steffie

I, too, read the book and wasn't too alarmed--but then again, I'm not a rude diner. I rarely send something back--instead, I go to dine.com or restaurantpoll.com and document my opinions on those sites. On the rare occasions when I send something back, I do apologize--and don't send something back in a nasty manner. I'm not apologizing for the nasty people in the kitchen who sabotage food--I think that's awful, but in college, I did a stint in a kitchen and rudeness is sometimes met with rudeness. For instance, I remember this one gentleman, he said, "And step on it." And, lo and behold, the cook stepped on it and put it in the "to go box." So--I do believe you have to be a bit wary. However, Bourdain's book didn't document constant nastiness like this. Basically, he gave the diner insights on what restarateurs do as a general practice. Case in point--most chefs feel as if those who order well-done steaks don't deserve the prime steaks because they can't tell the difference. Therefore, the cooks call these "reach-ins." They reach into the back of the freezer for the non-prime steaks and throw them on the grill to cook them into shoe leather. Another insight that Bourdain imparts upon the reader is that brunches are, for the most part, items that didn't sell during the week. I didn't finish this book and fear going out to eat again. It's fun reading and I recommend it for any foodies out there.

I make cranberry waldorf salad with grapes, apples, cranberries and walnuts.

We've been to Fork--my husband enjoyed it, but I felt rather cramped--I also felt cramped at Overtures, plus the food was underwhelming. I loved the pepper ice cream though--for novelty's sake. I'm one of those persons who needs elbow room. We dined at Ralphs--once again, I felt like I was eating on a plane or something--space wise--not that I'm an overly big person or a heathen--it might just be that I'm part Italian and like to gesticulate a bit without hitting a waiter in the face :-). We managed to solidify our reservations at La Grolla for Feb. 1, but Vetri, being a 10-table restaurant, is booked two months in advance. :-( Oh heck, I probably would have felt cramped there too. Soo--we're stuck looking for something on February 2 since we're doing the Philly sleepover deal. What does everyone think about Rococco? I've been in the vicinity a few times and always admired the decor, but I realize, decor isn't everything.

We travel to Philly about five times a year and I truly don't remember ever having a bad meal. We're going in a few weeks to take advantage of the two-for-one overnight package and here are the two restaurants on our dinner itinerary: La Grolla Vetris Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you, Steffie