JohnEtt

Went searching for these places today. If you go note that the entrace to Apna is on 173rd (no, really, it is in the complex that fronts on 169th but if you go along 173rd you'll see it) and the India Direct, with a Bethany address, is really on Cornell (very confusing/same problem). Took a while to find them but they are both out there -- the front doors do not jibe with the actual addresses.

Is there some rule that says bad chardonnay must be served in small Asian restaurants? I am in Portland but see the same thing in Seattle. The one local restaurant (we're talking non-upscale Asian) where one could get Gewurz with Thai is now closed. We've taken to bringing our own, with very good results so far. We ate at Koreana last night and there was no corkage! Last week at Thai Ginger it was only $5 (take that you $20 corkage rogues). Still, when I travel (frequently) to Seattle, and when dining here in Portland, I may not always have a bottle handy. Any particular reason why the wine wholesalers can't explain that jug chardonnay is terrible with Asian? I end up with a beer but my partner doesn't drink beer. Anyone know of good, small authentic Asian in either city with a decent glass of wine? Any wine wholesalers who can enlighten me on why it is so difficult to get a few places to sell Gewurz or at maybe Pinot Blanc? ----------------------------------- Fill up, fill up, for wisdom cools When e'er we let the wine rest. Here's death to Prohibition's fools, And every kind of vine-pest! A. Bierce

I actually give the nod to Maximilien over Cafe Campagne for brunch and the lamb burger. Still can be a noisy place. Another recommendation I'm going to throw out in the Market area is 94 Stewart. I think they're serving some interesting and tasty dishes that don't show up other places. ← I visited 94 Stewart in October and enjoyed it; especially a wonderful wine by the glass. Hmmm, what was it? Must have had two glasses. I love Le Pichet and eat there once each trip when in town on business. Anyone have any Thanksgiving ideas beyond this list? Will be staying downtown over that weekend, assume at least some of these will be open. "Just saying no" to turkey, thanks.

The worst is animals, no matter what is served. I'm sorry, but dining at someone's home with a dog in your crotch and cats continually jumping up and walking undisturbed across the table is disgusting. The cat on the table before and during dinner was the most memorable "bad meal" I've experienced.