Okay. I've done a bit more research and now understand that aluminum is far more thermally conductive than steel. Knowing this, I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on how this affects things in a roasting box situation. Longer cooking time? More charcoal? Does any of this affect the final product? If so, in what way(s)?

Looking forward to getting to the bottom of this and hopefully making the right purchase.

Thanks again!

I'm trying to figure out if there's any huge difference between La Caja China and the cheaper La Caja Asadora (by Bene Casa). When comparing the largest Caja China to La Casa Asadora they seem comparable in size and components--each coming with the same components and accessories. La Caja Asadora is slightly shorter, but I don't see why that would make a difference. The only thing I can find that *might* make a difference is what they're lined with. La Caja China is described as being lined with "Marine Aluminum Gauge .032" while sites describing La Caja Asadora say that it is lined with "galvanized metal" , "steel", or "stainless steel". Unfortunately, I don't have enough knowledge about metals to a) tell if those things are actually all the same or b) if it makes a difference if they're indeed different.

Any help anyone could give me would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

My favorite burgers right now are at:

--> R.F. O'Sullivans on Beacon St. in Somerville between Inman and Porter. I've never had their Black & Bleu, and these are not flame grilled. I've had one friend complain that her burger was overcooked, but I've never had an issue. You'll see mixed reviews on Chow about them, but I'm still a fan. Looks like their site is down

-->The Independent In Union Square in Somerville (A no frills burger, but you can add a few extras. Point is, they care about food here. A really good burger, a really good bun. Eat on the bar side. It's a relaxed atmosphere and the cocktails are great. I just really like this place.

http://www.theindo.com/

My sister is looking for dinosaur cookies as favors for my nephew's birthday? Can anyone recommend anywhere that does designer-type cookies? Something on the South Shore would be best.

I second this. Bintliff's is really, really good. And their cocktails are great too. I think it's well worth the time to go there. It's not that the service is slow, more that there's limited seating. Mmmmm... I'm thinking about my next visit to Portland now.

Cool! Thanks, Seamus. You've at least given me hope.

Yeah. I second that. Johnny D's has a fun vibe, but I've never been wowed. It's great if you're hung-over and live within walking distance (I've therefore been there a bunch), but I wouldn't travel very far to get there. Unless you're looking for a Beatles/Zeppelin/Wizard of Oz jazz medley, in which case you've found your place : )

Wow! You're fast. Thanks for the info! You've been a big help. Now to track down those sun-dried tomatoes.

One of the best, different brunches I've ever had is at Masa in the South End. Lots of nummy twists on traditional Mexican cuisine. I went with a fairly large group of people and we all tried to order something different. The only thing I remember someone being slightly disappointed with was whatever version of steak and eggs is on the menu, athough, I think she might have just had food envy b/c everyone else was really happy with their meals. They have tasty brunch cocktails also. I had a version of a bloody mary with tequila and a black pepper rimmed glass. Yum.

http://www.masarestaurant.com/

I can't believe I typed "Does Costco carry fresh Mozzarella?" into Google and found this chain. Very cool. Anyhow, Thunderbug84, do you happen to remember how much, weight-wise, you got for $10? I've got to feed 55 people this weekend and I'm trying to decide which pasta salad recipe to make. It pretty much depends on how much mozzarella/sun-dried tomatoes I can get for how much money. Speaking of which, anyone know if Costco sells sun-dried tomatoes in oil or have any recommendations as to where I might find some at a discount?