nyani

I'm also a fan of the bloody mary- lots of fresh horseradish and garnished with a jumbo shrimp. Ooh- and happy hour prices on oysters if you can make it over in time (think it ends at 6?).

I took the Intro to Knives class at Sur la Table- $25 I think, but comes with a coupon for a knife purchase- 10-15%. I found it to be helpful and definitely a good way to try out all the brands. I ended up with a Furi chef's knife because I have small hands and like the fit. I never would have thought about that brand before the class (this was pre Rachel Ray endorsement).

My family always makes "Hot Browns"- inspired by the Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY. Toast some good bread, top with turkey and then a basic cheese sauce. Slices of tomato and crisp bacon are optional (but encouraged)- then pop the whole thing under the broiler until the cheese sauce browns.

I have to say I agree with Tugboat. Sure these anecdotes are entertaining- but some are also a little mean-spirited. There's still so little that I personally know about wine- but I'm learning. Heaven forbid I say something incorrect in a wine shop! I think you might find that some of the people basing their selections on cute labels today are going to be making better informed choices tomorrow.

After reading all about the fabulous dinners that so many of you have had- I'm finally going to the Tasting Room tonight. I've been couting down the hours all day!

The chicken salad is my choice there, too. A few years ago I went through a bad break-up that coincided with the 11th St. Potbelly opening. I was too sad to eat most things- but for some reason craved the chicken salad every day at lunch for a week. I still think of it as comfort food.

I work in the E Street building- I'd also add to the suggestions Ortanique, Ella's and Acadiana is less than a 10 minute walk. And a little closer to China Town are Ginger Cove, Poste, Zola, Cafe Atlantico- etc. (all still in the less than 10 minute range). Ella's is probably the most reasonable unless you're looking just to order apps.

We had chili last night- not at all fancy- but my boyfriend made it (and shopped for the ingredients) by himself. He asked me to write out a basic recipe and shopping list for him. This probably doesn't sound like a big deal to most people, but it's the first time he's expressed an interest in learning how to cook. When he placed the bowls on the table he said "look- I did everything that you usually do!" I have high hopes for this. He'd like to tackle roast chicken next.

Velveeta Shells & Cheese- we only ate it on holidays, and so I thought it was fancy. I used to turn my nose up at my mom's great baked macaroni & cheese with buttery bread crumbs in favor of this orange gooey mess.

A friend and I had lunch at Acadiana on Tuesday. We shared 2 appetizers: the fried green tomatoes w/spiced shrimp rémoulade and the duo of pies with buttermilk dipping sauce. We also shared the barbeque shrimp po-boy and a side of collard greens. Overall I wasn't blown away by the food- but I enjoyed it. The biscuits that came in the bread basket with a side of pepper jelly were great -silmutaneously rich and light with a slight crunch from the butter-brushed top. The fried green tomatoes were my favorite: tangy, crunchy and not at all greasy. I was expecting a little more from the po boy - more shrimp and more flavor. Last week I was so disappointed when they ran out of shrimp po boys during the fundraiser, but now I think that the roast beef might be a better choice. Finally I thought the collard greens needed some additional kick-I appreciated the smokiness, but I think they needed vinegar. Our service was very friendly and well-intentioned, and so I hope the glitches we experienced will work themselves out. At first, when the restaurant was relatively empty, our waiter was too attentive and tried to take away our plates before we had finished eating- but by the end of the meal he was virtually absent. I'll definitely go back soon, though. There's no way I'm going to pass up such good biscuits so close to my office!

Fyi- They only have roast beef left at this point (as of 12:45)- so head over soon!

OOH- I have that Salad Book. I recently had a dinner party using only old cookbooks. The winner I chose from the salad cookbook was a recipe for "Snacko" (mostly because I like to say it). It's essentially cornbread batter (from a mix, of course) spread thinly, and then topped with crushed peanuts, garlic salt, parm. and butter before baking. Sounds scary- but pretty tasty.

Yes to Pastries by Randolph! I think that they are the best place from which to order cakes in the area- reasonably priced and decorators who know how to write on cakes (as much as I love Reeve's from time to time- they do a poor job with cake decorations). I've never been disappointed by them.

This is my first post- so I hope I'm doing it right! Just want to add that I grew up in Kentucky (birthplace of Ollie's), where eating Ollie burgers and fries was a tremendous treat at the State Fair every year. The 12th & E location's offerings are absolultely consistent with what I remember eating as a child. Those hot and greasy fries eaten right out of the bag and the Ollie burger with cheese are still heaven (guess I know what I'm having for lunch today!) Also worth trying at that location is a decent crabcake and the bacon-LOADED BLT. And did I mention the sweet tea?