Chili's Closing!

[bluejeanz]

...and that's why I say, "to each their own"...

But you asked.....and I answered.

[Food Network Fan]

True!

[bluejeanz]

I have some "foodie" friends that will turn their nose up at anything NOT authentic, too bad because they are missing out on some tasty food. In my opinion authentic doesn't always mean better. One particular friend will barely pick at his food if the group of friends chooses a chain restaurant, but let me tell you some of the "authentic" Asian places that he has chosen (he is Asian) were terrible and horribly expensive, but since they were authentic he was a happy camper.

I am sure that Mario's food is fabulous if that is what you like, but for me, I couldn't find anything that looked even remotely appetizing.

One of my best friends is Mexican. His parents are from Mexico and they still have family down there. A few times a year we go out to dinner and usually try to find somewhere 'different' and off the beaten path. He always leaves the food choice up to me and I quit saying 'Mexican food' because he always takes me to these authentic little hole-in-the-wall places with the menu up on a small chalkboard with about 5 choices. I don't have the heart to tell him I don't care for it and prefer the Americanized versions, LOL. There's been only one time when I enjoyed my meal and that was the Chicken Mole. I asked the owner if I could have the recipe and, with the language barrier, it was a no-go. I've seen mole recipes before and they seem to have a minimum of 25-30 ingredients and takes considerable time to make.


On the other hand, I love listening to him order in Spanish.

[bakerman]

One of my best friends is Mexican. His parents are from Mexico and they still have family down there. A few times a year we go out to dinner and usually try to find somewhere 'different' and off the beaten path. He always leaves the food choice up to me and I quit saying 'Mexican food' because he always takes me to these authentic little hole-in-the-wall places with the menu up on a small chalkboard with about 5 choices. I don't have the heart to tell him I don't care for it and prefer the Americanized versions, LOL. There's been only one time when I enjoyed my meal and that was the Chicken Mole. I asked the owner if I could have the recipe and, with the language barrier, it was a no-go. I've seen mole recipes before and they seem to have a minimum of 25-30 ingredients and takes considerable time to make.


On the other hand, I love listening to him order in Spanish.

We have great Mexican food here and it has been Americanized somewhat, but to be honest I work with a lot of Mexican people and they love these places too. They say it isn't really what their mama cooked but they like them just the same, because of the familiar ingredients.

MAC

[Chefnot]

Lambs brains? Central nervous system? Course it's just a theory, but CDJ highest incident rate is in the the Middle East.

[Clove]

Thanks, Clove! I'm sure Michael makes some dishes that I would not care for, but overall, on his show, I enjoy quite a few of his dishes and have made them.
...all with great success, I might add!

I agree with Suzie. There are lots of things that I would order from his menu, but it wouldn't be the lamb. Many must like it, I'm just not one of them.

As Michael's new restaurant is opening this Fall (?), Here's a look at where his tastes are going:

"WWE: Is there any restaurant that you'd like us to model ours after? Remember, you have to eat here every single day!
Michael Chiarello: There is a great restaurant called the Mercato at the central market in Florence whose menu is derived from the very best the market has to offer on any given day. Being that it's the Florence produce and meat market you can imagine the ingredients. Not to mention they have ruined many a lunch reservations with the Tripe sandwiches I engulf before lunch at the local hot spots."

[BerryBaby]

Thanks! I like the original shows by Michael and still love many of his recipes. Like I said, there are probably a few things he makes (anything with lamb) that I would not eat. Overall, though, he is still my favorite.