Mistinguett

I think it's just a promotion, from time to time they do that for an item or another in one of their lines. They're not sub-par in any-way, they're the same product but it's more of a manufacturer sale if you wish (as opposed to a store special)

I haven't been in a year but I'm sure that you'll still find Rosemary's Lolo in Marigot (braised oxtails pictured, excellent). and loved Uncle Harry's in Simpson Bay for lobsters. The lolos in Grand Case are always good for a snack/lunch/early dinner if it's on your way from/to the beach. To be honest, we ate home a lot, taking advantage of the wonderful supermarkets - loved the one by the bridge in Sandy Ground and the new (at the time) Grand Marche close to the border on the main road. Went to Poulet D'Orleans only to find out that they open later in the evening (I think 7 pm) and we never made it back. Don't miss La Sucriere bakery in Marigot (by the waterfront where the parking lot is) for baguettes and pastries. And a piece of advice: pack lunch if you go to Pinel Island (and you should go) - the prices are outrageous (5 euros for french fries and about 50 euros for a very unimpressive lobster).

There's a Palmolive Oxy with Odor Eliminator dishsoap that works great. Give it a try if you find it. (easy to spot on the shelf, it has a very weird neony-pink color)

Just in case you don't have it on your list: kulfi from Patel Bros. If you're driving you might want to bring a small cooler along. Also there are a couple of sweets shops along 74th St. that you might want to check out.

Here are the menus for all 3 locations.

Balthazar's Potato-Onion Fendu is excellent (available at Whole Foods). I also like the WF 12 seeds and grains (I think that's what's called) but only from the USq or 25th st stores.

I love their duck dumplings and the shrimp and chives. The pork ones are good too. But my fave that I crave every so often is the stewed veal chop with pepper sauce. I tried to recreate it but to no avail although it seems to be such a simple dish.

Don't throw away the broth - spike it up with some freshly crushed garlic, adjust the s&p seasoning, strain through a cheesecloth in cups or small containers for individual portions or in a square pyrex dish that you can portion yourself, throw in a few of those ear strips and refrigerate overnight. If you want to get even fancier, place a slice of a hard boiled egg and a parsley leaf on the bottom of the cup, pour carefully a bit of liquid, refrigerate half an hour, place ear strips over, cover in liquid. Basically an aspic although sort of cloudy.

Thank you for the details, I'm drooling thinking about what's to come. But if there's anything else you might want to add, please don't shy away.

Both Friar's Bay and Cliffhanger's are on our "to do" list this time. Now, when I read "duck heart brochette"... it made it to "must do". What does it mean "is not cheap"? how expensive is it? And can you please tell me more about Layla's?

Uncletrouble, it's never enough Bethala's trip has come and gone, but mine is coming in a month. So I'm hoping to hear more. Friar's Bay Beach Cafe - do tell more, please. I think AB was pretty clear about Hilma's being a trailer, if I remember correctly there was also a picture with the article. The main turn off for me would be the early hours. Now, I know this is horribly late for bethala, but I think the bakery I was talking about is called La Sucrerie. Maybe. This time I'll take pictures of all the places I eat at.

Bethala, I hope you'll find the time to report on your trip in St. Martin.

You have the french side pretty well covered, although there are so many more places to try. Rosemary's, also mentioned by A Bourdain, is well worth it - the oxtail stew is really really good but then so is the goat curry. Both Match and Dupont are nice, but keep in mind that Dupont (the one by the bridge in Sandy Ground) is much smaller. However, I was impressed with their selection of pates and cheeses, not a huge selection - just better. Great baguettes and pastries. If you're staying on the Dutch side, there's a recently opened Le Grande Marche supermarket by Simpson Bay that's ok for staples. Do not miss Etna ice-cream - found in supermarkets. You'll curse me. I'm drawing a blank on the name of the boulangerie in Marigot that we loved - can I draw you a picture? Really, is along the parking area by the water, where the Market is held, if you drive along is hard to miss. Best bread and Paris breast and fruit tarts and... I've never seen this mentioned anywhere - however we've seen people leaving with armfuls of baguettes and we figured there must be something to it. And it is. Promise I'll be back if I can remember the name. If you go to Mullet Bay don't shy away from the beach grill, excellent fries, also. Also on the Dutch side, Johnny B. under the tree (pic) - decent bbq chicken, ribs and lobsters. Bars: Buchaneer Beach Bar by Simpson Bay is pleasant, for us was also very convenient as we stayed at Pelican Resort. Sunset Beach Bar - the one where to watch the planes touch down. I haven't been, but heard that Dingy Dock by Oyster Pond has great happy hours. I'm sure there's more. Have a great trip, I wish I was going.

Never mind, sorry - it didn't apply to home merchandise, I found out at checkout.

It's my understanding that they're open 5:30 PM to 2 AM. Unfortunately their web site is not updated with the Manhattan locations, but the menu section is pretty useful. (http://www.maxbrenner.com/menus.html)

A recipe for cauliflower salad that is great for summer. Boil the cauliflower in salted water for 5 min., drain and cool. Meanwhile, make the dressing. 1 anchovy fillet, crushed or finely chopped 2 Tbls. capers, finely chopped 1 lg. garlic clove, well crushed with a bit of salt 1 1/2 Tbls. lemon juice 1/4 cup EVOO pepper chopped fresh parsley Mix the anchovy, capers and garlic, whisk in the lemon juice, pepper, wisk in the EVOO in a thin stream. Pour over cauliflower, add parsley, mix and serve. *once I upped the garlic and once I didn't measure the lemon juice and I have to note that the flavor balance is ruined. I've been following the recipe exactly since.

Chocolate crepe with lemon curd, a bit of whipped cream and strawberry. My husband had a couple of them with just apricot preserve.

Unfortunately no, I had some hectic last couple of weeks, but it's still a project. Meanwhile a had a salmon hot and sour soup from my favourite joint in the city. What you said, plus the brains

Oh Abra, those look scrumptious! the tahini cake especially, got to try that.

My first Hummingbird Cake - big flop, the cake came out too dense (didn't rise as I expected). I actually cut each cake in two and layered the frosting to mellow it down. It tastes good (maybe a bit too much banana and too little pecans), the frosting definitely saved it.

Oli, it was published in a magazine (I cut out the recipes but I think it was a MS Living issue) years ago along with my absolutely favorite chocolate torte. I'll be more than happy to p.m. you *and anyone else who wants* the recipe later in the day as I'm not sure if I can post it here.

This is from a few days ago - Three Nut Praline Buttercream Torte. The name says it all: three thin layers of almond, hazelnut and walnut cake with a simple praline buttercream. Very good.

Michelle, bookmarked your blog. Wonderful, thank you!

New addiction: TJ's Divine Duets belgian chocolate with praline cream. Comes in dark and milk. Oh, boy.

Guppymo, I would much appreciate a recipe for Canh chua ca. Of course I could google it but I'd rather have your input. Everything you make looks so amazing, I can almost taste it!