I'm heading to Home tonight. I received some mixed reviews from friends, especially that the menu was "blah". worried that it is a here to serve restaurant. i hope they have given blais the freedom he deserves. I'm looking forward to dinner in 2 hours 45 minutes!

i went to Johnny V's last time i was in town. Loved it.

a local friend of mine mentioned Coconuts. It's a chain, right?

I was looking on line and saw a place called Forte and one called Spazio, are either of those worth it? How about the steakhouse Chima?

I am attending a conference next week at the Bahia Mar Beach Resort and I would like a place to eat in the area. I would love for it to be walkable from the hotel. Any recommendations?

CJ or Tre for sure.

today - Rocco

I forgot that my screen name is strephking, and i thought you some how knew me. All of my guy friends refer to me as "king". HA. (it's my maiden name) ANYWAY...

For Nob Hill vs Rubochon i just thought the menu was more creative and i love the atmosphere.

For SW vs Craftsteak, the quality of the meat was better in my opinion. Also, creamed corn and sauteed spinach are the bell weather of any steak house and SW wins! Don't waste your time waiting for a "lake view" table at SW, it's not worth it. the show is kind of silly.

The setting at Bouchon is fabulous. I would go and sit at the bar!!!!

You can also just grab a crepe at Paris. It's a perfect quick treat!

Bouchon has a bar area; if you want to go without a reservation.

I am a huge fan of Nob Hill. I recommend it over Robouchon. And SW Steakhouse over Craftsteak.

Myself and 9 of my friends are heading for a long weekend in Lauderdale. This is a weekend away from the husband and baby. We want an upbeat spot that's not touristy; however, we're not in our 20's anymore... We are staying in a house near Las Olas.

any suggestions for lunch or dinner are appreciated.

Pamela - that is an awesome idea. i ended up just using fresh parm and black pepper, however, we throw a Superbowl party every year, and that will be perfect.

Go to SW Steakhouse at the Wynn.

George's in the Highlands i believe to be the best!

everyone picked up that hung was saying what the judges wanted to hear. I was waiting for the other three to jump out of their skin at some of his comments. He is definitely "playing the game" as oppose to just cooking. Not cool.

MikeLM thank you for your thoughts; i know popcorns will heavy oils and cheeses won't stand up; which is why i specified it in my request that it is something that can sit for a while.

I know there are a lot of spice combos i am not thinking of.

I thought Hung was so fake; but that' probably because i just don't like him at all.

so he is technical; but i love when the chef said Casey's dish has Soul! Exactly what a Top Chef should be.

Has anyone mentioned Michel Schlumberger??? they only do tasting at 10am and 2pm. Try the Pinot Blanc, the Cabs are amazing.

If you don't care about seeing a vineyard, call Siduri. they are in a warehouse; but Adam Lee churns out the best and some consider them a "cult".

I am having book club at my house tomorrow night and the book we read (Water for Elephants) is all about life in the circus. I have come up with some great "high end" circus foods; but i can't decide on the popcorn. I know Giada does a Parm and Pec Popcorn, and I have had Rosemary and Pine Nut Popcorn; however, i want to do something else! Please send me your ideas for the perfect popcorn spice. Please keep in mind that it is going to sit out all night; so i need it to stand up really well.

if you have any other fun carnival / circus treats that would also work; i'm all ears.

STONEWALL KITCHENS!

head west to Captiva Island, there is a great little place called RJ Otters! the breakfast is awesome.

Ravenous is a great place off the Healdsburg Square. the food is rustic and the menu changes nightly.

As far as wineries are concerned; Joseph Swan is a must as well as Iron Horse.

Joseph Swan! wonderful zins and syrahs and the winemaker is normally there pouring and telling stories. it's not big on ambience; but you won't be disappointed. also, love Iron Horse. It's an outdoor tasting room and their sparklings are the perfect way to start a day of tasting.
If you go to Thumbprint on The Square; stop by Selby too. Suzie is making a lot of wonderful wine. make sure to taste her dessert wine, Sweet Cindy. Her place is next to Barn Diva which i highly recommend for one of your meals.

Healdsburg is one of the best places in Sonoma; you are going to have a wonderful trip.

what were the names of the chinese dishes? i am interested in trying them.

French Laundry does a vegatarian menu!

Lucky China on Chamblee Dunwoody has really good sushi. the restaurant is really cool. i know it sems like another take out place; but it's really neat.

Also, Sushi Yoshi on Spalding near HOlcomb Bridge is also an option.

I would stay away from Wasabi House in Dunwody Village, it's not the greatest.

If only Kampai was still open on Roswell Road... it was the best sushi in the area.

it's not a restaurant, but there is a bar where i went to college called "He's Not Here".

I totally forgot about that. I guess she had to be thankful that she wasn't eliminated????

Tehama - i normally support UNC fans, but the Grape? No thank you. It's a franchise that should be called, "Wine for Morons". They don't even describe the wine; they just give you a little slogan such as "give this wine some time" or "think pink don't blink". give me a break. I don't thnk anyone learns anything from that.
West End has a knowledgeable staff; however, go early to miss the Sorostitutes.

I am sorry, when did Sara win????

I am more upset that the judges never keep in mind what the challenge was. $350, give me a break.

TK has an entire vegetarian menu at French Laundry; so i can imagine that they would help you out at Ad Hoc.

Just sat down to watch Top Chef, and i lost my desire. Trey was the best chef. Who is everyone rooting for now?????

you know, i bet we could do a very upscale version of a couple of casseroles. what other casseroles were popular in the 70's?