Megan Blocker

Oh my god, Badiane. You should write a book! Rebecca, I'm sure we HAVE dated the same man, or at least a father and son pair. This guy definitely inherited the ketchup habit from his parents...

I couldn't really tell if she liked it or didn't. She certainly wrote some positive things, although the tone came across to me as negative. ← I think she's sort of pulling the whole "those crazy kids today" attitude - almost like, the food is good, but it's not her kind of place (a little over-the-top for her, perhaps?). Which is a totally viable and legitimate position, I would think. Having not been yet myself, I can't comment, but that's what I took away from her piece, at least.

I'm excited because of what I've heard...never been to one, though. Not gonna lie, though - I'm glad it's not in my 'hood. Too crazy, as John mentioned upthread.

No way. NO WAY.

Yes, yes - this usually comes hand in hand with not stopping between bites. I know someone who does this, and I don't like him to begin with, and this just puts him over the top of my wall. EW.

I also wonder if they will gear their offerings toward NYC... In other words, things will be available to us that might not be available at other Trader Joe's, while things offered at other TJ's (frozen herbs) will not be on offer, due in part to their accessibility (in fresh form, no less) at the Greenmarket over the way. I'm more excited about the bulk dried goods, I think...

Gael Greene has a quick blurb about Gilt on nymetro.com this week...

New York Magazine Digest - 1/16/06 Reviews The Underground Gourmet (Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld) reviews Blaue Gans, a "German-Austrian bistro of sorts." They have high praise for the goulash and the kavalierspitz, though the fish dishes (perhaps out of place in this temple of schnitzel and wursts) are dubbed "anemic" in comparison. On the new scale, Blaue Gans fetches two stars, for the reasons below: Openings and Buzz Three New Spots Included this week is Dumbo's latest high-end grocery store, Forager's Market, Urena, and a new dessert bar from. Forager's Market: Urena: Room 4 Dessert: Also included in this section is a blurb on the latest brew from Sixpoint Craft Ales. Features Mystery Muffins Maury Rubin's latest endeavor, what he believes to be the first "top-to-bottom green bakery," has revealed itself. Birdbath has been open at 14th and 1st for some time now, but has only recently been officially unmasked as an outpost of City Bakery. Sunday: The New Saturday? As a promotion for her new cookbook, Suzanne Goin recently cooked a "Sunday Supper" at Prune - will the trend for prix-fixe family-style dinners catch on in New York? The Latest in BYOB For those jealous of Philly's excellent BYO scene, an index of 50 such spots in New York. Holy Kreplach! If you found 2nd Avenue Deli's closing to be a wake-up call, here's a list of classic delis crying out for your patronage. Dog Days In honor of the Chinese New Year (and, yes, it's the Year of the Dog), the Underground Gourmet provides a list of its favorite Chinese eateries. Ask Gael Is It Gilt or Just Plain Brass? Gael visits one of the city's most talked-about new restaurants, Paul Liebrandt's Gilt.

It's true! Union Square inches even further toward suburbia with the addition of a Trader Joe's on 14th Street (joining Whole Foods, Forever 21, DSW and Filene's Basement, all relatively recent additions). Have to say, though, I'm pretty psyched about this one... For all the New Yorkers, whaddya think? For all those who already shop at TJ's, what should we newbies zoom in on when the doors open this spring? Here's a link to the item in the NY Times...

Other areas? I'm sure you mean travel and literature, of course. I agree, though. I'm not a picky eater, though there are things I don't love - but there's nothing I won't try at least twice (not once - I believe in giving everything a second chance). I can't STAND people who are sticks in the mud about food.

HORRIFYING. I once dated a man who ate ketchup on everything. Including very expensive steak. Which, of course, was cooked to at least medium-well. Buh-bye.

Miz Ducky, I'm so glad to see you blogging! A couple questions...how will your new situation differ in terms of cooking options? Is it just improved ventilation, or are your new roomies more adventurous all around when it comes to things culinary? Also, how does the kitchen sharing work? Do you work out a schedule?

Thanks, Patrick! Coming from a baker of your caliber, that is high praise indeed. Ditto on that, Ling!

Spent the afternoon baking today! I made madeleines with chocolate chips (granules, really, like these from Michel Cluizel): Also made some shortbread dipped in bittersweet chocolate. Yum.

This happened to me in the twin cities...I was really hungover from a cousin's wedding, eating with some other cousins, and I was DISPLEASED. I managed to stay in control, however.

HOW???? At least she didn't bet not to eat french fries. That would do me in.

This week, it's been all chocolate, all the time. And now I'm slightly tipsy (post-dinner-party and the related dishes) and watching Steel Magnolias. Uh-oh. Trouble ahead, kiddos.

Breakfast this morning was ultra-healthy - a cafe au lait and a chocolate croissant. Mmmmmm...viewed in my windowsill, looking at the very scenic fire escape.

Those plates are GORGEOUS.

I guess I just find the whole thing odd. IMHO, there's nothing inherently embarrassing about not being able to cook or bake or both, but there is something embarrassing about serving tasteless or terrible food. Much better to serve good store-bought than dreadful homemade.

Thanks, Susan! She really is pretty great... As for shipping to yourself - my grandparents do it! From West Palm to Hobe Sound.

If you like that, you might like Fish's Eddy. They have all sorts of vintage and antique dishware, including airline china!!!

Does anyone NOT have tableware lust? Is such a thing possible? What's WRONG with those people? I just bought some gorgeous bright grass green toile napkins at Pottery Barn. They look lovely with my cream Emma plates on my antique farmhouse table. Does anyone else love the latte bowls from Anthropologie? I have more than I can count...they're so cheap, they lend themselves to collecting.

Thanks, Klary - it really was good - I'm totally addicted to these in January. I have such great memories of eating them with my family, and especially of the tangy, thick OJ we would make on Saturday mornings...

Absolutely not. And, if the food was good, I'd never look down on anyone for serving something they'd bought ahead of time. Why lie? It's ridiculous. If you're embarrassed by not being able to cook, then learn - and, if not, take-away away!