gmi3804

Not mention the other diners in the room: Who are these other people who'd make a reservation 60 days in advance? Can they possibly like food/dining as much as I do? What's with the rail-thin supermodel-type who's gone to the restroom three times in three hours? I can think of fewer things I'd rather do for several hours that don't involve a llama and a goat. It's definitely my idea of FUN.

Any update on the new location of A Pacific Cafe?

I've found, after many visits to Prairie Grass, that the menu changes quite often, but the changes are small. An accompaniment will be changed on the halibut, for example, or the pizza will be reworked. I rather like this style, as it gives me the impression that they're trying to tweak their more popular items to make them better (or more season-appropriate). Once in a while they'll have a new item which started life a few weeks earlier as a daily special. While major changes in menus to reflect the season are always welcome, one of the reasons I like Prairie Grass so much is that I can always rely on past favorites; I find I actually look forward to re-ordering dishes I've had in the past. I'm thrilled that they've added the fennel salad on the menu - it's superb. Noise levels can be a problem during peak hours, but we usually go early (about 6pm) or late (after 8:30) so we're really not affected by them as much.

I'll start askin' around! Now THERE'S an idea for a party: get a whole rib roast and cut off the cap!

I stopped in to Reagan's in Northfield the other day. While there, I asked about the steak I had while in Las Vegas - it was the outer rim of the ribeye. The butcher told me that's called the "cap," and that removing it would pretty much render the ribeye useless. I'm not sure where they got it in LV (or what they did with the rest of the ribeye), but it was the most delicious cut I've ever had - and it was from a Kobe-style animal (Waygu, I think) on top of everything else. And the deep-fried macaroni and cheese served on the side didn't hurt either! Now you know what my definition of "what happens here stays here" is!

Do what we do: eat half your dish, then switch plates!

Hey - this is eGullet! Such things are of utmost importance!

Thanks, all for the suggestions. The Vineyard Room, at Disney's California Adventure, is only open for dinner Friday to Sunday. (I'm going to dinner at Napa Rose, at the Grand Californian). There's a more casual Bistro near The Vineyard Room, but I don't believe it's open anymore. There's only fast food available now at DCA. Another option is to go to Ralph Brennan's at Downtown Disney, but this may take too much time out of our busy day. We're going to Catal, at Downtown Disney, the day before for lunch. Looks like I'll have to find fast food at DCA - we'll be there at lunchtime and won't want to walk all the way over to Disneyland for lunch.

Which are the best places at these two parks for lunch? Compass Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel looks wonderful, but is not open for lunch. What's my next best bet?

Buca Di Beppo's corn dogs are $50?!? I know they're known for huge portions, but that had better be one BIG-ASS corn dog! All kidding aside, I agree that it would be nice to have representative dishes from the participating restaurants - isn't that what it's all about? Unfortunately, there are probably a lot of folks out there who don't really care either way. Ronnie, could you appoint me executor of your next Alinea reservation? I'm happy to fulfill your last wishes regarding your next-in-line. ::says a very small prayer for Ronnie's continued health ::

So how was Ka'? (This is a travel forum too, right? ) And could you tell us the name of the restaurant? Criticism of your opinions shouldn't be feared if they're well-thought-out.

Apropos of nothing, perhaps, I know that Reagan Meats is the real deal because the place SMELLS like bones that have been sawn with a bandsaw. Anyone who's ever smelled that smell knows that it's not one that's easily forgotten! The last time I was in Las Vegas, I was served a cut of meat at Fix (at Bellagio) which is supposed to be the next "best" cut of the entire animal: that ring of meat that surrounds a ribeye (or slice of prime rib), but cut off the entire loin and sliced into thin steaks. It would ordinarily have been pure heaven, but this cut was made from KOBE-style beef! The fact that I had a side of deep-fried macaroni and chesse had nothing to do with my enjoyment of this dish, of course. Hey - what happens there stays there, right?!? I wonder what that cut is called (several Grey Gooses prohibit me from remembering the name) and if Reagan could provide it. My money (and I usually don't bet on anything that breathes) says they can.

It's the only place where I've ever been served an entire LOBE of foie gras. 'Nuff said?!? Seriously, it's one of my favorites in SF. I don't, unfortunately, get to SF as often as I'd like, but I've been to La Folie several times over the past eight years or so and it's always been consistent, dependable, and extraordinary.

To preserve this thread for discussion of Alinea, I've started a separate thread about the review which appears in today's Sun-Times OVER HERE.

The ALINEA REVIEW was published in this morning's Sun-Times. It received 3-1/2 stars. Although star ratings are subjective, I feel that it's somewhat insulting to a restaurant which hits all the four-star bulls' eyes to be demoted a half star because the reviewer feels the experience may be "too much" for some. Should not objectivity have its place in a review, with an aside with regards to personal preference? I abhor some things that Birth of a Nation says but still regard it as the cinematic masterpiece it is and deserves to be.

I'm not far at all from Reagan's new location (or the old one, for that matter), so I suspect I'll be a regular there before long. I've loved Reagan's meats for a long time - usually treated it as a "special occasion" stop. The new location is right next to my Dry Cleaner's (alas, I don't get my hair cut that often ), so this little strip is turning into quite the happenin' spot in Northfield. Who'd-a thought it? (Now if they could just do somthing about all those power lines...)

Yikes - didn't mean it to imply that Arun is spread too thin and would be involved with a fast food concern. It was a slight (very slight, it turns out) attempt at humor about the recent finger-in-the-chili-at-Wendy's controversy. Hand/finger - get it? I won't be quitting my day job to play the Catskills any time soon. Aplogies to those who were offended.

::trying, and failing, to resist the urge:: Um, Wendy's?!?

Shaun: That's the place! We did tastings there (went twice, actually) and hardly belched! We didn't have a problem in Los Cabos at all, but then again we hardly veered, except for the time we went to Carnitas Michoacanas, a block or two off the main drag in CSL. Fantastic carnitas, but we didn't put ice in our sodas, and that was the only place where we went which even slightly scared us. Almost forgot - the restaurant at Las Ventanas al Paraiso is superlative as well. Four-star (for Mexico, anyway) food and service.

More formal: of the ones I mentioned, Esprit d'Saline, Wall House, and Le Rivage (which is right on the water). All can accommodate larger groups and are open air, which will help if/when things get a bit, shall we say, raucous!

I didn't eat there because it wasn't opened yet, but many "in the know" doubted that this place could make a go of what CT does in Chicago. It was opined that the kitchen/service talent and availability of top ingredients was going to be an uphill battle. I haven't heard any experiences worthy of their prices. This may be a very expensive gamble. Agua, at Palmilla, was extraordinary. You may do better to try that. We had a superlative dinner there, but then again the menu is more "Mexican." Don't pass up an opportunity to try French Riviera, in a small shopping center just west of Esperanza. The former chef from Esperanza (a real Frenchman!) openend this place - by far our best meal while in Los Cabos. Also, Mi Cucina in San Jose del Cabo is top-notch. Enjoy, and report back!

Not sure about "new," but you MUST try: Wall House - casual French dining just off Gustavia Harbor. Their coffee-glazed duck is fantastic. Andy's Hideaway - super-casual (swimsuits and sandals) place tucked away behind a shopping center in St. Jean. Andy's a hoot too! Good for lunch. Le Rivage - casual waterfront on one of the cul-de-sacs (forgot which one - the one near Guanahani). We used to bring our dog Carrie (yes, like the movie) there - it was her favorite. Sandwiches to entrees, lots of locals. L'Esprit d'Saline - inland, off the salt marshes, exquisite "new" international fare. Francois Plantation - a great "splurge." Classy Caribbean atmosphere, to-die-for wine list. Prices to match too, but worth every penny. Fine dining at its best. I found the restaurants at Eden Rock (Tapas Bar and their Fine Dining room) over-rated; great settings but indifferent service and so-so food. Le Gaiac, at Le Toiny, was just a little bit better. For a great hotel dining room, L’hotel Saint Barth Isle de France is the place to go. (Well, Francois Plantaion is technically hotel dining too...) Are you staying in a Villa? Don't discount getting a lunch at the Rotisserie in St. Jean, complete with cheeses, wines, etc. Have a GREAT time and report back, OK?

How large are the pours when the wine pairing program is chosen? Are there different wines with each course on the Tour, or do several of the pairings cover several courses?

I sense there's a misconception about Ruth Reichl. Yes, she lives in NYC now (and has since taking the job at the Times before her current position at Gourmet), but having read all three of her memoirs (Tender at the Bone, Comfort Me with Apples, and Garlic and Sapphires), I have an impression of her as a lover of all kinds of foods, from french fries to foie gras, so to speak. Indeed, she spends much time in her latest memoir worrying about whether she even wants to move to New York (from her previous job in LA). Once in New York, she vowed to try to change New Yorkers' conceptions about what a "great restaurant" really is, despite pressures from her readers and bosses alike. She may live and work in New York now, but she's a "Berkeley gal" in spirit. Reuniting with a colleage for a meal in New York, she wonders aloud to him (QFM), "Can you believe they're paying us to do this?" I enjoy her criticism, even if I don't always agree with it.

Roy's gets mixed reviews, mostly positive. I happen to like it a lot, despite its "corporate" background (there are dozens of Roy's throughout the world), as they do Hawaiian fusion very well. But I still think Coconuts does it better! Hammura's Saimin serves, well, Saimin - and little else. The atmosphere is really basic, but the Saimin (noodle soups) are wonderful, and very inexpensive. They also do a mean shave ice. Do stop at Camp House Grill in Kalaheo for lunch (and some of their wonderful pies) one day. Post a report when you get back so I can dream from Chicago!