Thank you all so much for your responses! I really appreciate hearing all these ideas since I usually just give a nice bottle of wine for housewarmings. I had thought about giving a gift card, but they're the kind of people who prefer a gift to a gift card, so I wanted to buy something and thought cookware would be more useful than some decorative home item. Whatever I do buy, I will definitely get a gift receipt so they would be able to exchange it.

I initially considered a Le Creuset item because they are both pretty and useful (and I love them), but now I'm certainly going to consider everyone's suggestions. Unfortunately, I can't make it to their house to make them dinner, but it is a great idea. Fortunately my friends are big believers in "its the thought that counts," so even if I get something they find utterly useless they'll probably appreciate the gesture and be able to exchange it for something worthwhile.

Some good friends bought a house and I want to give them a housewarming gift for their kitchen. They love to cook and appreciate good quality goods, but I don't know what they have so I don't want it to be too specialized.

I was thinking of this Le Creuset:

http://www.amazon.com/Creuset-Enamele...

I'm not sure if it will be that useful. I love my 5.5qt one, but it seems like the 3.5qt oval is used for different things. Any suggestions for a nice cookware gift or feedback on the utility of the french oven would be much appreciated!

Thank you all so much for your recommendations!

I love La Mie, but would really appreciate recommendations for other bakeries, especially those which sell cakes. Thanks so much!

Thanks so much!

I've only been able to find non-organic goat dairy, and would love to request a specific brand for my local grocery store to stock. Thanks!

I don't drink or make coffee, but I would like to be able to offer guests coffee. Any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive, easy to use coffeemaker for such occasional use? Thanks so much.

I need to organize my pantry and would love suggestions.

Thanks everyone! I'll check these out.

I would love a recommendation for something that can accommodate small grains. Thanks!

i know bakeries often have Easter specialties and am looking for recommendations for things to try before they're gone for the year. Thanks!

Thanks everyone! I thought my way was the norm but just wanted to make sure I wasn't violating some social etiquette all these years. I tend to just pay what is asked since I don't want to quibble about it.

I understand the impulse to split equally, but I think it can be rather presumptuous when you're out with friends of varying means.

Thanks. I guess I don't mean splitting in the 50/50 sense, but rather if I owe $25 on a $75 bill and my friend owes the other $50, I'd expect to pay tax/tip on the $25 while he cover the rest from his portion. My friend expected that we split the tax/tip on the $75 equally. I wasn't sure which is the norm.

When you go out for a meal with someone, do you add the tax/tip of what you owe when paying or do you split the total bill's tax/tip evenly with the other person, even if he/she owes significantly more than you on the meal?

I've read about the Italian Easter specialty Italian grain pie and would love to try it. Can anyone recommend a place to get it in Manhattan? Thanks in advance.