Nica

After traveling throughout Argentina and Uruguay, we are wanting to build our own authentic asado (on our patio in the city!) but have not been able to find sweet morcilla. The Spanish markets and butchers that I have visited in Manhattan do not seem to have the South American sweet variety, preferably with raisins, apples,walnuts and orange peel. If anyone knows where I can find some, I would be so grateful... its sooo delicious!

I'll be in Uruguay for over a week during their summer (Dec.-Jan) and am seeking any recommendations (Montevideo, Punte del Sol, Jose Ignacio, Colonia etc...) We will have a car and are, thus, able to go to any small towns/anywhere out of the way. If there are also any regional specialties you can recommend, please let me know. Thanks!

I will be in Buenos Aires for 3 days around New Years. Our first night there will be a Saturday evening on which I want to plan a birthday dinner for my boyfriend. We're looking for great food, authentic experience with a fun local vibe (not touristy). The past postings about Buenos Aires are a year old so I just wanted to make sure I'm up-to-date. Would La Cabrera or El Obrero fit this description or are there better places you would recommend? As we'll be in Uruguay and Argentina for a few weeks, we don't need all of our meals in Buenos Aires to be steak dinners so I welcome any suggestions as well for the other 2 nights we will be there. Also I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for nightlife, bars, lounges, etc... ??

We're heading off to Berlin in early June and are hoping to dine at Tim Raue's new place. Does anyone know the opening date?

Just a quick update I received from Liebrandt regarding possibility of Philly move: "Don't worry! I am looking for spaces in nyc for my own I will be in touch! Paul Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile " I'll keep everyone posted on any further info!

I would definitely go to BOTH. I found the food to be much more delicious at Arzak; however, the inventiveness and creativity made Mugaritz one of the most memorable dining experiences I had in the Basque country. Both were incredible dining experiences and if you can help it, I wouldn't miss either of them! Have an amazing time...

Summer 04' is definitely recent enough--the last time I was there was in 1998. I will be going to the Mariinsky theater at least two of my nights there, so Za Stsenoi sounds great for one of those nights. I'm really interested in just having good meals/dining experiences so if its not Russia or Georgian food, thats ok. Also, 9 nights of Russian food may be a bit much for me. The Kavkaz Bar sounds just like what I'm looking for. Thank you. Did you dine at Dvoryanskoe Gnezdo (The Noble Nest)? I'm curious about any thoughts on this restaurant.

I will definitely be trying Salkhino and Stolle. If there are any particular dishes you recommend, I'd love any suggstions. Thanks so much!

I'm going to St. Petersburg (Russia) in mid July and am in search of good restaurants. Has anyone dined there recently? I'm interested in Georgian, Russian and Uzbeki cuisine; however, we are there for 10 days, so any recommendations are welcomed. Although the city isn't much of a culinary destination, we are hoping to at least get some authentic meals. With so many nights, both inexpensive and expensive places are desirable. Thanks.