Eilen

Just a warning about Apizza Scholls; you must be ok with standing outside for thirty minutes or so just to get in--and the awning isn't that big so you might get rained on. The pizza is good though, I'm just not sure if it's worth the wait. Just one humble opinion! I do hope you both have a wonderful time in Portland; the rain seems to be back for now, so it's not so Twilight Zone-ish here anymore! Happy Anniversary! Eilen

The problem with a plastic bottle would be, at least for me, that the beer wouldn't stay as cold as in a glass bottle. Would that be a legitimate complaint, or do most people pour their beer into glasses anyway?

Just finished my first attempt today; I had let it sit for almost a month to make sure it was good and infused. It looks great--not super clear, but not really cloudy either. I had a little sip as it is only morning, but I'll experiment with some cocktails tonight. I'm thinking of buying a commercial brand and comparing flavors; any ideas on which brand? And thanks for the great idea! I've got four flasks just waiting to go to friends' homes when their birthdays come around.

I can't really help you with your theory as I've not spent too much time in England, but I will point out that the 'a coffee' phenomenon exists in the US also--at least, in the Northwest. People tend to say "some coffee" when they are speaking of what has traditionally been consumed in the States--coffee brewed from a French press or a simple coffee maker. On the other hand the phrase 'a coffee' is used when referring to anything espresso-based--ie, "let's go get a coffee at Stumptown." Could be like you said--Americans haven't been consuming espresso or espresso-based beverages for years like plain old coffee or tea.

You're right, the Kennedy School is owned by McMenamins, thankfully their catered food is better than the the "food" on their pub menus. I do like the School, though, the property is quite nice and you don't feel cramped like at most restaurants where there are large parties. I don't have any advice about Red Star Tavern because I've never been, but I was wondering if you'd considered Salvador Molly's at all. I believe they have a ballroom above their Belmont location and are on many preferred caterer lists around town. Good luck, whatever you decide! Eilen

"It is available from several online sources. Google: "moutarde violette." Thanks, but I knew that. I was looking for something more local.

Lucky you, I should have done the same. I'll probably hoard it once I get it, and use very sparingly in vinaigrettes for only really special people. I've got a friend in Vienna who uses it for much more exciting things, but then, she's able to acquire it more easily....

Has anyone seen this product in Portland? I've checked Pastaworks, Zupan's and New Seasons and none of them stock it. I could order it online, but the shipping costs as much as the jar itself. Much thanks for any ideas.

Oh, is it supposed to be in the sunlight? Because I've had mine in the cupboard for almost a week. Should I take it out? Thanks, Eilen

Hi Katie, I'm Eilen--new here to egullet and I stumbled across this great thread. I wanted to let you know that I just now finished my first jar of limoncello. I found some ok-looking org. lemons, some with green on them and used 100 proof Smirnoff. I'll report back when it looks like it's ready. One question--have you found any brand/type of sugar that you prefer? Or do you just use whatever's on hand? Thanks a bunch for the great idea. Here's hoping it turns out! Eilen

The Delta Cafe on E. Woodstock has excellent mixed drinks, great soul food and a very interesting atmosphere. The Wildwood in NW is usually a top example of fresh and local, but I think it's been a bit hit and miss lately. For an out of the ordinary experience, try the Bistro Montage on SE Morrison--oyster shooters, great spicy mac n' cheese, excellent service and really good drinks too. For breakfast, nothing beats The Tin Shed on NE Alberta. Get there early enough and you won't have to wait--but if you do, grab a mug of coffee and people watch outside. Old Town Pizza on 4th and Couch in Chinatown is always fun, though I'm not sure their pizza is as good as it used to be. Bridgeport Brewery just re-opened in the Pearl District. The beer is, as ever, excellent, but I think they may be trying too hard with the food. And the last time we were there, the entrees came out before we were even finished with the first course. But if beer's your thing, go there and eat upstairs in the bar. For dessert? Papa Haydn, of course, on NW 23rd. Have a great time, wherever you decide to go.

Hi all, I'd like to join if that's alright; I quit smoking just a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't planned, we had smoked our pack the night before, I woke up deciding I wouldn't smoke that day for feeling mildly hungover, and I just didn't buy another pack for a week after that. It was a bit like Marlene said, I had no cravings (for a week anyway), there was no drama involved--it was almost like I was competing against myself to see how long I could hold out. Which was a week and two days. Then after having a near physical fight with my sewing machine, I raced to the convenience store, picked up a pack, and smoked two in a row. It took until Sunday to finish that pack (between two of us, but mainly me), and I had to fight hard not to buy more on Monday. Now I have a major head cold, so I can't smell or taste anything anyway, but I'm back on the wagon and hope to stay there for a while. So thanks for this thread; it's a great thing just to know that other people want to quit too. Eilen

This morning I woke up a bit later than intended...not till about 8:45 or so. I then leapt out of bed and turned on my work laptop (blech) and did some emailing and damage control on that end. Then I realized that today is the day I get to have COFFEE!!!! I threw on my overcoat, raced down the stairs, and sprinted to DTUT, a coffee bar on 2nd Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets. DTUT serves coffee all day and late into the night, and also serves wine and beer after five...a very popular spot for first dates, since you can get a coffee OR an alcoholic beverage. It's full of broken-in couches and armchairs...it has a sort of Central Perk-ish vibe. Here's the outside, a view of the counter (blocked by a plant, sorry) from just inside the front door, and quick look at one of the seating areas. Hi Megan, I've been reading your blog all week and I wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed it before it ends! Thanks so much for showing us all a slice of New York--I can't think of a better way to experience the city than through the eyes of a foodie. Apropos the above photos, DTUT looks very much like the coffee shop in "You've Got Mail," a movie I love only because of the beautiful shots of New York. Would you happen to know if this is indeed the coffee shop from the movie? Again, thanks so much for sharing your food experiences. Eilen

There's a brand called Planet that most supermarkets place with the regular detergents. If I remember it's slightly cheaper than Seventh Generation and works loads better than the "detergent" that TJ's sells. And I do think that Dawn or one of those makes a fragrance-free detergent, but I can't be certain.

I'm fortunate(?) enough to live about five blocks from the new Hung Far Low location--it's now in the "new" Chinatown, or, the area of Portland that is rapidly increasing in its Asian population and thus in the number of Asian restaurants.