Rail Paul

That area (Bernards - Mendham - Madison) should have good butchers, but none come to mind. Several people have spoken well of Esposito's in Hanover, on Ridgedale, just north of Route 10. I've not used them myself. I've been exceptionally happy with Vila Meats in Caldwell, used them for several years. Pleased to provide custom cuts.

I visited a McDonald's cafe in Dublin, Ireland a few weeks ago. Lots of dark wood and brass trim, several levels of stools, benches, nooks, etc. Didn't try the coffee, of which there were several choices, or the desserts, of which there were many.

I haven't been to SSF in years. When the restaurant was hitting on all cylinders, it was perfection. But, the interior could (5 years ago) certainly have used an updating.

I may go over to Costco, they probably have Spiegelau by now. If they do, I'll post. Zachy's is running a deal on Spiegelau, looks like Amazon's got them beat, especially if they still have the free shipping deal up Bordeaux $6.99 (reg 8.99) Burgundy 6.99 Champagne 6.99 Chard 6.99 Decanter 55 (down from 75) Zachy's Riedel Bordeaux Grand Cru 400 $55 Burgundy Grand cru 400 55 Montrachet 35 etc more info at Zachy's or take a drive to Scarsdale

FWIW, I don't think we're nasty most of the time. The letter sounds like a stream of consciousness piece. What did you ask Ms Mack to provoke this vituperative flow? The writer obviously sounds very pissed. I'm guessing the idea that Nick and I hatched about shadow reviews (reviewing the reviewers and the advertising) probably drove them off the walls. The various corroborating comments probably didn't help much. Marge Perry's response on the thread was well reasoned, thoughtful, and very much on point. If Pat Mack had simply quoted that, she'd come across like Winston Churchill. It's interesting that David Corcoran posted here to discuss the opinions on Karla Cook's review of Stage Left in the NY Times. I think that speaks very well of David and of Marge, and the confidence they have in their writing and research. Perhaps someday Pat Mack will feel sufficiently confident in the quality of her writing and reviewing to discuss it online. That might be an enriching experience for all of us...

That's interesting. McDonald's bought Boston Market for less than the value of the real estate in their owned properties. Some have been converted to Mickey D, others left as Boston Markets, and a few sold. They've expanded the franchise by selling Boston Market broths in the supermarkets, chicken and sides in the freezer section, etc I believe Heinz licenses the supermarket products. McD is a minority investor in Cosi USA, so the location conversion makes sense

A variation of this recipe uses a toasted english muffin, preferably by Thomas's, with all those nooks and crannies to hold the melted butter and cheese. Thanks to everyone for their continuing suggestions. Pike Place Market is still a hike from the Vancouver / Portland area, so I'll send her over to Legends. Thanks, Jim!

merci, that means somebody must do wholesale in the PNW she may do the drive, I think she's in extreme withdrawal Anybody know of a local (Portland area) equivalent to a salty/sweet pork roll before she takes to I-5?

Sorry about that. I thought he was in Navonna. Has Navonna had the same staff in the kitchen for the last few years?

Thanks, Sandy. PorkRollXpress pricing is somewhat more reasonable than the service we used as a housewarming present. We paid about $150 for 10 pounds, IIRC. I was hoping she could locate a source locally, but the product may not be available in the PNW

My aunt recently relocated to the Vancouver WA area after living in NJ for most of her life. Although she enjoys the area, she greatly misses the Taylor pork roll she would often have in NJ. She used to buy it in three pound rolls Does anyone know where (if?) that product is available in the Portland area, or, better, if there is a similar, local product? She's getting desperate, her cholesterol has dropped 20 points already. (Taylor pork roll is a sausage, lightly spiced product, typically about six inches in diameter, and about 18 inches long. The generic name is Lebanon balogna, I believe. It's often sliced for use with grilled cheese sandwiches, or with eggs, etc. On an English muffin, it will usually extend slightly over the sides) Thanks

I've had good bar food at the brewpub on 202 in Suffern, opposite the train station. Used to be Mountain Valley. Good bar food, not fine dining. I understand they've resumed brewing their own beer, after a disruption

Right, apparently the idea is that when you're in ketosis you burn calories less efficiently and therefore can eat like 5000 calories a day and still lose weight. This seems counterintuitive but I'd be willing to accept it were it supported by actual studies. As far as I know, however, Dr. Atkins and others have never chosen to back up their theories with actual studies, and instead rely on hand-picked case studies without peer review. That's why most nutritionists will tell you that the low-carb diet works mostly because of its appetite-reducing effect than any sort of magical internal process. Then again it does seem that there are low-carb dieters who eat gazillions of calories a day and lose weight. So what do I know? Alcohol, as I understand it, does not contain carbohydrates, so it's got to be treated as its own thing. How it affects ketosis, I couldn't say, but it seems suspicious that there would be an exception made for something absorbed and processed so efficiently by the body. This is consistent with the Atkins plan. Wine, beer, etc are assumed to be carb products. Avoided in Induction, taken in moderation during ketosis

From Madison center, travel east on Main Street toward Chatham about 3/4 mile, then turn left onto Rosedale. There's an FU Bank (First Union to those who aren't customers) on the corner. Rosedale runs north from Main Street, the market is located at the community pool. That's about a mile in from Main St. There's a soccer field just past the driveway. The artisanal cheese was excellent, but $17 a pound is a steep price. I understand it is also sold at Gary's wines (which you'll pass)

I stopped by Madison's market yesterday. Two more incarnations until they pack it in. Last day is Halloween. Tomatoes $3.75 qt (dents and bruises $2), late aragula and basil. Potatoes and squash in abundance. Macouns were $3. The drought has created a very intense concentrated taste this year. Greenwood had more fresh mozz and some smoked mozz. Taking orders for organic turkeys, too. New vendor, Oldwick Shepherd, was selling sheep milk cheeses ($8.50 for 8 oz). Described as cheeses served at Artisanal in NYC. Oldwick Shepherd Currently have six regular vendors. Market is looking for a bread vendor for next year, also a butter and egg person...

Vivo in Lyndhurst - has anybody been there since the review? sounds like a nice place, and I'd best most folks in town know their Italian food

I'm with Tommy on this one. I've dined at AG, I've liked it, and I've spoken its defense when I thought the criticisms were over-reaching. A nice, well rounded, well priced restaurant. Arguably a destination reatuarant in Morris County. I've never introduced myself to Chef Lou,and I've never been comped, and I don't have any grudges or interests here, other than fairness to a good restaurant. The law of averages says a few people will have orgasmic meals, a few will have dreck, and most will be fully satisfied over time. I concede some people have bad meals anywhere (Daniel, Ducasse, Rutt's, etc) and others can have transcendant experiences in the same place, on the same night. And, for the record, neither chef Lou nor any of his employees have offered to kiss any of my body parts (though I could be tempted, we all have our prices...) (edited for political correctness)

Last week it was "28" in Montclair Anybody want to recommend next week's "28" or will it be "29"? Paul

31st is out for me, too. Sorry

Roy's on Albany Street, south of the WTC site? I was there a few months ago. Very pleasant, good service, nothing outstanding, nothing terrible. Plating was very attractive. Totally empty on an early Saturday evening. When we left a 9 pm, it was less than half filled. I posted on it at the time, different get much of a reaction, as I recall. Friends were there last Saturday, similar report.

I believe Navona changed chefs last year when Claudio moved down to Fairfield to open Aria on Fairfield Road (opposite the Levitz on Route 46). For that reason, it could be unwise to rely heavily on older recollections Aria's a pleasant place, BYO, reasonable prices. It's been discussed here fromt ime to time.

Owners "concerned" about "negative attitude of dining party". Staff expressed "shock" about "minimal tip", and suggested remedial action. "Tony and Furio" (often eat here and) "never had a bad thing to say about the muzz." Furio reported to be "insulted and disrespected" while Adriana expressed interest in the "good looking, curly haired stud muffin" who called the food "eff'n bad." Chris wants "a betta descrip and that guy's lisenz numba"

FG - You're looking to produce a list of restaurants in New York City (or Manhattan only?) which either: 1) opened 2) closed 3) significantly changed menu styles (Bid to Bid Brasserie) in the year 2002? Let me see if I can start a list tonight on the subject in a new thread

That's not a correct statement, StefanyB,and I'm surprised you would make that assertion. When all of the votes in Florida were finally counted, by the team assembled by the Associated Press, and CNN, the decision was still that Bush had won. Even including the felons in Miami-Dade who hadn't been purged, and the disputed ballots in Broward and Palm Beach, and the questioned Republican votes in Osceola, the original decision held. It was right then, and it's still right. It is interesting to me that the recent Florida primary elections had exactly the same problems (miscounted votes, incorrectly marked votes) in many of the same Palm Beach and Broward precincts. Even with new optical machines, and fewer candidates. Janet Reno considered an appeal to the courts that she had been robbed (I think she was, too). The Elections commissioners, Democrats all, have resigned. Some press coverage, but not much. I think the American population has grown to accept a formerly unacceptable amount of sleaze in its political process, unfortunately.

I just figured "line caught" meant the use of thoughtful, witty, somewhat amusing banter to attract a person in whom one has an interest. Note: works best when the subject of interest is extremely drunk, or in a dark, smoky room, or thinks you are fabulously rich, or, best, all of the above. I wonder if Katy has enough to write her article, or if she's given up and gone over the to the hungry dog for inspiration?