can't say anything good or bad about Pesto because I don't have enough experience with it nor have I heard from enough other people, so make sure to tell us how the meal goes.

I'm assuming you're talking about Hilton Garden Inn @ 11th and Arch. Border of Chinatown. You could try some places in Chinatown. But as far as BYOBs, La Boheme is the closest, but it seems they're not as good as they were since some staff jumped to Le Jardin. My first choice would be Effie's on Pine btwn 12th and 13th. Greek food, might be crowded, although not sure if open on Monday. Lolita is a great place, also not sure about Monday. Mexican-style food, known for being a bring your own tequila more than BYOB, but you can definitely bring wine. Going east, isn't there Mandoline or Sabor on Chestnut between 2nd and 3rd? Can't remember the latest version nor do I know very much about quality. Someone else will be able to help with that.

Monday November 14, 2005 Philadelphia Inquirer Craig Laban checks into the king of Philly BBQ, Sweet Lúcy's. Rick Nichols stops by the newest hotspot in town, Amada. Philadelphia Daily News Sono Motoyama wanders into Positano Coast. City Paper (Philadelphia) A.D. Amorosi talks with David Ansill, who is remaking Judy’s Café into Ansill. Maxine Keyser finds a glatt kosher Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs in Yi Tzi-Peking. Drew Lazor highlights four news items of note. Carolyn Wyman talks about 5 cakes too good to share. Philadelphia Weekly Lauren McCutcheon wanders into the new good ol’ Happy Rooster. Kirsten Henri finds a spot of tea at Remedy. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Amy McConnell Schaarsmith advises against procrastinating towards preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher recommend some American cabernet sauvignon. Charles Passy investigates Thanksgiving in a box for all the shortcut seekers out there. Amy McConnell Schaarsmith finds some twists on Thanksgiving classics. Pittsburgh Tribune Karin Welzel finds the Franklin Inn reinvigorated by Mexican cuisine. Kim Kweder finds American Root Beer Company amidst a national craft brewing boom in the soda industry. Alice Carter finds Jacksons Rotisserie in an office park business hotel quite satisfying. Morning Call (Allentown) Susan Gottschall walks into the marriage of McDonald’s and the 1950s when she finds Fuddrucker’s.

Coming on the heels of what Grimes has said: ". . . The idea of having a lifetime project dedicated to analyzing your every facial tic is frightening," and what Ruth Reichl has said "They would have done that to me," I think Fat Guy's concerns are legitimate. It's all too easy to find some fault wherever you look. When a person, or a web site, becomes obsessed with denigrating others, or just another person, it usually seems unbalanced and a bit perverse to me. I shouldn't limit my comment to the web, although vanity blogging is a cheap way to take shots at others. Running down others who have crossed your path is a poor premise for an autobiography. That's just one of the problems I've had with a book much discussed elsewhere on the site. It's a poor premise for a web discussion site as well and it's the problem I have with certain discussion sites. eGullet.org came of a certain age when it was able to fairly quickly drop its obsession with the site that drove many of its founders to create a new forum. The more balance I find in an individual's output, the greater the credibility I see most of the time. I'm not a fan of Bruni's and truthfully, I was less a fan of Grimes. In fact, it was during Grimes' tenure that I stopped reading the NY Times restaurant reviews carefully or regularly. I respect good criticism, but I don't want to get caught up in anyone's destructive obsessions. ← I would agree. It's very easy to criticize anyone, and if you want to focus on one particular person's quirks, minutiae, and slightest faults, then you're bound to find some negative. That said, it does remind me of the Daily Show and Colbert.

What about the Corner Bakeries? Although I don't think of them as bakeries, do they have appropriate selections? Yann is closed, Miel's on 17th would be at least good. What about the bakery that popped up as part of the replacement for that Japanese/Korean restaurant on Walnut at 17th? Petit 4 and Pink Rose would be the other suggestions (not recommendations, because the only thing I've had from Petit 4 was subpar wedding cake, and I've never been to Pink Rose) but they're not in CC.

The liability insurance is one thing. The expensive part of the Korean BBQs and teppanyaki type places is of course the multiple stoves that have to be installed, but then also the individual exhaust fan above each stove. So not only can you cram less people into the space (less covers=less revenue unless you make it up with increased check average) because a 6-8 top takes as much space as tables for about 12-16 people before, you also have to install 10-15 stoves and 10-15 exhaust fans instead of 1-2 of each.

K, I wish I knew you were doing another foodblog, especially if you're cooking!

Media digest November 7, 2005 The Philadelphia Inquirer: Craig LaBan indulges in Korean Tofu Stews at Jong Ka Jib. Rick Nichols raves about the rurki at the Polish bakery Julia Bakery& CafŽ. Michael Klein describes a shake-up at Salt and Pepper, and more, in Table Talk. The Mystery Muncher noshes at the new outpost of Murray's in West Chester. The Daily News Sono Motoyama hits the beach at Isla Verde. City Paper: Elisa Ludwig goes spelunking at Ambler's La Cava. The phenomenon of offering dinner before a show is examined. The Philadelphia Weekly Lauren McCutcheon steps out onto El Balconcito for Portuguese-Peruvian fare in the Northeast. Kristin Henry finds vegan desserts at Gianna's Grille. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Sally A. Quinn fights the crowds at McCormick and Schmick's. The Morning Call (Allentown) Susan Gottschall docks at Camden's Dockside in Easton.

you forgot 'be home'! ← Not entirely necessary. But being by a Egullet-capable computer is.

As of early summer, that place was the Mansion; when did Buon Apetito move in? Early Oct/late Sept? Evan, what's the source?

It was most definitely a great combination of food, wine, conversation, and setting. For me, it was also very nice getting updated with the latest from Shola on his plans, current methods, etc. He's buying a lot of lab equipment to use in kitchens, a la el Bulli, Alinea, etc. It's a component of the restaurant preparation plans, so he's still moving forward on that, ever so slowly and carefully.

I haven't been in 2 years, but when I'm in NYC, I always enjoy Ony's ramen, which I suppose is sort of Menchanko-tei Jr. Roughly West 4th and 6th, IIRC.

Philadelphia Inquirer Craig Laban finds a semblance of his N’awlins rumblings at Carmine’s Creole Café’s new, hopping domicile in Narberth. Rick Nichols chronicles a duo checking out the grand old dame of oyster bars when they visit the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Philadelphia Daily News Sono Motoyama visits a Northern Liberties favorite when N 3rd and Peter Dunmire get sampled. City Paper (Philadelphia) Maxine Keyser finds something worth eating at Haru. Elisa Ludwig crows about vegetarian dining power in the blocks west of Rittenhouse Square. Drew Lazor talks about three new spots that will further expand the city’s dining repetoire. Tami Fertig finds some worthy eats in New Jersey. In the Philadelphia Weekly , Kirsten Henri checks out Deuce before indulging her sweet yet healthy tooth at Chocolates by Mueller. Neil Ferguson finds old school drinks at Krupas. Pittsburgh Tribune Review Karin Welzel meanders around the Café at the Frick before findng out the latest on all manner of apples. Kimberly Palmiero investigates Steelhead Brassiere & Wine Bar and finds the Marriott City Center’s restaurant quite fetching. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Amy McConnell Schaarsmith reminds us how easy it is to bake a pie from scratch. Mackenzie Carpenter updates us on the state of salmon, fresh, farmed and wild. The Morning Call (Allentown) Susan Gottschall finds the the Shanty reborn as an uneven second version of the Allentown classic.

Standard Tap's food still seems solid. The waitress service seems to have tailed off recently though.

So effete and fey are synonyms? I think that would be a good business idea for Katie. I can think of a business structure that might work out well too. Hmm, I'll have to talk to Katie about that.

Probably not really. If I had to take a guess though, I'd start with the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, and Park Hyatt Bellevue bars. Maybe also Meritage.

I don't know about the origin, but I do trust Wesza. It remains a big seller nowadays at most Cantonese restaurants I've been around, regardless of American Chinese or Chinese Chinese. The sizzle has always turned heads and caused other people to add it to their order. Worba for the American Chinese, flank steak or short rib with black pepper sauce for the Chinese Chinese.

Philadelphia Inquirer Craig Laban finds Restaurant Alba amidst the emergence of a fine northern Chester County dining scene. Rick Nichols finds a Kimberton Hills farm that does more than just make organic food for area residents. Deborah Scoblionkov marks on how groovy Auburn, Pennsylvania’s Long Trout Winery’s fruit wines can be. Philadelphia Daily News Sono Motoyama pops in on Bookbinder’s and discovers a tasty rebirth. City Paper (Philadelphia) Elisa Ludwig finds a new Korean barbeque joint downtown as Miran and finds a bevy of positives that make up for its (hopefully) correctable negatives. Alex Richmond gives us a little sushi insight on differences in eating preferences here versus Japan. Drew Lazor updates us with the skinny on four joints recently debuted. Kelly White gives us the down-low on some hidden foodstops worth your time spent searching. In the Philadelphia Weekly , Lauren McCutcheon falls for the allure of Lan Zhou Noodle House when she sees the entertainment newcomers and veterans both enjoy. Kirsten Henri finds a nice slice joint when NYPD Pizza imported itself onto 11th Street. Neil Ferguson introduces us to the star attractions at the J&J Trestle Inn. Pittsburgh Tribune Review Karin Welzel finds that Fresco’s doesn’t limit itself to traditional Italian flavors for its inspirations. Librarians found things to do other than stack books when they decided to publish First Editions: A Collection of Recipes from the Ligonier Valley Library detailing different hors d’oeuvres recipes from friends, staff and anyone else.

I am happy that the bridal salon seems to be doing well around the corner and I wish them success at their new location. My Update on where things stand: So I finally successfully communicated with the construction manager last week. Although he did not have a final construction price for me (I am still on pins and needles waiting for this number – which could ultimately alter the current planned design finishes) he did give me an estimate as to when I could open my doors for business. He said: “Philly is not like NYC, the unions are tougher, we are still doing extra demolition, we are still waiting on quotations, things really slow down at the end of the year, blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada, you should be able to open by late-January.” After my initial shock, I found the nearest rock to crawl under, and tried to not freak-out too much over the newest estimate for our opening date. I then reluctantly communicated this conversation to my family. I was embarrassed that my estimation was so far off but everybody was understanding. I know that the delay is not my fault but I felt like a sucker for believing/hoping I could open 1st in September, then October, then November. Anyway, construction on the vanilla shell is progressing, but I think that the construction company has other more priority jobs. On a positive note, I received my liquor license last week! Paul ← Now that's more like the construction schedule I expected. It's why I asked when you started paying rent. Get a construction estimate from him at least, or a range, to help you narrow it down.

Shola has considered joining Egullet, he's a lurker now. From talking with him every now and again, I believe roughly 4-6 days a week he either does dinners at Studiokitchen or caters in private facilities predominantly in NYC. I doubt he spends more than the day's length preparing that night's meal, although he may spend time beforehand thinking up the menu, shopping, etc. I doubt he would consider writing a journal, but I'll ask. He succeeds with this many courses and preparations because he limits the guest count to 8 normally, although I understand this has been pushed to 10 lately with frequency. He also does have someone come in to clean up, wash things, etc.

I understand that the restaurant has been for sale for a few months at least, probably about a year. Also that the owners have been at the restaurant much less than when Django originally opened.

Philadelphia Inquirer Craig Laban finds Le Jardin firing on too few cylinders as the most recent culinary occupant of the Art Alliance manages to disappoint. Rick Nichols finds a new modern take on Romanian food at Delanco’s Europa Café as Carmen Rednic takes cues from Transylvania, Austro-Hungary and soccer-playing countries around the world as she creates dishes drawing from all parts of her background. Diann Marder does a little follow-up with Julie Powell, the girl who decided to tackle an entire Julia Child cookbook in one year, and managed to become a reality star made good. Murry’s Deli, the well-known Bala Cynwyd deli, has expanded in West Chester, and also added a smart little bar with an small yet impressive wine list. Philadelphia Daily News Sono Motoyama pops in on Aya’s Café and finds the Italian and Egyptian menu a solid selection great for a neighborhood place. City Paper (Philadelphia) Maxine Keyser tastes of the proudly Calitalian Sovalo and finds its offerings more than up to par. Carolyn Wyman gives out the 411 on some of the local places you can pick your own apples. Drew Lazor updates us with the skinny on four joints recently debuted. Pat Hogan makes sure we know about some local food events sure to liven up somebody’s tongue. In the Philadelphia Weekly , Lauren McCutcheon satisfies her longings for Stephen Starr at Buddakan as she finds it as tasty and familiar as ever. Kirsten Henri alerts us all to the Patches of Star Dairy and its celebration of all things goat as the newly hip national food trend makes its way to the City of Brotherly Love. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Bob Batz reports on continuation of a tradition as Italian wine-making is still alive in Brownsville, while also noting Brownsville mayor Norma Ryan’s contribution to the A Taste of Italy fundraiser event with a recipe or two. Pittsburgh Tribune Review Karin Welzel profiles a true family restaurant when Calabria’s goes under the microscope and shows off the mother, father and three brothers who work to ensure smooth sailing. Sally Quinn reviews Bahama Breeze , a well-thought out chain restaurant that sets a nice tropical theme for its diners. Michael Machosky lunches at Willow and finds the sister restaurant to Luma quite pleasing. The Morning Call (Allentown) Susan Gottschall visits the renovated Gregory’s Seafood Factory and finds it serving quality food at reasonable prices to hordes and hordes of folks.

I'll agree with the general sentiment that there is no standard for birthday dinners. It's up to the whim of the host(ess), especially if he/she is also the birthday person. You can go as upscale/ridiculously hard to find/expensive as you want. Or as downscale/comfort level/cheap as you like. The guests have always been the important part.