Roasted salt-free almonds and Wyman's frozen blueberries.

I am accustomed to purchasing tins of King Oscar's Finest Brislings in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2-Layer) at my local Costco. Normally, there are 16-24 of these delicate little morsels expertly tucked away in lovely olive oil. I'm rather addicted.

The last batch of tins however brought me up short. Instead if the 16-24 delicate little marine morsels, I found 8 large, coarse, bony sea thugs. This is not some variation on a sardine theme: King Oscar advertises a Brisling 2-layer tin as consisting of 16-24 fish on its website....and all of these were clearly marked as 2-layer.

I went through 10 tins before i stopped. (Dogs are very happy).

Has any other lover of this particular variety of King Oscar come across this aberration?

I know that they have been recently purchased by Bumble Bee Foods...is this a large corporate downsizing of quality? A fluke?

I have written King Oscar (Rieber & Son), Bumble Bee Foods and Costco but have heard back nothing yet.

Many thanks, Mark

GO MARCEL!

Actially, I hope Marcel loses in the finale. Why? Because, even though I think he is an amazing chef, he lacks humility, and losing will hopefully help him in that direction. It's his greatest weakness.

I was thrilled that Elia was voted off, not just for her plain food, but also for her continued whinning about everything except her own lack of skills. Without Mia, she'd be long gone.

Sam was excellent, but just had a not brilliant night. His future is secure.

I hope Ilan wins so he can take that money and move out of this country permanently.

When I look at the day's line-up, I always feel a little queasy. Never watch any shows on Food Network any more, nor do my friends, with the exception of Nigella.

Bring back the classics: Julia, 2 Fat Ladies, original Emeril, orginal Iron Chef etc., or at least get rid of this parade of non-culinary Oprahesque infomercials and get back to food.

It is a FOOD network, yes? How could something so good go so bad so quickly?

The current hosts create too much indigestion. And please tell Paula to stop pawing the young men in her audience. People are starting to believe the rumors about the south.

Merci,
M