tsquare

Here are a few past threads: Dec 2004 Nov 2004 the big thread Nov 2003 say when.

At Franks Produce, also Sosios, I think. There is something called Cara Cara (?) that I found a bit lackluster last year. But Franks has some labelled "Heirloom" that have a nice sharp flavor. They don't have bergamot (I asked) or Seville. He can get the Seville, but thinks these are better. Oh, the conversations eGullet gets us into!

I know I should buy seasonally, and locally - but I like treats. Problem is, the last couple of months, mangos have all been brown inside, whether bought from the Pike Place Market, PCC, or street corner vendors. Since I only started eating these in the past year, I'm not sure when their season is? Bought some cherries - from Chile - pretty, not a bad price (3.99), okay tasting except there is an overlay of chlorine (?) on them. Fresh California pistachios, salted, in shell, no coloring, $5.00/lb. Seems good. I'm also buying plenty of chard, carrots and root vegetables, and mushrooms. Loved the first stem and leaf satsumas - hate those dried out baby ones. Can't find bergamot oranges, but some of the "heirloom" oranges are mighty tasty. Not enough persimmons around - where are they? Help keep me away from chocolate!

You could go all out at Troiani for dry aged steaks. Or the Met. Or Kobe burgers at Fish Club.

And at Bon stores in Washington State - oh, now Bon Macy, soon to be Macy's. Wonder if they will be nationwide?

Guess I should have picked these up yesterday - I found them down the street at The Spanish Table. Not too pricey either. Ended up with a dark chocolate / almond Blanxart bar. Kind of dry, but tasty.

A naughty Greek (it's a hot toddy made with Metaxa and fig-cardamom butter.) I haven't, but it sounds good.

Am I the only one wondering how this ended up on the PNW&A thread? I guess we have taco trucks and a french fry stand...and helpful posters.

I received a box of these last year - I thought they were awful. I can't recall just why, but my guess is that they were too sweet or creamy for my taste. I like my chocolate dark and with a hint of bitter.

What did you get? And tell us how it handles the holiday crunch!

Have you been to Tuscany? The standard bread has no salt and not a light crumb, as I discovered. I happen to like it, but my dining companion got tired of it quickly. I guess I should check it out and see how closely this resembles that.

If you are in the area of Santa Croce (not Maria), stop by and visit the lovely people at Oleoteca "Oleum Olivae" via S. Egidio, 22/r. Also on line www.oleum.it for those who can't make it to Florence.

Take her up on that - I loved the Central Market! What's the name of the Olive Oil/Vinegar Wine shop that also makes sandwiches? Olio, Oleum, something? They seemed passionate about products - on a back street close to Santa Maria (? - not sure exactly where I was at that point - I have a card at home, if you can't fill inthe blank.)

Stratta! I thought of it while sleeping! haha! ← Strata (this spelling gets you more hits) - I made a mushroom filled one for a brunch last spring. But when I looked for the recipe last week (I swear it was from Macrina - maybe a newspaper clipping rather than the cookbook?), it was nowhere to be found (or maybe I just missed it.) A sausage version in the book. It's a great brunch item as you make it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning.

Out of season - but you might try: http://franksproduce.com/default.asp or Sosio's Fruit and Produce (I know they ship as well.) Both are almost as far as Italy, but still in the U.S.

Garlic Tree in the Market is gone!

Thanks a lot "Sur La Table" - two (2) more, half priced. "Short and Sweet" by Gand and Moskin (I didn't need that, but have wanted it for a while.) "The Food of Portugal" by Jean Anderson, circa 1986. Oh my, how'd I miss this before?

I think there is a place called Nifty Fifty, outside Port Townsend, that would be of interest. Can't find anything on the web about it except somebody's photos. Car oriented rather than railroad, but clean, and comfort food.

Here's a local book: Accidental Vegan By Devra Gartenstein She recently opened a takeout place in Ballard. -"PattyPan" Also, check out Lucky Palate on line.

My recent visit to Italy - pizza was served: cut into bite sized pieces (Milan), whole with knife and fork (Venice), or with pizza shears (Pienza). Almost bought a stash of these as gifts - they come with funky colored handles. The bakery / pizza place in Milan used these to cut up "slices" prior to serving.

the address named restaurant closed and the space was taken by the owners of the old "Belltown Pub". Haven't been.

It's been awhile - but three (3) more for me. Bookstore's closing and books needs homes. (Downtown branch of University Bookstore - Seattle.)

Check the new book shelves as well as the stacks. In the local libraries, I frequently find something to take home. And then, you can always put a reserve on anything in the system and it will be delivered to the library of your choice. The depth in the system is quite good.

Just had breakfast at Lola (Tom Douglas place on 4th.) As they are associated with the Hotel, they will probably be open. Full bar, octopus breakfast option, pastries, strong coffee. The french toast was quite good. I like eating at the bar - less loud (the room was full and quite chatty) and you are right by the front windows - plenty of light. They also added removeable dividers at the center booths to create cozy two tops from the six tops. The room is nicely strung with white lights, garlands and wreaths for a festive mood. You might try Etta's (North end of the Market) to see if they will be open.

Do you realize that there are 800 miles between Long Beach and San Francisco? Wine Country - assuming you are talking Napa-Sonoma, is even farther! That's a lot of driving. Perhaps you are thinking of the Paso Robles wine area?