deb, and everybody else - and I hope I'm able to explain myself properly here - the rules of kosher are complimcated. They're complicated for me, and I've lived all my life practicing them.

The thing is, part of those rules is having a Jewish person who is up on those rules and knows them, as part of the preparing-of-the-food process, just in order to be able to avoid all the doubts and the questions.

What I think may be easiest, both for you and for me, is to have me present during the cooking/baking/whatever. deb, that's why I asked that nothing be cooked before Thursday evening, when I'm there - remember we talked about it? Your soup idea, for example, looks completely OK for me, from here, but there can be things that I can't even think about from afar (and I'm the one who claims to know what she's doing on the subject!), and will only realize when they are in front of me. And the last thing I want, is to hurt the feelings of people who are doing such an effort and are being so amazing in trying to make me feel comfortable and welcome.

It's humbling, and I am so very grateful. I'm not as nice as you guys - I would never think of taking such a complicated task upon myself. Especially when there are such easier alternatives.

So, it's not like I don't appreciate the effort and the thoughtfulness and the consideration, because I so very much do. I just don't want anybody to be hurt or disappointed by the rules I follow, that are between me and G*d and are therefore not supposed to drive anybody crazy but me.

And did I mention the grateful and the you're-amazing parts of it yet?

Sorry, lisah -- I forgot about that. I only have my personal one. Basically it's about a new kosher steakhouse that's opened in Bethesda and got a pretty good review. It's the Fare Minded column from today's Weekend section.

I can never remember if it's buffistas/foamy or buffista/foamy or if salon/tabletalk will work.

[link] does, though.

I emailed my aunt about kosher restaurants in Boston. She said, "Shalom Hunan has the fanciest atmosphere, but [name] & I prefer the food at Taam China, another Chinese restaurant which is also on Harvard Street, but further down near Kupel's and the Butcherie. For breakfast and non-Chinese, Rubin's has a good variety of food. Both restaurants are glatt kosher. There is only one dairy/pizza place, Cafe Eilat, also near the Butcherie, which is cholov Yisroel."

Lyra Jane, that's the Red Heifer? I've been hearing that it's supposed to be pretty good, but I think it's also somewhat pricy. Worth considering, though.

Help! I am supposed to go to Allyson's tonight, and for some reason my gmail account deleted the email with her address. Can someone send it to me?

Your soup idea, for example, looks completely OK for me, from here, but there can be things that I can't even think about from afar (and I'm the one who claims to know what she's doing on the subject!), and will only realize when they are in front of me.

Oh, we'll wait to start that until you're here - no problem at all. We just want it done for Friday night - I'm assuming you can ladle it out of a pot on hyperlow simmer, if you don't have to touch the fire in any way, yes?

You get to approve everything.

Thanks for the research, Hil. Harvard Ave. will be the happenin' spot during NillyFestBoston.

Nora, quick question (which may be TREMENDOUSLY stupid) - are we doing strictly kosher foods for the Nilly-fest, or might there be separate kosher and non-kosher foods? I'd be totally cool with contributing towards more kosher munchies as you said you'd procure, but would be bringing other foods in be a problem as long as we kept things well apart?

Just curious. Still not 100% which night (probably both) that I'll be able to make. I know I can't get a day off for it, but defintely up for any of the evening activities, commuter rail schedule withstanding (i.e. much as I love ManRay, just not in the cards for a "school" night).

eta I just realized I didn't even make clear what I meant to say: I'd defintely throw in for extra kosher goodies, but I'm wondering if I could/should bring some other food stuffs (i.e. cheese and crackers).

I met Nilly. She's a doll.

Sadly no pictures, but I spent a very pleasant couple of hours chatting with her and Allyson.

Sadly no pictures

IAM BEGINNING TO DOUBT THAT NILLY IS IN AMERICA!