docsconz

I thought they looked pretty good.

A very disturbing story indeed. My experience with Hamel in the past has always been positive. I'll have to be cautious in the future, but then again, I've most recently been buying cheese from Chaput when in Montreal. I also tend to concentrate on Quebec cheeses that I can't generally find in the States.

I was going to ask if you eat like this all the time, but you beat me to it!

Chocolate of quality. 70% is about ideal for plain eating. Michel Cluizel.

I'm glad you were concentrating on the wine, and did not notice that the sommelier was a SHE not a he I was under the impression that Paul Grieco was the sommalier as well as co-owner. As far as I know he put the wine list together and served us when we were there a couple weeks ago. It is a great wine list IMO.

Owen, Greaat job! I particularly like the market pics and discussion. That breakfast doesn't look half bad - actually quite good. Maple cream doesn't actually have any cfream in it. It is maple syrup boiled down to a thicker, spreadable consistency. Boiled further it becomes maple sugar and candy.

Any other upsate NY'ers interested (or downstaters willing to travel)?

Here are eG Tasting Notes within the past year on older zins: 1994 Ridge Pagani Ranch 1994 Coturri Sonoma Valley 1996 Lava Cap Sierra Foothills The prevailing wisdom is that zinfandel is not a wine for aging. While that may usually be the case, older zins are not always without their charms. It is just that most people select them for their over-the-top fruit and lushness, qualities not usually found in the older zins.

Don't forget the Greenmarkets, especially Union Square on Saturdaays.

Joe, I'm sorry to read of your experience. Casa Mono is high up on my "Goto" list". Kitty and I love Tapas and spanish food in general. One thing that can easily ruin a good meal is bad service. I hope it was an aberration.

Nice report, Michael. It sounds like a nice place. What's with the terminology?

I extend a virtual hand-shake to you... And back to you

If you can't find it locally, Star Hill Dairy of Woodstock, Vermont makes a fine example and ships.

One of the many reasons I chose UVA for my residency was that my wife and I fell in love with Monticello and Charlottesville when we visited for an interview. Monticello is the most incredible historic site I have visited in this country. it provides a real feel for Mr. Jefferson and the multivariate aspects of his life, not the least of which were his agricultural and culinary interests.

Very cool. Best wishes.

Should anyone have any doubts a visit to and tour of Monticello would confirm Mr. Jefferson's place at the head of the table of American Presidents. I'm not sure anyone else can approach him. Monticello is a treasure of 18th & 19th century agricultural ingenuity and culinaria, fully reflective of his interests, expertise and genius.

Paul Grieco, the sommalier and co-owner was superb IMO. He has a fantastic wine list, full of interesting and reasonably priced choices. Do have the mushrooms and gnocchi sides. In fact, I would suggest not doing the tasting menu, but with those sides let Chef Canora guide you. Their cheese is also excellent.

Fred, Sounds like a great trip. You certainly did it well. I can't argue with your choices. I'm sorry you weren't crazy about Hearth. I recently dined there and enjoyed it very much. I too had the lamb, which I found excellent. Did you have any of the sides? They were perhaps the highlight of the meal, especially the mushrooms and gnocchi.

Given the popularity of TFN and kitchen tables as well a the "name" chefs involved, I'm not so sure that this concept will fail. I guess it depends on their profit margin. I'm not saying that it will be good theater or good dining, but it might just be popular.

Carolyn, fabulous topic and great job so far. Vineyards can be so beautiful. This will be a truly educational and fun topic. I can't wait to follow your posts from week to week (and in between).

I have to admit that before Bourdain's review I had written Masa off as simply being too expensive. It now seems necessary.

Despicable. It certainly appears blatant.

Life is full of little serendipities, although I find they are more common in Italy!

I've been on a culinary trip with Peggy Markel that was simply outstanding. While she does trips to Elba amongst other places, her base is Florence where she runs a cooking school. Pamela Sheldon Johns also runs Food Tours/Workshops in various parts of Italy in addition to her Agriturismo in Tuscany, where she holds cooking classes. These may be interesting options in addition to the fine ones presented above depending on your interests and the itineraries available.

My guess is that they will have a day or so for people whose reservations got burned by the fire to reschedule before opening it to the public at large. They have essentially promised an opportunity to reschedule for those who have lost out. To do otherwise now, would generate negative publicity IMO. Besides that, given Keller's perfectionism, I cannot envision him going back on that.