Wine_Dad

From my experience I would stay away from Williams Sonoma unless you can't find it anywhere else. Most of their stuff is available elsewhere at much less cost and usually better quality. Three locations come to mind. Nella's on Queen Street East, just west of the Don Valley on the south side is my favorite place. Good staff, nice selection of new and used equipement and pretty much everything else. If they don't have it - it can be ordered. Dinetz on King St. East across from George Brown is also pretty good but they seem to have less stock and a bigger order desk. Nicolau's (sp?) already mentioned in this topic, is also pretty good and has a huge stock of oods and ends, however, I've found them to be very expensive. They are on Queen West, south side between Spadina & Bathurst. I've also been told that there's a pretty good place on Spadina near the north end of China Town but I've never been. As for whites, I've always ordered on-line from Chef Works http://www.chefwork.com/ca/default.htm. They have produced custome made orders, complete with embroidery for me in less than 5 days. Very well priced as well. As for Ottawa, Paradis comes to mind on Bank Street just north of Billings Bridge on the West side.

Any advice on securing a table at the French Laundry for my 40th in June? I have friends in the area and in the wine business who say they can help, but I have a feeling they don't understand the situation, and while they enjoy a good meal, they are not as obsessed as I am with the Laundry or as most of you, based on your postings. I'm already booked in Yountville for the 17th-20th and want to assure my chances of getting a table for two. Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Likely around 70 including numerous cooking school text books. It's a riot going to the real old ones and reading the reasons for some of the steps. Then going to McGee and having the entire premise thrown out of the window as an old wive's tale. Would love to get my hands on an affordable "El Bulli" book.

And Thomas Keller. Will no-one stand up and defend him. While he's not classicaly trained, nor has he "paid his dues" in old world classic haunts, his French Laundry is widely regarded as possibly one of the most innovative restaurants in the world. All he merits is an honourable mention? This list is has overtones of figure skating judging.