I would recommend East Wall - an often overlooked gem. The decor is a step above your basic everyday restaurant and the food is consistently delicious. They also take great care in their presentation and garnishes - a great place to take out of town guests. We often host visitors here when we want to show them the amazing food that Houston Chinatown has to offer in a place that is clean and attractive.

They're not quite that bad, fortunately. They are fairly comfortable with most types of European fare, but less experimental when it comes to "ethnic" foods (which we love).

Mostly dinner ideas needed but others are welcome. We will be staying in Nob Hill but will have a car, so driving isn't a problem at all. We have a group of 8 adults and 1 very well-behaved toddler who has dined in many a fine establishment. Price isn't a major concern, but we will probably stay away from the overly exorbitant restaurants because of the child. We anticipate splurging on at least one dinner while there.

Very adventurous and enthusiastic eaters going to SF area for about 4-5 days soon with a group of somewhat picky eaters. Aside from Chinatown (which is a must in our book), any recommendations for restaurants where the simple palates will be satisfied and we foodies can still enjoy the delights that SF has to offer?

Just had dim sum at Dragon King (龍皇酒家) in the World Trade Centre in Causeway Bay. Some items were a touch more nouveau than traditional, but it was fantastic nonetheless. If you've done the traditional dim sum often enough, this could be a nice change. Possibly the best dan tat I've ever had. Attractive decor, and great views of the harbour.

Found a link to order it online - also a good description of what it is.
http://www.mysteak.com/MyCart/Product...

Good idea to try the ethnic stores. Didn't think about that; thanks!

I've got a few complicated recipes up my sleeve this holiday season and need to find either pork caul fat (that white webby-looking membrane that you may have seen wrapped around roasted meats on TV) or thinly sliced fatback. This may be a stretch, but does anyone know where to buy it in Houston? I've called major grocery stores and a handful of specialty butcher shops but none carry it and most don't even know what I'm talking about.

Cafe Rabelais is always fantastic. I've been going there for years and have never been disappointed. They don't take reservations, however, so there can be a wait.

Haven't tried it, but I imagine it would work ok. Only major difference is the greater butter content in shortbread, which might cause the dough to relax and lose the molded detail as they bake. Just a guess though.

Any good recipes for springerle? Just got a mold and am researching recipes to try.

Will have to try Sandong. I walked in once, but it seemed so sad and empty that I doubted the quality and went elsewhere.

Just did Craft Saturday night and was vastly underwhelmed with the service. Food was very good, but it's hard to overlook a condescending waitstaff when one is spending four figures on a meal. The tasting menu/wine pairing did look very intriguing though.

For being one of the country's biggest Chinatown, Houston is sorely lacking a great Hong Kong style noodle shop! When asked, most recommend Hong Kong Cafe on Bellaire, which is ok on a good day and disappointing other times. Pretty inconsistent.

I'm looking for a really good bowl of fresh wonton mein or braised beef noodle soup, like the kind that you get for mere cents in a grimy HK dive but warms the soul!

That looks like a great start - thank you.

Will be visiting NY soon and would love to find a place to satisfy my obsession with brioche and all things pastry. Recommendations?

I'm looking for a good place to have Thanksgiving dinner with a pretty large group (at least 12) and the Soho Grand is offering a decent-sounding buffet for $65 per person. Anyone had any past experience there or alternate suggestions in that price range?