MsRamsey

IKEA carries one that is thick, quite large and a major bargain (I think it was $14.95).

I just remembered the Maid-Rite restaurant in Marion, Iowa (which is essentially Cedar Rapids). It is the BEST Maid-Rite I've ever been to, and I still crave their heavenly and very thin onion rings. They have a tenderloin sandwich, and knowing this place, I'll bet it's really good. I found mention of it here: http://www.dozinghippo.com/diary091902.htm This Maid-Rite has the distinction of being owned by the family of the woman who played Dax on Star Trek: Deep Space 9.

I'm intrigued by this idea, because my kitchen floor does suck. I looked on the Web and couldn't find anything promising. The only mats I could find for the kitchen are really small, something to stand on when you're doing dishes. Can the floor matting you mention be cut to size once you get it home?

I got some of this excellent bread yesterday. Update: They now say it might only be available through this week. Make up your minds!

Well, you know how most deep-fried foods need to be eaten minutes after frying? They're no good the next day, or even a couple of hours later. But I've never had deep-fried turkey, Kim, so I'm surmising. Please take my comment with a grain of salt. Maybe someone can answer the question in General Food Topics or Cooking.

Will you let us know how the dinner goes and what you ordered? BTW, welcome to eGullet!

One of you should definitely get the donuts for dessert.

I like Dansk flatware. There are many patterns that have been in production for 40 years or so, making it easy to buy additional pieces if need be. In fact, we are finally getting a very late wedding present of a set of Dansk Variation V from my dad (he was waiting for us to figure out which pattern we wanted). It's not cheap (a 40-piece set can be had on the Web for < $200), but I think it's timeless stuff. But then again, I'm really into Scandinavian modern. I ditto the suggestion on Heath china. Gorgeous colors and glazes, and well made. I don't personally like all-white plates all that much.

A pilsner might be nice. Off the top of my head, there's (of course) Pilsner Urquell. Elysian's Zephyrus Pilsner is great too. Also, Bottleworks sounds like an excellent place to start looking.

I believe that Hamburg Inn#1 burned down years and years ago. It's a great divey diner to people watch, but don't kid yourself that the food is any good. It always gave me a stomach ache. I had lunch at Hamburg Inn the day Ronald Reagan ate there (about 10 years ago, I think). The place was crawling with Secret Service. My friend and I, both fascinated and horrified (we weren't fans of the man), sat at the counter directly facing Reagan. He ate a giant slice of pie a la mode, THEN had a big meatloaf dinner. I knew a guy who was a long-time short-order cook there, and he claimed to have put lots of uncalled-for extra pepper in the ex-Pres' meal. An ironic little plaque was installed in the booth where Reagan sat. I wonder if it's still there. Does Linn Street Cafe still serve good food? I'll actually be in Iowa City in October, if any local eGulleters would like to have dinner! Does Jim Mondanaro still own Mondo's and Tomato Pie? Are there any additional Mondanaro restaurants in Iowa City? Rumors about him flew so fast and thick in the 80s and 90s, it's nice to know he survived.

Isn't this something you want to eat no later than 1/2 hour after it's fried? I've never heard of anyplace actually selling them to the public. It's usually something one attempts at home.

Smug well-traveled bastard.

I just called Dahlia Bakery. They say the corn loaf will be available through possibly the first half of September. Yay!!

I'll also go with ketchup. I can't stand the smell of Heinz Ketchup. Now, if a restaurant has a nice housemade ketchup, that can be good. One condiment I grew to hate: Dill on popcorn. I hope to never eat dill again. Also, a coworker slathers honey all over her fried chicken. I think I'm going to ask for warning next time, because it puts me off lunch. I had a nervous giggling fit the last time she did it.

Zen, that's the best story I've read in a while. You should turn it into an article for the New Yorker or something.

Brilliantly said.

Thanks for the report. Some of us wondered whether that place would ever open.

You don't mention adding bread crumbs.

You attend the company picnic? Why, god, why?

I'm in for an fruity umbrella drink on the lanai! Please PM me directions.

I just have to shake my head. Why can they not get their act together??

Steven Raichlen and Hsiao-Ching Chou are going to be on KUOW (94.9) at 10:00 AM today to discuss "The Art of Barbecuing" and will be taking questions from callers.

There are a bunch of these places in Iowa. I've been, and it doesn't make for a very relaxing dinner.

That's it. I simply MUST have a cocktail a place with such an excellent name! Welcome, Rachael!

A Polynesian-themed bar (e.g., Trader Vic's) where one can imbibe umbrella drinks out of a glass in the shape of a Tiki god*, coconut, or pineapple. Where do you live? Maybe there's a tiki lounge near you. * http://www.tikinews.com/prologue/prologue.html