lemonfaire's Profile
Tipping delivery people?
Yeah, three years into an eight year PhD program, I certainly feel the pinch. Thus, I don't go out to eat much (but when I do, I usually tip 20%) and I go to every free catered event I can. ;-)
I can't complain too much, though; as tight as things are, I have a job (in Michigan!), I love my teaching and my research, and I've become a really creative home cook.
Tipping delivery people?
Good advice, assuming that the restaurant is willing to share the breakdown. Still, I cringe at the thought of having to tack a $50 tip onto a $500 order with a $30 delivery fee. Custom or politeness or whatever, the trouble with these catering orders is that the money isn't really mine, and anything I sign for immediately has to be justified to a whole host of other people (ie. a less than warm and fuzzy department accountant)....which makes me think that it's likely best to not only ask the restaurant, but also ask the department folks what they consider permissible so that I don't get yelled at for being frivolous with public university funds. Many bases to cover.
Regarding the phone issue...JFood, I'm a smidge bit older than you seem to think, and while I really appreciate your advice (and was absolutely requesting advice), I think most CHers, regardless of their ages, would prefer to be addressed as peers. But I hear you on the texting and Twittering, as I teach those kids, and I have a hard enough time getting them to send emails with standard spelling let alone come to office hours for a face to face conversation.
Tipping delivery people?
Can I ask a side question about tipping delivery people? In some ways, my question is sort of the flip-side of Motosport's: what do you do when you have a HUGE order delivered...and tipping 20% entails tipping $100? (And that raises major eyebrows with your university accountant!)
So here's the situation: about a month ago, I was working at a small conference at the university where I study. We had a lunch order of about $300 + $10 set delivery fee and a dinner order of about $500 + $30 set delivery fee. In both cases, the food was coming from about 5 minutes drive away, and in both cases, my colleagues and I removed the food from the vehicle and set it up ourselves. The food did come in disposable containers that had to be packed, but since we were ordering for 50 people (or what they say feeds 50 -- I think it feeds more!) off of a catering menu, presumably the costs of these materials were included in the price of the order.
Any ideas on how much to tip in this situation? I wasn't the one paying for the food, so I don't know what was ultimately given, but I know the question caused quite a bit of debate about whether you're tipping based on price or service. (The expensive bottle of wine example was brought up, but I don't think that's a useful analogy because there was a lot of food in that truck! Maybe it's easier to think of a pizza dude with lots of pizzas?)
Also, the set delivery fees were a matter of debate. If you have them, do you tip the driver less? I find this especially confusing, as in the case of the $10 delivery fee, I suspect the driver wasn't receiving any of that, while with the $30 fee, I suspect he was.
I realize not everyone has experience working with caterers (wedding catering aside, and a quick Google suggests that has its own customs), but I'm curious to hear both experienced voices and gut instincts.
Ah, and for the record, next school year, ordering the food and deciding on the tips will be my job, so I'm doing my research now!
Wow! La Pita in Dearborn, MI! Good stuff!
Sounds wonderful! I'm actually looking to go to Dearborn this week with a date. He's vegetarian, and I know there are plenty of options for him in theory, but could anyone recommend a particularly veg-friendly Middle Eastern restaurant?
Ann Arbor - An Updated Survey of the best it has to offer
I moved to Ann Arbor from San Francisco, so yeah, I definitely know what you mean about groceries being pricey here. Everyone is shocked when I say that apart from rent, the cost of living is actually higher for me in Ann Arbor than it was in San Francisco. Groceries, car, and heating result in some ferocious bills. And I miss my little Asian noodles houses! Of course, you do get much more for your rent check...I definitely don't miss paying through the nose for California rat holes.
Anyway, a few secrets:
1) Try going to Plum Market after 8 p.m. Head to the bakery. You'll thank me.
2) The farmers market is still the best deal in town for produce. If it's something in season, it will undoubtedly be less expensive there than at a grocery store. I've just learned to plan my meals based on what's available on Saturday. Also, see if any vendors have seconds; I've gotten huge supplies of slightly bruised tomatoes for cheap, and made some lovely sauces.
3) Sunshine and Aladdin's Markets on Packard are cheap, but don't expect your produce to last more than 4-5 days.
4) By the Pound in South Main Market is a good place to go to get bulk foods and spices. As long as you stay away from the packaged foods the prices are quite good. Check out the Polish and Brazilian shops in the same area.
The bottom line, though, is that specialty ingredients (unless they're Middle Eastern...) are going to cost more out here. Nope, Ann Arbor's not a food mecca, but it tries, and at least we're not dealing with chains and big boxes in our downtown.
If all else fails, try growing your own herbs. It's nice to have something green in your house during the long, cold winter.
I'll have to try your Great Lakes restaurant....sounds delish! As far as other restaurants on a grad school budget, if you're looking for a nicer but still affordable night out, Vinology's small plates are quite reasonable and generally interesting. Silvio's pizza is good for lunch around campus, Totoro has good bento box lunch specials, and the Korean lunch counters around are generally pretty dependable. While I was initially a little uncomfortable with the idea of going to a 'Christian' restaurant, Rich JC (seriously!) on South U (near Village Corner and the dreaded No Thai) has become a favorite solo lunch spot for me.
Good luck, hang in there, and take advantage of as much as you can at the university, in Ann Arbor, and in the surrounding area. There's more to this town than I initially realized, but I had to stop griping about it not being San Francisco before I appreciated its other charms.
A memorable food from another land...
Mongolian "airag," fermented mare's milk, always makes for a good start to a story, but the highlight of my trip to nomad country was "boodog," goat cooked from the inside out.
I was staying in a ger (aka yurt) camp in Terelj national park and some Mongolians invited my friends and me to enjoy this traditional dish. The men had gone up the mountain, killed a goat, removed the head, and were going to fill the body cavity and upper legs with smooth, round stones they had heated in a fire pit. I arrived just in time for the stuffing. Once the stones were in, they tied off the neck, and then proceeded to blowtorch away the goat's fur. (A 20th century adaptation, I'd venture.)
After a time, the men re-opened the cavity, and pulled out tender ribs and meat for us to try. I don't recall really liking the goat meat, but I still can't determine whether I didn't like it because of the taste, or because I'd been so close to the process or preparing it. Still, it was undoubtedly one of the most memorable meals I've enjoyed.
spending 3 mos in Rutland- need places to eat
Hi Andy,
If you're up for it, drive to Middlebury (about 40 minutes north on 7) for some tasty eats. Tully & Marie's was always good, as was American Flatbread. Even further north (and then a bit east) is Bristol, home of Mary's at Baldwin Creek. There's also a fun swimming hole nearby called Bristol Falls. Be sure to check out the local hiking!
Actually, come to think of it, I can't think of a better lunch than a picnic following a light hike. Enjoy!
Ann Arbor Grocery Shopping
What helpful information! I too am moving to Ann Arbor (from Northern California) and will also be operating on a grad student budget. My new home is on the Old West Side, close to Jefferson Market, By The Pound and Copernicus European Delicatessen. Do you A2 residents have any information about these places?
Also, I won't have a car (although my housemates will). Assuming I'll need to go to one of the bigger grocery stores from time to time, are there any that are easily accessible by bus?
Finally, are there any good, local alternatives to Zingerman's bread? I do adore artisan bread (Acme, how I will miss you!), but Zingerman's prices seem outrageous to me. Sourdough on special for $3.50 (normally $5.50!)? No way. Maybe some things are less expensive in San Francisco.
What to Eat that I can't get in NY
Hi Nicole,
It sounds like you and your friend might enjoy piroshki (Pir-uh-SHKI, definitely not Americanized Peer-ROSH-ki) as a quick hand-held snack or lunch. They're "little pies" that are basically baked or fried bread pockets filled with all sorts of goodness. You might have tried them in New York, but the ones in Russia will likely beat the pants off of anything you've sampled in the States. (Especially those damn microwavable ones that the delis and convenience stores around San Francisco need to carry. I never knew cardboard could be so greasy.)
A few of the most common types of piroshki (marked for stress):
Potato: pirozhok s'karTOshky
Mushroom: pirozhok s'griBAmy
Meat: pirozhok s'MYAsom
*pirozhok ("pir-uh-ZHOK") is singular
Sorry, that spinach and cheddar cheese pirozhok you find in the States really isn't that common in Russia. But I have had some piroshki with apples (pirozhok c'yablokamy) and those are really tasty if you can find them.
You can get piroshki from various vendors, but if you want to be really Russian, go to a cafeteria (stolovaya) for lunch. They're relatively quick and much cheaper than any Western or wannabe Western fast food joint. You can see the food and point to whatever you want. I'm not going to claim the cafeterias are all that good, but then privation and frustration are part of the Russian experience.
Speaking of frustration, here's one tip that will likely help you out: vendors and cafeteria ladies like exact change. If something costs 57 rubles and you don't have exact change, don't just hand over a large bank note and expect them not to make a fuss. Try giving 107 so that they can give you 50 back. Obviously, as a foreigner you'll be given some slack, but if you can see/understand the price of the food, it's a good custom to abide by.
Other things to try:
tvorog -- farmers' cheese (often found at breakfast)
grechka -- kasha (often found at breakfast with milk or at lunch with meat/veg)
blini (sometimes called diminutive "blinchiki") with anything
p'elmeni -- meat dumplings in broth
vareniki -- dumplings filled with fruit or tvorog
goluptsy -- "little doves"; rice and meat wrapped in cabbage leaves
plov -- Uzbek style "pilaf"
pozy -- big Mongolian style dumplings (more common in Siberia)
schi -- cabbage soup
sushki -- a snack I always kept around; they look like little round breadsticks (the hard type that come in pairs and wrapped in plastic) and are good for when you need a holdover
It's a good idea to learn the Cyrillic alphabet before you go; seriously, you can do this on the plane over there and it will help you immensely.
Beyond that, learn to embrace the joy of tea with jam.
Enjoy!
SF Russian Festival 2007 report w/ pics
Piroshki Report:
Mick, I've sampled a few piroshki around town, but the place I keep going back to is the Moscow and Tbilisi Bakery. The piroshki there are greasy, but there are times for greasy piroshki.
rworange, the Crixa potato piroshki (actually, it's singular "pirozhok," meaning "little pie," but that's okay) was quite tasty. I overslept this morning and got to the bakery around noon, and managed to snag the last one just in time. It was pricey, but a good option nonetheless.
I was actually a little annoyed by the guy behind the counter, though, first because he incorrectly corrected (?) my pronunication, and secondly, because he refused to warm up the pastry a little. For the record, it's "pyir-ash-KI", not "peer-OSH-kee". Of course, I regularly butcher the pronunication of various ethnic food names, too, but I'm being snippy because, hey, my Russian is pretty decent.
As far as the cold vs. hot debate, I decided that yes, I had many a room temperature pirozhok in Russia, and it's certainly possible that when the piroshki were warmed up, it was because I'd bought them from street vendors and it was frickin' cold out. Still, though, whatever happened to "the customer is always right?"
This won't stop me from going back, though.
alaturka or a la turka - a tasty treat
I went there recently with a couple Turkish friends who adore the place. Since I let the boys order, I think we ended up a little meat-heavy (and some of the meat was a bit dry). If I could do it over again, I would order my beloved eggplant. The appetizer combo we had was delish, though.
We ended the evening with Turkish coffee and my friend Okan did the whole reading the coffee grounds thing. He looked at my cup and professed to tell me my future. His words: "I see a beautiful woman, but she is fat."
God love Turkish men and their subtlety. I guess Okan's just watching out for me and my sweet tooth.
Hidden City Cafe is one of the East Bay's best brunch spots. Who knew?
Sounds delicious! I'm tempted to bike up the Bay Trail (ride more, eat more) and grab a bite.
SF Russian Festival 2007 report w/ pics
Piroshki and bulochki and vatrushka! Right down the street! I've been to Crixa; how did I not know about this? Thanks rworange!
Spam
Spam is still considered a classy housewarming gift in Korea. When I've tried to explain the questionable status of Spam to my English language students, they've been floored to find out that it's anything but a delicacy here.
SF Russian Festival 2007 report w/ pics
Interesting! I keep meaning to check out this festival to satisfy my inner Russophile. Alas, I've missed it again.
In other news, if anyone knows if there are ANY good piroshki in the East Bay, please let me know. The BART tickets into SF to get piroshki in the Richmond are adding up...at least the bike ride out to my favorite bakeries is helping me burn off the calories.
Secret Ingredients
Pinenuts and parmesan reggiano. Not in everything, obviously.
Cinnamon often saves the day in other dishes.
Turkish sour pomegranate extract (Nar Eksisi)
Try making fesenjan, a delicious Persian chicken dish with walnuts and pomegranate!
Russian Cabbage Soup
I think you mean щи, which is usually transliterated "schi." There were lots of results when I Googled this, some of which sounded like what you'd had. (There are a few varieties of schi.)
How do you say Cheers in Every Language...
Alas, nobody actually says "na zdarovje" when drinking in Russia. They do say "za zdarovje," however. Actually, "za" plus anything works well. Russians usually do a series of toasts, the first of which is usually in honor of the occasion or a special person. The second might be to friendship ("za druzhbu"), peace ("za mir") or perhaps someone else in the room.
But my favorite is the traditional third toast to love ("za l'ubof"), when everyone refrains from clinking glasses and there is a solemn, sentimental silence that only a true, tortured Russian soul can really pull off without giggling.
Trader Joe's vs Whole Food: What to buy at each and why?
I hit TJ's on occasion for special packaged goods and pre-chopped butternut squash. (I know, I know, but if you're making soup it's faster than roasting and scooping and safer than chopping everything up yourself.) However, I absolutely HATE all the excess packaging TJ's uses. What's up with the styrofoam?
As for Whole Foods, it's pretty good, but insanely expensive. That said, I do enjoy the cheese section...
Cooking Classes in SF
First Class Cooking (www.firstclasscooking.com) is a great option for beginning and intermediate chefs. The groups are small and the atmosphere is really low-key. I never felt intimidated, asked lots of questions, and came away with some great recipes that I've duplicated for friends. Although I took an ethnicy class, the monthly schedule leans Californian and really focuses on fresh produce. Basic classes are $45 per session (an evening or afternoon), but some cocktail and wine pairing classes are a bit more. I'm certain gift certificates are available.
Hope you consider this; I'd definitely do it again!
Traditional New Years Foods?
In Russia, or at least in the heavily Asian-influenced Eastern Russia, where I lived, people gorge themselves on mandarin oranges from mid-December to mid-Janaury (the old new year is Jan. 13). Yum!
Help! Gift ideas to Jewish parents in law
I'd go with the flowers as well, and perhaps a box of kosher chocolates. To me, chocolate is much safer than wine, which can be hit or miss even when it's not kosher. The gesture will be appreciated, and trust me, if this gathering is anything like those that I experienced growing up, there will already be insane amounts of food to go around.
In other words, go light on lunch.
Also, I think that unless the family is fanatically religious, anything you bring that attempts to recognize their traditions will be appreciated. After all, they're welcoming you into your family, and a wedding is cause for celebration whether or not the bride knows all "the rules."
The 3 Grand Cuisines
I'd heard that Turkish cuisine influenced Greek cuisine, but perhaps it was an even trade?
Thanks to Chinon00 for the background on where this theory came from. My Turkish students (I teach English) love to talk about the three great cuisines, and I'd always thought that it was odd that regional cuisines could be lumped in together as solely "French," "Turkish," or especially "Chinese." I suppose a royal kitchen could standardize things. (Not that commoners ate the way the king did, but...)
Hungry & Home for the Holidays
Oh, I've definitely had some Devon parking nightmares -- in inclimate weather, naturally! Anyway, crowds are a given and shouldn't be perceived as deterrants to chowhounding, so a visit to Devon might be in order.
Good to hear that you've found your chow paradise. I've heard many wonderful things about the Chicago dining scene, and am delighted to finally have the opportunity to really appreciate it. (Getting mom and dad in on the adventure is unlikely, though. Oh well.) That said, I'm a produce gal who loves cooking and eating fresh fruits & vegetables -- meat rarely excites me -- and those are unusually plentiful, varied, and affordable in the Bay Area. Sounds like we've both found our niches.
Hungry & Home for the Holidays
Ah yes, it's true that good Mexican in SF can be a bit tricky. That's why I go to Oakland!
Not that Mission burritos aren't delightful in their own way.
I didn't mean to imply that all Mexican and Asian food is necessarily better out here, just that I'm a little bored of it. That said, it's good to know that there are some tasty places should I get a craving.
And Devon! How did I forget about Devon? Must have been the nightmare parking situation. Maybe I'll make someone else drive...
Hungry & Home for the Holidays
Mmmm...Lou's! I've actually managed to find acceptable Chicago style pizza out here, but only in terms of taste. (Zachary's in Berkeley and Oakland, if anyone's curious.) Deep dish has always struck me as a cold weather comfort food, and somehow eating it in California feels a little off. And then there's the problem of my California friends, who think it's normal to have artichoke on a pizza...
Thanks for the suggestions; I'm having dinner in Evanston with another California friend who is home for the holidays, and will forward these ideas to him!
Hungry & Home for the Holidays
Since I live in San Francisco, I frequently eat at Asian and Mexican places; while in Chicago, I'd like something different. I already know that I'm planning a trip to Greektown (Italian's great out here, but Greek seems lacking), but I'd love some suggestions for other tastes-better-in-Chicago type food.
For my night out with my little brother, I'd like someplace lively and fun that isn't a margarita joint. :-)
North Shore and the more northern parts of the city would be great.
Thanks!
Hungry & Home for the Holidays
Hello from San Francisco,
I was born and raised in the Chicago area (northern suburbs), but haven't spent much time there as an adult. I am taking an extended holiday break this year (two weeks of family bonding...weeee), and would love to go to to a few tasty, not too too expensive restaurants. (Much as I'd love to experience Alinea, it's not gonna happen this trip.) Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!
P.S. One of these outings will likely be with my baby brother, who recently turned 21. Unless things have changed, he's a little picky, but I'd still like to take him some place unique.
