researchgal

Henckels tomato knife; set of pyrex nesting bowls to use during prep--makes me feel like I'm on my own cooking show ;) although a set of ramekins might be even more authentic...

okay, since someone already brought up Maine in an earlier post, I feel it's fine now for me to remind you to stop at Flo's Hot Dog stand on route 1 in York--it's great! You have to have the hot dog the way they make it with this special sauce and, believe it or not, a little bit of mayo (I know if sounds gross, but it really isn't)...anyhow, they'll yell at you if you try to ask for a hot dog some other way. And, I've also heard Fore Street in Portland is one of the best restaurants in the city. Also, especially if it's on someone else's dime, try Arrows in Ogunquit. Have a great trip, and if you need Boston area recommendations, let me know as you get closer, am happy to oblige.

Hi Tom, who (anyone--living or dead) would you most like to make a meal for and then sit down and eat with? What would you make? Thanks!

When driving up Route 1 in California, just south of Mendocino, go to The Albion River Inn (for dining and/or sleeping)--incredible view, terrific food. Also check out nearby, the Ledford House restaurant--the only place I've ever watched a herd of deer (they do travel in herds, no?) on a bluff overlooking the pacific, sun setting in the background, and eaten a fantastic meal at the same time...

yeah...you're not going to coral me backfin to this!

sorry, I have nothing to say, but I just had this urchin to join in the fin...

That North End tour is supposed to be great, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. As far as breakfast w/pancakes--I've heard Sorella's is good, but it's kind of a bit of a treck (i.e., cab or buses, not subway) from where you're staying to Jamaica Plain (you're in the Theatre District). For a very casual, diner type of place, good breakfast with a great local character you could try Charlie's on Colombus Ave., in the South End. Also Johnny D's in Somerville (Take the red line subway from Park st. Station to Davis Square, Somerville) gets rave reviews for their Sat and Sun brunch and pancakes. Lunch might be fun at Brasserie Jo which is located on Huntington Ave adjacent to the Colonade Hotel. Another brunch/lunch option is the Claremont Cafe, also on Columbus Ave., in the South End--lots of delicious baked items as well as yummy eggs, etc.--they have a great raisin-brioche french toast ('tho it's not pancakes!). In fact, if you're up for browsing around, their are a bunch of breakfast and lunch places along Tremont Street in the South End that you could walk to from your hotel. Hope this helps.

Yes, Elephant Walk is great. It's actually Cambodian-French. There are two locations, one in Porter Square (on Mass Ave) in Cambridge, and one on Beacon Street in Brookline. I have to say I'm completely biased in my view of it tho' b/c my husband and I went there on our first date there and then (after many return meals) were engaged there. It's great! They also have a very good wine list. Yes, I've tried Metro. Only once, and we went right after they opened (I know, big mistake to go so soon). We didn't have a great experience--the food was good, not outstanding, but it was the atmosphere that got me--it's really cold and too open feeling in the room. They're trying for the brasserie feel, but don't quite get it. Brasserie Jo in Back Bay is much more successful at it. But, that said, I've seen many excellent reviews of it since my visit and will give it one more try. Didn't have dessert, so can't answer that question. Re: Finale--sorry you had such a bad experience. I've only been once, but was really impressed. Mantra is another place in Boston that everyone is talking about these days. I haven't been yet, have anyone else in this area tried it? I hear it's worth it just to check out the funky men's room--something about "going" into an ice-fountain or something??

I love salt (in moderation), too. I typically use kosher or plain old iodized, but b/c of my love of salt I get caught up in all the hype about grey salt and fleur de sel, etc. For the prices they charge, there must be something to it...or maybe not? Has anyone tried them in home cooking? PS, lullyloo, I'm the same way w/steak--I don't get why it never tastes like there's enough!

In response to Bux's request for good food in Boston at any price: --Yes, Radius is a must--do the tasting menu (Radius is in the Financial District, near South Station) --If you want the clam shack experience, go to Jasper White's Summer Shack in Cambridge--try one of the the lobster dishes --I second Clio in the Eliot Hotel--excellent food, often tops the lists of best places in the city --If you're able to venture out from the city (venturing out from Boston means a few miles) try Lumiere in Newton --Back in Boston, Pigalle in the Theater District has lovely French food --Also near Pigalle go for dessert at Finale--an interesting concept of a restaurant that focuses on dessert--absolutely amazing desserts paired with wine suggestions --Lastly, since I feel like most of the above suggestions lean toward the French side of things, I'd recommend trying Bricco for Italian in the North End--I have not eaten there yet, but have heard wonderful things about it Oh, and one other suggestion re: Chez Henri mentioned above by a few--go to the bar and try some of their fabulous Cuban cocktails along with their bar menu, their version of a Cuban sandwich is outstanding! (it comes with delicious plantain chips, too)

All this talk about Annies vs. Kraft mac-n-cheese. Definitely Annies wins "elbows" down, but you must add in your own extra grated cheddar cheese and, not to be a pigs in blanket-wannabe, but also cut up pieces of hot dog and mix it all together in a bowl. If no one else is home, put some ketchup on it. It's been awhile since I've done it, but it sure sounds good round about now.