Is it BYOB?

I like Jim's brother, Tom Collins.

The Severson's are an amazing pair.

I would have paid big money to cover this event. I enjoy the outrageous.

I spoke with Pascal last week and he assured me that he would not try to bribe anyone to sway a poll, but always offers the souffle as an enticement to Lavendou. He has always been a man of honor and I have little reason not to believe this.

Perhaps not just about sex, but certainly sex is a large part of this unusual scene.

I have a friend that is actually into the whole anthropomorphic deal and role plays on a web-based game called Second Life, but assures me that only 1 or 2% are into zoophilia and plushophilia. The rest are? Who knows, and I don't want to be bitten to find out.

Nice to know that your stuffed Winnie the Pooh will be basically safe in Addison during the event.

What did Hillary say? It takes a village.

A great event and a treasure for the city of Dallas. Jim White was the consummate host, greeting people all day and making sure they were much more comfortable then himself.

The amount of restaurants was gretaer this year, adding ten more to the list. It seemed the chefs were more relaxed and willing to chat up the guests, more so here than other events I have attended over the past few years. Perhaps a savory side affect of the state of affairs in the industry, and the cachet of new young chefs.

Over all really incredible. I loved the Nobu lettuce wrap, chef Valimonts nori crispy ahi tuna, and the pork belly couscous from the French Room (smooth, buttery and decandantly creamy).

Being pleasured by 400 variatals of wine was a kick, but the scotch flights in the VIP room will be memorable for a long, long while.

Navin R. Johnson: The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here!

Harry Hartounian: Boy, I wish I could get that excited about nothing.

Navin R. Johnson: Nothing? Are you kidding? Page 73 - Johnson, Navin R.! I'm somebody now! Millions of people look at this book everyday! This is the kind of spontaneous publicity - your name in print - that makes people. I'm in print! Things are going to start happening to me now.

The d'Escoffier event should be a great time. I have plans to attend and hope many others do as well.

It is simply a rough period for all restaurants. Many wonderful places have fallen, and it is sad. But the economy has no favorites, it is across the board. Those that takes positive measures will see this through.

Many operators I have spoken with in the past month have experienced an upturn economic wise. All we can do is support them all and take a friend to lunch at least once a week.

Start by inviting me. ;)

Wasa at the Allen location last evening suffering a hangover. Loud, very loud. But the food looked tremendous.

Asking for anything free in kind is absolutely insane. What is more insane is a restaurateur complying. I have been offered free things, including (harmlessly I can assure) white and black truffles. I would have loved to grab, but it just isn't kosher.

I recently spoke to a long time restaurant owner that told me how he 'bought' a cover story for 600 bucks in the 60's. I was floored.

I feel horribly uncomfortable bringing a camera to dine. However, there I am. I have even taken pics of my snack during intermission at the Winspear. (Tiny horrible sandwiches catered by Puck.)

Never use the flash. Besides being intrusive, it makes for a rotten photo.

Brad's photos are amazing The best in Dallas, to be sure.

It is good to see you doing so well. I will be up this weekend for a share of my pies.

Understood and thank you. I had one of your pizzas recently and it was fantastic.

I read up on the VPN and noted there are very few in Texas certified, and only one in this area. Sounds like an expensive, but proud process.

Are the Bella Boyz behind this? It is actually good stuff, but now tarnished for a silly claim that know would cared about.

But God bless the widow of the fallen officer.

Take 35k to get a story for Mr. Martin. I would have written one for half that.

Been there, done that, loved it.

I was standing on the beautiful side of the room, next to Teresa. Actually, I heard that a camera can steal your soul.

Didn't mean to come across a snob, I can assure you. I shop all the Asian markets, and weekly the Hispanic markets where I am on a first name basis with many of the employees. I do my fair share of trade at CM and WF as well. I have little use for Tom Thumb and especially Albertsons. Amazing how in other states an Albertsons can be as wonderful as a CM is here (I have a friend in Port Orchard, WA that extols its virtues).

My point was really that the quality of foods offered at Aldi's are simply not to my liking. I think you will see what I mean once it opens.

As far as Pizza Patron, I do not eat there. But think they are amazing marketers. They gear towards the Hispanic market, to be sure, but they themselves are not Hispanic (not that it matters). The founder is Antonio Swad, a man of lebanese descent. Their big claim to fame was when they offered to take pesos as legal tender. This story made national headlines and they took a lot of heat. I believe they will still take your pesos left over from your weekend romp in Cabo. Don't we always have 20 or 30 dollars of foreign currency left over after every vacation?

Does your Aldi's "rent" grocery carts? The one I went to in Kansas had a coin slot where you had to deposit fifty cents to get a cart. I was on a hunting trip and it was the closest grocer I could find. Was put off by the lack of cleanliness and disgusting products. Literally reminded me of a scene from Night of the Living Dead.

I wonder if you just have a better Aldi's than I have seen. As it stands, I have no reason ever to frequent a budget grocer. Thank God.

I ran up a large tab there last night, and probably will again Saturday. It will be missed to be sure. Prestons isn't a great choice for those that live very close and frequented Popolos, if for no other reason the bar was cozy and it was close to home base.

Himez is a GREAT bartender and will more than likely end up at Prestons. He feeds me wonderful odd ethnic restaurant tips.

My experience with Aldi's is not a pleasant one. Small, dank and trashy would describe the versions I have seen in the past, but I am sure new stores, especially in Frisco, might be a bit different.

Time will tell, but you won't find me bruising through wilted produce and generic cans of tomato sauce.

I think Jeffrey Yarbrough is a saint, and the kick ass original Dallas PT Barnum. I was often found buzzing around Clearview in the day, and adored Annie Wong at Liberty Noodles. I was saddened the day of that closure.

Happy to See yarbrough back in the saddle. Sadder but wiser makes a humble host.

With the quality that will surely follow, the price point will pitch a home run, to be sure.