Thomas Secor

Domino's pizza, preferably with lots of pepperoni, extra cheese, beers chilling in the freezer, the Simpsons on T.V. and the wife out the house. Wilfrid and anyone else who mentioned KFC, either positively or negatively, you need to get yourselves to a Popeye's. You don't even know the bliss of over lubricated, over spiced and over crispy fast food fried chicken until you have checked out Popeye's. Plus their sides are way better than KFC, they have red beans and rice, dirty rice (that would be rice with mysterious chicken bits, should be chitlins and livers, but I would be happy if it reached that level), and the absolute greasiest biscuits I have ever had. Once for fun, I held one up and squeezed it, and watched the oil drip out onto the floor. As a kicker, if you are lucky, you will find yourself in a Popeye's that has miniature tabasco bottles instead of those crappy little plastic things that hot sauce and ketchup usually come in. Popeye's was originally a New Orleans chain (begun by a guy named Copeland, who was for a while one of the richest black men in the States, and consistently profiled in various entrepeneur pieces). It has since been bought out I believe and spread all over the States. Generally found in poorer urban areas. However, it;s still best in Nola, where you can pick it up at the drive-thru and then head to the drive-thru daiquiri place, and ride down the road munching your chicken, pretending its ok to drink and drive if its only a daiquiri (which every real man and woman knows "doesn't really count" as alcohol, its a kids drink). Knocks the socks off KFC or Nando's (which I love by the way, my wife was suitably embarassed when I erupted into cheers outside the Dog & Duck on Frith Street, because I had noticed that a Nando's was to open kitty corner to the pub, I followed it up with a little dance. Still dont know whether it was the Nando's or the Landlord that got my juices flowing, but I am lucky I am still married). God bless Popeye's. On a last note, I once took a greyhound bus from NYC to L.A. (over 70 hours) and subsisted on an extra large sized bucket of Popeye's the whole way. And you know the funny thing? instead of being scorned, I was making friends. But I knew it was because everybody wanted my chicken.

Its not right on point, but if you are feeling parched either before or after the Tate Modern, or just need a little something extra to help you brave the Millenium Bridge, there is a Young's Pub about three hundred yards west of the museum, which is right on the river. The pub itself has nothing to recommend it (other than the Youngs' themselves), but if its a nice day, its a great place to sit outside. In fact, I dont think there is another locale I can think of where you can sit right on the river (all the others seem to be on the side of the promendade away from the river) and have a beer. There are nice big picnic benches and plenty of them. I would not, however, suggest that you eat there. Although they do somewhat decent sandwiches if you are in a right state and your insulin level is dropping, and you cant make it anywhere else without something in your stomach (which happens to me occassionally).

As pointed out above, Barcelo and Brugal are the dominant distilleries, and much of the Dominican population falls into the camp of one or the other. It is quite easy to find yourself being passionately preached to regarding the superior qualities of the speaker's rum of choice (according to many men I have met, Brugal has certain viagra like qualities, this trait is disputed by Barcelo lovers, who attribute male impotence to Brugal. Many Brugal lovers also insist that Barcelo will give you the shits, because they use coconut oil in the distillery process somehow, all quite amusing). Also, as Wilfrid mentions, each distillery issues rums of various quality and ages, and each distributes a white rum (good for nothing much to my mind, except maybe starting a fogata (dominican spanish for bonfire, that is). The best in my opinion, which is still reasonable at US$10. or so a bottle, is the Brugal Anejo Viejo, essentially the extra old. This is distinguished from the Brugal Viejo, and the standard Brugal. There is also a Brugal cententennial (Siglo something or other), which comes in a fairly garish blue bottle which is quite good but not worth the US$50 or so it costs, and is generally only seen in duty free on the way out of the country or in all inclusive (and indigenous exclusive) resorts. The Brugal Anejo Viejo probably wont knock you away if you have already been exposed to great rums, but I first had it when rum to me meant Bacardi, and it opened whole new worlds. It is certainly tasty and smooth enough to drink straight, although I have to admit a certain fondness for mixing it with juices. I recognize that is not the most respectful way to treat a good rum, but I find that white rum which is often suggested for mixed drinks adds nothing to the flavor except the alcohol burn, while a strong flavored dark rum can actually add a different nuance to a mixed drink. I recommend fresh pineapple juice, with Brugal Viejo and a liberal slice of lime, all over ice. Now go lie under the palm trees in the hammock and let that knock your socks off.

For any of the London folk who pick up on this thread and want to taste that which is causing all the hoopla, you can find Zacapa at many of the Match related bars, including the much maligned Milk and Honey. As far as I am concerned, the Zacapa alone is reason enough to become a member. I am fortunate enough, however, to have a wife whose family is Guatemalan, thereby ensuring a steady supply of two or three bottles or so a year, which are tucked away like treasure.

You can check out the articles on-line at the following: Beer That way you can save the cover as your screensaver or wallpaper as well. Im digging the title, "Democracy's Drink".

I enjoy the fact that the quote was attributed to the consul general of Estonia. In my brief experience with that country, it became clear to me that Estonians have a love affair with vodka like few others, and the manner in which they drink it aint for children. Shot after shot until the bottle (or pitcher, or jug) is gone. However, I also noted a rising appreciation for Jack Daniels, oddly enough. I left one bar the proud owner of many counterfeit single dollar bills bearing the proud visage of Jack Daniel himself (in lieu of George). Anyway, I digress. Estonia also introduced me to the only vodka I have ever cared for(I generally think of vodka as a vehicle for other flavors), "Russky Standart" . I dont know if they sell it under that name in the States, or at all, but it was clearly the top, top shelf in Estonia, costing significantly more than Absolut and the like. The flavor was crisp, clear and not harsh. If you like your vodka straight, I strongly suggest it. Dont know how it would go as a mixer.

Of course, of course. The reason I was e-mailing Cappers separately was to ask a few more questions because I am returning to Bath this weekend. I will give a full report next week (under the original heading). In the meantime I was asking Cappers if he had any experience with the Sign of the Angel, the Pear Tree Inn or the Georgian Lodge, all informal places outside of Bath which were recommended to me for a casual and moderately priced dinner of english food.

Sir, you are correct, I am remiss. I will e-mail you separately.

I wish you hadnt a done that Samantha. It has taken me over a year to seal the Corner Bistro burgers away in the recesses of my subconscious and then here you come, popping open the lid. A Corner Bistro Bacon Cheeseburger is a lip smacking and finger licking icon. To top it off, it can be washed down by a McSorley's dark or an ice cold Brooklyn Lager. No better way to spend a summer evening (or a winter one). Too bad the fries are pretty much crap.

Not a huge fan of the pina colada generally, but I do enjoy it every once in a while. One quick way to vastly improve the quality is to use fresh pineapple juice. My other improvements are likely to be particular to my own tastes. I would use a darker and (although some would consider it sacrilege) better rum. Nothing fantastic though, for instance something like a Havana Club 3 year old or a Brugal anejo. I might also add a twist of lime to a drink like the pina colada, to cut the sweetness. Something about the London weather though, is just not pushing me in the direction of that pina colada.

Shouldnt be closed, its right off of Hatton Gardens, heading east, I think the street is Greville or some such. Its the same street as the Bleeding Heart Tavern if I remember correctly.

My experience at Gaby's was very similar to Cappers (whom I still owe a reply on my trip to Bath, just been so busy lately), as relayed on another site. I have been there three times now, and each time I found the salt beef to be dry and relatively tasteless, the portion small (Selfridge's may be expensive but they do an ok job of loading up the bread) and the bread to be poor. I did not however notice the handling of the money. I did however notice that the place was primarily filled with tourists, which in my mind is generally not a good sign.

I also am a fan of Passione. The menu is not particularly long but I often think that plays out in a higher quality of ingredients which, at least in this case, seems to bear out. The wild mushroom appetizer is particularly special, with a nice balance of the mushroom flavors blending together in the sauce (or should I just say butter), while the mushrooms themselves retained their own individual characteristics. Other big hits are the rack of lamb and the rabbit. I have not been to Isola but many have recommended it to me, and I have a few friends who think that La Famiglia in Chelsea is very good (although I have a prejudice against that name for some reason).

Do you know their hours? Unfortunately, I have reached the point where I would willingly beg for hot needles in my eyes, if I could find a place in Soho/Bloomsbury/Fitzrovia that: a. stayed open past 1; b. made good drinks; c. did not require me to wait in line with a bunch of knuckleheads; d. did not require me to pay an initial fee with the membership (as I may not be in this town forever, I would prefer to pay as I go); e. did not require me to pay much in excess of 250 pounds per year; and f. of course the kicker, would accept me. I just want a place to drink late with friends without a hassle, I do not need all the other accoutrements of a "members club". It seems that should not be hard to find, but alas.... Any thoughts?

"Is that other Italian liqueur, Cynar, with the beautiful artichoke label, basically the same as Campari?" Sorry, I dont know how to use the quote thingy. But in response to the Cynar query, I have found that apart from the very clear distinction in ingredients, that Cynar is not a very satisfying aperitif. Whereas Campari seems to be one of the few liquors which genuinely stimulates appetite while not deadening taste buds, I find (and have discovered that many share my view) that Cynar is both sweeter and more bitter than Campari, thicker than Campari and leaves a heavier presence in the mouth. The Italians I know here in London swear that they would never drink Cynar before dinner, but rather after dinner, or not associated with a meal at all. Having said all that, I love Cynar and will drink it at any time of day with soda water and perhaps some lime. If I recall correctly Lupa in NY made a very tasty cocktail which was Cynar based and had fresh lemon juice in it. Fantastic. And the Campari and grapefruit is similarly a wonderful drink, particularly here in London where you can find fresh squeezed grapefruit at every Tesco's, Waitrose and Sainsbury's. Campari and Ting I am looking forward to trying. I am surprised Wilfrid, that you were not familiar with Ting. YOu can find it in various spots in London, basically anywhere that serves a west indian community or any half way authentic west indian restaurant. Maybe I will leave work early today so that I can educate myself on the combination.

Seems I lost my last post somehow, anyway I wanted to follow up, first to say thank you to cappers for your very kind offer regarding the reservations. Had we not been able to get reservations tomorrow evening, I almost certainly would have taken you up on it. Second, I was also planning to take in an afternoon tea at the Roman Baths and Pump Room. Good call? or is there somewhere else we should be taking our tea?

Thanks for the recs. I have made a reservation at Blinis for dinner tomorrow night and we may try Homewood Park tonight. At the moment I have reservations at the Queensberry and a B&B outside of Bath highly recommended by friends called the Eagle. I am leaning towards the B&B, which although most certainly not in the same league on a posh/elegant standard as the Queensberry (or the Royal Crescent, which is simply out of my league at the cash strapped moment), is more our speed, particularly after staying in a fantastic old world hotel in Estonia last weekend (split between the Parc Consul Schlossle and the Parc Consul St. Petersbourg), but more on that in my soon-to-come Estonia posting). I enjoy the more tranquil and laid back setting of B&Bs usually, and this one is supposed to be particularly friendly. It also is slightly outside of Bath, which I think I will prefer.

Thanks Andy and Paul, Is Blini's the successor to Lettonie? We are going for my wife's birthday, so we would like to have at least one blow-out dinner. Perhaps Blini's would be the best option (assuming of course that I can get a reservation at this late date).

So after much protestation and many months of futile resistance, I am off to Bath this weekend pursuant to a request by my lovely wife. So having done a search of the board and come up empty, I now rely on you..... I would greatly appreciate any restaurant recommendations and pub recommendations. In particular, to the extent it exists, I would be delighted to hear about places that I might not find otherwise. The locales dont need to be in Bath proper, because we will have car. Thoughts????

Im not sure those figures work out. 4 units is 2 pints of 3% beer (which is very hard to find, unless you are drinking small beer, which is very hard to find). Assume one hour to drink them, or if you are Brija, 4-5 hours I am not sure how you calculated blood alcohol content, but 3% of 32 ounces (or 40 if its a standard english pint, I dont know which the English recs designate) is about the equivalent of one ounce of pure alcohol. Hard for me to believe that would raise your blood alcohol content level to .6/mill.

It's curious, Simon, that you use the word dishonest to characterize the restaurant and as a premise not to go. Because of course when you look back at Lesley Cs original question, she specifies that she doesnt care about authenticity. So I guess the question, the answer to which you have already implied, is whether Zaika succeeds at the Michelin restaurant with indian influences bit. If it does, it sounds like the kind of place that Leslie is looking for. I must admit, its not a bit that I care for, and I would quite honestly prefer to hit the Lahore Kebab House, New Tayyeb or Ragam anyday, over any of the restaurants mentioned in the thread above. I would have pushed Mela more strongly, but I would not characterize it as upscale and so didnt really feel that it fit Leslie's criteria. But it is awfully tasty. Any thoughts on Malabar Junction?

I would skip the Red Fort (subject to the caveat below). I found that the food was not that different from Mela (which is quite good), and about twice the cost. In my view the decor doesnt match the creative stylishness of a place like Hakkasan, but rather had a dressed up Hilton feel to it. However, although the bar downstairs has a similarly synthetic/sterile feel lurking underneath its cool lighting and catacomb design, the drinks are relatively unusual (cocktail menu designed by whats his name from Lab and Hakkasan), the guys behind the bar are pretty friendly and pour pretty stiff drinks, is open until one and, best of all, you can generally get in on a weekend night even after the pubs close without waiting in a line or paying a cover. The latter is a damned rare thing in Soho. My rec? go eat at Zaika and then hit Red Fort if you are still thirsty at midnight. I would also skip Chutney Mary and Veeraswamy. Not because they are bad, I just have not found them up to the same standards and generally not worth what they charge. A real sleeper is Malabar Junction, which again is not up to the same standards as Zaika, but is very good and goes oft unnoticed.

See Fat Guy, I knew someone would pull through. Thanks for the tips James. Hopefully I will be able to add to the post when I get back. It turns out we are going for Easter, so there is still more time time for others to reply.

Yeah, I figured it would be rough to get responses, but if anyone has quality thoughts, I assume it will members of this board. Plus, Tallin is not as off the beaten track as you might imagine. I went out to dinner in London with 6 people on Friday, about half and half English and American. I brought up the subject, and four of them had been there. Of course only one of them could remember anywhere they had eaten outside of the hotel. Its supposed to be a really great medieval city, well preserved, with a very lively cafe culture. Supposedly many people rank it as one of the clubbing capitals of Europe. So you never know.

Just curious whether anyone has thoughts on dining and/or drinking options in Estonia. I am curious about restaurants/cafes/bars/nightclubs, etc. In fact any facts of any note regarding Tallin and the surrounding areas would be well appreciated, as I am going sometime in March and dont really have much knowledge regarding the locale.