alacarte

The 13th works for me too. Looking forward to it. I had a blast yesterday, sorry I had to duck out a bit early. I totally echo Elyse's sentiment that the company is the best part! To be honest, I'm starting to feel that the Burger Club is a wildy successful social experiement, but a flop as a culinary experiment. Has anyplace yet delivered 17 or more burgers that have met group expectations? Is it just too much to ask? And as someone asked last night (maybe it was Blondie or Suzanne F), does the spotlight of scrutiny mean that you won't enjoy it as you might a less-observed burger?

Margarine is my guess. I had the same reaction when I saw Steak au Poivre on the menu.

I perused the Metroland link that woodburner posted (quite helpful, actually). I was surprised to see how many places remain on the list from my college days in Albany.... Justin's, The Ginger Man, El Loco, etc. I suppose you could just take a walk down Lark St. in downtown Albany (uptown from the biz district though). I was less surprised to see the "reader favorites" included TGI Fridays, Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, etc...... But that's Albany for you! It's a big ol' suburb that masquerades as a city. Last time I was in town (about a year ago), had brunch with friends at Madison's End Cafe -- the name had escaped me until I saw this list (it was Qualters back in my college days, back in the dark ages. ) It was pretty good, excellent omelettes and breads.

No, it was a spontaneous "I'm at Fairway at 2:30 and I haven't had lunch" event. By the way, forgot to mention that Ed Koch was there...didn't see him until he was leaving so didn't see what he had to eat. Jamie I spotted Ed Koch at Japonica recently. We're going to need an "Ed Koch sighting" thread soon....

I've heard that The Boston Globe -- which is owned by the New York Times Company -- is considered the "tenant farm" for the NYT. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sheryl Julian or another food editor or regular writer from the Globe making an appearance in the NY Times food section.

This segment made me so hungry!! I especially love the chip sandwich. I didn't know that was permissible. So glad I was wrong. I'd love to hear Holly Moore's assessment of Jack's technique on frying chips. Or Jack, your assessment of the Moore version of Americanized french fries. ( Since Holly included french fries as part of his ultimate Diner Cooking segment, this could become an interesting debate....)

I'm in. And elyse, I promise to show up this time.

If this means that Grimes now has the time to curate more exhibits like the "NY Eats Out" exhibit of menus he put together for the NY Public Library, I'm all for it. That was a great exhibit.

Yes, and it's wonderful. Order the gigantes (fava beans) if they still are on the menu. Their saganaki and any fish entree on the menu also are sure winners.

Welcome back Suzanne! I have to echo Mr. Cutlets' question -- what's next for the burger club? I think it's next Tuesday evening...but I'm not sure exactly when, or where. Is it landmark tavern? Elyse?

You mean I don't get off the hook with my disdainful, dismissive comment? I have to be constructive and helpful? Just kidding. Some helpful info in this forum on Saratoga Springs. Personally, I've always wanted to go to Chez Sophie, but haven't made it there yet.

No, you are correct. If you have time to spare, drive over to Saratoga Springs, where the dining options will be more interesting & plentiful.

Last night I attended a 92nd St Y panel. The guests were Andre Soltner (formerly of Lutece), and food writers Amanda Hesser & Raymond Sokolov. Both Hesser and Sokolov said they expect the Culinary Mall to fail -- Sokolov was particularly outspoken on this. Said Hesser, "Just the words 'food court' are depressing." Soltner didn't have much to say on the topic.

Eew, eew, eew. The Office Microwave This article from the WSJ (this should be the CareerJournal site, which I believe is free) focuses on the cleanliness, or lack thereof, of office microwave ovens.

'fraid so. I'm leaving for Madison tonight, gone for a week. Is there a branch of the BC out there? guest speaker? do tell! I'm bummed that I don't get to meet the famous bloviatrix either.

Burger up!

Maybe that's where they hide all the dropped "s"s and butchered vowels.

The best mangling of this was heard at the diner near my apartment: Salad Nick-O-Eez.

I can do the Friday after Thanksgiving, and will be delighted to eat something that's not TURKEY! I also could do the Tuesday before, but only if it's an evening event.

"Toilet air?" The candy was wrapped. Smarties, peppermints, things like that, and set up in a bowl on the sink, not in the lavatory itself. Not quite as gross it might sound. Unless, of course, said bowl was a toilet bowl.

Jason, I nominate you to lead an eGullet Culinary Institute class on proper usage of the Toaster Bag. What happens if you add bread, peanut butter and PEEPS?

The only place attendants ever seem to fit is Bergdorf's restroom. But they also have a couch, a full-size gilt-edged mirror, and a tray of perfumes.

I'd love to hear what the bathroom attendants have to say. Personally, I think bathroom attendants are one of the most archaic job functions left. What service are they supposed to provide, exactly? Am I not capable of selecting my own hand towel and dispensing my own hand soap? Does tipping make the dirty business of evacuation somehow more gracious and genteel? I don't think so. Some restaurants seem to think that attendants add a "touch of class." I disagree. Excellent example: the restroom at Rue 56 here in NY. The ladies' room has two stalls, and barely enough space to squeeze in toward the sink, especially at peak hours when women are queued up to empty their bladders. The door to the ladies' room remains open at all times because there is not enough room for the restaurant patrons and the entirely unnecessary attendant. In this case, a modicum of extra standing room would go a long way toward improving the "restroom experience." The only good part of the restroom attendant experience is that she encourages all visitors to take a piece of candy as they exit the restroom. (But how many of us need encouragement to do that?) Finally, I'd like to see attendants posted in the employee restrooms at restaurants, to police all employees involved in food prep to wash their hands after using the toilet, every time. Now that would be an improvement.

I've noticed no Vegemite yet. You're ruining my pre-conceived sterotype of Australian eating habits. Do you have any thoughts to share on Vegemite?

Kara, Yesterday in Alba the going rate for truffles was EUR 4,000! What are they putting those burgers? Essence of truffle? Truffle oil? Truffle shavings? maybe they just hold the truffle near the pan when they are cooking the burger. truffle-by-association. Joe, where is your Italy eating blog? Any burgers there? I can't make the burger club on 11/8. Will be in Wisconsin that week visiting friends. Oh well, at least Elyse won't have to worry about my being a no-show.