Thanks everyone. Serrano it is

We live in LA and we have a gazillion air miles with SW. We've decided to use them wisely by doing short hops to nearby cities for lunch only - there and back in the same day.

Had our hearts set on Jaleo in the Cosmo for the first of these outings but gutted to find it only opens for dinner. Only criteria is it must have a full bar and be a reasonable taxi ride from the airport. We're adventurous diners and love offal, sushi, etc. And our preferred seating is at the bar (preferably in front of the kitchen). We don't want to get too dressed up.

We've been to Vegas many times but not for a few years. The view and overall Vegas experience is unimportant. It's all about a fabulous long lunch (probably on a weekday).

If you can think of anywhere that might fit the bill, I'd be very grateful to receive your suggestions. Thanks hounds.

India Sweets and Spices in Atwater Village has a large selection of British food but none of it is refrigerated.

Mine also malfunctioned and started acting very erratically. Mine was replaced free of charge via the website I bought it from. I think there is at least a 10-year warranty.

Mastrellis in the Ferry Building has it

I was at the Ferry Building yesterday and noticed that Boccalone had tubs of lard for $10 and something called pork butter for $5, also in a tub. Apparently it's a by-product of lard-making that's been blended with rosemary and garlic.

I'd go to Terroir on Folsom at 7th. Industrial chic interior. Only sells biodynamic and organic wines by the glass or bottle. Owners work behind the counter and are knowledgeable and helpful.

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Terroir Natural Wine Merchant & Bar
1116 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Incanto in Noe Valley has the white ale and Whole Foods on 4th Street in SF sells it in large-size bottles.

The Elixir has a build-your-own Mary bar on the weekends, complete with strips of grilled Hobbs bacon for stirrers, which is the ultimate BM accessory, IMHO

Spencer & Daniel's, which used to be the Bargain Bank on Polk at California, has large brown organic eggs for $1.99 a dozen.

Can I recommend Pho Ha Tien II, which just opened last Friday at 937 Howard between 5th and 6th? Ten types of Banh Mi (excellent), 10 varieties of pho, vermicelli bowls, rice plates and good-looking charbroiled meat and rice plates. They will start delivery soon.

I had the hot Italian sausage sandwich for lunch today which was very tasty. The rolls are from Acme, crunchy but easy to eat, and the goathorn peppers with it were hot and sweet. They also carry the Dry soda range including my favorite - rhubarb. They only had two cold pannini today - proscuitto cotto, provolone, butter lettuce and mustard, and pork loin, peach, red onion and mint. The mixed salumi in paper cones are $3 (I think). Lots of free samples of salumi too. The prosciutto isn't available yet but it's in the big case with body parts attached.

I was hanging around on Sunday evening - they had a "friends & family" sneak peek - it looks fantastic - I'll be in line on Wednesday!!

I have the red Mario Batali lasagne pan and absolutely love it. It's amply deep enough and looks great brought to the table. Lasagne comes out easily too as long as you oil it lightly first. I make lasagne more often than I used to

After doing much research online, I'm still really stuck with my Sunday afternoon predicament. Here's the situation: 50th birthday get-together for 14 adults who have rented a villa in Conchas Chinas. We all arrive this Saturday from points around the globe and will spend our first evening in the villa as it is fully staffed and we just want to sit down, talk, eat and drink and get over some jet lag.

The next day, Sunday, is the staff day off and we'd love to go for a late brunch or long lunch somewhere where we can stay a long time, make some noise, eat some good spanish or mexican food and unwrap birthday prezzies, etc. Beachside would be good but not necessary. Keen to get off the tourist track a bit but not essential if the atmosphere is right. Would love to have tried Esquina do los Caprichos, as quietly recommended by some residents, but they're not open Sundays apparently.

Should we taxi to Bucerias? Should we hit La Palapa? Only other requirement is that smoking must be allowed. I would really really appreciate any suggestions you might have and will happily research places on line once suggestions are made. Thanks chowhounders.

After doing much research online, I'm still really stuck with my Sunday afternoon predicament. Here's the situation: 50th birthday get-together for 14 adults who have rented a villa in Conchas Chinas. We all arrive this Saturday from points around the globe and will spend our first evening in the villa as it is fully staffed and we just want to sit down, talk, eat and drink and get over some jet lag.

The next day, Sunday, is the staff day off and we'd love to go for a late brunch or long lunch somewhere where we can stay a long time, make some noise, eat some good spanish or mexican food and unwrap birthday prezzies, etc. Beachside would be good but not necessary. Keen to get off the tourist track a bit but not essential if the atmosphere is right. Would love to have tried Esquina do los Caprichos, as quietly recommended by some residents, but they're not open Sundays apparently.

Should we taxi to Bucerias? Should we hit La Palapa? Only other requirement is that smoking must be allowed. I would really really appreciate any suggestions you might have and will happily research places on line once suggestions are made. Thanks chowhounders.

Same thing happened to mine after a year. I sent it back to Metro Kitchen and they sent me a new one. It has a ten-year warranty

I've been there twice. First time, we went in for drinks and apps before a show, then went back post-show to share the cheese plate and dessert wine. Highly recommended on both counts. The cheese plate is a good size and cheese in peak condition. Lovely ambiance at night. My husband went back with a work crowd for an early business dinner the following week and took over the large communal table. Everyone loved it. I think I prefer it to the original - at night anyway.

I was in Sur La Table on Saturday and their carbon steel paella pans are all on sale. You can order on line from them too. Their middle-sized pan is 17"

That's the one. I'm enjoying a glass right now.

I was there at the weekend. They have a marvellous Spanish organic red wine for $4.99 right now and have apparently just bought an Australian wine importer. There will be a big selection of Aussie wine in the next couple of weeks at bargain prices.

Triptych in the SOMA

Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton. Lovely and you can sit outside if the weather's fine.

If you're staying on Lombard, definitely try Mel's Diner for breakfast. They have fantastic hash browns and great patty melts too.

In the WS Easter catalog that arrived in the mail today, that James Beard pan is now reduced to $99.99.

I got rid of the largest saucier that All-Clad makes and got this 6qt deep saute instead and I love it. Williams-Sonoma had it at a great price which included the splatter screen. It's great for risotto and tons of other things.

We ended up going to Capricorn for my birthday lunch and it was just fantastic. Had the best shrimp I've ever eaten, with the best view and a great server. The place was deserted too.

I am going to San Pedro on Ambergris on Thursday and would love to hear your recs. Looking for somewhere nice to have romantic but fun birthday lunch or dinner on Sunday and somewhere for four of us on Christmas Eve for early dinner or perhaps somewhere we can buy yummy meals to go (we've got a boat). Thanks a lot.

For future reference, I think organic Beetroot Powder from Le Sanctuaire at 315 Sutter, Suite #5 would work well. I just bought some but haven't used it yet. It's a very vivid bright pink color and the label says: "Used as a natural substitute for artificial red coloring. The taste is slightly sweet and does not clash with other foods." I'm sure they would carry your sodium alginate too.

I think Lark Creek Steak in the Westfield Center has one of the best bar dining scenes, not the bar in front, the bar that overlooks the kitchen. Great entertainment and friendly chefs.