171142 Sat Jul 10 10:43:01 -0700 2004 2 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 918291 There is an interesting article linked below which includes several paragraphs about Eric Ziebold, the chef de cuisine from the French Laundry who is leaving to start CityZen at the Mandarin Oriental. The article includes the notation that he is bringing bags of his own seeds for local farms to grow. As expected this will be a serious restaurant. Although the article mentions August 31st I believe the opening date has been pushed back to mid September. Link: http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jun2004/sb2004068_5611.htm Sat Jul 10 10:43:01 -0700 2004 0 Joe H. 1 918294 This is an interesting article for the issues that go beyond the locally anticipated restaurant. I suggest you post about it on the general topics board if you haven't already. I hope some of the result of Ziebold bringing his own seeds is that the farmers who agree to grow his vegetables also may start bringing them to the local farmers' markets. Over the past few years, we have been seeing an increase in such items in the markets here, including heirloom tomatoes, fava beans, zucchini blossoms, etc. I personally hope the trend continues, as it has made my home cooking more fun and creative. We chowhounds who frequent the local markets should support the farmers by purchasing these things and encourage them to be at the "cutting edge" no pun intended... Sat Jul 10 12:25:54 -0700 2004 918291 0 Bacchante 1 920952 Did City Zen open on the 15th? What are the reviwes of the first night? Thu Sep 16 04:50:07 -0700 2004 918291 0 Joe Rueter