In a recent comment, Jeff basically told me to hit the road, get lost, let somebody else work this space, somebody who is in Memphis, somebody like Fredric Koeppel… gotta say, it stung.

But on reflection, and given the hectic pace of my work/eating load in Seattle, I think I’m going to take Jeff’s advice and bow out. For now… you never know what the future holds.

Hopefully, some of you will follow me on my eating adventures in the NW on the Post-Intelligencer’s site.

It sure was fun while it lasted…

My first dining column debuted in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer today, along with my new blog. Check it out by clicking here. Let me know what you think.

David, the server from Blue Fish, has leveled a serious charge. That I’m posting under a fake name… the name I used when I went “undercover” when I tried to sneak into restaurants in Spokane.

Here’s his letter:

Leslie

I am trying to keep this debate civil. I have been sending the majority of my comments directly to you and not to your blog. When I do post on your blog I make very valid points! But, I do find it very concerning that in a recent conversation I was warned about Cynthia showing up on your blog to defend you. Then, just today, “Cynthia” post a blog about how people don’t want to be reminded that they are eating Catfish from a pond that has, for decades, had chemicals dumped on it. Not to mention the agriculture that continues around the pond and the fact that is has to be sprayed with chemicals as well. Funny how the topic has gone full circle. Farm raised fish is now a good thing?

Recognize this? (LK: this is a post from my former blog…)

All my secrets revealed…

Well, not all.

But I thought I’d clean the skeletons out of the closet regarding my years as the S-R food critic as today’s my last day at the newspaper after more than 14 years.

Yes, I did wear a disguise at one point. My alter-ego’s name was Cindy, a jet black wig that helped me sneak into a few dining rooms unnoticed.

(Back to David here: Please, please, please do not let me find out that your alter ego is posting
on your blog in defense of you.

Remember, the internet is a very powerful weapon!

I am not accusing you, but do find this all very coincidental.

David”

In the interest of full disclosure, I do not and have never posted under anything other than my name. Cindy/Cyn… what do you have to say about this nonsense?

I appreciate a lively, spirited discussion, but when things turn mean-spirited, I would say it’s time to cut it off…

Check out ordertogomenus.com … it’s got menus for lots of Memphis area restaurants.

Had a great turnout for the first-ever bloggers meet the chef… we put Jose Gutierrez on the hot seat and he didn’t wilt.

Noshed on some amazing apps, put some faces with names familiar to regulars…

Got the green light to do it again, probably quarterly. Let’s hear some suggestions for the next spot, will travel for food!

… or should I say mouse?

I was trying to be a little coy, build some buzz… I’m no good at the “Snakes on a Plane” hyping, so here it goes: I’ve got some Whining & Dining mousepads to give away. (Wish I could be like Oprah and give cars to the blogging faithful, but it’s just not in the budget…)

Raise your hand if you want one… featuring the W&D logo designed by my dear friend and talented artist Bridget Sawicki… Let me know, and I’ll slip one in the U.S. mail to you.

Oh, and I’m inviting you to the first in a series of “meet the chef” mixers for blog-eaters… at 6 Thursday, Nov. 2, we’ll grill chef Jose Gutierrez at Encore. Let me know if you can make it…

Just hit a milestone 4,000 comments since W&D launched in January 2004. Yay you all!! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share… It’s what keeps it interesting.

Now, I’m cooking up something special for the constant commenters… keep those sweet, savory, stinging words flowing and I’ll fill you in soon.

A new food site debuted this week, one that brilliant move incorporates the awesome chowhound… so far, I’m thinking: boooooorrriing! First off, I hate a site that forces “fun”…

Don’t tell me it’s “Food. Drink. Fun.” OK?

Then, they’ve got this guy Ray Lampe writing about Q…. Let me tell you why “Dr. BBQ” should be sited for malpractice: He comes to Memphis for an update of his book, great. I clue him in about where to eat, but then he lets it slip… he hates coleslaw. Won’t eat it! Come on, you cannot eat the signature M’town pulled pork sandwich without experiencing the slaw! I don’t love chicken feet, but I ate them…

However, today, there’s a pretty cool interview with a wicked Brit food critic, who rips Starbucks like I’ve never seen it ripped before.

I’ll check back, but the master of that domain needs to freshen things up pronto! Of course, the chowhound component remains stellar, even in its tarted up incarnation.

Got this plea from Marsha:

I live in Germantown. My stomach is growling. I’ve worked all day in my home office.

Isn’t there anyone else in Germantown tonight wanting delivered food?

Can anyone help Marsha out??

… “has anyone tried Dish since the new chef arrived?”

Pulled this out of an archived comment, thought it deserved some discussion. So?