Blondie

Congratulations, Glenn! I'm sure it will even be worth crossing the river for

I've mentioned the FloraBama several times on theses boards as being one of my favorite bars. When my aunt and uncle return to Point Clear in a few days (they evacuated), I'll report back anything I hear. We're due to go down next month for my cousin's wedding, depending on what's left standing - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Grand Hotel survived.

If you're thinking of the one that was closer to Bereket, it's closed. That space is a Tasti-D-Lite now. I would suggest taking the opportunity to try a couple of places in the neighborhood while you're there. Feed your hubby's pastrami jones at Katz's, then go to 'inoteca for the infamous Truffled Egg Toast and a glass of wine (Rivington and Ludlow). Or go around the corner to Teany, Moby's tea shop/cafe (Rivington between Ludlow and Orchard). The vegetarian sandwiches I've tried there were delicious. Maybe a fried oyster po' boy at Schiller's (Rivington and Norfolk) - worth the trip to see the interior. For dessert, Sugar Sweet Sunshine has fantastic cupcakes in a range of flavors (Rivington between Essex and Norfolk).

Congratulations, Moby! That's wonderful news.

Chez Cheese

You should keep practicing. Maybe eventually you'll get good at it.

Cheese Louise

The bathrooms at Bar 89 in Soho have a substantial amount of freak-out potential. I knew what to expect when I saw them for the first time (in fact that was the reason for my visit – I was researching the material). The doors are panels of LC (liquid crystal) glass. They appear clear but turn opaque when you shut the door.

I don’t watch the Food Network at all unless Tony Bourdain or Alton Brown are involved, so forgive me if this concept has already been stolen, messed with, produced and stunk up the place. Belfast chef Paul Rankin did a wonderful series on BBC/NI around 1997-98 called “The Rankin Challenge”. Each episode he would arrive at a different private home to help the subject cater an event: dinner party, birthday, etc. Most of the subjects seemed to be experienced amateur cooks, but the event in question was meant to be just out of reach of what they could accomplish alone. Paul Rankin to the rescue. IIRC the subjects planned the menu, purchased the groceries and provided the kitchen and tools. They worked against the clock to finish with Rankin assisting and instructing along the way, and the Queer Eye-style reveal/event was a great way to wrap it up. This page has brief synopses of the second season episodes.

Great news. I loved Roscoff. Belfast just went from "Tentative" to "Definite" on my upcoming itinerary

Aha! Finally I can use those grains of paradise that have been taking up room on my shelf for ages. I searched high and low after reading Amanda Hesser's piece in the Times years ago. I finally found them and promptly lost interest. Thanks, andiesenji! I tried adding some green cardamom to the coffee in my (crappy) espresso maker. It makes terrible espresso but passably latte. I had Cafe Bustelo on hand. The first time I mixed the seeds from one pod in with the coffee. No discernable cardamom. This morning I added 2 pods' worth to the filter basket before adding the coffee. Much better - very pronounced taste and aroma, but I'd use a tiny bit less next time.

That sounds good and I think it might be really good with the strong black cardamoms from the Indian store - but I am guessing here... hmm.. sounds really nice though I only have green cardamom on hand right now, but I'll give it a try and report back.

Color me interested too. I've been toying with the idea of tossing some cardamon into the filter in my espresso machine to see if I could come close to the cardamom coffee I've had in the past.

Yes, it's between Essex and Ludlow at 108 Rivington. Take the F to Delancey or the J/M/Z to Essex and go one block north on Essex, then west on Rivington and it's on the right. To my nephews' delight, I have to walk past on the way to my garage. I can't resist stopping in to find them something they've never seen before or an old favorite that isn't widely available - providing me with HUGE brownie points

I'm on my way to pick up a copy now

My experience is rather limited, but I've had some of the best pints of my life at the Wenlock Arms. Granted, it's not situated in the most charming neighborhood, but they take their beer very seriously.

Thanks, GoodEater. I should know my way around NJ better than I do, but I always find the highways relentlessly confusing. I have to be in Northvale some time in the next few weeks so I was hoping to combine the trip with some good food. China 46 will be my backup

Could one of you kind souls please tell this Manhattanite: is Glen Rock anywhere near Northvale? If not, how far out of the way of the bridge or tunnel would it take us?

Good recommendations, kerriar. A belated welcome to eGullet I continue to kick myself for not making it to John Desmond's place when I was living mere miles away for a couple of years If he's still doing the cookery courses I'm going to try and make it next spring/summer.

Best of luck, Brooks. I'm dying to see how it turns out. Coincidentally I got an updated set of Marmoleum sample books yesterday and some of the colors are absolutely stunning. I've been up to my ears in VCT samples as well, and they don't hold a candle to Marmoleum on purely aesthetic grounds.

I've been using chipotles, mostly for black bean soup, for at least 8 or 9 years. When I lived in Ireland (a number of years back now), I always lugged a few cans of chipotles in adobo back from my trips home to NY. I puree them (after removing some of the seeds) and found the mixture keeps fine in a glass jar in the fridge. I have used the dried version in a pinch, but can't usually be bothered with the soaking, etc.. Tossing a spoonful of puree into a dish is so much easier.

I’m going to try making this fresh lime syrup ASAP. I hate to toss my nearly full bottle of Rose’s, so it’s been relegated to a dash in my iced tea for a change of pace. It won’t be coming near any of my fine spirits in the future.

Me too. Exactly the reason we are looking forward to trying it. Order lunch in every day for months and you'd be too. I've had more than my share of crappy $7-8 sandwiches and lunch specials. It figures that we'd finally get a great lunch place in the neighborhood just as we pick up and move to Astoria

Coincidentally, we were just discussing Starwich a few days ago. Our whole office orders in every day and we were going to try it next week (after that we're moving out of the neighborhood). Do they deliver?

Word. Good luck, zilla!