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Touché! And well done! The conversation Ruhlman relates with his wife is identical to the one I have with my spouse, a native Ohioan, when, in the midst of an April snowshower, I ask her “Why, again, do we live here??” The big difference in our stories is libational. In my version the coup-de-grace is delivered in the form of a VTR Manhattan. I also like their Negroni (one of my good friends from Berkeley, an original Tuskegee airman, used to make them for me at a 30-year-running Friday night martini party), but Paulius’s special vermouth and cherry really make this Manhattan unique. Finally, I think Orwell would appreciate the VTR: http://www.netcharles.com/orwell/essays/moon-under-water.htm Wouldn’t it be fun, using the VTR as a model, to establish the top ten qualities of the consummate cocktail venue? Oh dear, a book idea! Best Bar in the World, indeed.

I agree on Slanted Door - it is really popular and a pain to get a reso at sometimes, but with good reason. And great wine list to match your food to. Le Colonial is a good alternate. The Ferry Terminal market is definitely worth checking out as well, especially the seafood restaurant, Rechiutti for chocolates and the wine bar. For sushi, affordable I like Godzilla at Van Ness and and Polk. More upscale, but exquisite (and you might see some celebs), is Ozumo on Steuart next to Boulevard. There are a lot of good places in Mendo - I think doing one of the single malt scotch flights at Little River Inn looking at the rugged Pacific coast was a great experience. Further down the coast there is a little inn in Jenner with a good restaurant - but I'm sorry I don't recall the name. Part of the fun of the trip is just cruising up route 1 checking out the little towns... Finally if you like wine I would check out the Anderson Valley cutting over from 101 - Navarro vineyards is there along with Pacific Edge (champagne) and Roederer's North American location. There are also two great micro breweries in the area: Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Boont Amber Ale) in Boonville, and North Coast Brewing Company (Red Seal Ale) in Ft. Bragg, Mendo's poorer cousin. Finally there are two world class vegetarian restaurants: Greens at Ft Mason in SF The Ravens at the Stanford Inn in Mendo Both of these would be interesting for the foodie visiting the area... Can you tell I miss the Bay Area? :-) Hope that helps -

Absolutely! I've been to Milk and Honey (London) and Bix (SF) since Jan and the VTR, in all honesty, puts them to shame. I moved to Cleveland from SF three years ago and cannot believe we have this gem! It's a truly unique place that deserves to be written about in depth and with thought.

There is also Cohen and Cooke, which was in Bowling Green and now in Toledo suburb Maumee. Chefs Jeremey Skyles and Michael Sadar worked at a number of Bay Area restaurants and earned a good reputation.

Michael, one aspect I would be interested in knowing more about is how well you're doing in a small market like Findlay. Having grown up in a rural area, and since been back to visit, I agree I think people do want something better than the chains. I know there was a virtual celebration (revolution?) at the nearby university where my sister teaches when they discovered Revolver. I learned about your restaurant when I went inquiring about the locale for our annual birthday celebration. Anyway, it sounds like the folk in the area have really caught on: http://www.joshwoodward.com/mod/recs/viewi...d=1&item_id=310 It sounds as if cutting edge cuisine in northwestern Ohio is working, no?

Michael, in light of this thread how have things shaped up in Y1? I know there has been good press, but how have things developed in the context of your original plans and vision?

Well, as a newbie I have to say Tom's bread was the force that encouraged me to get over my shyness and make my first e-gullet post! Tom, that brioche! To answer your question, it never made it to French Toast. Never had a chance. It was too good on its own that before I could even make it to the stove I had devoured my portion of the loaf you gave me. Seriously it was fantastic. In terms of the overall event I just want to say what a wonderful experience reading the site has been to date, and that I loved meeting this group of people and participating in the feast, restaurant visits and chocolate and wine tasting. It was an "enrichening" experience, in terms of calories, education, practice and people. Big thank you to the organizers and to everyone who cooked!