Thought not in the biz, I was also there yesterday. I arrived early with comfortable shoes and low expectations. Since I'm not in the market for patio heaters, ice makers, uniform service, etc. I focused more on the food, and I share your impression. Mostly frozen fare for restaurant fryers. Some excellent imports, and I had some impressive ravioli. I was pleased to see spirits along with the beer, and the one table of Italian wines was pleasing.
On the Seafood Show side it was a different mood. Many of the booths had small tables where you could see international deals being made. Having arrived at 10, we left before 2pm. My husband and I paid $12 to park, and decided it was worth it, but would probably not go back unless compelled.

Whatever you order, just remember to bring a tablecloth, napkins, real flatware, and a LED candle or two. Those three things will make it feel less like take-out, aren't fragile, and all fit in a small bag.

The trawl fishery will begin on Jan 23, 2013, with two landing days (Monday and Wednesday) and no trip limit. The trap fishery will begin on February 5, 2013, with six landing days (every day but Sunday) and an 800 lb trip limit. http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/shrimp/se...

Yep, you are right BZ. I asked today and the shrimp available now are last year's, thawed to sell to the impatient. They said they are good, but certainly not as good a waiting 'till the end of January.

I spotted some yesterday at MB in Nashua. They didn't look prime, so got steak instead. I'll be trying Taylor Seafood in ME later this week. Wish me (and the fishery) luck!

Two things from the Arlington Selectmen's Agenda:

Common Victualler License and Beer & Wine License Request: Szechuan Dumpling (formerly Jade Garden) 1360 Mass. Ave.
>> Looks like we may be getting dumplings!

Food Vendor License: Something Sweet Without Wheat
169 Massachusetts Avenue
>> Perhaps something to watch for the gluten-free fans

This is TEMPORARY: Sapporo Ramen in Porter is closed; they can't get their noodles from NYC due to Sandy's wrath. The oyako donburi next door is mighty tasty, so I didn't starve.
If anyone finds Sapporo open, please post!

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... Though, if I find myself in Grand Forks, I'll be eating elsewhere.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Absolutely Upton Tea. Be sure to check out the Seasons' Pick section.

I like to butterfly them, cut 'em into wedges, and use them as a pizza topping.

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/harvardy... 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.

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?

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 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.

But what if I want to use oregano on Wednesday and I packed it for Thursday?!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?