Maison Rustique

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll post when I get back.

Nice job! Tell Mrs. Stupid she isn't!

Hi! The first part of June, DH (dear husband) and I are driving over to Phoenix. He will be in meetings all day and we have dinners most evenings that have already been arranged by the group. We're staying at the JW Desert Ridge Resort and Spa and I understand that there are some nice restaurants there which is good because I'm afraid (but don't know for sure) that most of the group dinners will be held there. I could be surprised! Anyway, I'll have the days free. I have a friend in Scottsdale that I hope to spend some time with. We're tentatively planning to get together for a Sunday Brunch. Any suggestions? Also how about lunch spots? I'll be on my own during the days unless I can convince my friend to go antiquing/junking with me. And if anyone has suggestions for that, I'm interested, too! I want cheap antiquing places as it's for re-sale. As far as dining goes, there is no price limit. I like most any food except sushi/sashimi. Other than that, I'm open to adventure! Great food at local dives is great as long as I'll feel safe there alone. Thanks!!

Will you have a car? What kinds of food do you like? Price range? And don't forget that mornings, evenings and sometimes even the days in June at the beach can be very foggy and downright cold. We call it June gloom. Please be sure to bring layered clothing. You'll want a jacket or sweater at night!

Begging your pardon, but it IS Olvera Street. Here's the website. Olvera Street

Well, damn! We just keep striking out. We're attending a wedding on the 4th. And not anywhere near there.

I feel like I missed something. What exactly do you mean by backyard Iron Chef? Is all the cooking done outdoors? Was there another thread on this that I missed? If I have a better idea of what it's about, I "might" be able to approach my alleged spouse about having it here.

Yes!

And we weren't disappointed with the food! As nice as the weather was we were a bit disappointed to be seated inside (there were plenty of tables outside that were never filled) where it was overly crowded and we had a screaming youngster behind us--a pet peeve of mine. I blame the adults who kept indulging the child, not the child. Service and food were wonderful. I was very bad and had chocolate banana french toast with bananas Foster sauce, etc. I could feel my heart valves slamming shut, but enjoyed every bite! I justified it by having a salad first.

No. http://www.ener-g.com/Faq/productfaq.aspx#7 Thanks! Now I'll be able to sleep tonight.

You're taking over for Martha while she does her jail thang, right? That's a "perfect" use for Peeps. LMAO at both of you!!

Thanks! After seeing those pix, I'll have a hard time sleeping tonight just thinking about it!! (insert salivating smilie here--why don't we have one!)

Haven't been there. We are having brunch there tomorrow with the son of dear British friends and his wife. The wife selected the place. Good or bad? What to order or not to order? Do I need to dress frou-frou? I hope not or they won't let us in!! Thanks for any advice! I'll let you know how it turns out.

Yum! That sounds great. I've got asparagus and was planning to make soup this weekend--I'll try it with the cashews! Got a favorite COA recipe you'd like to share? I was planning to wing it as usual. Just start with some good chicken stock. Chop your asparagus and toss that in. Use your choice of seasonings, I like just a little thyme in mine. Simmer it until the asparagus is well done. Add some heavy cream to your liking, and thicken with slurry or white roux. Add the toasted cashews and blend well. I can't give you a ratio, when I make this soup, it's all by eye. The soup should be a light pea green. I prefer not to strain it. I think it has better body and flavor. But you have to blend it well, so no stringyness occurs from the fibres in the asparagus. Check the seasoning and adjust, Salt and white pepper to taste. I like to finish it with a little butter. For those without swallowing difficulty, you can add some whole toasted cashews and asparagus tips as a garnish. Thanks! I've got it on already and much the same, except I used dill instead of thyme and a splash of soy sauce. Haven't added the cashews yet, but can't wait to try it! Edited to say/ask: I used potato starch as a thickener. Is potato starch the same as potato flour? My inquiring mind wants to know!

Peep jerky! I love it! Much much better than Jones Peeps. Thank you! You're quite welcome! I've called them (the way I eat them) that for years and everyone always knows exactly what I mean.

I used to like them, but only when very stale--peep jerky, if you will. But I haven't allowed myself to have them in years, so I may have lost my taste for them.

Yum! That sounds great. I've got asparagus and was planning to make soup this weekend--I'll try it with the cashews! Got a favorite COA recipe you'd like to share? I was planning to wing it as usual.

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!