Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I know you say that you disappear into a fog when you do your paperwork--but shouldn't you try NOT to disappear into that fog when you are still on the job, when you are supposed to be helping the other waitress? I know people are different, but I just wouldn't let myself go in the fog when a co-worker is running around....especially if he/she is working the floor alone. Maybe you should be drinking a cup of coffee, not wine. I'm sorry, I love your column and your writing but what you did was totally unprofessional. (Frankly, I think your boss drinking with his friend while business is going on was ALSO unprofessional). You have customers/guests in the house. When the room is empty--after business hours--do your paperwork and drink a glass of wine. I was a waiter for years so I have a tiny bit of room to talk. I once worked at a restaurant/bar where the manager allowed staff who were off the clock to drink at the bar. I NEVER did that. I just couldn't enjoy myself seeing my co-workers busy, running around. Again, I know everyone is different....

In Japan, raw horse meat (basashi) is eaten in some places (usually mountainous areas). Of course it is impeccably fresh, but that is the one food I will risk offending my host by refusing (I tried the grasshoppers, though!). It is grilled in Japan, too. But it seems to have a strange smell when cooked.

I'm using a 70's crockpot. I love the cake and bread insert that came with it. It makes the most deliciously moist cakes. My crockpot's liner isn't removable so cleaning is a pain, but crockpot disposable liners are available.