joiei

Time to bring this thread back. I just found a good recipe site for all those wanting to try to boil their own. And if you need a place to get your raw peanuts, Here is another link to have them shipped to your front door. I think I will be doing up some this week. Yum.

How about a nice little Pinot Noir from Oregon to go with Creamy cheese grits with sauted chantrelles? And a brace of grilled quail with Hoover's Mill and a little mushroom demi?

Our tomato plants are now 8 feet tall and producing exceeding well. Also, I just put 8 two-cup packs of pesto in the freezer and now plan on giving away the rest of the basil that needs to be cut. The single cucumber plant that we have is producing enough to more than supply all our needs. I have it growing on the side of the tomato house and that way, they do not end up dirty. So far the new tomato house is working quite well. We have not had a problem with the tree rats trying to steal all of the tomatos. I wish I could take an adequate picture of the tomato house to share and will keep trying to get a decent shot to share.

Sorry, but I just can not do the first recommendation. I gave that stuff up when I moved out of my Momma's house. Now I get my grits here

what time is dinner???

Maybe you should talk to them about doing some consulting. You could change lives, influence a local economy, and spend some time in a very beautiful part of Oregon.

Sounds like something that would sell like hotcakes at Wal-Mart.

I prefer my grits on the savory side, fruit grits - doesn't sound all that appetizing. Corny tasting strawberries? I will take mine with a little cheese pleeze. Okay, now that I have rethought it, maybe fruit with fried grits. I try to not completely rule anything out until I have tasted it.

I don't think I have ever encountered Mustang grapes. Are they anything like the scuppernons from back home in NW Florida? Camera talk, I have been eyeing one of those babies for a while now.

Famous Dave's is not worth any trip. I tried it once and with all the REAL BBQ we have here in Tulsa, It just can't begin to compare. So I will not bother going back. The sauce was overpowering the ribs to the point where that was all I tasted.

I have one of these also and love it. I do not have to plug it in anywhere. It does an excellent of crushing the ice not only for drinks but also for the caviar server.

I have been a visitor to the show for the last 4 years and am always amazed and impressed at the quality and high level of work that is displayed.

you might want to try Mona's , I highly recommend the lebanese iced tea. And the gyro.

Brooks, would the Queen of the Destin Fising Rodeo count? I think they refer to her as Miss Destin.

I agree, no matter how fresh everything is or how attractively it is displayed or how much your paying for the experience.

great responses. another question to add, are expensive chain steak houses fine dining. or are they just another steak house with well dressed waiters?

In another thread, we had a brief and helpful discussion on fine dining. Here is some of the questions I had posed. what do you look for when your dining out that is not done correctly? Just curious so we (American Fine Dining Chefs) can try to meet your expectations. What do you look for in a restaurant? Who are you comparing the American chefs to?? I really am curious. BigboyDan had some very positive answers for me, but I was curious what other guidelines people use when dining out, especially in Texas. HOw do you define fine dining? What do fine dining chefs need to consider when planning a menu? Is fine dining in Texas different than fine dining in say Chicago, or Paris? Should regional differences be considered or should they all be held to the same level. What should that level be and how do you decide that? Is fine dining in DFW different that fine dining in Houston or San Antonio? Would it be possible or unimaginable to find fine dining in say Odessa or Wichita Falls or Corpus Christi?

Why are you in Texas if you laugh pretentious out of town. Why are you not in New York at any number of restaurants or Philadelphia or Chicago? Where do you work in Austin? I will be down in September and am still looking for something that is not bbq related. Do you think there is a dining public in Texas that would support the style of dining you indicate in the link? Where would it be best sited, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin? THanks for that link, it sounded like an incredible dining experience. My next real dining trip is planned to be Alinea in CHicago. I dine in Dallas because the level there is higher than were I currently live. Challenge the current powers to excell beyond even what they know they are aware of.

what do you look for when your dining out that is not done correctly? Just curious so we (American Fine Dining Chefs) can try to meet your expectations. What do you look for in a restaurant? Who are you comparing the American chefs to?? I really am curious.

I second the Central Grocery for muffalata. And as to Hurricanes, those are strictly for tourists. I don't think i have ever met a local who confesses to actually drinking one. Go to Pat O'Briens if you must.

I just noticed that our tomatoes have the first blush of pink on them. Would it be too obvious to just stand there with knife and towel in hand waiting for the perfect moment to harvest the very first of the season? Maybe next week if the heat holds up. Life is good.

And the only reason I went to my last mardi gras parade was to stock up my supply of go cups for the house. When they are free, the beverage taste better.

Has Bruno ever given any place 4stars? What did he have to say about such places as Trotters or Trio or Moto? Just curious about how he really feels about what he is writing.

Wildwood is open seven days a week. Lunch: Mon – Sat 11:30 am-2:30 pm Dinner: Mon – Thur 5:30 pm-9 pm Fri – Sat 5:30 pm-10 pm Family Style Supper: Sunday 5 pm- 8:30 pm Chalkboard Menu: available in the bar after 2:30 pm from their web site Wildwood Restaurant

I had a very nice lunch at Wildwood just last week. They let me order a single crab cake as appetizer/salad and the pulled ham was excellent. And the weather was tremendous for sitting outside. Why waste a perfect day in the Pacific Northwet by sitting inside.