PIZZA

Here's a fool proof recipe for pizza dough. It's very easy, it rises in the fridge over night. I got canned tomatoes, mozzarella and sausage from Faicco's. Tracy and Kat came over and we enjoyed the Jets victory.

BUTTERMILK CHANNEL

Paula, Mindy and I went to Buttermilk Channel in Carroll Gardens. The food was great. I had the grilled bacon and the buttermilk fried chicken with waffles. We shared the Pecan Pie Sundae. I can't believe I'm not fatter. Before walking home over the Brooklyn Bridge, Paula gave us each a piece of the ceramics she's been making.

THE JOHN DORY

The Ace Hotel is embarrassing. I mean, I'm embarrassed when I'm there. Last night, while waiting for Sara to arrive, I wandered around the place. It's all designed to appeal to people who are younger than me. I'm not the target audience (I'm too old and pessimistic-maybe that's why I'm embarassed). I find the giant American flag ironic and that bugs me (that I find it ironic). The cases near the check-in area are filled with unique, artisanal, hand-made wallets and socks, I wanted it all and hated it at the same time. There's a DJ. Everyone has a beard, including me. The Opening Ceremony Store is filled with things that people think are cool. Stump Town. We ate at The John Dory Oyster Bar. Fake fish on the walls, shell sconces, spherical fish tanks. We had the anchovy toast, Peconic oysters and Littleneck clams, and Lobster Chowder with Parker House Rolls. It was all very good.

RAOUL'S

Raoul's isn't that good, but I like it. It's expensive and the food is pretty average but it feels like a real old Soho place. It's got a lot of booths. You can tell there are lots of regulars at the bar. Most of the people that work here are on the older side and look they live in rent-stabilized apartments in the area. I imagine that they are still hopeful about their acting/music/writing careers. Kim and I started with the pear salad and each had the Steak au Poivre with French Fries. We both ate every bite.

CANON S95

I wanted my night time, low light pictures to be better. David Pogue's post convinced me that this camera would change everything for me.

BAR'RIQUE

Phil and I tried the recently opened Bar'rique on Bleecker and Cornelia. At six o'clock it was pretty empty, I hope it stays this way. It was fun being there on their fourth day of operation. Our server and the whole crew were very friendly and thanked us for coming. Everyone was still learning the ropes so it felt like we were seeing a dress rehearsal. I started with the prawns and cous cous. Phil had the Crispy Duck and I had the Cavatelli with rabbit ragout.

PRUNE

I went to Moscot to have my eyes examined. Since I was in the neighborhood, Prune seemed like a good idea for lunch. I had the Sous Chef salad and Manti which are little raviolis filled with lamb in broth with garlic yogurt. I also had a glass of wine and the chocolate pot de creme for dessert. My server said she was jealous of my meal, which made me feel good.