foodfun

Yes, the Iowa State Fair begins August 8. There will be Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang carved out of butter. There is a different butter carving every year. I was rereading this strand and saw the comment about not going to Bistro 43. I disagree. My husband and I ate there Thursday night, and it was absolutely delightful. We had an excellent meal, good wine, and perfect service. The ambiance and view are not the best, but that is the only fault I could find.

Well, I had my dinner at the Mansion. It was very nice. We both had the four-course tasting menu. My favorite was the Scallops on White Bean Sauce. The white beans were sooooooooooo good! I found the building itself nicer than Inn at Little Washington, the food and service comparable, but the dessert not as good. At both places, I had the Creme Brulee. The Inn's was much better. Glad I went; it was worth the trip.

Oskaloosa has a new Mexican restaurant on the south side of the square called Mi Ranchito that is excellent. I have not had a bad meal yet, the margaritas are good, and the service is fast and friendly. Those guys really hustle. It's worth the trip if you like Mexican food.

We are going to Dallas from Iowa, and staying at the Westin Galleria. Most of my time will be taken up with the NEA Rep. Assembly, but we are squeezing this in. Yes, I have looked at their menu on the web; it is quite tantalizing. I was leaning towards the tasting menu since this is my first visit to the restaurant. (Although I lived in Carrollton when I was a youngster.) Thanks for the tips about the lobster tacos and tortilla soup. They sound yummy.

I will be leaving for Dallas Saturday, the 29th. A friend and I have reservations at Mansion on Turtle Creek. Is it any good? I have read about it in some of my magazines and am anxious to try it. My best dining experience so far was at Inn at Little Washington in Washington, VA. Any comparison?

Hi. I couldn't resist responding to this message since I live in Oskaloosa. There are some very good restaurants in Iowa. (Also some really, really bad ones.) One of our favorites is Cafe Phoenix in Grinnel. Wonderful place. Strawtown Inn in Pella used to be good. They recently reopened under new owners, but we have not tried it yet.

I haven't done this in years, but I used to just love it! Use the round Shredded Wheat biscuits instead of bread. You have to really soak them, so they become soft. It makes a really unique french toast. You guys are making me very hungry for french toast.

Great ideas so far, thanks! I am writing all of these suggestions down. We plan out the next year in November, so I will take all of these ideas with me then.

Hi all, My husband and I started a wine club in our area almost 20 years ago. It has been a smashing success, but we are always looking for new ideas for tastings. Anyone have any fresh ideas? We are a very casual group. Most of our tastings are pretty loosely put together, but occasionally we get quite serious. In other words, anything goes. Sometimes each member brings a wine that fits the evening's guidelines. Other times, the host purchases the wine, and we split the cost. Thanks for any help you can offer.