do it. you'll regret it if you don't. their steaks are indeed huge, but who says you can't take leftovers to your hotel and eat them for dinner?

atmosphere is casual and luger's is far from "fancy", but if you went in a suit you wouldn't be out of place either. i'd go in either nice jeans or a dress for dinner depending on how i feel.

also, order the creamed spinach.

thanks! I am normally a red wine drinker so all of these whites are unfamiliar to me. but i'm excited to try one of them out tonight.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage...

Someone on another website's board suggests Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Satèn 1998 to go with butternut squash risotto, but it's like $65 a bottle. Can anyone who knows this wine recommend something similar but cheaper?

There's a wonderful place called TRIA that does these incredible beer and cheese pairings. Great for a late lunch. http://www.triacafe.com They organize their cheese menu by categories like: clean, luscious, stinky, approachable, stoic, and racy and all their cheese is from (of course) This is Murray's. They also have delicious small plates. I recommend the truffled egg toast

Making a pumpkin saffron risotto for some friends who are coming over for dinner tonight. It's a casual dinner and this will be the main course, served with a warm and lemony brussel sprout "slaw" alongside. Thinking of pairing this with a really oaky, buttery chardonnay. Any other suggestions? Price range: under $30/bottle.

Ew.

What about basil cocktails? I remember having one at a bar in Albuquerque once called a basito (a basil mojito)... rum, lime juice, sugar and basil instead of mint. Maybe add some fresh cranberries to make Christmas colors!