Pan

Nice pics, Sam!

What do you think of poppyseed hamantashen? Those are my favorites! And, lucky me, my local kosher bakery, Moishe's on 2nd Av. near 7 St. in Manhattan, makes really good soft poppyseed hamantashen.

I think I have a vague recollection of being taken to Rumplemayer's by my grandma. Is that possible? When did it close? And where was it?

Congratulations, Neil! I hope you enjoy your job.

Grade B is industrial strength maple syrup, and I love it! Try some.

Ondine, you don't need to make allowances for your bias; just don't do any of the rash things some of your ill-advised "girlfriends" are suggesting.

Thanks. Nice pictures. Where in Upstate New York is that?

Australia is pretty far from Florida. And mags, in case you didn't notice, I'm not a girlfriend.

Remember she's in Australia, but I don't think all these suggestions of things to do for revenge are a good idea. They may sound funny, but they're not. We also have to keep in mind that while we all sympathize with Ondine, we're getting only her side of the story. Sorry to inject a bit of controversial sanity here, and please, no offense, Ondine! The guy who left you does sound like a real cad!

Robyn, where did you get that quote? Also, do you know if wine exports are subsumed under "food products"?

I'm bumping this thread back up to ask whether any of you think that some of the restaurants you gave descriptions of might belong in a top-20-or-so list of non-fancy restaurants in New York. If you do, please consider posting some mini-reviews on the Best "Non-Fancy" Restaurants in New York thread. Thanks a lot!

I wonder what "contemporary European food" means. Something like El Bulli?

sugarhill, you can start by clicking this link: Food. France. Now. The Stage. Louisa did not stage in New York, but in Paris, and is headed for El Bulli (when exactly, I forget). And welcome to eGullet.

Thanks, senorshuckerman.

What's Vitamin M?

Yeah, Eric, the Spicy and Sour Squid is a favorite of mine.

Yep. Just checking.

Could anyone please give cross streets for Cafe Frida, Suenos, and Rocking Horse Cafe?

Lafcadio, what's amberjack?

I had General Tso's Chicken once at the Chelsea branch, and it was just as mediocre and forgettable as at any ordinary takeout place. Wonton Soup is another thing I wouldn't order at Grand Sichuan (though I'm sure it's OK), but the Sichuan Shrimp Dumplings are terrific! As for Sichuan Pepper, are you sure you couldn't get used to its texture, since you liked its taste?

Just to clarify: This was Madras Cafe, not Madras Mahal, correct?

Oh, I thought you were referring to Sam's explanation of the star system, which was pretty damn good.

Do you feel like they do that more than the U.S. does?

Eloquent statement, Steven.

My attitude about decor and ambiance is, if the food is good and the service doesn't suck, pleasant decor and ambiance are an added source of enjoyment. On the other hand, if you're paying a lot of money for mediocre-to-poor food and the service sucks, the decor and ambiance don't save the restaurant for me in any way.