stealw

Very interesting; not to hijack your thread. But I too will be in Paris (may 19-22) also seeking advice on similar topic. This Les Papilles you speak of, Is that pertaining to lunch or dinner? Also is this a communal table setting restaurant where everyone sits shoulder to shoulder? Know of any other similar pre-fixe set type restaurants in Paris that are reasonably priced and recommended? Jim

Not to rain havoc on anything, but I think if he got it published and all..they probably do work.. Though don't quote me, just a theory.

What Toliver said. Also if you go on, I believe either foodnetwork or the travel channel sometimes they will give a layout of which places they went to and the names. For instance, usually when he goes to eat theyll show the establishment's name, so just jot it down and google it up.

Hm, is it actually ergo/economical to actually bake your own goods..? For example a loaf of bread..sure it's cheaper to buy the ingredients and make it from scratch, though having to turn on your oven just for that isn't worth it i believe. Unless your baking in bulk which I suppose could be more efficient. Sometimes when I cook at home vs in the restaurant, where you usually finish things off in the oven out of habit and perhaps being convenient. I just do everything if not most stove top if it can be done. just my 2 cents Jim

Quick question on Santoku's. Was, well still am looking forward to getting one. Basically narrowed it down to three selections, 1. misono ux-10 2. kikuichi gold series and 3. glestain What I have heard personally, from work and friends that the ux-10 is quite hard to sharpen for people not use to using/working with a 70/30 blade. While the 440 is "easier" to handle in terms of sharpening I dont think i should 'downgrade' per se the knife just for this reason. Also, I have tried both the misono and kikuichi, both feels pretty nice. However, the Glestain I have yet to see Anyone carry them (santoku's atleast) and do not want to order a knife online that I have never felt in my hand. Anyone have any experience with the Glestain santoku, or even all three? Jim

Fry thin churro's for the "chips" aspect? Or even ricotta fritters or any combo to your liking.

Dropped by Dino's today for lunch with a few pals. Not too bad; got the Fat Louie: 1 cheesesteak, 1 cheeseburger, 1 sausage, 1 hotdog, onions, peppers, ketchup and mustard on a pizza roll Only downfall is service was very slow for some odd reason; we were the only guests there (3 of us) yet still took around 15minutes or so, at least it seemed. Also, the mustard (deli/creole mustard i believe) gave it an off/weird taste.. Edit: oh yes..the fried potatoes which were very good. some pic's from my cell

My brain's kind of fuzzy, quite late. But two places I would personally recommend, I have been going with my parents since I was little is 1st, Dim Sum and 2nd Viet. Now there are quite a large handful of each in nyc, let alone chinatown. But once again I keep going back to these out of tradition. Dim Sum place is right off of of Elizabeth street (if your going down Canal heading toward to the Manhattan bridge/brooklyn its on your right). I believe it's 20 Elizabeth, but Real distinct way of knowing your there is there are 2, maybe mid chest level golden lion statues on either side of the door way. (only way i memorize where it is) Anyways, so it should be pair of glass doors with a glass window, you have to take the escalator or elevator up to the 2nd floor. This place is quite massive, traditional hong kong push kart style. 2nd place is Viet, right off of Baxter. Nha Trang - very good Pho and also curried beef/squid over rice. You'll see a green tarp over the restaurant, it's the one Right next door. Should be a step or two down their stoop. (though i heard the green tarp'd place is quite good as well, though never been myself) Both places are perhaps within 500 feet of turning off of Canal. One tip for dim sum if you're not too familiar; I suggest you take your tab and literally walk around the restaurant to different kart's and stands to look for food rather than sitting there waiting forever. Oh yes, and also icecream factory http://www.chinatownicecreamfactory.com/ Also, a lot of bakeries all along Canal st. Could stop in buy some snacks on the road or just to snack. Egg tarts are quite delicious. I'm guessing you're going on..a Friday/weekend from your post? These would work perfectly, esp dim sum. P.S I know some fairly reasonable priced parking garages if you need, pm me. Jim

Interesting.. definitely a place to pop in. Went to Jimmy Buff's in E. Hanover the other week; sadly must say it was quite disappointing. Having left go to school in upstate NY, I did not have a chance to eat at here till last week when I returned. Ordered a dog with chili, cheese, and hot onion&pepper. This past Sunday, drove down to Belmar for some leisure fishing, totally forgot the name of the place. Though it was Right across from a Dairy Queen, I believe their name was like Monster Weiner or something around there. Relatively same priced as Jimmy's yet lot better and also bigger hotdogs.

Went to your store for the first time on Saturday, the Madison location. Very nice store, quite large and extensive selection. Attentive staff and good service. Was also surprised they have a little pre-made food area, quite a nice touch.

Simple demonstration of this would be on Gordan Ramsey's show Hells Kitchen on Fox. Not exactly an..efficient kitchen crew, but sorta portrays what you're pondering.

surprised no one mentioned c-folds beginning of service stash a big handful of them somewhere. not only can they be used to dry your hands (though get pricey after you go through so many everyday) you can also use them to wipe plates, and also use as a pad to drain things.

Good luck, congrats on the promotion. Based on my own experiences... I would surely get there a tad earlier than everyone else just to scope out the area and be set up. Grab all your MEP you need all at once to limit unnecessary moving later on. Make sure you work Clean, Clean, and Clean (one thing you'll be constantly reminded of) Other than that, try to work as Fast yet Efficiently as possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're not sure, better to do something right then having to do it again. Make it nice or do it twice, as they say.. Just wondering..are you thrown on the line? or is it going to be you and someone training you? Regardless, make sure you take mental and written notes. Oh, lastly timing and good call backs. Working apps and dessert its usually push as fast as possible out once ticket rings in; but on the line have to talk to your buddies next to you. Jim ps. i learned the hard way, which took me quite awhile..but as time goes on you'll get the hang of it

Not quite a direct answer to your question.. But, could always just bring it out to room temp before you serve it. Does this really bother you? Jim

Hey, going to Paris for 3 days for vacation with some friends. Going to be coming straight from London (3days), anyone have any "must-see/eat/go-to" places around? Most of us are foodies, in early 20s so up to any and everything. First time in Europe and only one of us speaks semi-broken French. Thanks in advance, Jim

Quite a nice selection your store has Gary. Though some reason your website seems quite clustered for me to navigate. Was wondering if your stores carry FRV 100's, could not find it on your website nor any local stores around me. It's quite an inexpensive sparkling rose, though quite refreshing in this warm spring/summer climates. I live in Parsippany (MoCounty), searched Bottle King as well as Shop Rite though to my avail no luck, had it a couple times while I was attending school up in upstate NY (hyde park).

Thanks a lot everyone; will defiantly check out some of the places.

Going to London during late May, the week right before Memorial Day (in America). First time going overseas to Europe, primarily England and France. Any personal favorites/suggestions anyone recommend? Was thinking of checking out fish n chips, perhaps a pub or two. Though only have about 3 days here, then taking the train to Paris for 3 days (which would also be my first time visiting) Any restaurant suggestions, sites, or even places to stay would be greatly appreciated. Was also looking at Fifteen (jamie oliver's) or even Ramsey's place for fine dining; though may not get a reservation in time. Traveling with 4 people, all in the early 20s. Any food's good to me, from street to fine dining, even touring vineyards Thanks in Advance Jim