396707 Sun Apr 29 20:43:22 -0700 2007 3 3 California 0 2526349 enbell, I'm curious what restaurant menu you found them on. Sun Apr 29 19:49:02 -0700 2007 16301 Non Cognomina 1 2526455 WHEW!!! You made me work to find the answer (but I gladly did it to repay you for your answer!). I had to back-track through my searches but found the abalone mushrooms in the taro root risotto entree at Plumpjack Cafe in Truckee, CA. Here's the link: http://www.plumpjack.com/cafe7.html I actually made rezzies there yesterday. I wonder if the mushrooms influenced my subconscious. Thanks again! Sun Apr 29 20:31:24 -0700 2007 2526349 73756 enbell 2 2526471 Awesome--thanks. Would you mind posting again after you go if you happen to try them? Would love a post-meal review. Sun Apr 29 20:40:06 -0700 2007 2526455 16301 Non Cognomina 1 2569300 Abalone mushroom update: First, let me preface this with the caveat that I have never posted a review before, so bear with me.... The mushrooms were listed as an ingredient in a taro root risotto on their online menu, so by the time I decided on Plumbjack and read the request for a report back, I made up my mind a long time ago what I'd try for dinner on Mother's Day. On a whim (well, I actually got the idea on the boards from other hounds) on Saturday, I called Plumpjack and told them to expect one vegetarian in our party. The Hostess said she'd let the chef know. Cool. Started at the bar/lounge with THE BEST BLOODY MARY EVER! I must confess that I hate the taste of alcohol and half the time I order virgin marys. It didn't hit me until halfway through my drink that I detected no hint of the Absolute Pepper I requested. Also, the bartender let me watch him make it to be sure no worchestershire was added. Three types of tobasco, and another pepper blend gave my drink a nice kick, but not too much - percect. So we're seated, the host notified me that they were aware of the vegetarian, that normally the risotto was their go-to dish, however they were out of taro root. HUH?! I was bumed, but he said he'd discuss some options and get back to me. I asked that they include the abalone mushrooms that intrigued me from the start. They put together an oven baked tomato crusted in parmesean on a bed of wild rice with a variety of veggies including the shrooms. The veggies were fantabulous! I'm more curious about abalone muchrooms though because they had a mild flavor, not real hint of the abalone (or fishyness) I expected. The oyster mushrooms had the srtonger flavor I know them to have. I don't eat meat, so I don't know if real abalone has a mild flavor or not. The rice was slightly sweet, and soggy tomatoes don't quite do it for me, but I appreciate the effort - and could have eaten more veggies (basically roasted in a light oil with some garlic). I should right, and not wonder why my whim to give them a heads up didn't give the chef more time to "throw something together?" Mom had rack of lamb($32 I think), it came out too rare, she sent it back - no problem, and is still raving about it today. Dad had Pork tenderloin ($28 I think), and was equally pleased. He mentioned later a strip of pure fat that confused him. I guessed it was there on purpose for flavor. Was that right? We split a chocolate three ways for dessert: dark, milk, white chocolate mouse, milk chocolate crisp, and chocolate cake. Mouse was awesome, crisp was fine, and the cake to me was pretty dry and no big deal. My mom had such a great evening, and we all enjoyed ourselves emmensely. The service was very good, and the food excellent. My experience was such an exception, that I'm not sure I have the right to review, but here it is. Plumpjack is at the base of Squaw Valley Resort, and I totally reccomend it to anyone nearby! Mon May 14 15:35:31 -0700 2007 2526349 73756 enbell