emmapeel

It must have once been a New York thing, Michael, because I got the same treatment, as I mentioned upthread. I was told if people were looking at me, I was out-of-control, and I should think about what people must be thinking of us. Jaymes, I understand from my brother and sister-in-law that hosting French people (not only children) can be difficult, as they can be quite demanding. However, I remember when this same family hosted us in both Chartres and Paris once, they were inordinately gracious, serving 5 course dinners every night. Even after I insisted that we stay in a hotel (only because I felt we were imposing) and they begrudgingly agreed, they insisted we return to their home every night for these splendid meals. Their children ages 15, 13 and 1 were so great, and the older ones joined in our conversations with such intent interest that it made our time together much more pleasurable. But when my brother and sister-in-law reciprocated, they said it was a nightmare, because as it seems, perhaps culturally, Americans wait to be offered something (food, sightseeing, etc.), whereas these French people apparently demanded what was to be served, and where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do. (Including a road trip to Disney World from Brooklyn! After that, they wanted my relatives to take them to their country house upstate New York.) My relatives complied with all their wishes. My sister-in-law is a fantastic cook. They must have enjoyed themselves because they returned the next year for more of the same. (My brother whined on the phone for weeks before the second arrival.) As I write this, I am thinking that the nature of travel is to experience another culture and no time is to be wasted. This may have been at the root of the demands.

What can one say (tissue in hand)? This is one of the best road trip photo essays I've seen. The food looks really fantastic, the photos are great, and you hit some of the major places. I've got to get me some ribs, (good ones.) Thanks, JJ.

It amazes me how well behaved dogs are in restaurants in France and Belgium, I have not experieced them eating out in other places. I find it so endearing when a dog is sitting at the table on a banquette (in the honored position) and decides to take a nap instead of begging.

I don't know if it would be too much food, but English is Italian has mixed reviews, (but I am still going to go to it.) For E you might also consider Eleven Madison Park or on the low end El Paso Taqueria.

It's seating a new party at a recenly-vacated table. Restaurants (and servers) try to turn their tables as often as possible, for obvious reasons. ← Yes, but let me add, we were only at the table for 1 1/2 hours. It would have been acceptable at 2 hours, especially with a $245+ check. Hmmm, maybe I should start a thread about Turning Tables and the what is an acceptable time limit?

Fifi, I am very excited! You are a great cook and a fine photographer. Good luck!

Thank you Randi, Robin, Harley and Oliver, I really enjoyed this week and I've been waiting for those deviled eggs, (mmmm mmm, they were well worth waiting for. Thanks for the recipe.) You did lots of great cooking but the highlight for me was the Fig Jam. Exeter looks like fun. Edited to say: I forgot the great Pineapple cake. (two of them ) I have to try to make the ginger one.

Jen and LindaK, I can't wait to hear your reports...what a delight!

Lady T, I agree that Ms. Pickett may have let the city down, but sometimes, in a city like yours, there are so many great places that when faced with the task of picking something unique and challenging for a food critic such as Reichl, it can be overwhelming. Granted, I would have picked a tried and true restaurant, but Ms. Pickett overeached (and I'm guilty of such things as well, like the time when I took wealthy, gracious friends out for a reciprocal dinner, I selected my favorite highly-rated Japanese place, and we were chased out for table turning in a most discourteous manner. . I was horrified. ) Hopefully, Ms. Reichl is more familiar with Chicago's dining than Karyn's Cooked, and will visit your city again soon. When I fly over, I always stop in Chi-town just to eat and covet your architecture. As a native New Yorker, I've been known to say "Why is food better when you leave New York?" (I am not saying New York doesn't have great food, we absolutely do, it's just that your hole-in-the-wall places are often better than ours.)

I think you're wrong, Chicago has great food, and lots of people know it.

From what my San Franciscan transplant friends tell me, you will never find Mexican food to equal what you experienced on the west coast in NYC. On occasion it will come close, but no cigar. I really liked Pampano for Modern Mexican, and although I have not been there, I hear good things about Pampano Taqueria. (And don't forget the taco truck on Broadway and 104th Street.) As others here have, I recommend Noche Mexicana, and I like Mama Mexico if I want to spend money.

Oh no, I love crispy chicken skin. The issue for me about wings are the visible veins when eating them. I like the breast and I'm sure there are veins there also, but I can't see them and they don't snap. I totally understand what you mean about the skin...great stuff.

Oh boy, I agree with you. I'll never understand why they're are so popular. The burger looks really good, and so does that cheesy bread.

Fantastic pictures Jason, and I'm looking forward to your report. From the photos, I cannot imagine dinner was anything but very good.

I'd never heard of Sac's Pizza Place before, a coal-fired oven pizzaria in Astoria. It's discussed very little on eGullet, so I'm wondering if any pizza lovers have a review of Sac's? It seems to be highly regarded.

If we are speaking of Western standards, I think it is the opposite. I grew up eating with the "zig-zag" method, and the European method (utensils in both hands) was considered "European", and neither superior nor inferior. It has been said in this thread that others consider the "European" method superior. What I like about this thread is the reminder that cultures are different, and what is acceptable in one is not in another. Although I complain about my one pet peeve that I see outside my home (utensils held with a fist), I'll eat rice with chopsticks, a spoon, a fork or my fingers at home, whatever strikes my fancy that moment, and I actually love to eat simple salads with my hands.

Pan, have you seen this directions site? It's called hotstop. It's like mapquest for the MTA.

Kangaroo and Emu down under. It was good.

Rich, what is it?

I would have offered to help you and expected you would decline, regardless, I would have certainly joined you in the kitchen for chat (especially about my new husband).

Not always, but often enough for it to be noticed. I was totally in charge as a child, and my parents lovingly referred to me as "the boss." Yet I would have never, in a million years embarrassed my parents or siblings by making noise or by being unruly in a public space. And that was the key to behaving properly outside the home. I was told such behavior reflected badly on my family. I don't mind if children act up, but I think it should be at home. It is for this reason that I consider parents responsible for the outrageous code of conduct I've witnessed by children in restaurants in the States. I have never seen this happen in Europe, and perhaps I've been lucky. I once saw a sole child of 3 tolerate a 3 1/2 hour meal in Italy without a peep, while eating with 7 adults. He spoke quietly to his mother occasionally. I think even in Europe that it was unique behavior for a child. I think kids are great and I like them, and I love to hear them talk. Being seen and heard is not the issue. Screaming and running around is.

Very good point touaregsand, and I keep that in mind when dining with people from other cultures. Recently, I dined with a South Asian man who never used utensils, and his struggle to use them was appreciated, as much as my very bad french is appreciated in France. Since we were eating Indian food, I suggested he show me the proper way to eat with my hands, and I enjoyed it very much.

Sounds like a lot of fun. In Manhattan, a few come to mind: "A" Aix Amuse Aquavit Artisanal Restaurant

No way, you haven't offended me. I understand the tines down, but tell me, how do you eat rice? You can't spear it, and you don't use a spoon, right?

Well it was so busy today (Mother's Day) and there was not an empty seat in the house. They seemed to be holding up under the pressure. BTW, the correct name is Cafe du Soleil. There was a quick mention about the restaurant in the Times.