mtkr

I haven't been to the River Room since last fall, so I guess I got the previous chef. The night we went was very quiet, so we didn't experience the delays in service that you got. I enjoyed the food, although after all these months I can't remember what I got. I do remember thinking it was a little overpriced, but I really liked the idea of an upscale take on soul food. And you are right about the view. In any other neighborhood this place would be packed just for the view.

I don't make my own at home, but our wine group uses Make Your Own in Westchester, NY to make a yearly batch. This year we are making a Super Tuscan. Last year we made a Cab/Merlot blend. Its a lot of fun, educational, and much easier than dealing with things at home. Here's the website: http://www.myowine.com/ I'm sure there are places like this in many other locations. The folks at MYO seem to really know their stuff. Mary

I sent back two cases of wine through checked luggage with no problem. I just got one of the styrofoam packing containers that many of the wineries have available at a small cost. I don't know if they have the same type of cases for six bottles, but you could ask. ←

I sent back two cases of wine through checked luggage with no problem. I just got one of the styrofoam packing containers that many of the wineries have available at a small cost. I don't know if they have the same type of cases for six bottles, but you could ask.

I'm looking for something similar but not exactly the same. Anyone know a place where 10-15 women in their 20s, 30s and 40s would feel comfortable? We're looking for a place with some excitement but perhaps not with the insanity of Nevada Smith's or some of the German bars.

And then of course you have the podcasts. I like the shorter, more focused ones. But I don't usually have time to listen to the longer ones.

I like Pisticci in Morningside Heights (LaSalle btwn Claremont and Broadway).

The Burgundy Wine Company is actually at 143 West 26th Street (between 6th/7th Ave.) It's a great store, and the people there very friendly and helpful. According to their website they have tastings every day, but I know for sure that they have them on Saturdays. The one in Chelsea Market is called Chelsea Wine Vault, which has a large selection of wines from various regions. ← Burgundy does have a bottle open every day. But on Wednesdays they usually open three and its a bit more of a tasting environment. They usually have a bit of cheese as well.

Burgundy Wine has a tasting every Wednesday of three wines. And every other week they have live jazz (bass and guitar players) to accompany the tasting.

Turning Point in Piermont has great music. However, the food is just average pub food.

My ex used Wine Commune on a number of occasions and got some great deals. I haven't used them myself though.

So is the intent to follow along region by region sampling various wines? Guess I missed January, but I'll be looking forward to hearing more about wines from Lombardy in February.

Wine for All is a great shop and Eli is fantastic. The only thing to keep in mind is that he only stocks low production wines. So you aren't going to find a lot of the stuff that traditional wine shops sell. What you will find are interesting wines that have production runs of 1000 cases or so, often less than that. He does make a couple of exceptions for larger production runs, but not often.

Yes its in Sparkill. Have you tried Heather's Cucina in Nyack? I haven't been there for a while but had a very good experience the last time I was there. Its at 12 N. Broadway. Another Nyack spot is Lanterna, a Tuscan restaurant also on Broadway.

I haven't been to Freelance or Xaviers but I've heard great things about them. As for the earlier mentioned Mountain House, its definitely an interesting place. Good pizza, good beer, and a very townie feel. Lots of fun.

Have you tried Pisticci on LaSalle between Broadway and Claremont? They don't take credit cards and are small, but very good. Its a block outside your range but worth it.

I've been to Dinosaur many times and I haven't found it at all inconsistent. I've had very good meals there every time I've visited. Most recently I had the shrimp, salted potatoes, and vegetables. My date had the catfish, veggies, and fries. We both found the main courses very good. I loved my salted potatoes and the veggies were just right. My date found the veggies a bit underdone for his taste (but perfect for mine). That's the worst complaint I've heard since I started going there. Mary

The food isn't bad, at least it wasn't the last time I ate there (nearly a year ago). You can find a menu at http://66.40.251.27/web_joes/dining_menu.cfm Having said that, the main reason I eat there is to get the reserve seating. Otherwise I'm sure there are better places (and cheaper) to eat in the neighborhood. Mary

Not sure I'm geting your point. Is is just that its quite a distance from the upstate locations? Mary

I was talking to some of the bartenders the night I stopped by for a drink. They said that they were hoping to extend the hours again after the first of the year. They were also hoping to have some live music in the new year, although this location does not have a stage. Mary

Dinosaur Barbque is only about a block and a half from the 125th St subway station on the 1/9 line. Not a long walk at all. Mary

No it isn't the original Cotton Club. Mary

Can't wait. I'm definitely interested in getting together with eGullet folks. Especially since the place is basically in my backyard.

I'm trying to put together a list of places in NYC that have either no corkage fee or low fees. I know about Montrachet on Monday nights, Tartine, and NoHo Star. Any other suggestions? Thanks, Mary

I think they have it at Gavroche. I seem to remember another patron getting it as part of her entree and leaving it behind. Mary