350516 Tue Dec 12 13:36:32 -0800 2006 0 11 South 0 2092006 Thanks, Liz, for the Marie Leveau's recommendation. Indeed a funky place with interesting, casual decor. They nicely allowed 6 of us to crowd around the last remaining 4 top at about 9:30. A dozen fat bengiets were shared. Not Cafe du Monde quality, but darned good. I had crawfish etoufee over grits. The quality of the seafood was actually the best part. My friend who was looking for proper eggs benedict was pleased. Only the praline pancake eater seemed to pick at her food, but she SAID it was good. I was disappointed in McCrady' Wine Bar. While I enjoyed my apps of foie gras and lobster grilled cheese, the selection of wines by the glass was limited, boring, and overpriced. I was really surprised. When we left cupcake way up on King street to walk down to McCrady's (a long stroll when the body is starting to regret the morning's half marathon) we were close to Pane e Vino, and I wish I had tried that instead. My standards of Al Di La and Sermet were both great as expected. We did have a somewhat unpleasant server at Al di La, an unfortunate change from the PERFECT waiter we had last time. I'm not sure if this girl expected a bad tip from a group of 6 women from the get go, or what. It was one of those situations where I would really like to express my displeasure in the tip, but I don't want to reinforce the sterotype, so I tipped 20%. sigh. Sermet was the opposite, very warm service, when I asked for plenty of bread (the source of the prior evening's problems), they loaded the table with very appreciated carbs. Cupcake and Modica Gelateria were supremely enjoyed as well. Tue Dec 12 13:36:32 -0800 2006 10471 danna