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Vinotas

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Posts posted by Vinotas

  1. I've always thought that if it was vacuum-wrapped and clearly for personal consumption (ie not 50 lbs of stuff, though I could easily eat 50 lbs of 36 month-old Comte), there would be no problems. I've brought back vacuum'd cheeses, saucissons, Jamon Iberico, etc...

    Thanks for the links, BTW.

  2. Thanks everyone!

    I had the butcher vacuum-seal it and brought it into the US without issue. I am trying to make it last as long as I can without either eating it (that's the tough one!) or spoiling it. I was hoping to have some left by Christmas time, but with my apetite that's not looking likely. Heck, I'm opening one tonight... :rolleyes:

    More importantly, how come it's not imported into the US? I mean, I can get ALL sorts of Italian sausage, which is fine, but I really really like French saucisson sec. I've had the one D'Artagnan makes in the US and it's fine, but none have that texture or taste that you get some a good saucisson.

  3. OK, this might seem weird, but living in the US, even in NYC, I can NOT get any real French saucisson sec. So when I go to France, I grab as much as I can, have it vacuum-packed, and bring it back. My question therefore is, how should I store it if I want it to last a few weeks (assuming I can keep my hungry little hands off of it)? Right now, I have two that are still vacuum-wrapped from my return last week.

    Any hints?

    Merci! :cool:

  4. OK, Rue des Martyrs had some interesting stuff, but the covered markets at St Quentin and Chateau d'Eau were so-so, especially during the week. Anyway, I spent most of my time at business dinners, so I really didn't get to cook much. I found some gorgeous chanterelles at Chateau D'Eau and gave them to a friend, who cooked them the night after I returned to the US and said they were fantastic.

    What a tease. :blink:

  5. We had a beautiful-looking but rather bland steak the other night at l'Amuse Vin in the 11th. It should have been succulent and delicious, but while it was good, it wasn't great. It sure did look awesome though. I am coming to terms with the fact that I should not eat meat while in Europe, as I am spoiled in the US.

  6. Well, I usually stay over by Places Blance/Clicy, so this is a new part of town for me and I wanted to get some idea of what was available in the area. I'll still go to the open markets, but was hoping there were some interesting stores near the place I was staying at.

    That said, Turkish Halal butchers could be good too. I am Franco-Lebanese, so similar ingredients.

  7. As someone who eats both American and French beef (of various races), I can attest that US meat is more tender, while the French is more flavorful. The fat is different as well. Of course, these are generalities, with exceptions existing on both sides of the Pond. However, there's been a recent upsurge in getting organic, grass-fed beef in the US that is starting to resemble European beef in flavor. And, we're seeing much more dry-ageing in the US (at least in NYC and other large markets), something I really appreciate (I love that nuttiness). I can't recall ever seeing dry-aged beef in France. I would love to try it, however.

    I will be in Paris in late November so I might try to find a good butcher.

    Cheers! :cool:

  8. Yay, Robin went home! She'd been hanging on by the skin of her teeth, frankly. I think Mike got tossed due to his arrogance as much as to his dish, and this saved Robin last time. This time, her lousy pana cotta did her in.

    Jennifer really needs to wake up, she was doing so well at first and now she's doubting herself and has become her own worst enemy. What a shame.

  9. Vinotas,  you have some good options in Vigo and surroundings.

    In Vigo:

    Maruja Limon, one of my favourite in Galicia, creative but based on very good product; interesting Galician white wine selection. C/ Victoria, 4 (Vigo).

    Casa Esperanza, specialized on fish, depending on the day high quality seafood. If you go these next weeks you might taste a good baby squid stew or Padron peppers  -delicious and spicy little green peppers. C/Luis Taboada, 28 (Vigo)

    Surroundings:

    Vigo is about 30 kms from Pontevedra. In Poio, a peripheral neibourhood of Pontevedra is located Casa Solla (one michelin star), probably the most important and recognized restaurant in Galicia nowadays. Creative food and again very good product. Pepe Solla the owner and chef handles cooking points with extreme accuracy. Av/ Sineiro, 7 San Salvador de Poio (Pontevedra).

    Thanks Carlos, but sadly Maruja was closed (it's a Monday night) and it began pouring so I went next door to a really cute (and delicious) wine bar called Baracina. Very nice selection, good food (pigs' ears and pulpo gallego) and warm service. With 2 wines and 2 plates, dinner was a whopping 17.30 Euros.

  10. I ended up being swamped with work but did make it to The Bristol and A Mano as well as my friends' place. Oh, how could I forget, one night (late!) we hit the Weiner's Circle.

    The Bristol was insanely good, a friend knows the owners so they really put it all out there. Food, service were great, just what I was looking for (wow those pig tails were delicious!).

    The Weiner Circle was exactly as advertised, the shtick was funny and a bit insulting but the hot dog was pretty good. Fries were awful, especially with the neon orange "cheese" goo that was poured over them. I am happy to have avoided most of that mess.

    A Mano was OK, nothing extraordinary but it was well-situated right by the river so I could jump on the architectural cruise when I had a chance. Lunch was a steal at $11.

    Thanks all!

  11. For a hidden drinking gem, check out the Matchbox

    770 N Milwaukee Ave

    Chicago, IL 60642-5939

    (312) 666-9292

    it's tiny like the name suggests so you will get to know your neighbors.

    the bartenders make each drink from scratch, no mixes on site and there is an eclectic beer list.

    This sounds like my type of place! I will be certain to stop in.

  12. Could you give us a few more parameters? For example...

    1) Would you like the restaurant to be within -- a) walking distance; b) public transportation; c) reasonable cab ride; d) other -- of River North?

    2) How much -- including meal, beverage(s), tax, and tip -- do you consider "not crazy expensive?"

    3) Chicago, as I'm sure you know, has an enormous variety of restaurants. Do you have any strong cuisine preferences (or no-nos)?

    4) Any preference for outdoor vs. indoor dining?

    1) all of them?

    2) for 1 person eating a decent meal w/ either 1-3 good beers or 2 glasses of wine w/ tip, maybe under the $100 range?

    3) I eat everything from everywhere (except olives and anchovies for some reason, can't stand them though I will sop up good olive oil like it's going out of style)

    4) love eating outdoor, can't get enough of it, but no real preference.

    I love sitting at the bar observing things, thanks for all your recommendations.

    Cheers! :cool:

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