Maison Rustique

You could meet jschyun and me for a Chicago-style hotdog in Irvine. We had them yesterday and they are great!!! And hopefully it won't rain!

I don't qualify just yet, but have emailed this thread to my DH who is over 60 and has wined and dined around the world. Can't guarantee that he will participate, but that's the best I can do!

Aaaack! You get that right outta your system before we have lunch! I want a Chicago hot dog and none of Ikea's meatballs!

It was one of my favorites. According to what I read they simply got tired. They are retiring and moving to Sweden.

The peppermint ones make my husband sneeze, too. I'm completely addicted to the ginger ones.

Am I the only one who detests "little" fingers digging into buffets items? Or those who walk up and cough or sneeze in front of it? Not to mention the food sitting for God-knows-how-long without proper temperature control! Yuck! I guess I'm too finicky for that. I prefer sanitary conditions for my food selection/consumption. Mind you, I'm talking public buffets where there are the hungry masses and their off-spring descending upon the tables unsupervised. Ewwwwww!

If you find any in OC let me know! There was one in Tustin many years ago, but it wasn't that good and it's been gone for about 10 years.

Well, I was drooling over those pix! Unfortunately I'm going to be gone for a bit. Mom's having some major surgery in KCMO and I'm going back there to take care of her for a few weeks. I won't have a computer/internet connection there (unless my sis takes pity on me and brings a laptop from Topeka), so won't even be in touch for the next one. Keep posting those pix and maybe I can make #3!

Well, shoot! My alleged spouse has been in LA for the last 2 days. He just informed me that a client in San Diego is having a crisis and he has to go there tomorrow. So, we're gonna miss this first one. FZ, I look forward to seeing the pix and hope that we can make it for the next leg of the tour. Sorry!!!

Bumping back up. Happy New Year!!! Is there a plan of action yet? Where, what time, etc.? Unless something comes up work-wise for Don, we are still in. And would be willing to pick up anyone north of us (Laguna Hills) that wants to go. Gaaaa! Now that I've said that I'm sure that something will come along to screw up our going.

Since that is my birthday (Well, why the heck did you think there were all those parties?!?) and I don't like to go out that night, DH does the cooking. And his speciality is meatloaf, mashed potatoes and broccoli with cheese sauce. So, that is probably what we're having. He did try once to make one of my favorites. Osso Buco. He spent the whole day on it and I came home from work sick as a dog and took about 2 bites. Since then, he's stuck to his meatloaf dinner. And that's just fine--he makes a great meatloaf!!

My mouth is watering.... You gonna share your recipe and secrets with us?

After the holidays, we are in for the Thai tasting!!! I know that at least ONE other person heard Don say it!!!

Just want everyone to know that my eyes are not always closed! Tad, thanks for posting the pix--they're great!

It was a great time tonight (despite the traffic)!!! I hope that everyone had as much fun as Don and I did. Pix were taken, but we'll see how they look here. The food was almost as good as the company!

I'll let you know after tomorrow how to recognize me--I'm going to a new hair stylist tomorrow and have no idea what I'll look like by then!

OK! We are in--there will be 2 of us!! But neither of us is very familiar with Korean, so we expect some guidance.

Here is a listing of OC restaurants (searchable) from Cox.net. This is my cable company, so I don't know if it's member-only or not. If you can't access it let me know. In this restaurant listing you will find info about these restaurants: Memphis--very funky--casual--near So. Coast Plaza Gypsy Den--funky but healthy--casual--near So. Coast Plaza Scott's Seafood--traditional seafood--near So. Coast Plaza In Newport Beach: Pescadou--was a fabulous French place, but I understand it recently changed hands, so don't really know Golden Truffle--don't miss it!! La Cave--traditional steaks/seafood--late night music And if you can get to Laguna Beach: Cafe Zoolu--just a fun local place with terrific food--tiny I'm still thinking!

OK, before I start arranging schedules, where is Shik Do Rak? I know in OC, but which city? Also, for the other considerations, just in case I can get DH to be really adventuresome!

Please let us know if you have a car. I'm working on a list. Also if you'd like to get together while here, I'll do my best to work out a time! And I highly second the Golden Truffle--one of my favorites! I'll get back to you with more after you let us know about transportation. Oh! And where in Costa Mesa will you be located--makes a difference if you don't have a car. Edited to fix typo

Is the date the 13th or 14th? Lunch or dinner? I've lost track of it now. Let me know and I'll see what we can do. If it's no further than Long Beach I may be able to work it out.

I'm in Laguna Hills, so I think I'm the furthest south. I do hope that my DH and I can make one of these events. This time of year is just too busy to attempt a trip to LA or thereabouts, though. I'll keep reading and when we can make something, we'll jump in!!

Not exactly haute cuisine, but I got this from my Mom. I've made it for people from all over and they love it. In our house it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it! CORN CASSEROLE ½ cup (1 stick) butter 17-oz. can corn with liquid* 17-oz. can creamed corn* 8 ½-oz. box Jiffy corn bread/muffin mix 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup sour cream** 1 cup grated cheddar cheese** *I have never seen a 17-oz. can of corn. I think they’re usually 15-16-oz. Works fine. **Mom & I both usually use more than this of the sour cream and cheese. Melt butter in a 9x13 dish. Add whole corn, creamed corn & corn bread mix. Gently mix with a fork. Add eggs and mix in with fork. Drop sour cream by tablespoons over the top of the corn mixture. Dunk them under a bit. Cover top with cheddar. Bake 20 to 30 minutes at 350, or until it is firm. Let cool slightly before serving or serve at room temp. Happy Thanksgiving! Deb/maison rustique/Orange County, CA

Noriega Hotel in Bakersfield. Fabulous all you can eat Basque food served family style at long communal tables. It's worth the drive!!

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Bread pudding is sounding pretty good right now....