LindsayAnn

Just purchased one of my favorite blues - Neils Yard Stilton. A while back I was buying that Neils for months straight....I gave it a break for a while recently. Until yesterday that is.... I went to Sam's winery to browse Marcy's market (the cheese counters at the winery). I thought I should continue on-wards trying new blues (in hopes I might find one that I love even more than my dear neils stilton.....not that there is anything at all wrong with neils, because there is NOT, I love it. Just figured "hey, if I found even better how GREAT would that be!!! I tried a few (that I thought looked good), and I tried a few of the recommendations from the cheese mongers....and the conclusion that I came to was as usual...neils is still the best (in my opinion) - for an everyday eating alone blue. (which, although I love cheese in, on and with anything (almost at least) my favorite way to eat it is simply alone, or on a good baguette (think french, sour dough is a personal fav, or another crusty enterior smooshy soft fluffy interior type of bread). Note: I especially hope to find a variety either as good as my Neils or, if it is possible, better....just because I think that would be one great find! I love raw milk blues (cow milk or goat). Nothing wrong at all with sheep milk of course, I just seem to prefer cows/goats more. I also must note - from what I see on this thread and others, Neils Yard Stilton Blue is not as universally loved by others as it is, be, well....ME!?? why is this? Have you tried it? If not why not? And if you have, well, what is your opinion?

Ok, I am embarrassed almost to ask this. I am a cheese head, cheese freak, lover, and I have no clue what beaufort cheese is. So - please tell! P.S Love your blog!!! Also - what is that drink you mentioned you loved at your friends bar? Something with Soda...I think you called it C, I, something something something something something...it looked pinkish...so I am assuming you meant soda water, but what is it that is mixed with it? Looks good, and fruity, and I hate beer (I know, I know, bad bad *ducks to miss beer cans being thrown at her*) and am always willing to try a new drink in hopes that my normal list of liquor fav's will get a new add on. Thanks!

What? I WANT coffee flavored one. I love coffee. Love it. I love ice-pops. Love em'. Put them together...and I want badly!!!

She also always had TONS of Mondo drinks at her house - always stocked - always free in unlimited quantities for her family. Haha

Yup, that was it Jelsert - that is where Amy's dad worked at.

Susan, I have a magnetic bandaid dispenser that sticks to the frig. sent to me with a knife order from a dealer with a sense of culinary responsibility...or a sense of humor. ← I want that - where can I buy one? Or do I have to buy the knifes...even if so where? And - are the dispensers still available?

I made a special stop at Walgreens at 12:05 AM (at night, but actually morning to be politically correct) after a night out with the girls to pick up two boxes so that they would be ready at my return from the beach today. I love the stuff...anyone else? Sugar, flavoring, fake-ness all sealed in clear tubs to be frozen and eaten as they thaw into slushy yumminess. I down about 10 each time I go to have ONE. Then, I take a break, and eat a bunch more. I made the HUGE mistake of picking up the 'Light', which are the sugar free ones the other week. So bad. The flavor sucks, and the texture is sooo far off. Calorie wise its a huge savor, but I threw them all out. So bad that the low-cal-ness doesn't end up making up for crap in my opinion! HAHA Favorite flavors are: 1.) Tied for first, green and purple (lime and grape) 2.) Orange 3.) Pink (not sure the flavor) 4.) Red - Cherry I am guessing 5.) Blue - blue rasberry I presume... Those are the flavors in the "original flavor box". There is a tropical box out there but I do not like them as much. I believe they have banana, coconut, and various others. P.S. Whole foods carries (USED TO CARRY, they have been out for about 2 months and they keep saying "the manufacturer is backed up, not sure when they will be in but soon....um year two months and going) a brand called Cool Fruits...also in a box and the individual tubs are clear. They are much pricier, and only come in two flavors...grape and cherry (both in the same box). Their texture is SUPER and I love them (they are smaller though, so I have to eat that many more)....I miss them. I want them back...of my Cool Fruits where are you? Anyway - sorry to blah on....what is your opinion of flavor-ice. If you do not like there was a time, certainly, when you were a wee-toddler, child, teen when you enjoyed these....or am I wrong? And, if so, do you still like them? Why or why not? Any childhood memories of these? Mine - I always ate them at the local pools (they were for sale) and at friends houses...my mom would never by them...too much sugar she said. I suppose I am making up for any loses that I experienced during my adolescence. By now its gotta have evened out...haha. Also, , my best friend (still is) Amy always had these at her house when we were kids. Her father worked for the Flavor-Ice company....I loved it. She lived in my neighborhood. I made out! And no - this is NOT why we became best friends. I am not that shallow. Haha Now your turn to blah-blah and share...please take the stage: YUMMY YUMMY.

Ha I saw this last night at Walgreens and thought What the Heck!?!??!!? Please let me know as I didnt want to try...did not sound appealing to me at all. I love the original Reeces....mmmmmm Just for a lil' background, I saw this at 12:05 AM at Walgreens....was coming home from a mexican dinner out with the girls (the boys were out for a yearly event that they engage in...long story and I don't want to bother you) but I stopped at Walgreens after Midnights because I knew I was going to be at the beach today (Lake Michigan, Chicago...but dammit the water was "off-limits" due to high Ecoli/bacteria levels. GRRRR hottest day of the year and we cannot go it...made the day rather ick-ish. Anyhow, to the point...I knew I would be at the beach all day and wanted to pick up Flavor-Ice....MMMMM summer guilty pleasure. I eat like 10 of these in a sitting...sugary frosty icy goodness...

Dave - I would like to know about the places available to live in your area (well, in all honestly my fiance would like to know). Also - more about how your wife and you stumbled across the place that you call home. Greg the fiance, has been talking of "just picking up and moving to London, France, somewhere other than this place". Although Greg (said fiance) loves Chicago, he dreams of leaving his job (where he sells paper...not really but printing services and distribution for R.R Donnelley. He makes great money as an account manager but that doesn't make give him any sort of fulfilling feeling that he is seeking. For one year he would love to leave the job and just move, work and live over-seas. Greg has asked me many times "Linz, would you? Move somewhere out fo the country to get away from it all?". I, of course say I would love to. Difficult to give up a condo that we own int he city, store all of our stuff, leave a wonderful job for Greg (me, I am almost done with grad school for education) and all that hassle, Greg dreams of it and I would simply love the adventure. So - in all seriousness - how did you and your wife end up finding/buying your current place where you live? I am so foreign to all of this - unfortunately haven't had the pleasure of traveling to places that are far and/or different from this home I know as America (I have, however, lived in New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and IL...so at least I have moved "around" the United States...haha). I cannot wait to see what your response is, and to show Greg in the morning (he is out now for a big event that he plans yearly with his best college buddies - the Leasure Sports Decathlon, which goes all day from 11AM till whenever they can make it out (yes, they drink throughout the event....LONG day and large hang-overs tomorrow!...this year is the fifth consecutive year..these boys are a funny bunch I tell you. Sorry for all that blah blah-ness - I tend to start and just keep going and going. I type like I talk...A LOT and FAST!

I must ask - which one are you referring to? Pastoral Artisan Cheese shop on Broadway? Marcy's Market in Sam's Winery? The cheese shop in Binny's Wine depot is good too, but I doubt you mean that one! I bet you are talking about Pastoral.....am I wrong? If so i must know what is better!

Bought these yesterday (the minis) - how funny. I love em' Favorites for me are the Snickers as #1 and the Milky Way #2....#3 is the Twix....just like all of you 3 Musketeers is good of course but comes in last. I would like this box to include an Almond Joy or Reeces ice cream variety...now we are talking!

Dave, The with holiday I have been so busy i just now noticed your blogs (and I love egullet blogs). However, I am especially interested in THIS blog. I have read and had conversations (posting conversations that is) on the cheese thread (speaking of, where has all the action been on that thread? *tears*). I am a "dave fan". You a man of my own heart. Although I am a young 25 years old I love my cheese and have tried more than most. My fiance wont even be in the same room as I when I eat some of the more smelly/stinky cheeses that I adore. Therefore, with all of your experience and the great cheese selection that you have at your fingertips I idolize you. You, sir, are a mentor to me. A cheese mentor! HAHA I look forward to this entire journey. Horray! And thanks Dave for sharing a little piece of your world with all of us!

Frozen watermelon....So cook - I love it non-frozen (standard), but thought a while back to freeze some. Yum - the texture of watermelon so so great for freezing with the water-filled texture... Also - cheese - lots and lots of cheese. today I have eaten blue cheese, Brie, Raw milk white cheddar, about 5 different varieties of goat (two of them aged), and provolone... What can I say I love my cheese. Oh - almost forgot - corned beef and salami. Yum

Please give us details on all of your Chicago eating experiences... Hopefully, pictures will be included in the mix....we love us some pictures!

And me! I wanted to join Tammy the other Egullet crew while she was in town this past Wed/thurs for dinner at Moto...however I am sad to admit that is not in my budget. These are the times I hate being a graduate student with little money to waste on the better things in life. However, I know I could def. afford Spacca Napoli!

I AM OBSESSED with Vitamin water, and fruit water (same maker, just the clear version of the colored vitamin water. Fruitwater is clear, and is even a tad bit weaker in sweetness than vitamin water.) I usually go through about 3-4 a day of fruitwater, at 1.89 each (that is the Chicago price at my grocery store, but vitamin water is a little less like 1.79 or 1.69 a bottle, I drink both so average it out and its 3-4 a day at an average of 1.79 and I almost spend a whopping 7.20 each day on this beverage). I need to investigate buying in bulk from the manufacturer! As far as vitamins, I do not take any. Although maybe I should!

I second this. I sampled GUS on a trip to Chicago a few months ago, and fell in love with the Ginger Ale. Much drier than others without being extremely spicy (not that I don't love a spicy ginger ale). I'm a big fan of rye whiskey and ginger ale as a summer libation, and drier g.a.'s tend to work better for that. Highly recommended. ← Where did you find GUS in Chicago? I live there and I want to find me some!!!

Funyuns are also good! Much easier to find around here tho. I crave those too - but more often then not if forced to chose I proudly admit to chosing munchos. NOTE: Both are respectable delicacy's - at least in my mind (and from what it appears the minds of many others with grand taste.)

I'm with you Fatguy - and the rest who have commented. Lovin me munchos. They are also hardish to find here in chicago. Certain Jewels stock them (one of the largest grocery stores in Illinois). Certain ones do not. It seems I can fidn these at convenient stores and gas stations more then chain grocery stores... Actually it also seems like random grocery stores (non-chain and non-dominating/market leader grocery stores) carry these more often than the chain grocery stores (like Jewel, Dominicks). I used to buy these every single day at lunch in middle-school. Not in the vending machine tho - rather up at the lunch counter being sold on the chip rack my the deli foods and the daily (yes daily, I miss this too) nacho bar (make your own, melty cheese, taco beef with the sauce and all, sourcream, peppers in you please (which I did not), tomatos, lettuce. Mmmm). Munchos - I crave them every month around, er.....that...er....time on the month. There - I said it. Although I do admit I crave them at other times too. I was never aware of a bar-b-q variety.....man am I deprived...possible to young to recall these (I am 25)? Any other flavors exist around that time era? Sour cream and onion munchos would have been awesome. P.S. I too always buy the "grab bag" size. Its the largeish individual bag (actually contains 2.5 servings...looks like one to me tho!). I barely see the full size/family bags being sold! P.P.S Is Frito-lay keeping supplies minimal to... A.) Keep consumer demand high, making these delights a rare find and increasing our desires for them? B.) Frito Lay cannot keep up with the demand (doubtful on this, seems like only us elite foodies like these....not too popluar on a wide-basis....strange C.) There is a low demand for these (if that's the case, as Americans on large our tastes/preferences SUCK) P.P.P.S - Sorry for so many P.S's....I keep thinking of new stuff I wanna say!!

If it's on soft squishy white bread, I love chicken salad with cranberry sauce I've never had a sub I liked, so I'm still looking for the ideal filling. I hate wraps. Genoa salami!! Hot!!! On an Italian bun--one of those hard crusty ones. I don't think I've ever had a hoagie. Now tell the truth, were you a bit drunk when you posted this? Some of the typos are hilarious! (oreas...) ← Wish I could say "yes, yes I was drunk". But - that would be a lie. I was completely sober. I have no clue why I was thinking 'corks' when it should have been 'quirks'. As far as oreas...that was just a finger slip, i know its supposed to be oreos. I need to slow down and proof-read. I tend to do everything too fast....you should hear me speak.....fast fast fast. My parents were always saying to me "Lindsay, sloooowwww down". And - that applied to everything I did

I hear you AB. And when you offer to send food goodies to a stranger halfway around the world becuase you know how it is like to crave for THAT PARTICULAR FOOD. ← Hmmm...and who is the lucky receiver of the goodies you are sending. Might they be coming to Chicago? TO ME? Haha! Again - YOU'RE THE BEST for doing this, I am so excited. Yours will be mailed out soon too. Be expecting whoppers (I just think you need to try these - they're an added bonus to the other things) milkduds, and goldfish in multiple varieties (cheddar, parmeson, and a few other surprises!).

P.S love the son doing the demo! I hope his lil' toe heals soon! How did he manage to break it?

AHH I want some! No fair - some things are just not fair. And this, this is one of those things....Phooeeyyyy

I agree with LAZ on a few ends (well really - I agree with LAZ on everything stated, but especially on): Edwardo's stuffed pizza - holy moly good. Put it this way - I was never HUGE on chicago deep dish. Did I like it? Sure, what's not to like. But, I would always chose regular crust, or Cafe Luigi on clark street (they have the BEST new york style pizza you can get in Chicago....individual slices or the whole pie). However, once I took my first bite of Edwardos, I was hooked. Now, Edwardos (which is deep dish) beats out all condendors. Whether it be pan, thin, new york, whatever. I do not know what mix of cheese they are using but they are doing it right. So healthy (for pizza) too. Not at all greasy and all their ingredients are brought in daily, fresh is the key. They make their crust, their sauce, etc.... All of this makes it a completely delish experience. My fiance and I both agree that Edwardos is king of all pizza's in chicago. Atwood cafe is also great. Right downtown, great food. I have never been disapointed by the food or service. Nice ambiance too. Frontera grill - sure notyour "typical" mexican but its really good. Lively, yummy, but super crowded. They do NOT take reservations. Look up the times that they open, and be prepared to be waiting outside about 35 mins before the open time. If not (if you get there even right when they open) be ready for a wait! As for italian - I am not sure. The fiance and I usually chose non-italian places when dining out. Don't ask me why cause we love italian. mexican - I never hear this place getting recommendations here on E-Gullet but El Fiesta de Mexicana is great. Not fancy at all. Young crowd, families, they all go to this joint. Ins in Lincoln Park right on Lincoln Ave, I think around 2300 Lincoln, near there at least. I love one of their salsas. You have to ask for it. I do not like spicy (or too spicy at least) so the first time I was there I asked if they could bring a mild. They brought out the best thing ever. It was even served warm. Whenever I ask for mild now they bring it. Not like a typical salsa though. Its tomato saucey....with long thin opinions in it (not the lil chopped up ones you normally find in salsa). Later when we got our meals I realized its their red enchillada suace!!! Sooo good on their chips. I go there sometimes just to get an order of chips with their "mild" salsa to bring home (take out style snack :0) ) Nothing special - but damn good mexican. I think so at least

As MANY of you have pointed out, I meant quirk, NOT cork. My bad - we all have long days where we make rather stupid slip-ups, mis-spellings, etc.... Er right? as far as the differences between Hoggies, subs, heros, etc... oh yeah and grinders- You will notice in my original posting I mentioned my fav sub, wrap, sandwich, cold-cut platter, I did post 'Not sure' by hoggie - because I was not sure. meaning - the difference. Is it just a regional name difference. Names are different from place to place but its all the same thing? Who knows, well not me at least. For some reason I suppose I was under the assumption that there was a difference, most likely a minimal difference. But sometimes, those small differences made a big impact on the end product. Is the bread different? The process in baking the bread or preparing the sub/hero/grinder/hoggie? Are there differences in the ingredients (meaning the ORIGINAL, politically correct ingredients...if they even exist)? To all of this I am not sure, which is why I didnt specify my favorite grinders, hoggies, heros. I did post a "not sure" by hoggies, because I am not sure! Can anyone clear this up for us? I suppose maybe I shouldnt start a new topic on something that I do not know the "ins and outs of". Sorry!