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Pamela Anderson wants Foie Gras off menu

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:00:02 GMT

Don't get me wrong: I love foie gras, and rarely see it on a menu without ordering it. But. Your statement about causing animals to suffer is horrifying, but more worryingly, shows a fundamental lack of understanding about food provenance. There are many ethical producers of foie gras and two of the best 3 Michelin star restaurants (Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Royal Hospital Road and The Fat Duck) use it exclusively. I can personally attest that there is no loss in quality. And if you've ever tasted meat that is produced organically, in a free-range environment with as natural a diet as possible, you would know that meat coming from those animals is more delicious and of much higher quality than their factory counterparts. Most people don't know it, but geese will actually over-feed themselves in preparation for the migration season. That means that NO ONE needs to shove tubes down their throats - they will queue up for feedings. And let's be clear - you can't say for certain that animals don't have a sense of consciousness. Have you ever been an animal? Has anyone been inside the head of an animal? No. We have no idea. So it is our job, as the "protector" species to do our best to take care of them, and treat them humanely while they are alive. I'm not in any way affiliated with PETA, and I don't like many of their tactics, but I cannot stand people who throw out the message because of the tactics. You're only doing yourself a disservice, and I'm surprised and disappointed that all the wonderful CH's who ascribe to organic and free-range let that comment pass without critique. The only thing I can agree with you on is feeding dogs vegetarian food. Cats and dogs are carnivores and you cause great damage to give them anything but a high-protein diet. Oh, and I guess I agree with you about Pamela Anderson not being the sharpest tool in the shed.

Bread Dough: Food Processor vs. Stand Mixer

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:18:52 GMT

I think you might have mixed it each time too long which overheats the dough and that would kill the yeast, though not all, to result in less rise. It's been a long time since I've used the food processor since I like to feel the dough and progress but I added the ingredients except flour, pulse quickly. Slowly add flour a little at a time and pulse quickly after each addition. When mixed, I let it sit to autolyse (hydrate the flour) for a few minutes. Then I turn on the food processor but only about 30-60 seconds, at most, not close to two minutes. It sounds like you did it for two minutes a few times? That would be far too long. If you don't get the rise you want, but it is rising, you could just let it sit longer, until the dough doubles, or whatever the recipe calls for and then continue. Sorry I don't have more details on what I did in the past but I do prefer using the stand mixer and/or doing it by hand.

Hot Dog Rolls

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:01:00 GMT

I love the Alvarado St.sprouted wheat hot dog and hamburger rolls 'cause I don't eat hotdogs or hamburgers and they are delicious while holding up to alternative fillings.I am intrigued by Mama's Bakery split top buns...sounds like the perfect bun to grill in butter for a lobster roll or for others a grilled Hebrew National(Nathan's style).

REALLY spicy food in the Bay Area?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:17:28 GMT

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2010/07/30/the-killer-curry-challenge/

My Canelé Misadventures, Thus Far

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:18:57 GMT

I googled it and found that it is not really superfine technically, but practically it is, so why throw in a term that is not common.

Is there anything surprisingly good in Hell's Kitchen?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:23:56 GMT

I've lived in the northeast end of Hell's Kitchen (close to Columbus Circle really) for a year and a half and the only place west of me that I've genuinely enjoyed is Shimizu. The expensive restaurants are usually pretty good, but it seems like all the "normal-price" (affordable or even a little splurgy) or cheap joints are completely forgettable. The one exception IMO is Gazala's Place, which seems like it was a good find. I'm not looking for anything in particular, just food that is much better than the prices would suggest. Lunch, dinner, whatever. I guess this is an open forum. My feeling is that the food in Hell's Kitchen, especially 9th Avenue, for the most part, kind of sucks. I haven't tried everything but I've just about given up looking for a place that turns out to be surprisingly good. I'm not totally cheap but every now and then I'm satisfied to eat at Rudy's. Anyway, I get the sense that I'm missing something and it will be a revelation: i.e. both my stomach and wallet are optimistic. Let me add that I used to live on Northern Blvd in Jackson Heights, where everything was always surprisingly good.

Grocery Outlet July 2010

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:12:40 GMT

It was the LIberte Mediteranee (all flavored iirc) . I got Blackberry, Apple Crumb and Lemon

Barriada Churrascaria - Discusting -Can anyone suggest a nearby alternative?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:19:42 GMT

I'm not a fan of Piri Piri. I live in a Portuguese hood and my faves (both take-out) are: Sardinha http://www.sardinhabbqchicken.com/ and Churrasco of St. Clair http://www.churrasco.net/

Debu's Indian Take out Kensington.....

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:03:18 GMT

Debu Sahar.... Probably one of the more creative and consistent chefs focusing on high quality indian food has opened a takout joint (actually has a back and front patio) on Augusta ave in Kensignton. Just finishing one of his very excellent veg pakora (4 for $4) and a lovely non-greasy naan freshly made. Daal excellent. Yet to load up on more though by all accounts the saag paneer is very good with a nice home made paneer. It has now been open for a couple of months or so....sooooo i have seen precious few reviews on here....opinions ? debu's delivery starts next month... so have you been and would you swap over from banjara ???

Looking for the holy grail - cheap healthy and very delicious restaurant for a casual weeknight dinner

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:23:20 GMT

If you like Me va me, Sofra Grill opened a new location at St. Clair and Dufferin. Chicken kebab, salad, lentil soup and hummous are fantastic.

tasting menu

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:24:30 GMT

The fact that you are limited to Sunday night eliminates some – but not all – options for fine dining in Seattle. My first choice would have been Canlis, but it’s closed on Sunday, and isn’t in the vicinity of the Pike Place Market anyway. The Georgian restaurant in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is not far from the Market and has one of the most elegant dining rooms in town, but, alas, it is also closed on Sunday. Finally, the suggestion of Mistral Kitchen’s Jewel Box by equinoise (one of the best posters on this board, BTW) is a good one, but Jewel Box is also closed on Sunday. Chez Shea is open on Sunday, and I had a lovely dinner there recently. The ambience isn’t posh, elegant, or formal, but I think it is a lovely, comfortable, inviting space. It has a seven-course tasting menu for $75 with five wine pairings for an additional $35 per person. Although it is not in the vicinity of the Pike Place Market, Rover’s serves dinner on Sunday starting at 5:00 pm with the same menus as on other nights, including several degustation options. It is only 2.6 miles from the Market – a relatively short cab ride. Crush and Lark are also both open on Sunday, but, like Rover's, neither is in the immediate vicinity of the Market. Dahlia Lounge isn’t in the same league as the other places mentioned, as a very disappointing recent experience reminded me. I don’t like the pretentiousness and “performance-aspect” of The Herbfarm, think it is horribly overpriced, and it’s WAY out of town. Hope this helps.

Good Eats Alton Brown Any ideas?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:56:48 GMT

But I do watch Alton, and I am certainly entertained. He's a great entertainer! How dare you tell me not to watch him! If he's a great teacher to you, great. Perhaps he should have taught high school social studies. Nothing wrong with that. But personally, I'm glad he didn't - I'm glad he stuck it out as a TV producer and put himself in front of the camera. He's entertaining, and as they say - that's that - end of story.

I'll Never Say Never Again Again, 'Cause Here I am in Love Again

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:23:25 GMT

Okay, stuff I hate/detest/despise: - spicy-hot food. Hate it with a passion. - cinnamon. Can't stand the smell or taste - peanut butter. How do you unglue it from your mouth?

Ferry to Port Jefferson

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:07:32 GMT

Not pubs, but try Toast Coffee House and Pasta Pasta. http://www.pastapasta.net/lunch_menu.html http://toastcoffeehouse.com/lunch.html I haven't eaten at Toast, but it's consistently well reviewed. I know Pasta Pasta very well, and it's a nice atmosphere and very good food.

Our Anniversary -- Union Square Area and Not the Cheesecake Factory :)

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:59:17 GMT

Here are some modest thoughts. Dim Sum: Yank Sing at the Rincon Center. Don't let the naysayers distract you. Try to get there by 11:30 a.m.. Early Dinner: Epic Roasthouse has LARGE portions. I usually sit upstairs in the bar for late afternoon drinks, nibbles and the view. Again, not a Chowhound favorite but a worthy destination nonetheless. Downstairs is not cheap but the portions are large and carnivores leave happy. Ask about the prime rib. Late drinks: Bix Breakfast: I usually pass. Oysters: Acme, Tadich, Zuni (take the "F" up Market) and Scoma are all good. I'm sure you know that San Francisco is one of the few cities in California that "gets" mass transit. Get yourself a "passport" and travel becomes easy, cheap and fun. It includes cable cars. You might be able to expand your dining reach significantly.

Best Shanghai in Richmond?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:58:33 GMT

Like I replied to you in the adjacent thread, maybe stick with the Chinatown Night Market [cough] and cut your losses [grin], then head on over to either Long's on Main St or Lin on Broadway @ Granville, where I'd prefer to spend a weekend evening myself, because if I'm STILL hungry after eating at Lin I can always go to BIN 942 a few doors down :-D http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/14/180175/restaurant/Fairview/Bin-942-Vancouver

40th birthday party

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:10:28 GMT

Plus Napa's room would be tight for 30. However there is municipal parking a block and half away at either Summer St. garage or Bell St.

MISSING POSTS......

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:07:55 GMT

Makes you wonder doesn't it. Did I touch a nerve somewhere??

Planning my first trip to SFO in August 2010.

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:06:30 GMT

Yes. Thank you indeed!

Must-Eat San Diego?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:14:52 GMT

Honkman, LOVE Alchemy (especially the Wed. night vegetarian tasting menu) but I've found their one weak spot to be their cocktails. What are some of the ones you tried that are good? I've never sent a drink back but have done so a number of times at Alchemy...

SoCo suggestion for 5 women

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:12:15 GMT

Looks good, is that the place Bourdain went to on No Reservations?

To scoop or not?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:02:53 GMT

Agreed! Only we go to St-Viateur.

Visiting Newport in late August....

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:20:37 GMT

Hi, I realize there are a lot of Newport dining posts on here, and Ive looked thru them. But I was hoping Frank, and others out there could help me narrow down our options a little. Here's the story. We will be going for a weekend trip at the end of August to visit, and we are only interested in SEAFOOD places. I can get a good steak or thai, or mexican etc. near me, and not really interested with that while were on a short vacation in Newport.... I was looking for not toooo expensive options, but I also realize its seafood we asking for, and its Newport lol. So I'm listing some options I've found from this site and others (tripadvisor etc) and was hoping you guys could help narrow these down a little for me, you know, this one's crazy expensive, or this one's a tourist trap, this one is overrated, this one's great for dinner, but not lunch... etc. Keep in mind we have Friday (possibly lunch and dinner ) Saturday (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and Sun (maybe a nice brunch and an early dinner, then we gotta get home!) I APPRECIATE ANY / ALL INPUT. Thanks in advance. Heres that list: The Barking Crab The Landing The Mooring Scales and Shells Rhode Island Quahog Co. The Red Parrot Brick Alley Pub The Black Pearl Cafe Zelda Flo's clam shack Atlantic Beach Club Anthony's seafood PHEW! thanks again for any help.

Mid range real sushi! (my top places all have deteriorated in quality)

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:01:47 GMT

What about west of Bathurst, south of St. Clair? Any reco's? Can't wait to try Taro's Fish and Sushi Marche and Solo Sushi based on these posts. Is there something closer to downtown or the west end for a weeknight fix?

Tassies

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:13:41 GMT

I often make these as Xmas gifts, and they are so labor intensive! I bought a tart tamper, but thumbs are easier. Still, a lot of work when you're making a LOT. They are the most popular thing I ever make, even more than killer truffles.

Oysters in the Tampa Area

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:19:53 GMT

Thanks all for the great suggestions and warnings! Appreciate it!

Presidential Visit 7/28/10

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:03:11 GMT

Yes and I hear that they named a new sub the "Obama" after our President. It's main ingredient - bologna.

New Mexican restaurants.

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:05:08 GMT

Anyone know about the place on decarie? Something with bbq in the name...if I could get a name it can help me...thanks! Its in between cv metro and du college....

help - from out of town and need to plan a large family dinner in downtown toronto

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:10:31 GMT

Skip it. It is like Spring Rolls a.k.a fast food with a nicer surrounding.

Family foods I thought was normal

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:01:36 GMT

I spent nearly every day with my grandmother as a kid. Generally, until I went to elementary school, I never ever had a "cold" lunch. Lunch was always a cooked meal- no sandwiches. My grandmother made me pastina with butter and when it got hot she cracked an egg into it, added some parmesan cheese and served it with a side of cooked spinach with oil and red wine vinegar sprinkled on it. And speaking of....we never had salad dressing, just oil and vinegar. Oh, and salad always came at the end of the meal, right before dessert.

Lower end Scotch tastes

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:14:57 GMT

I agree with EvergreenDan. Its just not worth it. The cheapest scotch's I've ever found that I'm willing to drink are Aberlour and Jura, and even those are over $30 for a 750ml (VA prices, which are somewhat high). Choose something else--my go-to drink when I don't feel rich enough to afford scotch is rye on the rocks, or a sazerac--you can get an excellent rye for around $20/750ml, and although good absinthe is more expensive, if you're only using it for sazeracs the bottle will last you literally forever.

Athens Report

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:24:11 GMT

We spent two nights in Athens and feel compelled to report on our experiences. First, we dined at Ta Kioupia. The meal was a fixed 50 euros per person. There was an abundance of food and it was delicious. We ate traditional food prepared in an updated manner. We couldn't finish everything even though we loved it all. The service was excellent. They would have happily brought us more food if we had room. The appetizers were a yogurt and beet salad, an updated greek salad with bread crumbs and specially marinated feta, chick peas puree, meatballs with a delicious tomato concasse, a garbanzo flour bread, eggplant salad, a modern tzatziki with sesame bread, and more. It just kept coming. The meat course included pork roast, chicken breast in wine with walnuts, perfectly grilled veal, chicken in yogurt over eggplant. Dessert came after a watermelon granita with feta cheese. Chocolate mousse and a cooked cream with caramel. Both excellent. The second night we went to Kuzina. This has the potential to be a wonderful restaurant if you are Greek. If you are not, I suggest you stay away. Located just below the Acropolis and a lovely 15 minute walk from Constitution Square, this locale has a roof top terrace facing the Acropolis. The only problem is that the tables with a good view seem to be reserved for Greeks and tourists are sent to the back. The food is creative. Some of it worked and some of it didn't. Dumplings with cheese in a berry sauce were very good. The smoked eggplant and the fig soaked in anise and ouzo did not taste good. The problem is that no matter how good the food, they treated us very poorly. We are seasoned travelers who spend three months a year in Europe. I haven't experienced such snotty treatment since our honeymoon in Positano 18 years ago. The good tables were allegedly pre-booked even though our concierge indicated that they had reserved one of the up front tables for us. We waited half the night and one of the tables with a good view remained empty, until a party of two walked in at 11 p.m., didn't like their table, and moved to the table for 5 with a good view. This is after we asked nicely to be moved twice. The waitress was snotty, rolling her eyes at our order. We ordered appetizers and main courses for the table of five and wine also. We tried a big variety of items on the menu. There was no reason for her behavior. We can read greek and even if our pronunciation is not great, we try. There are so many restaurants in Athens, I can't see any reason for a visitor to waste a night on Kuzina. Enjoy your visit to this remarkable city.

Working in Rittenhouse Square for 6 months (with per diem but no car)

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:07:13 GMT

A helper??? Is this an era of a newer, kinder, gentler falafel nazi? (Okay, dude's always been nice to me but I've seen him skewer other people.) Thanks for the tip, barryg. I'll try to make it there next week. Probably will still go for the chicken (love that chicken) and will definitely end up feeling like a disgusting pig but I'll love every second. Did the sans chicken once (he ran out) - good, even great, but not the same. Agree on the other food carts. Christos' food may not be the cheapest of the trucks, but the prices are more than reasonable for what you're getting, at least where Center City is concerned. The UCity food carts are so much better. I miss having those close to me, made getting a cheap & delicious lunch so so easy.

have u run into this in high end restaurants? (la grenouille in this instance)

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:02:42 GMT

Not tacky if done discreetly. I am sure graygarious operates at the same gracious level as his/her posts.

best 2 days of food in Santa Monica Area and beyond

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:08:42 GMT

Your options and many of the recommendations here are great, but MOST are farther than 30 minutes away from Santa Monica. Here's my list for you: breakfast - Amandine, Huckleberry, or Coast at Shutters (for expensive, but beautiful ambiance), lunch: Bay Cities Deli, Father's Office, Annisette, Fritto misto Dinner: for your date - go to Bazaar in Weho, other good dinner options: Musha in Santa Monica, Hide Sushi or Orris in West L.A., Osteria Latini in Brentwood, Gjelina in Venice, Waterloo & City in Culver City, bakery: Susie Cakes in Brentwood, Brentwood Country Mart for Ice cream,

solid eateries by Arsenal tube station and Islington neighborhood [London]

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:27:37 GMT

Oh one more - If you go past Crouch End to the bottom of Muswell Hill there's a small Japanese supermarket called Fuji Foods. They do really excellent takeaway sushi. A really authentic feel about the place in every respect. Downsides - distance from Stroud Green, nowhere to eat inside, and its not really all that cheap - at least isn't when you're like me and can't help yourself at the sight of uni or toro. When I say it isn't all that cheap, I mean for a takeaway plastic box situation. You can get a mass of really high quality sushi for £12-15, which is actually extremely cheap all things considered.

Restaurant Jezebel fire

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:58:25 GMT

Extrastiver, please let all your Jezebel friends know how much Austin food lovers adore and support that restaurant. I had one of the best birthday dinners of my life there last year. While I already visit Simplicity quite regularly, I will definitely make it a point to visit Braise for the first time this weekend, and I will urge my friends to do the same.

Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate". What have you tried in L.A.?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:56:47 GMT

Had my first Langer's #19 today. It's the real deal. Looks/tastes exactly as described by Adam Gertler in the show. Ask for hot mustard if need to counter the sweetness of the cole slaw. A definite "must try" in my book. Hoping to hit Wood Spoon for the pot pie soon.

"LA SUPER RICA" inspired joint on La Brea.... anyone tried the new "Tinga" yet?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:15:07 GMT

In recent times, you see more criticism of La Super-Rica, but I don't know why. The place hasn't changed in the 20 years I've been going there. Like you, Taster, I seldom drive through Santa Barbara without stopping for the char-roasted pasilla with cheese and marinated pork (in my case, always with a bowl of perfectly cooked pinto beans with bacon). It's delicious, homey, and satisfying, especially if the line is short and you have time to eat slowly and linger. Let's hope the Tinga people know what they're doing in the kitchen and aren't just using a Santa Barbara icon for the publicity value.

Authentic Lox in the Northern VA/DC Area

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:24:17 GMT

Distinctions discussed here: http://www.chow.com/stories/11602

Need catering referral in Vancouver for an intimate private function

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:08:33 GMT

Thanks...I have been doing some research and talking to caterers. Does anyone have any experience of feedback on the following? - Culinary Capers - The Butler Did It - Savoury City - Thyme to Indulge - Lazy Gourmet (they haven't gotten back to me yet...too lazy?) Thanks

Cooking for ******** (expletive deleted) You suck at cooking. You f*** up rice

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:00:41 GMT

I'm amused by it too - but then I have always had a bad mouth on me - had to tone it down when I went to Berkeley well after the Free Speech movement and upset the locals. Keep up the good work.

5 Favorite Food Documentaries

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:02:24 GMT

Not about food, about tea: All in This Tea, about erstwhile tea importer David Hoffman, and his pursuit of hand-crafted Chinese teas. Lots of interesting info about tea and tea production, and a view of the difficulties of getting the well-produced stuff out of China. Another Les Blanc film, it's available on DVD. Information: http://www.allinthistea.com/about.html

Rogue States ~

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:58:53 GMT

I like the ethics, don't like the burger.

Any can't miss/must have dining in Hollywood?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:05:48 GMT

Thanks so much for all the feedback. I'm going to forward this thread to her right now. hopefully I'll be able to tell you all where she ends up going and what she thought.

Garlic: crushed or chopped?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:27:40 GMT

Since watching Mario, I mostly slice and otherwise chop/mince. PS: I happen to be a big fan of adding to old posts rather than starting new ones.

If I'm going to have only 1 green chili cheeseburger, which one?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:57:32 GMT

It would make a worthy road trip to hit all of those GCCB spots, eh? You should be able to do this now.

Old School Last Night @ the Dal Rae in Pico Rivera

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:01:44 GMT

"...and in another booth the older white haired, white bearded gentleman with his lady all dolled up..." Hey, I'll have you know that my hair and beard are "platinum blond" and I think they make me look very extinguished...err distinguished! ;-D>

Birmingham - new, or new to you?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:13:28 GMT

Been to Saigon Noodle House and it was good but prefer Pho Que Huong. Been there several times now and the food's very consistent. Not blow your socks off Vietnamese but solid. Still looking for someplace that serves Beef 7 ways.

What's For Dinner? Part XL

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:27:50 GMT

Sounds delightful. I'm hoping squash blossoms never catch on. As it stands right now I can get tons for free because all my neighbors and gardening friends just throw them in the trash.