GilbyEast's Profile
Favorable review of new Olive Garden in Grand Forks, ND
Grand Forks columnist Marilyn Hagerty gives a 100% snark-free review of the new Olive Garden in Grand Forks, ND. I found it refreshing. http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/231419/ Though, if I find myself in Grand Forks, I'll be eating elsewhere.
Farmer seeking ideas for a CIDER DONUT SUNDAE
What about making it an ice-cream sandwich, something you can eat with your hands while you wander the orchard? Delicious and messy is always a hit with apple pickers. Plus he'll save money on bowls and spoons, and have less trash.
Looking for glass bottles? Help please
We get ours at Beer Wine Hobby in Woburn. http://www.beer-wine.com/ They carry a variety of shapes and sizes, not just standard beer and wine bottles. Look over the online catalog, then call to see if they have what you'd like in stock before driving over there.
3 Days in Rome--Light Lunch Advice Requested
For a Light Lunch in a beautiful place, I like a picnic. Pick up a bottle of wine (sfuso, even), bread, salami, cheese, and file a little spot of sun or shade. It's easy enough to pick up supplies and find a little place to sit. We once stopped with our supplies just off the road outside Scansano. A local woman was gathering greens in the nearby woods, a tour group on horse went by, we nibbled, relaxed and enjoyed the view. Sure, ape were chugging by a few feet away, but it was still lovely.
Best butter in Boston area?
I absolutely love this butter. I used to bring it back with me every time I found myself in PA. One year I gave 2 pounds to mother for Mother's Day.
Cheapest 30packs of beer in Boston area?
Try NH: no added sales tax, no deposit. So if you are thinking of buying in quantity, it might be worth a trip across the border.
What are your Market Basket surprises?
The Vlados is the best domestic I've had, and can stand proudly next to the standard imported. While a domestic product, I love that it takes two states to make it. The pigs are from Iowa, but the hams are hung in Rhode Island. I love that!
Best free Wine Event of the Year - Gordon's Annual Grand Tasting in Waltham
It will be very crowded. Leave your coat in the car. Ideally, bring a tall friend who can help you get pours. I hope they've established a way to buy your wine like they have for the big tastings at Yankee: I've been known to stash my selections under the table of a friendly rep until I am ready to depart. I usually leave with a case or two.
Japanese green tea with roasted rice?
Just saw it at H mart in Burlington this weekend; I've also bought it at Super 88. This time I ordered it from Upton Tea with my annual stock up. Delicious!
Best website to buy tea?
Absolutely Upton Tea. Be sure to check out the Seasons' Pick section.
What to do with Gardenburgers
I like to butterfly them, cut 'em into wedges, and use them as a pizza topping.
Chestnuts picked up from trees in Harvard Square: safe to eat? what species?
According to the Harvard Yard Tree species list they are either Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) or Red Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). Check out the map at http://www.crimsoncanopy.com/harvardyard/ to determine what tree you are harvesting. Then it is up to you to decide if they are edible. Some say both are historically edible, but I just don't like chestnuts enough to bother with the leeching and roasting process.
MasterCook question.
I've been googling to solve a problem I've been having with MC, to no avail. I can only open recipes (in any cookbook) that have a photo. If there's no photo, I have to export to see it. Bizarre aye? Any thoughts?
Asian Grocery/Market in Portland area?
If you are more in the Saco/Biddeford area, a convenient stop is Trans at 129 Elm St. in Biddeford. Their selection is well curated, meaning small but meets my needs. Lots of fresh veggies, dry noodles; don't skip the freezer cases, and the closet full of rice. Interestingly, also great prices on bleu cheese and other diary.
The One Place You Want to Keep to Yourself - It's OK, We Won't Tell Anyone!
The added atmosphere created by the live piano music on Fridays and Sundays makes the whole thing a really nice and cheap summer date. Then grab a mojito and go for a stroll on the deck and grounds.
Renting a Vacation House for a Week, What to Bring for the Kitchen?
But what if I want to use oregano on Wednesday and I packed it for Thursday?!
Renting a Vacation House for a Week, What to Bring for the Kitchen?
I'm with torty here. Except I don't bother with the salt. When renting, I travel with a 4" serrated knife and a 2 tablespoon pepper mill. Previous guests often leave behind things like salt, oil and coffee. And I leave behind any pantry items I have remaining at the end of my visit. Of course, I also bring a printout of restaurant and shop recommendations from the local Chows!
Harvard U. campus food cart still operating?
That's the place. Enter the Yard by one of the gates near the Harvard T Station and you'll see it. Only open for lunch.
Harvard U. campus food cart still operating?
The grill is open! Hot dogs, cheeseburgers ($6), the salad bar inside (45 cents and ounce), plus a daily special (no special today). It sure smells good out there. Too bad I already have a lunch obligation elsewhere.
Harvard U. campus food cart still operating?
I have it on good authority that the cart will be returning June 15. In addition to the grill, there will be an extensive salad bar inside Lehman Hall. As I can see the grill out my office window, I'll keep you posted if there are any changes. From June 'till August, my office smells like burgers.
Wine for BBQ Wedding
Not wine-related but: you may have to make special arrangements to get tri-tip in NJ. It is not a cut commonly available in the east.
Wedding wine
Don't forget the Champagne/Prosecco/Cava! I see no reason why the bubblies should be limited to just the toast. The whole day is a celebration!
Can you recommend any Farm or Factory Tours in Tuscany or Umbria?
I am headed to Italy in a few weeks. In addition to seeking out some of the restaurants found on this board, I would like to visit a few food producers. Small or large; guided tour or just a visit; fish, factory, farm, fowl, or fennel: as long as it is interesting. In Tuscany we will be based in Grosseto south of Siena toward the coast. Our Umbria base is between Gualdo Tadino and Foligno. There will be four of us and we will have a car for day trips.
Anyone had any special experiences they would like to share?
Raclette Craving
They are carrying raclette grills at William Sonoma now; perhaps soon you'll be able to find one in the back aisles of Marshall's. Last time I did raclette we moved beyond the raclette cheese (which I picked up at TJ's) and embraced fontina, emmental, and gruyere. I also encourage moving beyond meat and potatoes. Tomatoes are lovely, bread is a must, and the broccoli was surprisingly popular. Enjoy!
Manual can opener?
I use one like this for most tasks, but for some reason I can't get a can of Goya beans open with the darn thing. So I keep my Swing-A-Way handy too.
Alton Brown Commercial
I may be mistaken, but it seems he has started visiting the same salon as Ruhlman. http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007/10/a-flock-of-hair.html
Portland's best-kept (sadly) secret: Rachel's L'Osteria
I absolutely adore this restaurant. First time I went, I had a pappardelle with mushrooms that I still think about a year later. Rachel’s is a great neighborhood place and is my first suggestion when friends ask where they should eat in Portland.
The particulars:
http://www.rachelslosteria.com/
496 Woodford Street
Portland
Lobster roll
If you are looking for half decent at a half decent price then maybe you should try Charlie's Kitchen in Cambridge. They have a double lobster roll special for $11. That's 2 lobster rolls on NE Hot Dog buns (ask for it to be toasted) made with lobster chunks and debris with a little bit of celery and mayo. They have a new beer garden out back that is very nice for lunch. Check out the Boston Area board for more info.
Perfect hard boiled eggs
Of course, Harold McGee goes into great detail in On Food and Cooking. http://books.google.com/books?id=iX05JaZXRz0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=harold+mcgee&ei=CySmR4LwCY_6zQT40_2QAw&sig=3TgYoRkGIKTPzjhGz-A-VPkhkSE#PPA87,M1
I've used the bubble-less simmer method and have been very successful.
cooks Illustrated almost no knead bread - anyone else tried?
The Cooks Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread recipe is up on the free part of the site right now. I don't know how long it will be there, so take a look now. I make it (with variations) nearly every week. On the topic of storage (someone posted a question about it at some point); I keep it in the dutch oven I baked it in. Not that is stays around long. Yum!
http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipe.asp?recipeids=4748&bdc=56976&extcode=L8CN1AF00#topOfPage
