tommy

so you were able to look into the mind of the server to see that he/she was punishing you. brilliant.

i have a hard time believing that. is it really? i could do with out it. i don't expect it to be served, especially at home. whether it should or shouldn't be served, however, doesn't seem to be the issue here. it's more of a matter of personal preference regarding the temperature of the bread. i'm guessing that there aren't many people at that restaurant who complain about the bread, or else they'd change their policy.

I don't agree; the main dish is the star, but the supporting cast should be of a top standard as well-- a great main dish could be spoiled by overcooked side vegetables, tasteless appetizers, and bad bread. It always adds to my dining pleasures when the bread is top notch AND warm!! It is one of the elements to a great meal. i was saying that i don't see a reason for bread to begin with. obviously if it's going to be served it should be good. was the bread at the restaurant in question good, aside from not being at the temperature that you prefer?

i'm wondering how many home cooks serve bread before a meal, and if they do, if it's warm. the whole bread-before-ordering thing seems a bit dated. if i want a great bread experience, i'll go to a great bakery. i don't necessarily need it before my braised short ribs or foie gras.

when bread is heated it dries out during the process. it's not always preferable. why don't you start a thread on the General board, as i'm sure there are people outside of NJ who might want to contribute.

as i probably haven't hugged enough and in enough places to form an educated opinion on this matter, i'd feel uncomfortable agreeing.

because peoples' impression that plotz is elitist, condescending, and full of himself really gets to them? i, however, know that their impressions are wrong, as i have a lot of experience in dealing with this particular subject. additionally, although we'd like to think it's always plotz and the same 2 people going back-and-forth, it really seems to be plotz going back-and-forth with a nonstop rotation of any number of people. hence his nickname, the "Energizer Dummie."

plotz spends an inordinate amount of time explaining his point to people who clearly don't give a shit.

yeah. someday perhaps i'll learn the complex in's-n-out's of dealing with humans.

:head exploding: ...again.

the CBH has been a bar/nightclub for probably 8 years now. it isn't what it was. not sure if they're making it even *more* shitty at this point, however.

tourists.

but you're talking about yourself.

my thought exactly. i'm not even sure i have any, but it will certainly make an appearance the next time i make pico de gallo.

anna n, try this thread and this one.

this seems like another issue where people will have to make up their own minds on who/what to believe.

glenn, it's time you stopped spending so much time in JC.

suvir, i'm putting spicy tuna on top of the papadum. it's an hors d'oeuvre.

some people see good in everything. others, of course, don't.

i know we're global and all, but my guess is that stone won't be getting out of bed to even look at the pork for another hour or so.

nothing good comes out of old rock clubs selling out to "da man."

you can irradiate 100% of the meat. you can't test 100% of the meat. if you're looking for close-to-100% safe beef, i'm guessing the answer is it would be cost prohibitive.

and why would anyone do that?

3rd tool (important if one is drinking while smoking) -- the timer. 4th tool. and most important -- something to drink.

cool. i just tried it. cut up the papadum first to make small pieces (as is required by the dish i'm making) and 45-60 seconds worked out great in the microwave. thanks