Beachfan

It's all about options. A normal restaurant markup on inexpensive wines makes sense. It's when restaurants have a uniform (or close to it) markup no matter what the price is what gives such outrageous results. How were the selections under $50?

I had a delicious one from the southern Rhone, I wish I could remember the name. I think you can make a very nice wine from this, perhaps similar to a Rasteau.

Perhaps 4" in length? If it's 4" in diameter, then it's a lobster in shrimp's clothing.

Ah, sounds so lovely. I have a dilema, should I go on a Sunday (Hemant not there, but I could have a leisurely meal) or on a Tuesday, pre theatre (Hemant there, but not leisurely). I

What a great story! By the way, is that restaurant that is relocating to Lyon open yet (Cote Rotie was it?). It still hadn't opened when I was there in September.

Yes, I drink Zinfandel, the coca cola of wine. Zinfandel doesnt deserve that moniker, its a serious varietal. WHITE Zinfandel however, like the kind Beringer makes, definitely deserves that title. If I wanted to insult the varietal, I would have called it the Pepsi of wine. It is most definitely a serious varietal. And often delicious. But not sophisticated.

Yes, I drink Zinfandel, the coca cola of wine.

I had a some Escolar sashmi last Saturday. No problems to report. By the way, how many of the Escolar-phobes eat oysters?

Here's my picks; often served as part of omakase. I usually often at least three of the following Salmon kelp roll Black cod in Miso sauce Spaggetti squid (best calamari ever; called "spaggetti squid" because they passed it off as spaggetti to the picky child of a movie star)) Mixed seaweed salad (if you like seaweed). I found that the really expensive ingredient things (king crab, lobster) are not usually the best. You can ask for the ones of the above that appeal to you as part of omakase. Other highly recommended dishes: New style sashimi (can be done with different fish, go with whatever the chef recommends) Halibut cheeks

I loved the 96, and still have some. I thought the 97 wasn't nearly as good (even though the ratings were) and actually returned the bottles to Costco. I'm curious to try the 99.

Le Grand Vefour; do a search to see my previous post.

Does it have any more descriptions on the label. It could be mousse, or one whole piece of fois gras, or something in between.

This is the type of wine list that makes BYOers so happy they are. Basically, it's triple retail. I'm sure Gary needs the money to support such a list, but I"d prefer a smaller seclection that's more affordable. None the less, you are right, it's a great half bottle selection. The Tokay Pinot Gris's all seem delicious. I haven't had it but the Kuentz Bas Pinot Blanc might be my affordable selection, or the King Estate Pinot Gris. I don't know burgs, but if your inclined, you could research the Lignier 99 Morey St. Denis (or the Comte de Vogue or Dujac grand crus, for a real splurge). The 99 Domaine Pallieres Gigondas is delicious. While $32 for a half is very pricey for this wine, it's probably the best low price red wine pick. Chehalem is my favorite Oregon Pinot Noir producer, and while I haven't had the 2000 Rion Reserve, I would think it would be very tasty if you like new world pinots. The Montelena 1996 is a nice splurge. I have problems accessing the full bottle list other than French Reds. Great trophies if you have the money. Nothing that seemed reasonably priced to me (but then again, I"m not building a cellar for the internet tycoons). When are you going?

For those of you who answered cherries, you're almost right. Mangos. And gotta hand it to Dave, durians are not for tourists.

True on average. And probably true for 90% of the people. Might not be true if you weighed 110 lbs. and rarely drink (like my wife). But she knows that she's impaired on 2 drinks. If you feel fine, and have taken time between your last drink and the road, there shouldn't be any worries.

Cabs, designated driver, or take a room nearby.

I don't know, but I can get recommendations if no-one else comes through.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of the quatos. But half bottles allow you to drink top drawer wine, the quartos tend to be more "drinkers"

Frozen yoghurt here in California. And the stupid chi chi pretzels that don' compare to a fresh NY vendors. The ones in Nevada seem pretty similar to California. Those are the only others I've been to.

I love wine in halves. Any restaurants out there with particularly good selections?

So, did you love it? 1996 Opus was so much better than any vintage since, even though most wineries did better in 97.

Having been to London recently but not often I'd say London has without question Theatre (if only for the price) Cheese (If only for Neil's Yard) Indian restaurants (if only for .... just about every concievable reason) Pubs (if only because of the historical ones) I didnt see any clear edge to London on any other categories. I'm surprised about the safety issue; is this true in the tourist areas/West End too? I walked around blissfully naive at all hours. PS For me, a non meat eater, there is no comparison between NY and London restaurants at all levels, save the overwhelming Lonon superiority of Indian food.

ohhhhhhllll, persimmon pudding (someone please show me how to link Homer Simpson sounds)

I think Boulevard is great!! I've been there 4 times and loved it each time. PS I think DStone001 and I go through this every time Boulevard comes up. PPS . If you peruse the rest of the California board, you'll see this same question asked with tons of recemmendations.

Maybe it's the others that you mention that I remember. I usually see two or three types in the store that carries them and I go for the more expensive one.