Stephanie

I'll be there. I may bring some beer from the local deli.

I think that one's refrigerator also might be a factor in determining expiration dates. My fridge (slightly over 5 years old) seems to keep things remarkably well, and it takes a long time for food in there to go bad.

Scrambled eggs with kosher salami--the thick stubby kind with lots of fat and garlic--cooked so that the salami would get crispy. I haven't had that since I was a kid and just picture it now as one big cholesterol bomb. My mom was and is a good cook, so I never really complained too much. However, through pressure I was able to get her to stop cooking beef tongue.

My frustrating moment has nothing to do with cooking. On 2 separate occasions, I have taken people to dinner in Chinatown who wanted "something really good," then didn't get more adventurous than beef with broccoli.

Thanks to everyone who replied. I blew off the rehearsal dinner and ventured to Goode Company and got the combo brisket/Czech sausage platter (great recommendation TommyBB) with a Shiner Bock. Passed on the pie as the slices looked huge. Loved the cafeteria seating outside and especially that wonderful burning wood smell!

Needed quick meal last night, so made salmon filet poached in water, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar, with raisins and sliced onions. Served it with tri-color couscous and frozen veggies (I know, shame on me). The fish poached up really quickly and was excellent quality--it was imported Scotch salmon from Wild Edibles' stand in Grand Central.

One of my favorite things to get at the Park Slope Chip Shop (Brit food) is their salad of Stilton, green apples, and walnuts on a bed of mesclun with a light balsamic vinaigrette.

And the time?

As I noted before, both days are fine for me.

My mom would broil trout in a lemon butter sauce with fresh parsley. Simple yet tasty. Serve with spinach sauteed with garlic and mashed potatoes.

I'm still good for the 18th, but I could also do the 14th if that's best for the majority.

That'll probably work for me. What time were you thinking of--7:00?

Had a great meal at Sripaphai this summer & would love to go again. Tuesdays are always going be out for me from September-June. Mondays & Thursdays are usually good, but it would depend on the specific date. Pick one & I'll let you know.

Thanks for the tips. Again, what kind of beer I bring really depends if I can get back home before dinner. Would a hefeweizen or a weisse bier be good with Indian?

That would b great... Where do you get Kingfisher? Well, if I can get back to Brooklyn before dinner, I think my local beer store would have it. Otherwise, I'll just get something that I know people will like.

Looks like we will have loads of alcohol, so I will just bring a six-pack. Should I stick with the main theme & bring something like Kingfisher?

Ah, but Joyva pales in comparison to FRESH halvah. One of life's sinful little pleasures. Both Economy Candy and Sahadi sell several varieties in nice thick slabs (they'll slice off chunks for you); I particularly like the marble halvah covered in chocolate.

I'll have to look at my calendar to confirm, but put me in as a yes. I will PM you too.

Should also say no Tuesdays as I have chorus rehearsal, but if that's the best day for everyone else then don't worry about me.

Count me in too--sounds like it'll be fun. Would prefer that it not be Nov. 8-10 as I will be in Houston then.

Applegate Farms also makes a line of nitrate-free turkey cold cuts. The Park Slope Food Co-op carries the salami, bologna, and regular sliced turkey. Like the pork products, these only have meat, seasonings, and dextrose or something similar. I've tried each and I find them very tasty. I don't know what they're usually priced at, but I just paid $2.30 for a 7-oz package at the Co-op (that's 2 sandwiches' worth for me).

OK then, put me down as "yes".

Hey, I'm up for a rematch. I'll have to see what my schedule is like & hope I'm not working late again that day.

No, it's true. It was above (or rather attached to) a deli/sandwich shop for the longest time. Unfortunately the sign is now gone, though the deli's still there.

I don't. We used to have cheese/cheesy side dishes with fish all the time in my house. Perhaps it's a kosher thing; fish are pareve (dietarily neutral) but they're often considered "dairy," allowing them to be served with cream cheese, etc.