Melianne

Oh man, I LOVE sweetbreads. The last ones I had that were out of this world were at Avalon. Well, so much for that recommendation. While I prefer them breaded and crisp-fried, the ones I had that night were poached, yet oh so awesome!

Thank you kindly for the heads-up on further reading. I've been out of the loop. I look forward to these!

A fascinating read. More please?

Aw, Bob Blumer's really a very sweet man. I'd be happy to go for a spin and a cold beer in his big silly toaster any time.

Why bother killing something that's really not worth the effort? Chances are you'll have to create the death of about 24 creatures to sate your hunger, only to conclude, "Feh. We shoulda just gone to Hooters." Nobody swoons over frog.

Do the staff still do all that annoying singing like they're some sort of chain gang trained by the Up With People folk? It's been a long, long time since I actually stepped inside a Lick's restaurant, but I would have to say their frozen patties one can buy at the supermarket and grill at home are far superior to the hamburgers served at their outlets. Not a veggie myself, but the veggie burgers actually rock!

Me, I'm partial to Rain. It's not cheap, but I always enjoy going there for the fresh cocktails, the waterwall, the friendly waitstaff, the pretty food, and the cool decor. I know others, however, who really don't like the place, but I always have fun when I'm there.

A friend was there last week as part of "Summerlicious". The night before, he visited another participating restaurant, taking advantage of the bargain-priced menu and not expecting a full-on dining experience at the low-low prices, and still came away saying it was one of the best meals he'd had all year. Lobby was a different story. My friend's not a "foodie", and he has no axe to grind of any sort, but he, reluctantly, described the food as "vile". He was served a wild mushroom risotto ("tasted like dirt") with a lavender foam ("tasted like soap"). Curious, I checked out their menu on-line to see that they had listed for one of their courses several "artesian cheeses". I know I'm a picky-pants when it comes to proper spelling and terminology, but "artesian cheeses"? Man, if you're going to be all snootified, you gotta learn the vocabulary!

On several occasions I've made a "risotto" using steel-cut oats and the usual additions of chicken stock, butter, parmesan, what-have-you. (An "Irish-oat-o", I guess you could call it.)

Derek, that looks wonderful -- extremely haggi-licious. Well done!

Hi Justin, First of all, thank you for dropping the order off at the office the day before our patio party. Leaving the goods in the freezer overnight was taking a bit of a risk, but a hand-drawn skull & crossbones on the box appeared to be a deterrent and all was still intact the following afternoon. Anyway, the Swiss chocolate was, once again, an enormous hit. (Hint: Next time you're in the neighbourhood, please drop off some more business cards.) The Swiss chocolate and Linzer I took up north this past weekend and the drunken mob went crazy for it, turning the fine Muskoka air a deep shade of azure with profanity-laced praise. Thanks again, Justin, and all the best, Melissa

Many years ago, as a teenager, I had the opportunity to dine at Sans Souci in Toronto. I don't remember the entree, but I remember it was accompanied by a single potato that was unadorned and about the size of a large marble. It was just slightly sweet, tasted quite a bit like good clean dirt, and was one of the most magical things - potato-wise or otherwise - I've ever speared with a fork. I've never forgotten that moment, and I've never eaten such a lovely potato-y potato since. Thank you for making me remindful of it.

Wow, that's great news! You must be soooo excited - congratulations!

Tried the Swiss chocolate and coconut on the weekend. Awesome. There was a great deal of swearing and cursing during Saturday's dessert course. Swearing and cursing such as "@#!&, this @#!&ing amazing!" And "Holy %&$#, this is the best *#@!ing thing ever!" I apologize for my potty-mouthed pals, but they really fell in love with your tarts, Justin. I'm sure they'll be showing up on your doorstep on numerous occasions throughout the summer as they drop in on their way to the cottage. Your fanbase is increasing!

Earl Grey's got that sort of lemony thing going on with it. Does that inspire? Probably not lemons themselves - too pungent, perhaps - but maybe something soft and fresh and herby, like a lemon balm syrup? Or maybe a gentle ginger syrup?