Karystos

Quinoa is seems to be very popular where I am . . . I had never heard of it a couple of years ago, but now I see it everywhere. I like it a lot in a salad.

A small consideration (gift card) or gift from your shop (small box of chocolates), along with a letter acknowledging her good work and time spent would be a nice gesture. I don't think you have any further obligation to her . . . and I also don't think you should shy away from giving her a certain amount of "grunt" work as you call it(it is all part of the experience and is to be expected). She is the one who solicited you for the opportunity and experience. I have been an intern, (albeit not in the culinary arena) and as long as you are getting what you signed up for, and not being completely abused, and you learn something from the experience, you have no reason to expect to be paid if that was not part of the initial agreement. If she wasn't getting something out of the experience, I am guessing she would not continue to show up (and even might have made an excuse to end her time with you). Sounds like you are doing fine; I wouldn't sweat it. Good Luck

I can tell you that I don't really dig Uncle Nick's in midtown on the west side, but Poseidon bakery (also in midtown but lower), has been around forever, has some amazing Greek pastry, and shouldn't be missed.

I agree with the Katz's comment . . . and I had breakfast at Junior's once in I think Mid-town and it was fairly dissapointing. If you want something a little different, but very good, try Michael Psilakis' Anthos in Midtown near the theater district (low 50s I think). Also . . . if you want an Awesome "slice" as they call it . . . try this little walk up place on the West side of 10th (again in the mid 50s) called Sacco Pizza. It is a cheap favorite of mine any time I am killing time mid-day / early evening in the theater district. I agree with 'oakapple' above, there are So Many amazing places, it is almost impossible to give you guidance without knowing what you are into or looking for . . . Good Luck, I am Very Jealous! This time of year is a nice time to visit NYC, but dress warm, the wind can Really whip up the avenues . . .

I really like a lot of what Trader Joe has to offer. It is one of the easiest places in my area to find nitrite free meats; bacon is a good example- both the Trader Joe and Niman Ranch uncured bacon are excellent. I also think the frozen Greek pizza (Olympia I think maybe it is called) is a tasty nosh, and they have a decent selection of wines at competitive price-points. That having been said, I think their "raw" meats are good but their prepared stuff is really hit and miss. Some of their pre-made stuff can taste "over prepared" and a little "chemical-y" . . . as an example, I bought some pre marinated (always a risky choice and I should have known better) chicken carne asada, which when I took it home and cooked it, was fairly acidic and almost inedible. In general, I think Trader Joe's is a good, (often thrifty) option for finding healthy and interesting stuff otherwise not available to people in many parts of the country who might not have access to specialty food shops.

It is very nice that you are sending care packages to your daughter. I come from a large family from Alaska and we went to school all over the US (and world), and my mom was great about it and still continues to this day. In reality I am sure she appreciates anything you send, but pretty much everything you can think of is available to your daughter in Tacoma... except those things that can only come from home . . . Pictures, news clippings, and homemade treats were always the best. Holidays can be a little lonely, so pictures from childhood and days gone by can be especially nice. btw, is she at UPS or PLU?