Dangit

Made this last Christmas and it was well received by all. Can't recall where I got the recipe, maybe Bon Appetit. "Ham and Cheese" Breakfast Casserole INGREDIENTS Serves 6 to 8 4 cups (loosely packed) day-old challah or other egg-enriched bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon sugar 1/2 pound pancetta (thickly sliced), diced 6 large eggs 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese, from about 4 ounces INSTRUCTIONS Grease an 8-inch square baking dish (or another 1 1/2-quart to 2-quart baking dish) and spread the cubed challah in the bottom. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium to low heat. Add the onions, salt, and sugar. Sauté until they are lightly caramelized (a medium golden-brown color), about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in another heavy skillet, heat the other tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the pancetta until the fat is almost all rendered and it begins to get crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. Set on a paper towel to drain. Whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, nutmeg, and thyme. Season with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a generous quantity of black pepper. Spread the pancetta over the bread cubes, then layer the onions on top. Sprinkle grated Gruyère on next, and then pour the egg mixture over the entire thing. Press down on the top gently, so that all of the bread cubes get soaked a bit with the egg mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take the casserole out of the fridge so it can warm on the counter, and preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top begins to brown. The baking time will be greatly dependent on the depth of dish you use. Check the interior with a knife; if it comes out clean the bread custard is baked through. (Cover with foil near the end of cooking if the top is already browned.)

I don't consider these junk food (I mean come one they're baked not fried) but this seemed like the appropriate thread to note how awesome these are. Definitely the best Cheez-It flavor.

Napolean (assuming the same name from Shaggy) are you no longer living in BA? We went to Argentina on our honeymoon and did BA, Iguazu Falls and Mendoza. For a two week trip, I'm sure BA is in the cards. We got a 1 on 1 walking guide for about half a day and that was a great way to get acquainted with the city and understand the background and current climate of the city/country. We didn't end up taking the ferry over to Uruguay but if we had two weeks, I'm sure we would have. We have heard great things from other friends that did. I'll have to go back and refresh myself on some of the restaurants we went. We stayed in Palermo Soho which was a great location for dining and nightlife. For Iguazu - very memorable part of the trip for the falls themselves. There is nothing else to do there so 24 hours is definitely enough. Easy flight from BA and you can get there, do the falls, stay the night at the Sheraton right there at the park and then fly back the next morning. Mendoza, we did 1 day in the city before heading to wine country. Lots of good restaurants and a good laid back vibe to the city. We stayed at Cavas Wine Lodge in Lujan de Cuyo. It was incredible but very pricey (Relais & Chateaux property). They did an "all inclusive" type program though and we chose to use that predominately for going to wineries. So essentially the provided the driver and set up all the wine visits, lunches, etc. Great way to do it. We did get to Uco Valley for one day but if you're focused on Uco Valley it may not be the best choice for hotel. Just typing this out makes me want to get back there. Totally jealous of 2 weeks in Argentina.

Edmund's Oast - brewpub in Charleston Westbrook - brewery isn't in Charleston (Mt. Pleasant) but you should see it on tap a number of places.

Just got back from Boston/Maine trip last weekend. Started in Boston, midway point was a resort in Cape Neddick (near Ogunquit) for a couple days and finished in Portland. Thanks to all who posted (especially Ghost of LL) as I used this and prior site's recs for the trip. Highlights (food) included Mamma Maria in Boston, Alden & Harlow for brunch near Harvard. Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery was fantastic. We also stopped at Row 34 in Portsmouth for a dozen oysters and a beer. Solid place. Ogunquit Lobster Pound was okay. Lobster was good but the rest of the food was average at best. Simple fixes could really upgrade the place. Maybe my expectations were too high. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights was good and fun. Great views and Cape Elizabeth is a beautiful place. In Portland we ate at Eventide, Duckfat (lunch), Central Provisions, Hot Suppa (breakfast), Holy Donut and Fore Street. Had a couple other meals but those mentioned were all great. Eventide is a must and was just damn good. Central Provisions is a small plates place. Some items were big hits but there were a couple misses. Fore Street has a very cool ambiance and was a fantastic meal. Didn't take many food pics but I'll see what I have and post them if I have anything good. We really enjoyed taking Hwy 1 up from Kittery to Portland (most of the way). Lots of cool coastal towns and beautiful real estate on the coast. Takes longer but not significantly. Re: Beer - hit up Oxbow in Portland and picked up some to go at Trillium in Boston. Drank local everywhere we went but didn't get to as many breweries as I had wanted...with my wife we focused on scenic views vs. sitting in a warehouse taproom.

You mean plural right? Kolach is singular. Kolache is plural. Kolaches is redundant/wrong.....but used by almost everyone.

Peche is a great spot for a small group. As is Cochon. Any Donald Link spot really. Cochon for lunch should be an obvious. Good food for lunch w/ no frills in the quarter - go to Coop's Place. For a single special occasion dinner with just your wife, I'd recommend Commander's Palace. It doesn't get more special occasion than CP. Dress up, splurge. It's worth it. It's not super close to where you're staying but you can head that way early and walk around the Garden District or walk off your dinner afterwards before heading back to Frenchman.

Following as my wife and I are headed up in early September. Boston for the weekend, Cliff House outside of Ogunquit for a couple days and finishing in Portland. And thanks GoLL and others for the recs. I made notes from the old site before leaving. Lots of the same recs on this thread. I imagine we'll have plenty of lobster and seafood in Maine so looking for other notable options while in Boston. Probably going to try to book Mamma Maria's. We're going to 'Stros v Sox the first night we get there so likely no time for a big/fancy dinner that night. If looking for 1 great dinner in Boston would Italian be the way to go (since seafood will be on the agenda elsewhere)? Anyone know if Maine Beer Company's beer is available at retail places or just bars and the brewery itself?

Serious answer: With a couple of friends. 3-4oz is enough.

Back on topic, Central Market has Graeter's on sale this week. I got the mint chocolate chip yesterday. Stuff is legit.

Confirmed. Very solid pizza. Also as noted earlier, Bar La Grassa is a must. I typically like to try different restaurants on various visits to a city when traveling but I will always go to Bar La Grassa. Butcher and the Boar is a great place for beer, bourbon and meat and has a good outdoor area if the weather is nice. We went after a Twins game and it hit the spot. Surly has an awesome taproom as well.