Just returned from NYC. Had dinner at the River Cafe and it was very special- 3 course fixed menu for $100. The view? Priceless. It was in the evening and I can't imagine the lunch view could be anywhere close to as beautiful.

My friends ended up at Botin. And, although I have not heard details about the trip- she said it was a wonderful recommendation. So, thank you all. I passed all 3 on to her before she left.

Thank you for all those suggestions. I am sifting through them and consulting with my travel friend. I really appreciate the response.

Going to DC for the first time in decades. Will be at the Renaissance. Want something special and different (which won't be hard since I live in Montana!). A couple of places have popped up one way or another- Birch and Barley, RIS, 1789, and a few more. Will be with others but my preferences are for excellent food, great atmosphere (smaller and intimate). I eat anything except sushi. Not interested in trendy. Thanks for any guidance or thoughts.

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Birch and Barley
1337 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

RIS
2275 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

Just found friends heading to Spain for Christmas and they are worried about eating out and about on Christmas Day in Madrid- any recommendations? I don't normally post on the Spain board so have not had time to research this so I apologize if someone has asked it recently.

Can;'t tell from your timing when exactly you will be in Tuscany area- but we just did a one day cooking class at Badia a Colitbuono which is in the Chianti region- fairly close to Florence or Siena. While it wasn't a high level intricate gourmet class, we all enjoyed the hands on 3+ hour preparation followed by a lovely late luncheon and tour of the wine cellar. I have done a one week in Tuscany as well, near Chiusi, but that doesn't sound like an option for you. They have a very comprehensive website and answer email inquiries very promptly. I agree with rrems, if you search, you will find an overabundance of recommendations for the cities you plan to be in- more than you could likely take in.

We stopped in Orvieto for the day about 3 weeks ago and ate lunch at La Grotta. It was very nice. We had a traditional antipasti platter, I had gnocchi. and I can't immediately recall what my husband had. We both wanted to order a 2nd, but we just couldn't eat it all. I am thinking I also had their chickpea soup which was also delicious. Our waiter did not really speak english at all but it wasn't a problem. We had a late lunch as I recall and there were very few diners. We just walked in. There really did not seem to be a large amount of tourists in Orvieto that day. It was the market day- maybe a Thursday?

Have not been to Villa Maria but just came back from Positano two weeks ago and did go to Cumpa Cosimo- it was one of our favorite places. Also, did Il Ritrovo and it too was one of our favorites. I agree with grantham regarding La Cambusa. Those were my top 3 in Positano area. As noted on another thread, we found Buca di Baca to be our least favorite dinner on this trip. We were there in May, and I believe that is the "start" of the busy season but we heard over and over that business/bookings were way down because of the economy and that Americans weren't travelling. We never had to wait for a table anywhere although I did reserve in advance except at Cumpa Cosimo. I think we were there Saturday-Wednesday.

I just finished one at Badia a Coltibuono- a one day although they usually do one week. They also recently sent a notice out about Palio week but since I just got back (and there is no way to be there again in July) I didn't pay attention. There are tons of places though. I might have a wine tour recommendation for you too- you are there now?

Not sure if you are just in Ravello for the day, but maybe you could get lunch at Cosimo. If you are looking for a local experience, this is it. The owner (later post on this) was afraid my husband wasn't liking his food (he was just stuffed....) so she kept bringing him extra plates of surprises. He didn't want to be rude, so tried to eat some of everything. It was hilarious.

So were we, Indy 67, let me tell you.

Well, my all around favorite was in Ravello- Cosimo- no view but wonderful food. I also of course favored Il Ritrovo. In Positano, I really liked La Cambusa, right above the beach, especially for seafood. A lot of the rest of our dining was very casual (a bar) or not particularly noteworthy although we did not have a bad meal anywhere. My least favorite for dinner was at Hotel Buca du Bacco, I know some people on Chow rave about it, but we felt it was the least special and the service was adequate.. We stayed at that hotel.

I should note that I am a huge Tuscany/Umbria lover and the bulk of my 3 weeks was centered on that part of Italy.

Not sure if your trip has already happened---we are just back from 3 weeks touring Italy and spend 4 nights in Positano. Based on Chow postings, Il Ritrovo was on my must -do list. I can't compare it to the other choices you note as we did not eat at either but my husband and I both agreed that dinner at Il Ritrovo was one of our top 3 in Italy. The service was extremely good and personal. They were very friendly. We ate on the patio overlooking that unbelieveable view- it was just warm enough. I understand that the area is suffering from the recession and I believe it- we rarely encountered a crowded restaurant anywhere. I would have to review my notes to remember exactly what I ate that evening and it might be awhile before I could post more detailed info, but wanted to chime in as many of these entries helped me plan our trip through Italy.

Just a few words from me...based largely on Chow, we made reservations in advance for Il Ridotto for a Friday night ahead of time-maybe a couple of weeks in advance for Friday, May15 I think. The chef was not there that night. And, they were not full (six diners in total- one noted he had come the night before and was back again). We had a fabulous dinner and I preferred it over Fiaschetteria Toscana (where we ate the night before). Although I would emphasize that we had wonderful food and very good service at both and the staff were very attentive and took the time to explain dishes to us and make recommendations as it was our first visit to Venice. I scribbled on a piece of map so I would remember what I had that night (my pics don't seem to have survived the remainder of my 3 week trip!). However, I wrote it all in Italian and have not had time to translate it all back. Maybe of no particular interest to many, I loved the way the dinnerware was different for each course- some of it was very beautiful (more pictures). I do remember that the risotto was outstanding (and huge). We had ordered one, planning to share it and as served, it was huge. I also remember distinctly the rice ice cream, which I had never eaten before. Light and lovely. It was really wonderful and I would recommend it. I didn't find it hard to find at all- we were based in the Accademia area and walked nearly everywhere. Had actually wandered by Il Ridotto just while out walking around so we had no troubles finding it at night.

We have reservations next Friday for Il Ridotto and it seems that might be the culinary highlight of our 3 week trip to Italy. I am so looking forward to it. Thank you for the lengthy comments on Rome as well as we are spending 4 days there at the end of our trip. Le Collne was on my short list but might well skip that. I am not a regular poster on Chow either but plan to post several about our trip to Venice, Tuscany, Positano and Rome. Thanks again for taking the time to provide the details!

I too am heading to Italy next week and Rome in about 10 days- these 3 are on my list too. What a wonderful first report- I learned a few things just reading it. And, it appears that one of my shopping stops- Rance- indeed must have relocated. No ideas from me as to where that might be.

I would second lizreedy- loved Sostanza- chicken, beans, meringue cake...and 4 Leoni as well. Would have gone to either more than once.

That's a bargain. Try $5- each! (Montana- we don't grow em here, that's for sure.) I am anxious to try the water method. Have only had the POM juice to this point.

Has anyone had good or bad experience with the glass mukka? Not sure if it is a WS exclusive but I read about it somewhere and see it in my new catalog.

Although not cookbook specific, I am looking at blurb.com where you can make hardbound books (including cookbooks) from free software for what appears to be a very reasonable price. Just started looking at it tonight.

I am enjoying "A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany- Exploring and Eating off the Beaten Track" by Beth Elon. Can't remember where I heard of this book, and I have read a dozen at least, but this one is wonderful!