286944 Wed Feb 21 04:34:18 -0800 2001 4 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1540740 Is it just me? I felt as though I was slogging through a college textbook at points. His delight in serving his wifey Promise spread sort of disturbed me as well. Is this guy for real? Is he as well thought of as he seems to think he is? I found him pompous and pretentious. Any thoughts? Wed Feb 21 04:34:18 -0800 2001 0 bryan 1 1540752 When I read it I remember thinking, my god how does his wife put up with him? Later, I heard that she'd decided she couldn't! pat Wed Feb 21 17:08:45 -0800 2001 1540740 0 pat hammond 2 1540757 Oh that's so good to know Pat. My husband would be walking sideways for a week if he pulled something like that on me. And did you notice his picture? The little downward glance with the eyebrows raised just so and the glasses held thusly? Argggg! I just wanted to bop him one. Thu Feb 22 03:00:22 -0800 2001 1540752 0 bryan 3 1540890 For those of you who are having a hard time with Mr. Steingarten, give Margaret Visser - Much Depends on Dinner and The Rituals of Dinner - a read...her voice is considerably quieter but no less interesting. I really enjoyed the sense of discovery while reading Much Depends on Dinner....fascinating stuff! Tue Feb 27 00:21:05 -0800 2001 1540757 0 gordon wing 1 1540832 When I first read the title essay of his book, I thought much the same thing. Then my sister bought me tho book, and I gave it another try. Somehow, the second time through, I loved it, and continued to love the whole book. Yes, he's obsessed and pedantic at times, but, I don't know, I guess I ended up liking that about him. Fri Feb 23 02:01:40 -0800 2001 1540740 0 Janet A. Zimmerman