boris

Help or updates for restaurants. We are staying in Acqui Terme. Will travel for great food. Can anyone provide updates on the following restaurants (Antine, Da Cesare in Albaretto della Torre), or other advice? We dined at Da Cesare about 6 years ago and loved it, but haven't seen any recent news or updates. We also dined at Della Posta and enjoyed it; though found the meal to be quite "heavy" and overwhelming....couldn't eat for two days afterwards. We are going in June. Last time we went at the end of October for white truffle season. This time it will obviously be quite different. Any advise is truly appreciated!!

← Algy, Thank you for your help....what is the way to ask in French eg, "Chaque entre entre deux personnes"? Thanks again, Mark

While there are two choices, menu or a la carte, I frequently see situations where people compose their own tasting menu from the a la carte side. Obviously this can get quite costly; however, are people often ordering 1/2 portions, or splitting 1 course between two people. Are *** such as Troisgros or Lameloise willing to do this, or is there resistance? Thanks.

I can't find the exact size of Ch Grillet, but I think that Romanée-Conti may be smaller at 1.8 hectares - don't know if that's the smallest though! ← Romanée-Conti is not an appellation. Vosne Romanee is the appellation. Re: the other place in Tain-Hermitage - are you referring to Chapoutier? Cheers! Mark

Kraft Dinner (Canada), and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (USA) are DIFFERENT products, marketed for two different markets. Canadians prefer the stronger cheese flavour and tend to eat it on its own, thus Kraft Dinner - it also has a darker yellow color. The American Version is much milder, and lighter in color. Americans tend to have it as a side dish - compared to Canadians. As "dual citizens" living in Washington State, we often bring back KD from BC when we visit. We'll have KD once every couple of months when we get a craving, are lazy, and feel especially cheap Note: I'm referring to the original; not all the white chedder, etc variations now available.

Thanks, all, for reminding me why I moved to the US!!

Bill was wondering ( and so am I) about the late summer weather. Was it a wetter than normal summer in Northern Italy which would predict a great year for the truffle? I've tried to search for weather reports, but can only get day to day - not a summary of August and Sept. PS - Bill thanks for the advise re Da Renzo. Mark

...of course, this day and age, one can simply do a google search to see a picture of Mr Bruni Bruni pics

To all that posted above Do you recall the meal cost, or more specifically, the cost of the tasting menu? Many thanks. Mark

Carpanitos (in Kent) had fresh Wasabi in September, I believe - it was fantastic. I think it was from Oregon.

Ethan seems to be well known by all of you. Where was he before? Hopefully my wife and I can stop by for dinner in the next two weeks! Mark E.

Chocomoo, I'm sorry but I'm not clear. Was Pastis or Cafe de Paris the resto that gave you trouble? I assume it wasn't Le Crocodile, since you started off your post praising it. I thank you in advance for the clarification. Mark E.

Correct. Interestingly, they have usually steered me to the black over the white truffles. They are not close in flavour compared to their European counterpart. Mark E

Ling, Quattro has always underwhelmed WRT food. I have been to both the 4th ave and Whistler locations. Havent been to Il Giardino in yrs. Hope to hit Pastis at Xmas time (or Crocodile) to check it out. It used to be called just "Pastis". Any changes, or just trying to go with a "hipper" name? Mark E

Dear friends, My wife and I are looking at dining at either of these two restaurants, and are mainly trolling for recent updates. I realize Le Croc is more elegant and refined, and Cafe de Paris is going to more closely approximate a bistro. Are they as I remember them 5 years ago? Have there been any new revelations? Getting down to basics, which one would YOU suggest. Thanks, Mark E