Gourmet grocery, lots of kosher. Upper West Side institution.

What are you talking about, Zabars? Love that place. Though I did get some godawful coffee there once.

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(Unfortunately, two of my favorite appetizers -- hot and sour soup, and fried dumplings -- were made with beef here.... aaaaargh!)

The effect of dining in a certified kosher restaurant, I'm afraid.

I didn't know where else to go. at least now we've vetted two places for the next time! I liked the deli that Jon and I took Nilly for dinner after picking her up- [link] I don't know if the dining room could have handled 14 of us though. Well, we would have fit, but we most certainly would have taken over the place.

I thought the food was pretty good, but then, I'm not blown away by boston area chinese food in general, except when in Chinatown proper. Chang Sho in Cambridge is good, but pricy.

Glad that Lilty got to her train in time. I was worried. I thought, why didn't I giver her my number in case something went wrong? So I'm glad everyting worked out.

And, um, I said goodbye to Nilly and to Matt. I don't think I want to talk about that. Nilly is currently padding about our flat, hopefully taking her breakfast out on our back deck, which she loves. Aw, man. a day and a half is not enough time. DAMMIT.

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Aw, man. a day and a half is not enough time. DAMMIT.

So you know how inadequate a two hour dinner feels then?

By the way, thank you TONS, Nora, for organizing the two evenings (even if I only got to enjoy one) and putting Nilly up. The -ma should be flowing your way for your efforts.

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I hadn't realized how many of my favorite Chinese dishes are pork-based! (Although hot & sour soup is often chicken instead.)

I agree, not enough Nilly time. But that we got any at all is a miracle that I'm not going to kick about.

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I agree, not enough Nilly time. But that we got any at all is a miracle that I'm not going to kick about.

I still can't believe we did it (brought Nilly over, that is). Someone needs to give Tim another hug for all of us. I'd say Allyson, too, but I seem to recall she's the "no hugging" type (exceptions including Nilly, of course)

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I'm selfish. Want more that I got. Perhaps later I'll throw a tantrum on the floor. WAH!

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Nora, what time are Nilly and Jon leaving? What time is Matt leaving?

Aw, man. a day and a half is not enough time. DAMMIT.

This. This. This.

By the way, thank you TONS, Nora, for organizing the two evenings (even if I only got to enjoy one) and putting Nilly up. The -ma should be flowing your way for your efforts.

This! This! This!

Your home was the perfect place for the party on the first night, from the layout, to the Kosher booty, to your humor and ease. You were a gracious hostess, and thank you so much.

I agree, not enough Nilly time. But that we got any at all is a miracle that I'm not going to kick about.

this *kicks ground anyhow*

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What time is Matt leaving?

Oh yeah, I also meant to say, how cool was it that Matt made it up for Nilly's trip? Wayyyyy cool.

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Jon is dropping by around 9:30 to get Nilly and swing her back to his place and then they'll leave for NY at 10ish.

If you call my house, she won't answer the phone but it's an answering machine and you could cajole her into picking up. I showed her how to do so.

Tom dropped Matt and I off in Davis Square. I pointed him in the directions of coffee shops, diner food, used record stores, and the T. Then I went to work and actually got here on time-ish.

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Matt is a sweetie. I am so happy that they both stayed with me.

All your our-of-towners are belong to me!

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