Jaymes

Like you, dining with my 80-something father is an exercise in diplomacy when it comes to the tip. Not only is he tipping like it's still the 1950's, he resents the whole "percentage" thing: "Why should I tip more if the waiter brings me one plate with a steak on it than if he brings me one plate with a sandwich on it? It's the same amount of work. Who decided that and what right do they have to impose it on the rest of us?" So, like you, I track down our server and discreetly make admends privately before the final deed is done. At 85, he's certainly not about to suddenly change his opinion. When I'm dining with quite a few people, I follow the suggestion above to wait until everyone has chipped in. And then we rise, start for the door, and I turn back and toss a few more bills on the table. I have never yet had anyone double back to "readjust" their amount.

I don't find it puzzling at all. Perhaps Chris' producers could explain in more detail, but I think it only makes sense, if Chris' first season is to be a success, to focus on markets with strong local viewership, and for this particular concept, to also use cities that attract a lot of business travelers who would enjoy discovering interesting, affordable, non-tourist-trap venues.True...I see that. Probably wise move. And then, if it's a success, perhaps they could begin to focus on destinations that actually ARE "off of the beaten path." As opposed to more cheese steaks in Philly.

I'm having a hard time understanding the philosophy here... On the one hand, the phrase "off the beaten path" has been used repeatedly to describe the concept. But then, there seems to be a list of cities that are nothing if not right smack dab in the big ol' middle of the beaten path. In fact, they define the beaten path. Is it just me or is that puzzling to anyone else?

Just as a side note... The reason for the pronunciation of the name of the town, Elgin, with a hard "G" is because it is named after the Texas pioneer family that settled there. And the matriarch of the family was a renowned teetotaler. She simply couldn't abide the thought of having 'devil gin' in their name, so she ordered that the name of the town and the family it was named after would be forevermore pronounced with a hard "G." And it was. And is. There are three barbecue places in Elgin. Southside, with which you are all familiar, Meyer's (also famous for sausage), and Crosstown, which is in a completely different category. Elgin is primarily well-known for their sausage, however. If you're talking brisket, Elgin doesn't hold a smoking cinder to Lockhart, which is the true barbeque capital of the world, and Luling, a few miles farther down the highway. But they all are located in Central Texas which, along with the towns of LLano, and Taylor, and Gonzales, and a few others, comprise the best smoked meat tour you can imagine.

Regardless as to how the recipes actually turn out, I want to applaud you for your inventiveness. What an interesting idea. And an automatic conversation piece, as your guests thumb through the old magazines and have the same discussion we're having here. I'll bet there are no dull moments at this party. Well done.

Ah yes, Miracle Whip & Durkee's. The underpinings of many a great sandwich, and egg salad, and potato salad, and deviled eggs....

I have never been to Gallagher's, so am just speculating, but most of the upscale steak houses I am familiar with do serve alcohol and in fact, have a bar. Anywhere that has the possibility of folks getting drunk is undoubtedly wise to employ a bouncer.

I particularly liked Mike Mills' ribs, and beans. And of course, the Ed Mitchell sandwiches. Didn't have any Southside or Salt Lick, because I get plenty of that back in Texas. All in all, it's a great event, and I had a wonderful time, and am hoping to go again next year. Kuddos to everyone that has a hand in it. Speaking literally, of course.

While we're at it, I'd strongly suggest you put Tucson on your list. Unlike so many other destinations, it hasn't been done to death. In fact, it's often overlooked completely, but it's a great area for food and would be perfect for a show. Food there really runs the gambit, and I mean really.... All the way from the famous, tres elegant, upscale and very expensive spa and guest ranch cuisine that lures the rich and famous to places like Canyon Ranch and the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. To the most lowly taco carts and taquerias and mercados down in the old Mexican section of one of our nation's oldest cities. In between are upscale trendy restaurants like Jano's, traditional "old west" steak houses where the entire family comes to eat and dance the swing, and famous Mexican restaurants such as Cafe Poca Cosa, where the chef is always inventing new Mexican-inspired dishes, and old (and I do mean 'old') favorites like El Charro where, they claim, the chimichanga was invented back in 1922. Several upscale hotels offer steak rides. You hop on board a hay wagon and get hauled off into the Sonora Desert, where you sit among the stately saguaro cactus under a starry western sky and eat your steak that has been grilled over a campfire, cowboy style. A few miles down the highway is Arizona's little known wine country. Although that surprises folks, when you think about it, it makes sense. The Spaniards settled in this area centuries ago and wherever they went, they planted grapes to make the wine necessary for holy communion. A little farther down the highway is Nogales, and another famous restaurant -- La Roca, which is built into a cave in the side of a small mountain. You sit there looking at the rock walls while you eat your chicken mole -- among the best I've ever had. I think the Tucson area fits your theme perfectly.

Actually, I read somewhere that Orange County has the largest population of Vietnamese in the US. That always surprises people, most of whom probably figure it would be San Francisco or environs. So you're right -- that would be an excellent choice. One could visit all the nations of Asia, and never leave southern California. And let me offer my congratulations as well. It's always nice to see the good guys win one.

Here's a recipe I've served with great success for a light luncheon... Chinese Chicken Salad For the salad: peanut oil 6 wonton wrappers 2 oz cellophane noodles 3 C cooked chicken, cut into large, bite-sized chunks 1 bunch green onions, cut into 1" pieces 1/4 C dry-roasted unsalted cashew nuts 1 C fresh coriander, minced 1 red bell pepper, julienned 1/2 head lettuce, shredded For the dressing: 1/2 t dry mustard 1 T soy sauce 3 T vinegar 2 T hoisin sauce 1 t sugar 1 t ground allspice 2 T sesame oil 1/4 C corn oil Cut the wontons into strips about 1/2" wide. Fry in peanut oil until golden brown and transfer to paper towels. Fry noodles in peanut oil, in two batches, turning once, for 5 seconds per batch. You have to work very quickly. Transfer to paper towels. Arrange the lettuce on a large serving platter. Crumble noodles. Combine wonton strips, half of the noodles, the chicken, onions, nuts, coriander & bell pepper in large bowl. Toss with the dressing. Turn out onto platter with lettuce. Garnish with remaining crumbled noodles.

Hey, what's wrong with "water, oil, sugar and cornstarch"? Damn fine ingredients if you ask me. And I'll bet you use them all the time! I do use all those ingredients and sometimes all of them in the same dish but not as primary ingredients. Miracle Whip refers to itself as a 'salad dressing.' I'd offer a proposition that those same ingredients are listed as primary ingredients in a lot of salad dressings.

Hey, what's wrong with "water, oil, sugar and cornstarch"? Damn fine ingredients if you ask me. And I'll bet you use them all the time!

Mexico City is the capital of the nation. Drawn around it is a federal district. It's like Washington DC. So the official name is Mexico Distrito Federal. In the US we often refer to "DC. In a similar manner, Mexicans routinely refer to their capital as "DF." Although, if you're actually in Mexico, and people refer to just "Mexico," that's also Mexico City.

One of my favorite sandwiches is avocado, MW, and some sort of good, nutty, whole-grain bread. Plenty of S&P, too.

Yes, that's why I sometimes choose it. For health reasons.

Can't believe I hadn't noticed that thread before, but went there today. Absolutely wonderful read. You are to be thanked profusely, and congratulated endlessly. So, thanks and congratulations. Well done.

Yes, that's what I usually do as well. Nice not to worry about where the next cab is coming from, or when, and the driver can collect and safeguard your packages if you're shopping.

Well, I guess it's good to get worked up about something, although one would think there are surely worthier causes. As for the geographic thing, I'm no help there. I've lived 37 places -- Florida to California, Alaska to Panama, Hong Kong to Germany, and all points in between. Can't even begin to say which one of them might be responsible for my open mind regarding all things condimental.

I just found A Culinary Trip to Mexico, but have to say that it's one of my favorite threads ever. Anyone that has not read it should do themselves a favor forthwith....

Well, I am, as the Brits say, gob-smacked. Not sure how I missed this thread. I'm going at once over to "favorite threads" and praising this to el cielo. This thread is indeed heavenly. Thanks for taking us all along with you on your marvelous journey.

Also this thread: DF/Taxco

Hey, Boy, thanks for making my point. That was darn neighborly of ya.

Treet vs Spam? Okay, now that's hilarious. Which is supposed to be the "upscale one," and which the pate of the trailer parks?

While it's true, as Shelora says, that crime happens everywhere, one does have to be particularly vigilant in Mexico City. Especially when it comes to taxis. DO NOT HAIL CABS ON THE STREET. When you arrive in Mexico City, follow the signs to the taxi stand. The way it works is that you purchase a chit, or voucher, from the cashier, and then you get into an authorized cab. From your hotel, always have them call a cab for you. And when you are finished doing whatever you're doing, have the restaurant or shop or whatever call another cab. We were just in DF and had a great time. We took a cab from el centro out to Izote, and our cab driver waited for us to finish, so that worked out.