112735 Wed May 07 10:47:12 -0700 2003 4 7 Chicago Area 0 612538 Disclaimer: My intent is not to incite another debate on Sam's merits or there lack-of... The May issue of Food & Wine includes an in-depth article on a first-timer's visit to Sam's to "find a bottle to brag about among the 10,000 choices." Of course, the author arrived with preconcieved expectations that went unfulfilled. In my mind, one goes to Sam's for value and selection -- not a Bryant Family Cab. If that was the author's intent she could have stayed in Manhattan and hit Sherry-Lehmann or a Sotheby's auction. (Incidentally, the author echoed comments on this board on Sam's friendly service: "The reception was pretty much like the one I get when I visit Home Depot too. That is to say, I was completely ignored.") Unrealted note: Planning a Summer Vacation, Gary? -- The F&W issue also included a good article on the travels of "Captain Bacon" through Kentucky and Tennesse in the search for America's best small smokehouses: http://www.foodandwine.com/invoke.cfm?objectID=44D9E41D-0752-4363-8F0EF395CB157D32 Link: http://www.foodandwine.com/invoke.cfm?objectID=DEB8CC03-52DA-4A3E-937B73660A896D65 Wed May 07 10:47:12 -0700 2003 0 HungryHoward 1 612542 I have some quibbles about Sam's service but being ignored is not one of them-- I am constantly asked if I want help. Maybe I have a more than usually befuddled look... Wed May 07 11:10:32 -0700 2003 612538 0 Mike G 1 612571 Hi, the article didn't say she went in looking for Bryant Family Cab, only that it once appeared on their shelves. The wine she ended up with sounded like exactly what you said she should have gone in for: something interesting, something good, and at a good price for the value. Wed May 07 14:18:28 -0700 2003 612538 0 leek 1 612652 Howard, Funny you should mention the F&W bacon article and a bacon tour, as soon as I read the article that exact thought flittered through my mind. Did you see the F&W recipe for Farfalle with bacon and endive? That's high on my list of must make dishes in the next few weeks. We are having people over for Mother's day, I might just make the Farfalle as a side dish. Speaking magazines and food, National Geographic Traveler's May/June issue is mainly food related. Interesting articles which they labeled Taste of Travel, 101 diverse locations around the world. Enjoy, Gary Thu May 08 13:16:20 -0700 2003 612538 0 G Wiv 2 612743 Yes, that Farfalle dish looks like a must-make. Let me know how it comes out. Also, as for mother's day, I'll be slaving away in the kitchen Sunday as well. Since my mother-in-law is a huge beef fan, she requested filet mignon. (I would have preferred to make a great standing rib roast...) So, if you have any favorite recipes/sauces, please let me know. Thanks! I haven't seen the NG Traveler's issue you referenced, but, for the benefit of all, did see the following blurb in Chicago Mag's "Morsels" dispatch. Can't say I agree on Wheaton's pick for last-meal (I know we've covered this topic before), but here goes: "Shameless Plug of the Week Our own Dennis Ray Wheaton, Chicago magazine’s chief dining critic, has been singing for his supper lately. He contributed in the May/June issue of National Geographic Traveler to a feature that asked, “What would you have for your last meal?” Wheaton picked Everest (440 S. LaSalle St.; 312-663-8920) for chef Jean Joho’s masterful Alsatian creations served in a gracious setting looking out on Chicago’s cityscape from the fortieth floor of One Financial Place. . . . " Link: http://www.chicagomag.com/dining/morsels_story.htm Fri May 09 17:37:49 -0700 2003 612652 0 HungryHoward