frankj

zephyrus, you're better than I. I had just a six course meal at a French restaurant and had to purge before leaving. I'd vote for Le Reve as best in Texas. I've been to Boulevard Bistro and Wink and while both are fine, I don't put them in the same league. Friend of mine loves Le Reve because you can organize your own courses and have as many desserts as you want. Had a five course meal with three of them desserts.

Drip coffee can be great. But I've largely switched over to espresso. Home espresso machines have gotten to be good. The nice thing about the French Press is that the grind isn't as essential as for a drip machine. Just don't go overboard on grinding and get too fine. After a while, my grinding blade wore down to where it couldn't get too fine and produced a very nice grind for a pressoir.

The Bistro at the Maison de Ville used to be my favorite NO restaurant. And the Maison de Ville was my favorite place to stay. I think it's where Susan Spicer started out, and I haven't been back there since she opened Bayona. But if she still runs it, I'm sure it's great. Thanks for the reminder, I'll have to try it myself.

I have just discovered parippu vadas. I think they are very nice but maybe seem a little dry. Are they conventionally served with some sauce, or raita, or chutney or other complement?

I got curry leaves shipped from Foods of India in NYC. Getting the actual growing plant is difficult, though. I was told by a gardening company that it couldn't be done. Anybody have leads?

No disclosure of interest there, foodie52? Actually I agree, whenever I have family or others in from out of town I take them to the Central Market in Austin. When it opened it was way ahead of the curve and I think it's still ahead.

I went into an IHOP not long ago. Stranded in the neighborhood, I thought "why not?" It's by no means bad, straightforward pancakes, fried eggs, fried potatoes, etc., and the prices are low. Plus, being in there makes you feel really young!

I don't know of any history between Kirby Lane and Magnolia. You may be thinking of the Omelettry. Magnolia Cafe is a spinoff of the Omelettry, as I think the restaurants were divided in a divorce of the owners.

I think you can make scrambled eggs in the microwave fine, but they are actually more difficult than in a pan. You have to keep opening the microwave and swirling them. Plus, you run a great risk of overcooking. What could be simpler and quicker than scrambled eggs in a skillet. They're quick and you can easily observe when they are done perfectly. Now, the best scrambled eggs are made in a double boiler, I think, and they do take a little longer.

The best meal I've had in New Orleans was at Emeril's. And I've had a lot of fine meals in NO. But that was some years back and I haven't been to Emeril's in the last couple of years. Those of you who say it's not good now; what did you have and precisely what's wrong with it? Or is it just backlash against his TV personality?

Some say Le Reve is the best restaurant in the entire state.

I think Vespaio is not nearly so good as it was. I used to love it. When I ate there recently, the menu had changed considerably so that it had lots of pastas and pizzas but very few traditional entrees. Both the mixed seafood and mixed carne grills were quite good but you really don't have much choice beyond that. They no longer had the fabulous duck dish that helped make their reputation.

My experience is that prepared spice mixes in Indian groceries are often great. They save time and, frankly, I don't think I could improve on them no matter how I tried. My only complaint is that they come in little boxes with cellophane packages that don't keep and are less functional than traditional spice jars. However, my rule of thumb is "never buy anything that has curry in the title." I have yet to find a "curry" blend that I really like. So, if it doesn't say curry, be sure to try it.

I've used amchur powder. But not enough. They sell it in quantities that amount to a lifetime supply for me.

When I first came to Austin, from Boston and DC, I thought County Line was good and really looked forward to eating there. Now I wouldn't consider going there.