236308 Mon Apr 23 10:47:38 -0700 2001 2 19 Outer Boroughs 0 1252917 {first time poster, some time reader} Just noticed Rice, the (lack of a better descriptive) Asian restaurant in Nolita, is going to open a new branch in DUMBO, on Washington Street between Jay and York. Also, s.o. had a bad lunch at Anaseed, a/k/a the former Superfine. Stir-fry was unbelievably salty. He found a better deal at Kino (Washington Street by Water). We checked out the Jacques Torres factory/shop on Water Street; bought approximately 15 pieces for 10 bucks... not too bad except for the fact that the pieces were rather small. The store also sells chocolate lollipops and bars for 2-3 bucks. Mon Apr 23 10:47:38 -0700 2001 0 K. Neff 1 1252970 re Torres chocolate. I am with you that they are yummy. But the people in there are way too snooty. One woman behind the counter said to a custumer (this is a direct quote): "some people say Jacques is the best pastry chef ever." ugh. just give me a pain au chocolat and let me decide. good, yes, but too oily to be great. Fri Apr 27 18:59:18 -0700 2001 1252917 0 rachel 1 1252974 Just a data point on Jacques Torres' place... I thought it was pleasant enough, but my boyfriend, who was a student of Torres at FCI, found the flavors chosen for the chocolates to be disappointingly conventional. Still, they taste great (the liquid caramel was my favorite)... I think my s.o. was hoping for something a little more quirky and artisanal. Sun Apr 29 15:29:11 -0700 2001 1252917 0 Chris Shieh