This is a nice interview. I understand the people who say she's snobby. I don't think I have ever heard the word "fabulous" uttered so often. However, overall I think she's lovely. She laughs genuinely (non of that tee hee stuff that Rachel Ray is always doing) and doesn't take herself too seriously. Also, in my experience, her recipes are down to earth and amazingly delicious. I have yet to make something of hers that hasn't gotten rave reviews. (Though, I do always use about half the amount of salt that she recommends).

I'd love the recipe! I haven't attempted bread yet since I don't have a stand mixer.

Wow! That dutch oven looks amazing! I will definitely follow your advice. I don't intend on using my skillet for soups and stews, more for frying and searing. Thanks, for the tip though.

Thanks, dixiegal! I did not know that. After finals I'll have more time to properly care for the skillet. Scrub the rust off and then season immediately.

Yes, of course mimosas would be a great alternative to bloodys. Bellini's are also nice if you want to get some peach nectar. But some purists think they should be made with ground up peaches rather than the Goya peach nectar that I buy to make them.

Cut 'em up and put them in pork fried rice. Or don't cut them and make this recipe: http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recip... Or some derivative thereof

This all looks fantastic! I was going to suggest a quiche but you're already offering that. I would suggest smoked salmon instead of steamed so that people can have it on its own or with their bagels and cream cheese. Fritatas are also another great brunch item that may work under the something munchy category, especially if you bake them in individual cupcake tins or cut them into little handheld squares. May I also suggest making a jug of bloody mary mix and leaving some vodka out? Those that want a virgin mary can just pour themselves a glass and those that want a bloody mary can add a spash of vodka to theirs.

Thank you SO MUCH!! I spent three days reading the cast iron threads on this site to no avail (they all seemed to focus on seasoning newly purchased cast iron, even when I clearly stated "used"). I guess I have to get better at my search methods. That thread is fantastic! I feel quite confident I can proceed successfully now.

Thanks for the steal wool suggestion. I just started using it some and it seems to be helping. I'll give it a good thorough scour tomorrow.

Thanks! I just grabbed some steal wool and started to scrub the skillet. Its definitely removing the rusty parts and seems to be changing the pinkish smooth base into a more iron color as would be expected. I don't have time to work on it anymore tonight but with thoroughly scrub it tomorrow. Perhaps the self cleaning oven trick would have left it completely clean if there wasn't years and years of uneven seasoning to contend with.

I've scoured the other threads on the topic of seasoning cast iron but can quite find the answer to my problem. I discovered a used cast iron skillet in my grandmother's unused for 20 years kitchen. The seasoning was very warped, uneven, and flaking off in several places. So after an online search I decided to strip it and start over. (I'm foolish for not first turning to chowhound). I rested the skillet on a couple of bricks in my oven and set my oven to go through the self cleaning process. The result is what looks like a rusted skillet. At least its pinkish on the base and around the sides that true tell tale orangish sparkly rust appearance. Did I just ruin the skillet? Or are there some steps I can take to fix this?

Rory Dolan's in Yonkers has a separate room for private parties. You can try there.

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Rory Dolan's
890 McLean Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704

Which dishes do you recommend from Union Restaurant in Haverstraw?

Mercadito was fantastic. I reserve 5 stars for places that I love to an embarrassing degree.

Anyway, I had made reservations for 8 people. Unfortunately I was the only one to arrive on time. I waited at the bar and made friends with some lovely new people. When the bartender found out it was my birthday he gave me a free shot. Even though the bulk of my party showed up a half an hour late Mercadito was still able to seat us (we had to squeeze into a table for 6 while the group next to us finished up their drinks).

The atmosphere was lovely. It felt like being on the back porch of a stucco house. However the front room is quite tight. Sitting at the bar felt a little claustrophobic. Also beware that the stairs to the back room are fairly steep so if you have limitations you should ask if they can seat you in the front.

The service was a little slow to get started, but once it did it was quite prompt. Drink requests were responded to quickly and the food was cleared and brought out rapidly while also not being rushed.
We did the $35 tasting menu. I called my order in to the restaurant early and they arranged for me to have 3 botanas and 3 tacos rather than 2 and 4. The guacamole's were all great but the mango and traditional were the clear favorites. The quesidillas were good. I enjoyed the cheese one the best. But, I don't like mushrooms so I'm biased against that. We also had the picadas and the queso fundo. Both fantastic. Unfortunately I was already getting stuffed by the time I had the picadas so I only had a half of one. For tacos we had the carne, mole, and estilo baja. Again, all delish, but I could only eat a bite of each bc I was so full. The flan was my favorite dessert, but other of my party really loved the fried plaintains.

I will definitely be going to Mercadito again.

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Mercadito
179 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

I made a reservation for Mercadito. I'll let everyone know how it is.

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Mercadito
179 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

Oh, and Tapeo 29

Thanks again

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Tapeo 29
29 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002

Thanks! I've narrowed it down to a few selections. Do you have any opinions on the following?:
Euzcadi
Mercadito
Pylos
Yerba Buena
Casa Mono
and a bit further away:
Pipa
Frankie's 17

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Frankies 17 Spuntino
17 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002

Pylos
128 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

Pipa
38 East 19th Street, New York, NY 10003

Euzkadi
108 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003

Yerba Buena
23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Mercadito
179 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

I went to Raj Mahal for a friend's 30th birthday and enjoyed it. It's on 6th street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. It was byob which made it nice and cheap - each person spent around $25.

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Raj Mahal
322 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003

I'm looking for a good, moderately priced restaurant near/ish to Avenue A and 13th for a birthday dinner. It needs to be big enough to accommodate 9-12 people. I'd prefer a Spanish restaurant but it's not essential. BN: the dinner will be on a Friday evening.