Thanks, everyone. It's been awhile since I've checked in.

I will have to look into Guru...

Does anyone have any recs on a somewhat newish T-accessible bar that would be interesting to architects/designer typess? Something along the lines of the Alibi bar (at the-former-Charles-Street-Jail-turned-Liberty-Hotel)?

Do any Indian restaurants offer this?

I'm looking to try a few dishes made with chuno, a type of freeze-dried potato from Bolivia (and possibly Peru). Anyone have any leads?

Thanks, everyone! I had not heard of Helen (so I'll defintely check her out). I also didn't know I could buy a GC to Cambriadge Culinary--that might be the way to go. (I suspect he'll go for the knife skills...he's into technique and what guy doesn't love sharp things?)

My husband is really getting into cooking and I'd love to sign him up for a class or two on some fundamental topics (knife skills, braising) or on French bistro cooking. Anyone care to weigh in on where to look and which classes are best? My budget is about $200.

I was looking at the BU food and wine courses and Stir, but they don't seem to have stuff scheduled for the new year yet. I also was considering the Cambridge Culinary Academy.

Your opinions would be much appreciated!

It was a fond memory of my husband's...

This sounds perfect. Thanks!

And, yes, it is gorgeous here. It's like being on another planet. (I'm from Boston.)

I will report back on whether I get to try the Mexican, Thai and goulash places, as well as Toast.

Just groceries...but only because of the altitude adjustment. Sigh...

Thanks, everyone! I'm staying at the Holiday Inn Express on Ken Carlyle Way (??).

I love Thai.

And I believe my hosts are taking me to The Fort.

Will be in Littleton/Morrison, CO, next week for business. Any good local spots? I'm open to anything--fine dining or hole in the wall. Also, are there any good markets so I can stock my hotel mini-fridge?

Wow. Thanks, everyone! Keep them coming...

Must have been a bad batch? We cooked up some Pearl dogs (also from Market Basket) yesterday, and the casings had that perferct snap.

My husband and I are heading to Siena for two nights/three days in November.

Any recs on where we *must* eat while we're there? (We like authentic, but not overly fancy/stuffy, restaurants.)

What should we plan to bring home?

Also, are there any good wine/food day tours that depart from Siena?

Thanks, everyone! I'll give these a try.

Oh no! Really?? I have had a few good lunches there... That was some time ago though. :(

Blues Grill in Melrose does a decent job with some basic food, but I would call ahead to see if they can seat 10. (They might just have booths.) They are pretty reasonably priced. There's Mexico Lindo across the street too.

Close to Boston is Atlas Liquors in Medford. They often have amazing sales, and the wine staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.

In SF and NYC, I have had the pleassure of dining at fantastic cheap grilled chicken joints. (The NYC one had a name amusingly close to the old Cluckin' Chicken sketch from Saturday Night Live.) These places only serve sptachcock chickens and side dishes. Is there anything like this in Massachusetts?

Anyone been to Skip's Roadside Diner on Route 2 in Gill (just outside Greenfield) lately? My husband and I had a fabulous lunch of pierogis, kielbasa and kapusta there last year and wondering if it's always that good.

I used to LOVE the frites but it's been almost a year since I've been to West Side.

Katielp's experience is just the sort of thing I worry about.

My husband and I used to love West Side Lounge: We thought it had good food, a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, great cocktails, etc. However, we heard the chef left.

Is the restaurant still any good?

We are planning a rare date night and miss our old favorite....

Thanks so much! We are going to check out Amalfi's and La Bodega.

However, please don't say the Spain. Our future in-laws were treated badly there and now we can't go here (as was our plan). Any recs on other restaurants that MIGHT have paella in or around Narragansett?