sara

Hi My husband and I saw your pics, and we decided we must go. We're coming March 17-21 and staying at the Quality Inn. First, what is the status of oysters and crawfish--available or no? Are any of these places open-- Uglesich, Elizabeth's, Herbsaint, Dick and Jenny's? We'll be in touch closer to then to find out where we might help out as an extra pair of hands. Thanks in advance. Sara

I miss Dixie Pig in Alexandria (Rt 1) terribly...also well as the nearby Ernie's crab and the drive-in movie theater (now a Multiplex) and the original Frozen Dairy Bar and of course, and always, Nectar.

A. Love the new look and new 'tude B. Where is Firefly?? C. Check out my uncle Joe (youcha) in the Local Heroes section while you're flipping thru.

Still singing this place's praises. Went Friday night with 6 new yorkers and chicago natives who were convinced philly mex would be a salsa cheesesteak. Wow did Lolita prove them wrong! Those pork carnitas really sing, the the veal cheeks were slow-cooked and spicy. And that bread pudding, wow. This is a great place to take out-of-towners and convince them there's much new in Philly worth checking out.

Had a remarkable dinner at Django Friday night with several friends. That place is back up and on its feet-- during my last 4 visits I'd felt a steady slow decline in both creativity and consistentcy, and more importantly in the cheese plate, with Aimee's absence. But this visit under the new regime was truly great. And my dining partners, all from Chicago, were extremely impressed. I enjoyed veal sweetbreads and a wild striped bass over lovely roasted beets, devoured the new extreme version of the cheese plate (must've been 12 kinds!) and ended with a goat cheesecake. Unfortunately too much tequila at Southwark after dinner prevents me from full recitations, but an excellent time was had by all.

Hi Is Lola (re)open yet? When?

Went the other night to the UES location...Merely ok this time. The dan dan noodles weren't very hot, and were a bit greasy. The sesame chicken my little cousins ordered was terrible--chewy/gummy. Tangerine prawns were fine. The string beans with yibin spice and the eggplant were both quite good. The general tso's tofu was surprisingly wonderful! Service was extremely haphazard--they kept forgetting dishes and bringing wrong ones, and never properly cleared the table.

Is there any ramen on the UES? I'm at 86th and Lex today and would love a bowl...

A huge congrats to Greg! WOW. I have no doubt the place will continue to be a Philly treasure.

Hi I'm making the trip from Madison to Cleveland Friday and just snagged a Lolita reservation. First, could someone confirm for an out-of-towner where this place IS now, and more importantly, any insights into the wine list?

I recently hosted a large event at Bistro St Tropez and they did an outstanding job-- the views are beautiful, the food was surprisingly good, the cocktails were strong, the staff professional. I recently got married as well, and if I'd done it in Philly this would've been a very appropriate choice. Your guests will love dining while looking at the river and train station, etc. We were quoted $50/person 3 course meal with tax & grat included.

O'Leary's sounds good, we'll do that one night. But I must have crabs-- what's the best of the touristy places, if one must go there??

Going to Annapolis next weekend for a meeting, have two nights free for dinner. One night we'd like crabs, one night a good seafood non-crab meal. We're staying at the Loew's and won't have a car--at least the night we go to the crab joint--where should we go? Thanks in advance

Chocolate Shoppe has 3 locations--State St, Hilldale Mall and one on the East Side. They have a website.

Love seeing Madison discussion on the DC board. Yes, Michael's is quite good, but after plenty of custard, I've turned to our ice cream here-- at the Chocolate Shoppe. It is 50 times better than any ice cream or custard I've ever tasted (though not better than the gelato at Capogiro in Philadelphia), and I highly recommend a stop at the Shoppe for those of you passing through town.

I think being able to see the chef is key. I've been to Isobune in SF many times, especially when I was younger and so impressed with those water boats, and when Pod opened it immediately struck me as lower quality because I could not see the chef working. While this may not in fact be accurate--quality may not be highly associated with visibility of a sushi chef--I suspect others would make the association in their minds. Thus here in Madison, when a new takeout sushi place recently opened, there is a mini camera trained on the hands of the chef, so that those sitting in the waiting area can watch him work (5 ft away, in front of them, but not with hands visible minus the camera). Love the cocktails idea, btw! Using those riedel glasses without legs might work!

What about internet cafes w/ computers? I don't always bring my laptop on vacation but it's nice to check in once in awhile.

So the chef was named best rising star by James Beard-- is the place really that good now? I guess I'll have to get over the unwarranted $400 price tag I paid at New Years Eve 2000....

Hi A friend is trying to organize my bachelorette party dinner at Studio Kitchen and has been trying for over a week to reach them via phone and email. Any idea if something's changed over there?

Hi We've tried all the sushi in Madison, and by far the best is Ginza of Tokyo (the downtown location). Not everything is perfect, but if you get the chef's assortment of sashimi, the tuna tataki, some pieces, a cancun roll, it's a very nice meal. Much better than Takara, etc.

Hi A few new finds to add to the list of good cheap eats-- 1. Taqueria Marimar-- Beltline to Fish Hatchery, take a left, then another left on Greenway Cross and it's in a small shopping center on the right. Very authentic. We did takeout--4 tacos, sides of guac & refried beans, an outstanding ceviche tostada, chips & salsa, a slice of flan and a slice of excellent tres leches cake--all for only $20! 2. El Pastor-- on Park St. Also very good mex; cheap huge margaritas for $5.50, tho the lime is a mix. Had a wonderful spicy shrimp dish and tacos, and will be back. The salsa is superior at Marimar however. 3. Saigon Noodles on Odana Rd. Vietnamese here is better than at Mekong.

Hmmm..makes me wonder if I should have my driver stop somewhere to pickup dinner between airport and Inn...?

I'm staying at the Michigan League Inn tonight, and will need to grab a quick dinner (preferably takeout) around 8:30. Any good places nearby? Sushi?

Hi It appears Bistro St. Tropez and Patou can both accomodate us. Any thoughts on either? Which is nicer? Is the food better at one or the other? Thanks!

Anyone been back to Moshulu since Tim's departure??