moosnsqrl

As one of those people, I resent his cushy existence mightily

A mi me gustan mariquitas con un Llaves tan frio.

First of all -- whew! -- glad I didn't give you a bum steer. Thanks for the report. As I told you on the phone, I have been trying to get down there for weeks but life has gotten in the way. I will certainly blow-off the next long, lost out-of-town friend and get myself down there soon. I still lament the demise of Relish (the previous tenant and a friend, David Rabinowitz) and hope that we (collectively) are able to support this newcomer.

John, I heard this when I was driving and was so shaken it nearly caused dire results! We will likely have peaches (although we've had cold enough weather to adversely affect, if not destroy, our crop here) but I'm unaware of anyone growing any of the other stone fruits. It will be a rather sad season for lack of them. Ribs are an interesting substitute . . . after you smoke them do you put them in a cobbler or a buckle or ?

Sounds like an amazing meal, do you remember what went with the Foie? ← Just returned from an early dinner. We did *only* five courses so I can't be sure but will try and fill in the gaps based on what we had and maybe Dividend (when she comes out of her 12-course coma - which I certainly understand) can confirm or refute. I really like this combo in this amuse. My favorite home juice combo is carrot-beet-celery and this made me think to work some cuke into the mix. The soup also had tarragon and a bit of speck (a speck of speck?) in it tonight and it was mahvelous. I didn't lick the bowl but I did invoke the French family meal rule and swab it out with a crust of bread. A last-minute add-on to the menu was a roasted beet, goat cheese, cress salad (there was some other almost floral element but it wasn't on the printed menu and I've forgotten what else) which we both enjoyed. I had the torchini w/hen and oyster mushroom and at that point in the meal informed my companion that if anything ever happened to him I was going to marry the Chef de Cuisine The foie tonight had plums, gooseberries and what? some kind of nut or legume (the S.O. had it and he is sleeping it off as I write). And a tuile of some sort. The scallop had white asparagus and some haunting herb (Dave? Colby?) and a corn scape. The white fish was merluza (hake) and exquisite, although the version we had wasn't paella, rather had fregola di sarda (tapioca-shaped pasta), roasted red pepper. This may/may not have been what Dividend had but sounds like it was similar in spirit. He had the lamb two ways and that shoulder was un-freaking-believable. We were already planning to try it at home while we waited for dessert. My wagyu striploin with smoked smashed potatoes wasn't half bad, either. Also carrots, pearl onion and the cutest and tastiest scallion I have ever encountered. Wine pairings never fail to please - I think Jeremy must do a lot of tasting (for research purposes only, he assures me). I was concerned about a couple of them from the verbal description and nose but they were all hits when it counted, with the food. Apple tart dessert was yummy as I'm sure the cheese will be tomorrow, should we ever decide to eat again. Let's see, what else? The Nickel & Nickel chard I had with my scallop was really remarkable. It had all of the qualities of my favorite chard (Rombauer) but to a lesser extent, so it was food friendly. Rombauer is fabulous to drink but it blows away any food so it was nice to find an alternative that embraced the characteristics without overwhelming everything in its path. And I love the ice wine, too. I keep meaning to pick up a bottle to have around the house (although it wouldn't be around long, I fear). I think it's Inniskillen but I'm too lazy to look it up at this point.

The caves are, well, cavernous but the market . . . ah, the market. And if you're interested I believe you can arrange to tour a pate factory (but it's not for the squeamish). I spent several days there trying to figure out what that unique, um, *aroma* was. The tour on the final afternoon cleared it all up for me. An odd travelers note: neither the caves, nor the pate plant, is much fun if you're on crutches and sporting a plaitre (cast). Trust me.

KC Media Digest for week of April 12 - 18, 2007 The Kansas City Star Food Section Jill Silva shares an unusual crostini recipe in Eating For Life. Mary Pepitone visits Barbara Cook, Royals fan, and 'steals' her winning recipe for brisket in Come Into My Kitchen. Doug Frost recommends a reasonably priced Aussie shiraz. As mentioned on a separate thread, 'tis the season for Farmers Markets. Here is this week's Food Calendar. Business Section Joyce Smith reports - reports on the Power Plant smokestack controversy - and new comings and goings at Village West. Elsewhere Hearne Christopher with some welcome news - Robert Krause Dining (in Lawrence) is open for business. Preview Section Lauren Chapin visits a relative newcomer to North Kansas City, the Kansas City Rib Company; and, in Good & Cheap, a new home delivery service can make you a Happy Soup Eater. The Pitch Charles Ferruzza steps into the way-back machine at Northland roadhouse The Hy-Way House. And in My Big Fat Mouth continues the nostalgia theme at the Tower Tavern. Lawrence Journal-World Terry Rombeck suggests this grill drill to prepare for springtime grilling. KCUR 89.3 FM Join Walt Bodine as he welcomes the Food Critics at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) morning. Go here and click Listen Live. KCMO 710 AM From Jasper's Kitchen, with Jasper Mirabile, 11am-noon Saturday. Go here and click Listen Live.

Yes, Brookside, OP and (of course the year-round) City Market are w-a-y ahead. Parkville generally around Mother's Day. I also just found out there is to be a market at the T-Bones' stadium (near Legends/Village West) this year, SAturday mornings beginning in May. It will be inside the stadium, in the concourse area, thence protected from extreme weather. I hope it will be well stocked (maybe the Crum's will jump ship from Parkville, since this is much closer? Dare I hope?).

Mon dieu! Sandy, where are your priorities? I thought we had raised you better than this! Imagine putting family and babies ahead of dining in your hierarchy. I am truly disappointed. The obvious Berkeley is that little place on Shattuck. I know it can be pricey at dinner but check out the upstairs for lunch while you are there. Also Fanny's is less spendy and more casual and still supports the whole sustainable, schoolyard garden thing that's going on there. Apart from that, there are many (many!) Thaii places in "Bezerkley" (perhaps the locals can provide names but I've had great success and happiness just stumbling around) as well as other ethnic restaurants whose price point might be more appealing. Enjoy whatever you find and your family -- that's the important part.

I am also in the evaluation process and the Moccamaster was recommended to me by a friend. http://www.technivorm.com/home.html I don't see a 12-cup model so it may not work for you but these reportedly make some damn good joe. They have a 2-carafe model I see, but that might be overkill except when you have company.

KC Media Digest for week of April 5 - 11, 2007 The Kansas City Star Food Section Gail Borelli's tips, tricks and traps of meringue. Mary Pepitone visits Becky Price as she pays homage to the tradition of hot cross buns in Come Into My Kitchen Doug Frost on why you shouldn't let Hollywood turn you sideways against merlot. Here is this week's Food Calendar. Business Section Joyce Smith reports - some health code violations - and a chain outlet closing. Elsewhere Hearne Christopher reports on a pending landmark liquor license decision and continues his effort to stir things up between local restaurateurs and the food critic from another local publication. Preview Section Lauren Chapin makes a trip to the Bangkok Pavilion buffet in Good & Cheap; and finds much to love about Ryan Torpey's Swizzle, a new-ish venture brought to us by the owners of The Gaf. The Pitch Charles Ferruzza & Company visit new Johnson County Japanese tapas bar (?) and say "bet you can't eat One Bite." And in My Big Fat Mouth says ciao, baby to one of our favorite sons, Tim Doolittle. Lawrence Journal-World It wouldn't be spring without it - Gwyn Mellinger gives us the annual asparagus update. And another annual rite of spring for many is the easter egg hunt. Susan Krumm offers advice on egg safety. For those in the Sunflower Cablevision viewing area, Jayni's Kitchen features mouth-watering meats; recipes are provided. On 710 KCMO (AM) From Jasper's Kitchen, with Jasper Mirabile, 11am-noon Saturday. Go here and click Listen Live.

For those who haven't heard, we're losing Chef Doolittle to Sin City. Sad for us but a great opportunity for him. I hope they appreciate him in the desert and that he'll be back with a vengeance one day! Good luck Tim - and put a $10 on 22 black for me, will ya?

Excellent! I've been considering it specifically at my wife's request this afternoon, and had just meant to check if it was offered. Thanks! ← I should've mentioned that reservations are strongly recommended.

I think it's for real. Look at the mega $$ people are shelling out for "signature" lines of cookware endorsed by "chefs" all over the place. I guess I can't blame them for stepping up to the trough. I just hope I don't go to someone's house and see some of it in their kitchen. It might be difficult to remain silent .

I finally made it to dinner at Room 39 last week and was not disappointed. I had a steak and barley soup and a pork chop with polenta, both of which were truly delicious and (need I say it?) very hearty and satisfying. My friend enjoyed a frisee salad w/lardons, warm egg, vinaigrette and a seared rare tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes. I only got a quick bite of the salad but the balance of acid to oil/egg/lardons was spot-on. As my friend was traveling, I got her doggy-bag and the tuna and mashers were great, even the next day. I was worried about the potatoes - I love wasabi in its place and who doesn't love mashed potatoes? - but had studiously avoided the combination since they started appearing on menus. I was very pleasantly surprised at how harmonious and mild the mixture was. No room for dessert on that trip - maybe next time. I just noticed in the midst of this post (trying to refresh my memory of wine pairings ) that they have an entirely new, springier menu, so looks like another visit will be required soon.

Aaron, You'll be pleased to hear that bluestem was fairly bustling this Sunday. We arrived at 10:30 (having erroneously thought they opened at 10 and we were giving them some time to awaken) and a steady stream of tables arrived after, including [and I always think this is telling] two well-known area chefs, dining with their families. We enjoyed w-a-y too much food including frites, french toast, bluestem breakfasts (2) and benedictes (2). I have come to expect well-executed high-end dinners there but I and my guests were impressed that the kitchen showed it is equally at home preparing decidedly non-fussy breakfast favorites. A card in our cheque wallet indicates they are serving ala carte Easter brunch next week 10:30 - 2:30. If you haven't made plans for your holiday meal it's definitely something to consider.

I was going to post this on the "what are you reading" thread but then I saw this. I'm in the middle of Amy Sedaris' I Like You. True, it's largely comedic but she does have some interesting approaches to some of the very issues you struggle with. Like any daunting undertaking, entertaining can be split-up into smaller sub-projects. I think identifying what, specifically, is stressing you (which it appears you've done) and addressing those is a great start. We seemed always to have two more people than chairs - yes, we can count but invariably one couple said they would like to come but already had plans with another, so we'd end up inviting two more. Solution - I found two more chairs that matched our existing table and chairs. Granted we have more space than a typical NYC apartment, so that may not be an option, but it does illustrate identifying a wrench in the works and fixing it. Ditto silver, linens, etc. I've also figured out that it's a huge plus to start the party with an empty dishwasher. It can be tricky since I've usually been cooking those things that can't be done ahead. If it's empty and people offer to help clear/rinse, I let 'em. It helps to have a couple of inner-circle friends who know where things are so they can help greet, take coats, de-shoe (although we don't have to do this), put flowers in vases, etc. We generally serve the same purpose at their house(s) so it all evens out.

Damn you, knoxy, I was reading this thread in defensive mode, hoping that no one would "out" Patty's! It is our go-to spot in the area (as frequent guests at nearby Surfside) and if I can't get a table next time, it's all your fault! Seriously, I have chosen this over going into LA for a birthday dinner! Patty is always there are perfectly coiffed, steaks and pork chops are killer (as is the halibut when in season). I love the ambiance -- both indoors and out -- reminds me of childhood trips to SoCal in the 60s. Patty's rocks!

KC Media Digest for week of March 28 - April 4, 2007 The Kansas City Star Food Section Jill Silva provides a healthful recipe for the now-ubiquitous lettuce wraps in Eating for Life; and profiles local James Beard nominees Colby Garrelts and Celina Tio. Meet Mary Pepitone and learn the secret to her grandmother's spaghetti sauce in Come Into My Kitchen Here is this week's Food Calendar. In Business Joyce Smith reports: - on a Gilbert/Robinson employees' reunion - that another non-KC bbq chain, Bandana's is moving into town (I would say "what are they thinking?" but Famous Dave's made me swallow my words, so . . .) - on the business of breakfast - Macaluso's space to be Scotty's and the purportedly hostile takeover of SORedux. Elsewhere As previously discussed in another thread, gossip wag Hearne Christopher gives Pieropos GM a chance to vent over KC Mag's recent zero-star drubbing. Preview Section Lauren Chapin heads to historic Independence for three "Square" meals at Cafe Verona; and, in Good & Cheap, revisits SW Boulevard's venerable Rosedale BBQ. The Pitch Charles Ferruzza visits the new Northland meatlovers' haven En Chamas. And in My Big Fat Mouth he tries steaks from the other side of the tracks, at the faux-Aussie Outback chain. Present Magazine Pete Dulin goes behind the scenes to see what all the fuss is about at bluestem. Ingram's Magazine Doug Worgul writes on competing with the Starbucks of the world. KC Magazine G.E. Fellrath reports on recent visits to Rob Dalzell's 1924 Main. Lawrence Journal-World Whether you sow tomatos or tomahtos, Jennifer Oldridge says 'just do it'! Susan Krumm, of the Kansas Extensions Service, answers readers' questions. On KCUR 89.3 FM The Food Critics return to the Walt Bodine Show at 10 tomorrow morning. Go to their website and click Listen Live to join the conversation. On 710 KCMO (AM) From Jasper's Kitchen, with Jasper Mirabile, 11am-noon Saturday. Go here and click Listen Live. Edited to include omitted item.

KC Media Digest for week of March 28 - April 4, 2007 The Kansas City Star Food Section Jill Silva provides a healthful recipe for the now-ubiquitous lettuce wraps in Eating for Life; and profiles local James Beard nominees Colby Garrelts and Celina Tio. Meet Mary Pepitone and learn the secret to her grandmother's spaghetti sauce Come Into My Kitchen Here is this week's Food Calendar. In Business Joyce Smith reports: - on a Gilbert/Robinson employees' reunion - that another non-KC bbq chain, Bandana's is moving into town (I would say "what are they thinking?" but Famous Dave's made me swallow my words, so . . .) - on the business of breakfast - Macaluso's space to be Scotty's and the purportedly hostile takeover of SORedux. Elsewhere As previously discussed in another thread, gossip wag Hearne Christopher gives Pieropos GM a chance to vent over KC Mag's recent zero-star drubbing. Preview Section Lauren Chapin heads to historic Independence for three "Square" meals at Cafe Verona; and, in Good & Cheap, revisits SW Boulevard's venerable Rosedale BBQ. The Pitch Charles Ferruzza visits the new Northland meatlovers' haven En Chamas. And in My Big Fat Mouth he visits the other side of the tracks, at the faux-Aussie Outback Steakhouse chain. Present Magazine Pete Dulin goes behind the scenes to see what all the fuss is about at bluestem. Ingram's Magazine Doug Worgul writes on locals competing with the Starbucks of the world. Lawrence Journal-World Whether you sow tomatos or tomahtos, Jennifer Oldridge says "just do it!" Susan Krumm, of the Kansas Extension Service, answers readers' questions. On KCUR 89.3 FM The Food Critics return to the Walt Bodine Show at 10 tomorrow morning. Go to their website and click Listen Live to join the conversation. On 710 KCMO (AM) From Jasper's Kitchen, with Jasper Mirabile, 11am-noon Saturday. Go here and click Listen Live.

They sound suspiciously like zeppole to me, although clearly that doesn't begin with a "b" so perhaps not.

So, does your comment imply that no one was reading/buying KC Mag until the recent critic began posting "outrageous restaurant reviews"? That is was a deliberate decision to publish negative reviews for the sake of boosting sales/ads/revenue? I honestly don't know if this is a major departure from what they were doing before (my damn life keeps getting in the way of my research ). I honestly don't know - I need to go back to some back issues of both the Star and KC Mag to see if this appears to be the case. Again, my issue (and I do apologize as I apparently didn't make it clear in the beginning) is that it seems odd that, if one publication finds fault with your operation, you go to another (and, arguably nearly the only other in the market in which you might tend to advertise) for an opportunity to refute the findings. And another thing, which speaks to a comment made upthread, the other restaurants that have received less-than-stellar reviews from the same critic, have not chosen to take their case to the court of public opinion in The Star, although the gossip columnist cites their only-slightly-better reviews in today's piece. Did they ask to be heard? Were they contacted before today's piece and declined to reply? Or did they take the criticism as an opportunity to improve their operation and learn from it?

And yet another consideration. That might be an interesting dialog to begin with the magazine's editorial staff. I don't know if that has been their M.O. in the past (allowing critics to write using a nom de plume - or may nom de guerre is more appropos here ). I'll do some more homework and see what I can find out. Edited to correct spelling.

I wouldn't argue with any of this but my question was not "are reviews relevant" (which was looking like a hung jury on the other thread on that topic when last I checked). Or even so much about the anonymity (although I did mention it). My biggest question/concern was one publication allowing a wronged restaurateur a forum to take-on another publication. We're a third-tier media city, so we don't have a lot of publications and maybe that explains why this seems off to me. It may happen a lot in larger markets but here, where the opportunities to advertise are few, it looks a little dodgy. I posted this in The Heartland rather than Media shooting for the smaller-market perspective but nonetheless thanks for your reply. ← Why not? Media is media. The diversity and independence are important so a third media entity allowing a person to be critical of another magazine or newspaper (or TV/Radio station) is fine and even healthy thing for all concerned. (certainly for consumers). ← OK, that's what I was asking - thanks. Just didn't want my question to be lost in the whole "are reviews obsolete" issue. Sometimes it helps to get another perspective.

I wouldn't argue with any of this but my question was not "are reviews relevant" (which was looking like a hung jury on the other thread on that topic when last I checked). Or even so much about the anonymity (although I did mention it). My biggest question/concern was one publication allowing a wronged restaurateur a forum to take-on another publication. We're a third-tier media city, so we don't have a lot of publications and maybe that explains why this seems off to me. It may happen a lot in larger markets but here, where the opportunities to advertise are few, it looks a little dodgy. I posted this in The Heartland rather than Media shooting for the smaller-market perspective but nonetheless thanks for your reply.