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I'm surprised even the furthest southern part of Korea is warm enough to grow bananas. Do you know if there's a warm current that goes past Cheju-do?

I think if I had a chance to live in France for 4 months, and had no other considerations (such as a girlfriend in a particular place or a job), I'd want to stay in Paris and take several-day trips from that base. It's precisely Paris's big-city feel and the amenities and interest that go with that which make it comfortable for me. But that's natural, because I'm a New Yorker. I've spent more time in Nice and Paris than any other places in France. I've travelled around Burgundy, the Loire Valley, and Provence somewhat, and all three of those areas have charm and are well worth visiting. One other idea that comes to my mind is for you to consider staying in Orleans and taking trips to the fabulous Medieval churches and chateaux all around. I doubt you'll go wrong wherever you end up staying.

I'm not so sure about this. When my parents were courting in the early 50s, they went to Greek restaurants and an Indian restaurant. And there were plenty of Italian restaurants, German restaurants, etc.

That surprises me somewhat. I reject samples on occasion, though usually not. The last time I rejected a sample, it was too gristly.

Armagnac ice cream - love it! What were prices like? I hope you're feeling better, Eden. I think this is day 12 of my flu, but I'm losing count. Time to order some more chicken soup.

Has anyone addressed that question of whether chlorophyll is nutritious to human beings?

I don't know much about the Chinese Winter Solstice Festival, but I wish a happy holiday belatedly to Shiewie, and to anyone else who's celebrating. This isn't one of those festivals that lasts a few days and will still be going on the 25th, is it?

Many of us New York eGulleteers consider DiFara's on Av. J in Brooklyn to be the best pizzeria in the 5 boroughs. What do you think of the place?

You're very welcome, and I've been enjoying your participation in this Q&A.

Thanks, Brooks. That certainly is an interesting article, and I'm sure the film is more interesting.

Robyn, I think we should be careful about assuming that government is always optimally efficient. Just because something is logical and would save money does not mean that any level of government is doing it.

So over $50 for dinner, maybe $60.

Holly, I think that by law, prisoners have to be paid for work, though I think the salary is nominal (cents on the dollar). I'd love for someone who actually knows what levels are set for prisoners' salaries in the various states to chime in.

I walked past this place - in the old Tappo location - after Bond Girl gave it a positive review, and it looked so fancy I didn't feel like asking to look at the prices on the menu when I noticed no menu was displayed.

Thanks for another great review. We are blessed to have your contributions.

Food never used as a reward? Is it wrong for someone to treat you out to a special dinner to celebrate a birthday, wedding, promotion, graduation, or some other milestone or achievement? Or was there something I didn't understand about your point?

Nah, I didn't deserve an apology. But at least your figures on jail population would seem to show where I got my (mis-)impression that a majority of inmates are awaiting trial.

Jason, I actually have a cousin (2nd cousin? 3rd cousin? something like that) on my mother's side who is or was a Communist and went to China after the Communist Revolution, became a Chinese citizen, served as some kind of culture official and, I think, translator in Shanghai, and married a Han Chinese woman. I've seen him, his wife, and his daughter (I think it was) on TV a few times (that show Looking East). The kid looked very Chinese - to my eyes, anyway. So in addition to the community in Kaifeng, I know of at least one Jewish Chinese man who doesn't trace his ancestry to Kaifeng.

Felonious, all you really have to do is ask for a pastrami on rye. Like I said, the counter guy will give you a couple of little slices to try. If you like them, tell him, and he'll make a sandwich with them. If you find them wanting, tell him, and he'll get another big slab out of the steamer and give you a sample of that one, too. Of course, if you know you want one that's juicy or one that's lean, tell that to the counter guy right away. Once he's done, tip him at least a dollar, and at least two if you rejected the first sample. And don't forget your ticket! If you lose the ticket you get at Katz's on entry, you'll be charged $50! If you're not really, really hungry and don't think you could finish a whole pastrami sandwich, you can get a half sandwich with or without a bowl of soup (matzo ball or split pea - both good). If you want cole slaw or some other side dish or soda, go to the far end of the counter to order that. The soups are at the side nearest to the window. Anything else you wanna know?

Lunch at Katz's sounds good to me, but a snack?!!!!!

Thanks a lot for the links with the stats, ExtraMSG.

Thanks, Gary. That was fun.

If you want to pick your pastrami, go up to the counter. The counterman will give you some to try, and if you aren't satisfied, ask him to replace it with another one that's juicier, leaner, of more consistent texture, or whatever. Tip the counterman, then sit in the self-service section. And why were you thirsty? Didn't you get anything to drink with your pastrami?

I think there's a big difference between convicts growing the food they eat as opposed to producing something that profits a company that runs their prison, simply because prisoners are paid cents on the hour (what's the going rate?). I'm not the least bit troubled by having prisoners grow their own food, but the use of prison labor to produce profits for a company that manages prisons like a factory bothers me, not least because it's a way of getting around minimum-wage laws and can undercut products produced by free labor.

I didn't think there were any restaurants where pants were optional.