Tremors

Foodsaver advises that you freeze the bread first and then vacumn seal it - that way it doesn't lose its shape. I missed this important detail when I first got my Foodsaver and the bread shrinked up in a really cool way and then when I defrosted them a bit later they came out great - reinflated and all. But MSG you are right - it is pretty fun to see the bread practically suck into itself!

In Portland, I like Escape and the New York, New York place on Barbur. I definitely tend towards thin crust and I judge all pizza places by their cheese slice. There is a rumor that Cathy Whims (formerly of Genoa) is opening an authentic Italian pizza place. The best pizza I have ever had was in Italy. Hopefully Cathy can bring that flavor here...

I would recommend the Dolphin Bay hotel in Hilo - the owner (John) is very cool and can tell you everything there is to know about the lava flow - he goes up there several times a week. Every room comes with a kitchen - but it is definitely not a luxury hotel like you'll find on the Kona side or North Kohala/Waikoloa. Rates are below $100 a night. But very clean and comfortable. He has lots of papaya and banana trees on the property and they are offered up for the guests in big bowls in the lobby. If you are looking to get to know some more local kind folks - stay there - otherwise in Hilo you can't go wrong with the Hilo Hawaiian. BTW - Bear Coffee is just down the way from the Dolphin Bay - for a nice walk and a good cup of coffee in the morning and a chance to hang with the haole locals. And if you are brave stop by Cafe 100 in downtown Hilo - where the loco moco was invented/created - they have every imaginable combination of loco moco - but it's not for everyone. BI Revealed can give lots of info on where to go etc. but I highly recommend seeing the lava flow wherever it is - and the Puna coastline is spectacular - albeit remote. In Waimea - the Waimea Deli is good for plate lunch - better than anything over at the Parker Ranch mall - and definitely skip the Parker Ranch Grill - go to Merriman's or Theibault's. Don't skip Tex's for the malasada experience - they are in Honokaa just off Hwy 19 - and it will be on your way to Waipio Valley which you shouldn't miss either. But the book can tell you all this.

Nick and other interested folks, I read this weekend that Williams/Buckman's is closing. I think the owner wants to travel or some such thing. It was in A&E on Friday. They'll be open for a couple more weeks - I think.

Lucky for me I live in Portland so I am pumped about your BBQ place, especially with all this great research! Where will you guys belocated and what's the potential start date? The West Bros. BBQ (now defunct) in Eugene had a great wall mural of a BBQ trip that the owners had taken with pics, map, etc. It was a great idea - maybe you can incorporate your trip as decor. It will get patrons salivating that's for sure. See ya as soon as you open!

Where is the Dive? I guess I should ask where was the Dive?

I tried Logans over the weekend and thought it was mediocre. No smokiness and the sauce (what there was of it) was not very tasty. I don't think he slow smokes his meat I think he grills it which is different and can be good if the rub is good but I didn't really catch much flavor from his rub. BTW we ordered the pork ribs - with the smashed potatoes and baked beans as sides. Both of those were not very good either - and sadly we had to add salt to everything for some taste. Never a good sign with BBQ. I am sorry to report that cause the guy seemed very nice and other customers there really were enthused about the food.

I bet the no photo policy is more common than you think. Take a look at Phaelon's food blog - he was shut down by Wegman's in NY from taking pics. Why would a huge food store like that care? No one knows but they apparently have a strict no photo policy. FWIW - without knowing who you were or your intent I guess I might be suspicious about a stranger taking pics at my place of business - I would ask tho before making you stop.

Jim, Congrats! I toast you every evening when I chomp into my Ken's bread dipped in your olive oil and sea salt. The best antidote to a long bike ride home from work! For those who have not met Jim - this is one of those times when the nice guy finishes first! Cheers!

Nick pretty much nails it on what to do - but wanted to add that Yamhill market is no more. Replaced by a real estate appraisal firm, a Bally's gym and various retail and foody places. But Portland offers so much more these days I don't think you will miss it.

It is round steak. I'm not a big sweet with meat fan but if you say this works for elk - I'll give it a try. Thanks and let me know if you'd like some.

I am just going to defend Laurelwood for a sec here. IMHO it is a vast improvement over McMenamin's. Sure if you don't want to eat with kids that can be an issue but the beer is way way better than McMenamin's and the food is a vast improvement as well. Maybe I'm just getting tired of McMenamin's but have you had a burger there recently? A hockey puck and a small one at that - their fish and chips have gone downhill - even their beloved fries are not as good as the ones at Laurelwood - the garlic fries are killer. Laurelwood is no gourmet shop but for what it bills itself to be - a kid-friendly brew pub - it is better than most.

Nick, I have a lot of elk passed on to me by a friend and I would gladly swap you for a recipe or a good Mexican way to prepare it. I suppose this exchange belongs off line but let me know. It wouldn't be a lot - maybe two or three 1.5 lb. pieces. Tremors

We like the breakfast at the 42nd St Cafe - it is owned by a former chef from the Shoalwater. I really dig their take on biscuits and gravy - it's a chicken based gravy - very yummy. Everything on the menu is good. It's on the main drag at S 42nd St in Seaview (a bustling suburb of Long Beach)!

I had that boar stew and I agree it is killer. We also tried what I think is a new dish for them - pulled duck in a lovely sauce - it was great. To be honest their ham, potato and cheese terrine is too dry and flavorless and I wasn't too high on their friend cheese dish. But their prices are good and I always find something tasty among their daily specials. And they always have good wines with good prices considering wine by the glass prices these days. Nick don't keep off the keyboard - your reviews insights, and food knowledge are really appreciated - just had to stick up for one of my favorite places to hang. Any chance we'll see you at the Hotcake House? Cheers