Christine Barbour

L'As du Falafel!! It's always the first place I head, might as well be the last too.

Based on these reviews I had an excellent lunch at texture on November 3, during a quick trip to London. Everything was very good -- from the crispy bits at the start (excepting the cod skin) all the way through (jerusalem artichoke combo, pumpkin carpaccio.) Thought it was first rate. Ironically, that was the date of the idiotic review in the Guardian that a friend brought to my attention today. What the heck was that all about?

Here's an Indiana possibility, besides the mini tenderloins (great idea, btw) and popcorn (Orville's from Clay County, afterall.) Shagbark hickory syrup is an Indiana thing too. You can get it here: http://www.hickoryworks.com/ There are all kinds of things you can do with it -- but sweet potato fries (or bite sized wedges, roasted till crispy) drizzled with the stuff are really something special. Here's an old entry from my blog on the couple who make it. http://myplateoryours.typepad.com/my_plate...4/02/index.html

Thanks to all for the recommendations. We will definitely eat at the Elephant! Very sorry to miss Bistro Margot's, but we'll try to hit Number 6. Tried to book at the Riverford Field Kitchen -- it's just my idea of a good time -- but they are closed during the week in November. The Nobody Inn sounds lovely. If anyone else has thoughts to add, or recommendations to make, please do. We leave on Saturday. Cheers, Christine

Come to think of it, we were there the week before last, so it was someone else at your table. The uvoli reali were really something -- I am sorry you missed them. Photos taken in restaurants rarely do the food justice, but here's what they looked like. A really special dish! We will definitely have to go back for the porcini in parchment. What an idea!

Following the advice on this board we had a phenomenal meal at Lalibera in Alba a week or so ago. It was so good that, among other things, it inspired me to come out of the mists of lurkdom and join egullet in gratitude. There were some outstanding things on the menu (succulent batsua, the best agnolotti del plin of the trip, a stunning and delicious insalata di ovuli reali, perfect brasata and, well, everything) but the course that stands out was the tajarin al burro fuso e tartufo bianco d'Alba. I had made a personal commitment to eating as much truffle as possible during our ten days in Italy and it was always good, but all truffles are not created equal and I suspected the helping hand of truffle oil on more than one occasion. But at Lalibera this dish was ethereal. The truffles were the earthiest and most fragrant and even the most beautiful -- a lacy shower of paper thin white (no kidding, nearly white) truffles on steaming pasta. As simple as can be and beyond wonderful. Since our Italian was spotty (a generous description) the chef (the only English speaker in the house) waitied on us himself. The wines were terrific, the cheeses really excellent, the whole thing was a winner. Thanks, egullet folks (and especially Bill Klapp)!!!

Pickled turnips, like my Lebanese grandmother used to make! Turnips, washed and sliced, plus one roasted beet (can use canned) for color, sliced, salted to taste and covered with vinegar, maybe chile, maybe a clove or garlic, or some peppercorns. Takes a week or so for the turnips to pickle (you can tell when they are there when they are pink all the way through) and they last a long time. Just bought a good supply of turnips at yesterday's market for this very thing. Love 'em!

I visit Amsterdam 3-4 times a year, but never stay long enough to get to know the city very well. I'd welcome the chance to take a market tour, learn about local cheeses and other specialty foods, etc. I don't know what I'd be willing to pay, because I don't know what would be involved (lunch? special access? visits with local chefs? transport?) There are people who offer tours of Rungis, in Paris, for instance, and as I recall they are fairly pricey but they get you in the door and take you places regular tourists don't go. The key is not to undervalue your own time and expertise, and to be sure you offer something people can't find on their own. Most people who are really interested in learning about food will recognize the value of those things and for those who don't, there are other alternatives out there. Good luck. Christine

We will be unexpectedly traveling in southwest England for a week beginning next Saturday and need some good dinner recommendations. First night is Gravetye, for sentimental reasons, then we have two nights in Torquay and two near Padstow. I thought I had done my homework using the most recent Michelin as a starting point, only to find St Ervans apparently closed, and Orestone Manor sold with the chef moved. Our only first choice that appears to be current is The Elephant in Torquay. Does anyone know anything about what Orestone Manor is like now? Are we better off trying The Chasers? Somewhere else? We are after good, local, seasonal food. Doesn't have to be fancy, but has to taste really wonderful. Pubs are great. Many thanks for any help you can give! Christine