RaisaB

I am oiling up the pig roaster as we speak. JG have you ordered a pig yet?

Does Artisinal have to mean small? Does scarcity make it better? Don't we buy Eppoise's here in the USA and the entire world for that matter? They are all made in Burgundy, and the quality/flavor is good. So why should an American "Artisanal" cheese be any different? Or does the "snob" appeal make it better also?

I put an olive oil cap on it and frezze part and keep some in the fridge. The olive oil keeps it from turning dark. As for how long it keeps....unfrozen, I don't know.

I love hosting them! I don't care for truly formal...preplated. etc. I am all over the place as you are. The only requirements are good wine and good food. I usually get inspired by one of my magazines or new cookbooks, something that I want to cook and I work from there. I feel like cooking this weekend and unfortunately, I don't have anyone to invite...

I just stripped mine yesterday. I only had one plant survive this year. I made pesto with it, I now have 4 pints of fresh pesto in my fridge.

I bought Humboldt Fog at our new Giant in Haymarket this past weekend. I don't remember the price per lb, but I ended up paying about 17 for an entire piece. They have a fairly large cheese department at this store. So if any of you live out here in the boonys (Jake), you know where to go.

Yes, I love her story too. Her food is good ol' country cooking, but there is a place for everything. I can't say I really "love" her food either. But it isn't always about me, is it?

My favorite show is Paula Deen. Why? Because my kids love anything she cooks up! It ain't foodie! Plus I love her voice, y'all.

No, the problem is she is annoyingly cute. She appeals to men and to women, albeit maybe for different reasons, maybe not .

I think anyone who claims they would turn down the money is fibbing just a little. Or is the PC word misleading? It is funny that food snobbery was mentioned, I was having that same conversation with a member of this board yesterday. Even though alot of us have come to appreciate good food and have the means to afford it, we have to remember our roots and that we are in the minority. Most people would laugh at us and call us idiots for the food we eat and the money we spend on it. I remember when going to Burger KIng was a huge deal as a kid!

True that! We all (or nearly all) have lofty ideals when we are younger. But wave hundreds of thousands in someone's face for working a few hours? Life gets in the way. In France I think Joel Robuchon (I think) has sold his name and face to some frozen foods, bean soup etc... Does that make him less of a chef?

Try this one Joe. Amarone

The wineshop does not have a formal name. Jean-Claude Rossi and Jean-Loup Michel are the owners. The address is 16, rue Pascal 75005 Paris. tel: 01 43 31 31 28 La Fromagerie Boursault 71, Avenue de General LeClerc, 75014 Paris

As i remember Rue Arago, most of it is in the 13th running into the 14th. Rue Mouffetard is a sweet market street. You have an Androuet Cheese Shop there which is decent. A couple of patisseries and boulangeries. That said, I would not spend too much time there except for a lovely romantic stroll. The Androuet shop was sold years ago and now just carries the Androuet name. For cheese my absolute favorite is La Fromagerie Boursault (14th} This shop is owned by an apprentice of Ann-Marie Cantal, who most people consider the best fromagerie in Paris if not France. Boursault is just as good but at half the price. They will take you to vist their aging caves if you ask nicely. A wineshop that is quite near you is owned by a little old guy, (if he hasn't died), whohas owned the shop for 50 years. He has an incredible collection of old wines at incredible prices and well stored. His original location was much larger but he has moved. He is directly across the street for Hotel L'Esperance in the 5th. Look up this hotel and meander by. You will not be displesed! As for markets, I am not too familiar with street markets in the area, but just walk around! I am familiar with the 13th closer to Place D'Italie, their market is on Tuesdays and Fridays if not mistaken.For a true shock, get on the RER and take the quick ride to La Defense (The Arche). This takes you to a mall at La Defense.Once there, go to L'Auchon Hypermarche. This is a hypermarket for the masses, but their produce, meats, fish, anything at all, will put the best gourmet shop in our area to shame. Their prices are incredible also. If you have any questions, PM me. Until about 3 weeks ago I traveled to Paris at least twice per month if not 5 times per month. It is my absolute favorite city in the world, if I can be of any help let me know. I will be back in the City of Lights for Christmas, I can't wait. By the way, the 13th is a wonderful area to be away from the touristy areas of Paris. It is mostly locals there. Stay away from restos near the typical touristy areas of the Seine, Montmartre, Ile St Louis, Rue St Honore, etc....

What arrondisement are you staying in? There are market streets and there are market days. I find I like the market streets better. Check Egullet.com (is it okay to suggest this?) out for an extensive list of markets and cheese shops that have been compiled by John Talbott.

Wow, another Cuban on this board! I am just hoping one of the pigs will be adobado con mojo criollo! Cubans definately make the best lechon in the world!

Okay, my pig roaster (Caja China) is being used by what team? Jacques? I am going to have hub contact you with fresh pig whereabouts! Zora, put me down for a couple of desserts. I am not sure whcih ones, I will let you know as we get closer.

I remember when Christi was placing flyers in our crewroom trying to get her coworkers to try her new restaurant venture (Evening Star). I am so happy for her and this group that they have been succesful. I would never call it a chain (I know it was a joke)as each restaurant is completely different as opposed to a group like Great American Restaurants, that though good, are all basically the same. ('cept Coastal Flats). Now damn it Christi , when are you coming out to Gainesville?!!!

Stacey, In Herndon for Sushi please try Hama Sushi at the Clock Tower shopping center. I think the place is fantastic. Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe is about the best Tex-Mex you will find in our area. Pollo Campero has a Herndon location and some love the place, yet other's claim the quality has gone down since they franchised or whatever they did to expand. Neighboring Reston is Vienna/Oakton and there is a great restaurant by the name of Bazins that opened up this past year. In Sterling there is a very good Chinese restaurant by the name of Changs, not PF Changs, just Changs. They have some food similar to PF but better and they have been around the area much longer. I hope this helps a bit.

This from a man who dresses up to sit on the beach!

I do agree that words and insulting remarks should be cause for dismissal, but inferances from actions can be tainted towards the position you are coming from and should be disregarded. (Hint, Hint) In this case, I hope Bello won his lawsuit, but I doubt it.

The absolute best, ever! I promise! Passage To India!

No, I don't think it was joke. In as much, my reply up above was not meant to be disrespectful. What one person may find wonderful, others may find dissappointing. Hopefully some will keep this in mind. Personally, I do not like Phillips. For crabs, Waterman's is a much better choice. As for buffets, I have never found one I liked. Though I do think Restaurant 2941 puts out a nice spread for Thanksgiving.

"One man's meat is another man's poison."

The WineKaddy is definately for the belly (airplane). I have checked it in countless times. What I am going to start doing is bringing a uniform with me on vacations. I can bring liquids if I am in uniform. London is the only place that absolutely forbids liquids by anyone, but even then there are ways around it, (for crewmembers). Fortunately the UK is not known for it's wine production.