moosnsqrl

Congratulations, Steve! Does this mean we can look forward to lower bean prices in the future? Sorry - just trying to bring a little levity to the situation. FWIW, I am slightly over 35 (though it pains me to admit it) and part of the apparently unwelcome demographic. I joined the local convivium and quickly grew disenchanted because, well, how to put this tactfully, the people who went to the events were middle-aged sticks-in-the-mud and I had hoped it would be so much more than, um, never mind. I forgot whose point I was trying to make. And, upon seeing a notice of a Burning Man ticket for sale at my office, I immediately thought "nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded" and with a $265 price tag, I think their demographic has 'suffered' as well. Damn baby boomers ruin everything.

Congratulations to Colby, Megan, Jeremy, Van and all the staff at "the 'stem" - for once Ms. Chapin and I are in complete agreement. bluestem revisited

very clever, jgm - the test number looks very similar to those we drive by in the fields here in "god's country'. Toss in a jpg of a corn ear or tomato (depending on what you're trying to protect) and it will look very official and scary.

Don't panic, jgm - I'll be down to save you from your glut! I can be there in 3 hours This has been a horrible year for tomatoes here. All the cool, rainy weather made them come-on late and many varieties split from the rapid growth. Now it's hot and humid and they're stewing on the vine. The prices would ordinarily be dropping at the farmers markets by now but are holding steady in the $3-$4/lb range for heirlooms. It's going to be financially ruinous for me.

Me, too, Tino. Never had a PC at home and can't think that I ever will. And my PayPal boycott is also going as well as my Microsoft boycott - I had one nightmarish brush with them and ran away for good. If I can't buy it without using that "service" (and I use the term VERY loosely), I don't need it. It's as simple as that.

Yep, a question, sorry. Stupid punctuation. Hopefully the "new Swizzle" will work out. There's been a lot of closure lately. Of course, a fair amount of opening too. Even though I wasn't crazy about MelBee's food, it was great to have someplace like that walkable in my neighborhood. The closing I've been most bummed about to date. ← Um, I think you mean "punctuation, Stupid!"

If that was directed towards me, I'm not Loyd. I just copied and pasted from an email I got today. ← Ah, I see, and lest I add insult to injury, it's Lloyd.

I am so very sorry to hear that. Loyd, if that's you, thanks for some good meals and great times!

I'm afraid you are more likely to own and wear a poodle skirt than I

I've always liked the space but found the food less-than-inspired. I'm really delighted that it's finally going to achieve its potential. I've been trying to get down there for a market brunch but haven't made it for that yet. It feels too much like a work day if I arise and drive downtown.

I cannot tell a lie . . . I never get on a plane without a bottle of water

I just noticed that Starker's is offering a 3-course/$33 menu Mon-Thurs evenings. Click here for more detail.

Really? Apart from the absence of a flamboyant maitre d' I can't tell much difference between the two.

Another reason to visit! "Many outsiders may get their idea of the Big Easy's cocktail culture from the jumbo-sized plastic cups of punch slugged down by tourists on Bourbon Street. But the Museum of the American Cocktail opening in July will focus on the rich history of sophisticated drinks that have been served since Thomas Jefferson was president." More information can be found here: Museum of the American Cocktail

Dude, we failed you, I fear. I hope you found something enjoyable! aside to UE: 1924 is only open for lunch (IIRC) Fridays now - open for dinner every night, though. Sorry, Kent. We'll do better next time.

That's a great idea - I'm in (if you have room in the limo, I mean). I've had reservations up there several times this winter and had to cancel each time due to blizzard conditions. I'm kind of afraid too try it again this time of year - we've had enough tornados already. UE - I assumed you were dragged there kicking and screaming and for business. If I implied otherwise, it wasn't intentional.

you *EAT* there??? That's even worse. ← moosnsqrl, some aren't as privileged as to CHOOSE where/what they eat all the time. And, for that matter, what right do you have taking pot-shots at a place you've (I'm assuming) have never been? ← funny you should ask - and then we should get back on topic? I *did* eat at TCF once. It was a business lunch and I was so appalled at everything there, from their reservation/seating policy to the "house arrest" beeper thing they issued with the threat that, if you didn't come to the hostess within 5 minutes your table would be given to someone else, that I swore I would never go back - even for work. That episode is what pushed me over the edge and caused me to start being pretty vocal about not going to places like that. If everyone else's wishes/restrictions (veg, kosher, "no Chinese" etc.) is taken into consideration when determining where to eat, I see no reason why "no chains" isn't a valid request. You just have to communicate it tactfully but firmly. So there.

you *EAT* there??? That's even worse.

Don't tell me you go in the kitchen there, too.

I hope one of the local unions follows suit and makes The Cheesecake Factory change their name.

Save the date: Starker's (4th?) Annual Heirloom Dinner Monday August 4, 2008 If you've never been to one of these, you're in for a treat! The menu is never determined until a day or two out so I don't have any more info than the date, but thought I would pass it along. And here's hoping the uncooperative weather trends end so we can look forward to some better late-summer produce!

I've noticed this place at MerchandiseMart before. Their classes and hosted events are pricey but they specifically say to call for pricing on kitchen rental/events - making me think that, if they don't have anything scheduled, they might be willing to bargain. It also indicates they have a second location which could be better or worse. Anyway, if a local wants to invest a phone call it might be worth a try.

This same scene played-out at our house yesterday, post farmers market - but without the sugar. I almost had some for breakfast this morning but convinced myself they would be better with more time. Maybe lunch.

What??? Can anyone confirm or deny this? One of my best friends is a Spotted Pig sous chef who's from KC, and she doesn't know anything about it. She's off today so she wouldn't have seen April anyway, but she was surprised when I asked her about this. I'd love to meet April, and I trailed D Chang a couple days when he was working garde manger at Craft back in '02. I'd love to see him - he's certainly come a long way since then. Anybody know any details of this trip? ← Check the Justus Drugstore thread for the 4-1-1.

Aha, so the rumor was true. Glad to hear you enjoyed yourselves. The Fantasmas were at a dinner at Lidia's a couple of years ago (along with Frank Reese and several other food suppliers/growers/breed restorers) and seemed like good people. I'll have to keep an eye on the Trib. Thanks.