YumSugar

Do You Call to Cancel Reservations?

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:00:07 -0700

I dine out with friends and family all the time, and inevitably there are always scheduling changes. When I need to cancel a reservation, add or subtract a party member in a way that would affect table count, push dinner back, or am running late, I always make sure to call the restaurant - and more often than not, they thank me for calling. Do you do the same?

Do You Text at the Dinner Table?

YumSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:45:08 -0700

Modern society has widely embraced technology in every aspect of life, from music and shopping to reading and cooking. But have we gone too far? A recent New York Times article weighs in on the issue of texting, emailing, and tweeting while eating - something that etiquette expert Cindy Post Senning calls "texting anarchy." Marriage and family therapists also concur, citing texting while eating as an increasing complaint among couples in counseling. I'm no stranger to sending a text or two at the table, especially if my companion is in the restroom or on the phone as well. Still, I have to agree that this form of communication should probably stay away from the dinner table, unless it is necessary and relevant. What are your thoughts? Are you guilty of texting at the table?

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How Do You Feel About Toothpicks in Restaurants?

YumSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:50:08 -0700

Toothpicks may be the perfect utensil for bite-sized appetizers, but many restaurants still offer them for another purpose: to keep food out of one's teeth. In my experience, trays of toothpicks have always been ubiquitous at casual restaurants, yet I've always felt iffy about publicly picking something out of my teeth. How do you feel about toothpicks being offered at restaurants?

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Yummy Links: From Egg Dishes to In-N-Out Burger

partysugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:50:01 -0700

One hundred delectable ways to enjoy the incredible edible egg. - Endless Simmer
Top Chef's season four winner, Stephanie Izard, shows you what it's like to slaughter a pig. - Serious Eats
When is it OK to use your smart phone at the dinner table? - Chow
Taste-testing KFC's new Kentucky Grilled Chicken. - The Epi-Log
Simple tip: label and date everything you put in the freezer. - The Kitchn
Learn the history of popular California burger chain In-N-Out Burger. - Al Dente

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Yummy Links: From Paula's Home Line to Tom's Sandwiches

partysugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:50:16 -0700

Paula Deen's latest project is a collection of shabby chic furniture. - Eat Me Daily
Your guide to cooking with Spring's most fresh ingredients. - Chow
The trailer for Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs looks like delicious fun! - Serious Eats
After a friend has you over for dinner, consider sending a nice note to say thanks. - The Kitchn
How to easily customize your next party. - Simply Stated
What 10 foods can you not live without? - The Epi-Log
Tom Colicchio's tips for making the perfect sandwich. - Gourmet

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Yummy Links: From Cherry Cupcakes to Sushi Etiquette

partysugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:00:41 -0800

Cherry baby cupcakes are adorably scrumptious. - Hostess With the Mostess
Since Valentine's Day is on a Saturday, skip the expensive dinner and opt for a romantic breakfast in bed. - Chow
Eight cooking techniques that build flavor. - The Kitchn
Due to the salmonella scare, peanut butter sales are down almost 25 percent. - Serious Eats
Would you drink with a Kellogg's Froot Loop cereal straw? - Eat Me Daily
Take a crash course in sushi etiquette with Japanese guru Hiroko Shimbo. - Bon Appétit

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Yummy Links: From Toby Young to Chopped

partysugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:45:51 -0800

Get to know Toby Young, Gail Simmon's replacement judge on the second half of Top Chef 5.- Metromix New York
Eat less by making mini desserts. - The Kitchn
Start planning now for the ultimate foodie Super Bowl. - The Epi-Log
Is it OK to answer your cell phone during dinner? - Chow
Creative sipping: do it yourself wine glasses. - Hostess With the Mostess
What to do with leftover wine. - Serious Eats
Meet the cheftestants on Food Network's upcoming culinary competition, Chopped. - Eat Me Daily

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Yummy Links: From Gail Simmons to Team Rainbow

partysugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:15:12 -0800

Ever wonder what Top Chef Gail Simmons cooks at home? Here's 10 of her favorite recipes. - Food and Wine
Foodies show off their food tattoos. - Chow
Six supermarket turkeys are put to the test. - Epicurious
How to handle annoying party guests. - Lemondrop
Which roasting pan is the best for holiday cooking? - The Kitchn
Beautiful inspiration for a modern Thanksgiving dinner. - Hostess With the Mostess
Get the official Top Chef Team Rainbow shirt. - Serious Eats

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Do or Don't: Bringing Outside Food/Drink Into a Restaurant

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:30:07 -0800

Last week, New York Times critic Frank Bruni broached the question of whether it's kosher to bring outside food or drink into restaurants. I've noticed at some places - most recently at a popular neighborhood coffeehouse - that a growing number of establishments have barred customers from bringing items (such as water) inside. Bruni cited an example of a friend getting turned away from brunch at a New York diner for arriving with a Starbucks coffee in hand, and argued in favor of the establishment. "It strikes me as a measure of disrespect," he writes.

What are your thoughts on the issue? Is Bruni being too extreme when he calls it disrespectful behavior?

Do or Don't: Putting Your Napkin on the Plate?

partysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Yesterday DearSugar and I got into a debate about what you should do with your napkin when finished eating a meal. She said it was tacky and rude to put your napkin on the plate, but I told her I've done it before. What do you think? Is it bad manners to put your napkin on the plate when finished eating?

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