scottie

Anthony has just started working as an instructor at the Natural Gourmet Cookery School in Manhattan. I don't know what Nathaniel is doing. I was just wondering whether it's unusual for the executive chef(s) to bail on a new venture within the first year. Especially since in this case, they seemed pretty excited about 22 West.

Anthony Moraes.

I haven't been to this restaurant in Union, NJ, but I'm curious about it because I know one of the chefs just left, even though the place has been open for less than a year. He's very vague about why. Does anyone know the scoop on this place? (yes, I'm being nosy, but I just want a little backgound on this guy.)

I'm wondering whether the American beef industry has something to do with making the sale of horsemeat illegal, especially in a place like Texas. Lord knows the beef industry makes a pile of money, but I suppose it's always in one's interests to eliminate the competition. What I'd really like to know is, how about those wild donkeys in Spain? I bet those taste good!

I'm all about locally produced food, here in North Carolina as well as elsewhere in the whole grand world. Here are a couple more websites which can help y'all find out about Old North State produce and farms: local harvest.org Tells you all about the farm-related happenings in your area, and all over the U.S., with weekly updates Southern Sawg A non-profit like CFSA, but covering the whole Southern region. Local farmer Alex Hitt of Peregrine Farms is on the board. You might also be interested in the Sustainable Ag program at Central Carolina Community College, where a lot of cool, cutting edge stuff like biofuel production is going on. I took some classes there last year, and I learned that 80% of the organic produce sold in this state is imported. That is totally unnecessary; we have the means to produce our own food here! Our small family farms could be making that money, instead of sending it out-of-state to California or some place. Furthermore, I'd just like to point out that aquaculture is not necessarily all that great or sustainable. There are, however, some proven sustainable methods of fish farming, including aquaponics, which is practiced by the fine folks at Eagle Springs Farm. Their tilapia is really fantastic. Finally, the caviar mentioned at the beginning of this thread is available at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro- for $8 less than on the website. And BTW, CFSA is headquartered in Pittsboro, not Chapel Hill. Pittsboro is also home to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, which won an award from the Slow Foods folks a few years back for preserving and promoting the famed Heritage Turkey breeds, such as Bronze and Bourbon Red. Hope this helps. Go Carolina!

That sounds wonderful. I love fondue, something about it is quite romantic. And you're right about the drive! I'm not looking forward to that... I tried to get a guy at my work who has a nice car to drive us there and back (for $50 bucks), but he's got better things to do... No, we are not spending the night. That would be nice, esp. since our reservations are for 9pm , but the meal itself already far exceeds the weekly budget around here. Oh, well, someday!

We're going to Fearrington House! I'm so excited! I know Valentine's is not the best time to truly experience a restaurant's best service, atmosphere or food, but you have to go somewhere, and when hubby told me he had made reservations for Fearrington House, who was I to say no? I will post a report. So, where y'all going?

Back home in Roanoke, VA, the best greasy meal comes from the Texas Tavern (Roanoke's Millionaire's Club, Seats 1,000-10 at a Time. Yes, Ladies Enjoy Eating Here!). It's the Cheesy Western- a really greasy hamburger topped with cheese and a fried egg. The perfect ending to a drunken evening. I am quite enjoying my fried hog jowls as I write this here in North Cackalacky!

The table was lame because it was a 4-top, which was weird, because when I had made the reservations a month earlier, I specified that we were a party of two celebrating a special occasion. Also, it was in the middle of the main dining room, not secluded, or against a wall, or with any sort of privacy whatsoever, plus it was dark. I certainly enjoyed my view of the oyster station, however. The cost: almost $200, maybe more. I'm afraid I had had quite a bit of wine at that point, and as I paid with a big wad of cash, rather than a credit card, I have no record of the actual cost, which is just as well. I brought about $275, part of which went to cabs to and from the hotel we got for the night. I know the entrees each cost between $30 and $40. The wine was between $40 and $50. I had prepared for a "money is no object" kind of evening. Did I mention I took on a second job for this?! I seriously doubt we would spend that much at AB in the future, unless it was another special occasion. If we had spent that much at Lantern or Acme, or any of our favorite restaurants back in New Orleans, we would have expected a different sort of experience entirely, and that's okay. Because we had a great time, and now we know what Angus Barn is like.

So we went to Angus Barn, and we had a great time. As I mentioned earlier, it was my husband's birthday, and this is what he requested. Neither of us had been there before. We got there early and had a drink in the Wild Turkey Lounge, which was fun, and hubby enjoyed the over-the-top decor, especially the antique gun display. I was pretty surprised by all the kids. I guess it's really considered a family place. Also, I thought people would be more dressed up. I know, it's a steak house. I wouldn't allow hubby to wear jeans, but when we got there, it was clear that jeans would have been fine. We were told we could be seated any time before the actual time of our reservation, and were given a pager that would go off right at 7. We went down right before 7 and were seated at a 4-top in the main dining room. Our table sucked. Next time I will request a more secluded 2-top. Hubby got balloons, as it was his b-day. Relish tray was good. We perused the really long, though oddly-gapped wine list (no Russian River Valley pinot noirs, very few Zinfandels), then told the waitress what we were looking for. She asked for our price range, then went to ask the wine steward, and came back about ten minutes later with only one recommendation at the very top of our price range. I asked if the steward could please come to our table in person. So that took another ten minutes, minutes we could have spent drinking wine! But that's ok, we were there to have a good time. The steward showed up, and though I had mentioned American pinot noirs and Zinfandels as our first choice, he recommended a Cotes-du-Rhone. Okay, whatever, it was a 2001 by Chateau Beaucastel, who are known for their Chateuneufs-du-Pape, which was our third choice of wine, so fine, whatever. The wine was minerally and not especially full-bodied, definitely needed food, but it was nice. Hubby ordered the Chateaubriand, medium rare, and I ordered the special-venison loin on risotto cakes, rare. Both our meals were very good. The venison was nice and tender, and the wine did just fine with both the beef and the game. The actual food part of our experience seemed to go pretty quickly. Next thing we knew, it was time for dessert! Hubby ordered coffee with amaretto, which came in the coffee rather than on the side, so now we know to specify on the side in the future. He got an entire birthday cake, a pound cake, which was a fun surprise, and I got the Grand Marnier parfait, which was absolutely wonderful, esp. with chunks of pound cake soaked in it. So the food was good, the service was friendly, the table sucked, it wasn't quite what we're used to when spending that much on a meal, but overall, just the experience itself was worth it, because AB is such a local institution, and a hoot, in my opinion. Now we know to be very specific about what we want there. We agreed we would return to the lounge sometime for some ribs and beer.

Well, this thread is old, but I have to put in my two cents: My mother always had me prepare the relish tray. I think it was because I was the eldest child, but I loved doing it b/c I got to snack on all the stuff while putting it together. She is from Indiana, transplanted to the Southern part of Virginia (Roanoke), and her tray is silver. She always had me line it with lettuce leaves. Then the fixins were generally as follows: Black olives (goes without saying) Radishes Carrot sticks Marinated artichoke hearts Hearts of palm Scallions Dilly beans sometimes baby corn sometimes pickled okra sometimes green olives stuffed with god knows what The scallions were always used as a divider, and they were included b/c my dad just loves 'em Now that I am grown up, I really don't have the time to do the relish tray, as I am busy cooking other stuff, like corn pudding, parmesan potatoes, and butternut squash soup. God forbid I should do the turkey, but at age 31 I'm allowed to do the more important sides. Relish tray is a good dish for young girl children to put together. BUT... Thanksgiving has relocated over the past couple of years from Roanoke to Sarasota, FL, and I must say that this past T-giving was one of the best yet. We did not have a relish tray. We had stone crab claws instead, and Ohmigoodnessgracious, were they good!

Thanks, fellas. I'm so excited. It really sounds like an experience! I have perused the wine list and menu and am working mad hours to ensure that money is no object. I will encourage hubby to get the T-bome or porterhouse; I might get the lamb or perhaps the ribs. Mmm...antlers.

My husband wants to go to Angus Barn for his birthday. We've never been. I am sure he will enjoy the beef, but I'm not much of a beef eater, and I fear that all the seafood is frozen and not the main attraction, anyway. Maybe I'll get the lamb. So, any comments? Is Angus Barn all it's cracked up to be?

It's actually Alex and Betsy Hitt. They are at the Carrboro Farmer's Market on Saturdays. You can also order turkeys from Nu Horizons Farm in Pittsboro. They are at the Saturday market as well. Additionally, Weaver Street Market in Carrboro will be taking orders for locally produced, A & H-free turkeys, starting this week. You can call 919-929-0010 and ask for the meat department.

Hmm, I will check into that. WSM should be carrying a wider variety of local cheeses, if they're available. My Intro to Sustainable Agriculture class is taking a field trip to Celebrity Dairy next week. I can't wait!

The article from the Roanoke Times and World News goes on to state that the Roadkill Festival was founded in response to a new (c.2002) West VA law which allows folks to keep their roadkill, as long as they report it within 24 hours. Waste not, want not! I fear, however, that this law might encourage some to hit their deer on purpose. Although those folks were probably doing that anyway.

Kombucha, the wonder drink Probably doesn't qualify as ethnic, it's more of a hippie/natural foods kind of thing, but it's really good, it's tea fermented by some kind of mushroom/fungus symbiant which causes natural carbonation and a tangy, sour flavor. Sounds disgusting, but I find it quite refreshing. Hard to find and very expensive, though! I found something called Rose Rush the other day. It's a rose-flavored soda from Singapore. Well, it's not carbonated, so it's a rose-flavored sugar water. I was afraid it would be nasty, but it's actually pretty tasty. It would be great with vodka and a twist.

"There are a handful of goat cheese producers near the Triangle, including one just outside of Chapel Hill (the name of which I can't recall). We need to get Maple View Dairy to start making cheese, too!" Dean, who else in the area produces goat cheese besides Celebrity Dairy? Chapel Hill Creamery produces cow's milk cheese. They have a good Camembert-style cheese called New Moon, and a stronger soft cheese called Calvander, which I like. Celebrity Dairy and Chapel Hill Creamery cheeses are available at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro.

I'm in. Gosh, I haven't been on the Gullet in months, and now when I quietly peek in again, I find all this excitement! Definitely in.

Huh, so far there's only been one mention of moonshine, and that in passing.... I grew up in Roanoke, VA, right next door to Franklin County, the self-proclaimed "Moonshine Capital of the World"- you can even get t-shirts that say that. There was a big controversy about ten years ago when the feds discovered the largest still ever in neighboring Floyd County- folks in Franklin County claimed they had the world's largest still, it just ain't been found yet. Sometimes, when parked at a convenience store in a rural area, you will be approached by a man selling jugs of White Lightnin out of the trunk of his car. I'd recommend trying the various fruit-infused shines native to this region. Strawberry and grape are popular, but I find the peach moonshine is by far the best. You can drink the liquor, or you can eat the peaches. Either way you will get drunk. And once you get past the fire, it's really quite pleasant for sippin'.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I think we will try Lantern, sorry wcmckinney! Maybe we'll see you there! I'm sorry to hear about the desserts. I was thinking about driving out to Maple View for ice cream, anyway, if we get out early enough. The basil mojito at Elaine's sounds really good. I'm sure we will wind up there sooner or later. And don't worry, I will file a full report!

Hey folks. It's my birthday soon. I'm relatively new to the area and have not been either to Elaine's on Franklin or to Lantern. These are my top choices for a fancy birthday dinner. I love Asian food, but I don't like the fact that Lantern does not take reservations for smaller parties. I want to go on Friday around 6- earlier the better. Does anyone think we'll have to wait a really long time? I hate waiting. Is the food worth a long wait? So Elaine's is my second choice, but I don't know much about it. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Well, salad comes in bags these days for $2.99. It may not be baby arugula but it's better than a $3 bag of Ruffles. Juice comes conveniently packaged in bottles, maybe slightly more expensive than soda but still under 5 bucks. My mother was a Lamaze teacher back in the 70's and early 80's. She encouraged everyone to eat lots of liver. Of course, now liver is verboten for pregnant moms, unless it's really super clean. I like to blame my stunted height on mom's excessive liver consumption. Here's one thing she told me: She never ate sweets while pregnant with me. I do not like sweets. But she ate lots of sweets while pregnant with my sister, who now has a sweet tooth. Coincidence? Hmm...

AAAGH! This also happened to me! I was so used to using my old, dull knives, then I went to visit my parents, and their knives had been freshly sharpened... I was slicing scallions when suddenly, OMG! My thumb-tip was sitting on the counter! With fingernail attached! It was quite disgusting. My family is very macho about things like the emergency room, so I didn't go. I had cotton stuck to my thumb for at least a week. I think your story is more punk rock, as you returned to bake the tripe. pretty cool.

Wow, the shitty beer thread! My first year in college, that's 1991 BTW, the only people who drank PBR did so in reference to the David Lynch film, "Blue Velvet." As in, Dennis Hopper's character saying, "Heineken? Heineken?! Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!!!" At the time, I myself was a Milwaukee's Best devotee. We used to press the can tops against our foreheads, and call the resulting imprint the "Mark of the Beast." That was the year they pulled Powermaster. A sad day for Midwestern fans of 40 oz. malt liquor. Then there was Cool Colt 45. You remember, it was the menthol beer! The advertisers' reasoning went something like this: Black people like menthol cigarettes. Black people like malt liquor. Therefore, Black people will like menthol-flavored malt liquor, especially if Billy Dee Williams is selling it to them. This product lasted approximately two weeks. I could go on, but I won't.