Blue Heron

The best thing about having a cold or the flu is getting to drink (warm) Thera Flu (lemon flavored). It really hits the spot. Another comfort item that only tastes good when one has a cold is hot jello (just made, still in in liquid form before it sets up). My mom always made this for us when we were sick. That and Campbells or Lipton's chicken noodle soup. Hope you feel better soon.

I just saute them over medium heat in butter, and if they look like they are cooking too quick, turn the temp down a bit. I have not noticed any special care required. As I recall, their behavior in the pan is not quite the same as sauteeing chantrelles or button mushrooms. They stay more firm than other mushrooms I've sauteed, not getting that sauciness that I get when I saute chantrelles....maybe because they do not exude as much liquid as other mushrooms. Some people like them sauteed medium, and others like them a little more cooked, almost crispy, to eat like a snack. I do not recall how many minutes exactly I saute them, less than 10. I also remembered I made them in in a heavy cream sauce as well, and served them over salmon, since that was what I had fresh and handy. It was unbelievably good. I do not remember using any fresh herbs off the top of my head, but I did use some type of alcohol, what ever was handy, ie vermouth or marsala, as well as a pinch of swiss bouillon paste. Good luck! You'll have to let us know how they turn out.

southern girl, I would always trust the advice of a real chef over myself anyday. . Hopefully it will be apparent by looking at them if they need washing, I think. Your morels in beurre blanc over fresh pompano sounds fantastic! mmmm. mamster, just think, next fall when you join the PNW mushroom group you are going to find more wild mushrooms than you know what to do with. (you and Laurie are joining, aren't you? not to mention everyone is invited to join)

Such a wonderful problem you have. I would respectfully disagree with the idea of soaking or even washing them. Maybe we were lucky, but our morels had very little dirt on them, and basically I just gave them a quick wipe with a dry crumpled paper towel, and they were good to go. Hubby brought home 1/2 lb. one day, and on a subsequent hike suprised me by picking 10 lbs! We gave away about half, but of the remaining ones, I tried a few different things, but found out the less futzing with them the better. They are actually best when just sauteed in butter. I saute the small ones whole, and the larger ones I cut in half or quarters. I also liked them coated with a seasoned flour, shake off excess, and then saute until almost crisp. My favorite preparation was fresh Dungeness Crab Stuffed Morels. I think I've mentioned them on at least 2 other threads already, but I'll say it again They Are To Die For! I prepared them by sauteeing them in butter first, then filling the halves with a mixture of fresh Dungeness Crab (I'm guessing east coast crab works just as well), parmesan cheese, chives, mayo, egg yolk, a bit of cream, S&P, and finished off in a 375 degree oven for a few minutes...inspired from a recipe from foodtv.com. I also tried them in an omelet with Gruyere, but the cheese overwhelmed the flavor of the mushrooms, which was a crime. I didn't think the use of them with pasta was a particularly good combo either. They really shined (for me), just on their own, with lots of good butter. That's how one can best appreciate the wonderful woodsy earthy flavor. I have also dried some, but haven't tried those ones yet. B Edulis is the one to talk to though, as she is the real morel guru! edit: and to store them (which you probably already know), you put them in a paper sack, and put them in the fridge. I fold the sack top once just to close, but I don't think it matters.

Yes, Sandra, you raise a very good question about the wine. So where is Steve P. when we REALLY need him?? Any help out there with the wine? Sandra, it's not my house, but you're definitely invited, too! Heck, let's all invite ourselves to stellas for brownies and wine. Of course no waifs allowed, and anyone size 6 or under must bring their eGullet membership ID card to get in.

stella, please save some of those brownies for me. I'll be right over! I'll bring the wine and we'll make it a party!

Thanks for the update on Galerias, but sorry to hear it's gone downhill. I havent' been there since well before their move. I haven't heard of El Gallito before. I've been hitting Taqueria Guyames a few times lately. On a side note, on a recommendation from the Southwest board, I have checked out an interesting cookbook from the library called A Real Texas Cookbook by Matt Martinez. I hope to try a few of the recipes. Jaymes, from Texas has been a treasure trove of great tex-mex ideas, as well.

lullyhoo, I didn't say (or mean) that Cold Borscht is specifically Lithuanian (to the exclusion of any other country), only that it is a traditional Lithuanian dish, and that is how I have come to sample it.

I just want to say that I haven't been to the Pink Door. Tighe, or others....how did you like Elliott's last time you went? Do you remember what you ordered?

lullyhoo, my grandpa was born in Vilnius (Vilna) Lithuania . Unfortunately, he and my great great grandparents passed away long before I was able to get any recipes. Fortunately, I have a Lithuanian cookbook I bought when I was a member of a local Lithuanian club. I'd be happy to share some traditional Lithuanian recipies with if you ever need them.

Cold borscht, as described above, is also a traditional Lithuanian dish. I love it, as well.

I haven't been too tempted to try Les Tamales, as I'm not keen on tamales (to begin with). The couple of times I have checked out their menu, nothing on it drew me to go inside. I didn't like their fusion concept, either, mamster. I even had some kind of discount coupon for it once that still wasn't enough to draw me in. It's rather expensive for what you get (ie $15 for basically tacos, beans & rice). For fusion Mexican, I would rather go to Galerias on Broadway. Although I've only been there once, I enjoyed their Nachos w/caviar and and a chicken dish. That said, I have some friends who love Les Tamales and drive over from Bellevue to eat there.

Summer is here (yeah!) and the weather is perfect for dining alfresco. Could you please share with us some of your favorite menu ideas for these warm days? Perhaps things that could be made in the morning to be served cool or at room temperature? Or something made earlier that would need just a quick warming up? Starting with appetizers, salad(s), possible side dish, main dish, dessert, and if you know, the type of wine you would serve? And if the recipes for these dishes are in your cookbooks, could you please name which books they come from, so we can buy them? Thanks!

I just drove down to Sunfish yesterday for a late lunch (2pm) and was disappointed to find it closed. Very strange. So then for my second choice, I drove up to try Abe's barbeque on Calif., and it was also closed. Not a good day for me yesterday. Maybe since it was Mon? Sunfish is at 2800 Alki Ave, Seattle, WA 206-938-4112 I go to Sunfish about 75% of the time, Spuds 25%. I like them both, but prefer the food at Sunfish. I often order the large fried prawns n chips and noticed last time the prawns were smaller than usual (hope that was a 1 time thing). I also like to order their fried calamari n chips. In winter, I often get the combo, with fried cod or halibut, prawns & oysters. I agree with mamster, their fish kebobs are really nice, too. Because they're close and good, and inexpensive, I think I go to Sunfish (or Spuds) at least once a month. What is Pacific Inn like? Where is it? Does anyone else have any favorite fish n chip places? I also like the fish n chips at Chinooks which had a panko type breading, at Fisherman's Terminal. I've also been a fan of Ivars, but haven't been in awhile.

ha, that's our experience at TJ's too. We get lots of 1 bottles and try and figure out what we like. I edited my post above to say that we also go to the WA State Liquor stores, as well, and when we find a winner, we go back for more, especially good deals on closeouts.

tighe, what was your experience at Esquin, if it is not too personal? I used to like Esquin as well, however, and although it's not a big deal... I once made a special trip to buy a wine they had advertised on their monthly flyer. When I got there, they would not honor their flyer price as they said it was printed in error. It was only a couple of dollars difference, but I felt they should have honored the price as a matter of principle and good will, especially since I made a special trip. I haven't been back since. I'm afraid I buy most of my wine at Trader Joe's or Costco, but I'm recently branching out a bit more. My favorite way to buy wine, of course, is on a wine tasting trip, whether it be in Napa, or Sonoma Valley's, or Eastern WA. I would also like to do a wine tasting trip to Oregon sometime. Linda, one of our new members from Oregon has a vineyard and/or winery I believe, and I'd love to hear more about it sometime, if she gets a chance. edit: I also sometimes buy wine at the WA State liquor store. Occasionally they will have a good deal on a closeout (perhaps the winery has been bought out or has changed labels). I usually buy one bottle and if I like it, I go back to buy more.

I thought I would bring this older thread back up towards the front again, incase Tom D. from NJ or any others want to read about some good places we discussed awhile back. (When I get back to my other computer I can link this thread to the other).

I know this isn't the right thread to list a rec'd Japanese restaurant, but my uncle remembered the name of the place in Georgetown I was describing above. DAIMONJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 5963 CORSON AV (which is between Michigan and I-5. I believe Michigan becomes Corson for a short distance. Its in a little strip mall). Seattle, WA 98108 206-762-7820 I have not been, but plan to as soon as I can.

Basildog, One of my neighborhood's most popular sushi spots has a live webcam of their sushi bar area. It also happens to be Colonel Klink's favorite sushi place, and we all know that sushi is Klinks next favorite thing to barbeque. One day he mentioned on the PNW board he was going that night, so of course I had to raz him that we'd all be watching him on the webcam. (we didn't of course, too voyeuristic, but it was fun to tease him). I was also at this sushi place a few days ago, but I sat out of range of the camera, ha. To check out their webcam at Mashiko Restaurant Click here and then click on the webcam pic You could also email them for tips/hints/advice if you like, they're real nice over there. As far as your restaurant, I think a webcam of the kitchen would be very interesting.

The lunch yesterday at Salumi was fantastic. I ordered the porchetta sandwich $6, and it was enormous, with delicious shredded pork, peppers and onions spilling out over the garlicky insides of the baguette and onto the plate. You need a big mouth (which I think I have) for this sandwich, and I think I went through at least 4 napkins. I was also lucky enough to get a bite of mamster's Oxtail sandwich and Kathy's Pork Cheek Sandwich, too. Thanks guys! I forgot all about picking up some pancetta while I was there, darn. Looking forward to a return visit. btw, it was on a Friday, and Mario's Aunt or Grandma was in the front window making her famous gnocchi. I believe I saw Mario's father working as well. And there was another lady that could have been his mom. It's a nice family operation. The line was definitely long, I'm glad we were there when it opened, and were first in line. There is a small rush shortly after 11am, and then another big rush just before noon, when we were leaving.

I can't believe there would be so many bikers in 1 city. Yesterday I drove by the Alki Tavern about 7:30pm on my way home from my beach walk and there had to be almost 200 motorcycles lined up outside, and bikers in an out of the tavern for Taco Thursday. The nicer the weather, the more bikes show up. I slowed down to look, I almost stopped, it was really something to see. Perhaps they stop first for tacos & comraderie, and then later on head over to the Central for some serious drinking? When we went it was a dark cold wintery evening, and there were only maybe 25 bikes. Anyway, next time you come out to W. Seattle for fish n chips at Sunfish, make it a Thursday summery evening and check out the Harley's, too.

Seattle: A few weeks ago we tried Circa Neighborhood Alehouse, 2605 California Ave. SW, (At Admiral Wy.), in West Seattle. They had a nice selection of beer, and we chose a sampler to go with our lunch (Guinness, Moose Drool Brown Ale, and a bock which was on the rotating tap and was actually our favorite). The food was much better than I expected. I had a juicy Blackened Halibut Sandwich served on a kaiser bun with roasted pepper aioli and lettuce, also grated apple cabbage slaw, with a huge portion of french fries that were excellent as I recall. With out of towners, we most often seem to end up at Rays Boathouse deck on Shilshole. Last summer I had a really good crab cake sandwich there, and a Fish Tail ale that I liked. Salty's on Alki also has a great deck, and I've heard they have a good happy hour, too. We most often go to Redhook brewery up in Woodinville, as we have a friend who insists he can only drink their IPA (which I also happen to like). The food is always pretty good there, too. (I like their smoked salmon sampler plate). For an interesting dive tavern, I have to mention the Alki Tavern. It's on Alki beach across from Salty's. Thursday's are 75 cent Taco night, and the unofficial Harley Davidson biker's night. It's an incredible site to drive by on a warm evening like last night, and see maybe 100-200 motorbikes parked outside, with an array of bikers outside and in. We stopped in once last winter, as it was something on my "must do" list. It was fun, the owners and help were friendly, beer was good (tacos are not the reason one goes, as they are the crispy type), but all in all it was a fun experience. The bikers are a mix of white collar and authentic Easy Rider types. If nothing else, it's worth it just to check out the Harley's outside.

Thanks Jinmyo. It looks like it is very versatile recipe, and one that can be seasoned in many different ways, which is handy. I bet one could even add cream, or coconut milk? yum, the possibilities....

I didn't realize there are so many pickle choices out there...never heard of sour or half sour, but they sound interesting. I'm not keen on sweet or b & b pickles if they are sweet, but I'm very fond of kosher dill pickles. Cornichons are also really nice, with a plate of raclette, especially.

Jinmyo, how do you make your wild mushroom soup? What all do you put in it? What types of wild mushrooms do you use? It sounds sooo delicious.