New Reading

I've put aside the other mountain of books I have waiting because I've got an exciting new bunch from my Marin friend (who is looking for a rental in Larkspur/San Anselmo BTW). Some I get to keep and some will return when she finds a place to land. I've jumped on the ones I'll be returning. So, I'll be trying recipes and giving mini-reviews as I go.

Mustard's- I wanted to like this book and on some level I do. I am a sucker for dressed up American food. That said, a lot of the recipes don't work. Or don't work without some tinkering. Whenever I get a new cookbook and I get an idea I'd like to try, I always do a recipe verbatim from the book, even if I can look at the page and see it will fail, because I want to see if I can trust the writer. I also want to learn. There may be something in the recipe which comes together, some process or other of which I am unaware. There are also substantial typos which should have prevented the book from winning a Beard Award but didn't.

Hieland Foodie - A fun little collection of no-nonsense Scottish recipes with historical photos and snippets. Will report on the success of the Balmoral Dessert Biscuits after I make them today.

Attended the college graduation of one of our long-time waiters yesterday. We attended her high school graduation a couple of years ago. Both times she thanked us for all our support and love. For her graduation gift we got her a flowering crabapple tree for her new home. May they both grow together.

Salmon season appears to be going well so it'll be time to add it to the menu. Scallops are going up dramatically in price and the current preparation hasn't been selling well so it's time to retire the dish.

Last night's specials included Southern Fried Quail with Tabasco Gravy and a Grilled Calamari, Chickpea and Arugula Salad (two separate dishes) We actually sold some quail. It helps that one of our newer waiters loves it.