I was out looking for ice cream recipes for JDeQ and noticed that Chowhound has launched a new site look. I was surprised because it looks so different. I used the old site in mid-June when I was looking for recommendations for Eastern Washington/Walla Walla.

It looks so different. I haven't had a chance to look around it much or try searches which used to be quite a pain. I'll have to give it a try researching dinner in Portland next weekend.

Cnet.com is now involved with the Chowhound site. It's a bit more friendly than it once was, at least for searches, but I kinda miss the old clunky format.

I've "known" Jim (not Jeff) Leff since the old CompuServe Wine Forum days, and had a very memorable lunch at the French Laundry in Yountville with a bunch of San Francisco Bay Area Chowhounders a few years ago. Great group of folks.

I've never been able to use Chowhound as I could not figure out how to do a search. Now it seems rather easy.

So --- could someone explain to me, if possible, the difference, if any, in purpose or slant between Chowhound and E-gullet (which is very good for NJ, anyway). Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by ChrisV:

had a very memorable lunch at the French Laundry in Yountville with a bunch of San Francisco Bay Area Chowhounders a few years ago.

Ooh, you ate at the French Laundry? That's my biggest foodie wish in this country.

Marian, Chowhound was around first, then came eGullet. IIRC, there was a bit of "bad blood" between the two for a while, but they seem to co-exist a bit more amicably now. I recall having the impression that some eGulleters would snipe at Chowhound, and Chowhound would simply ignore eGullet. Chowhound is strict about what gets posted and where on its boards, and is infamous for deleting posts (but I've had a few deleted on eGullet). That might ease up now that CNet has purchased the site.

T-Mac, loved the French Laundry. Seems to be popular to diss it these days but I would gladly go back when I can afford it. Hoping to do so with my spouse before we move out of this area.

I wrote a review for SlowTrav:

The French Laundry

Your posting about Charlie Trotter's sound yummy. A friend of a friend used to dine there quite often; he gave her copies of all of his cookbooks personally inscribed to her.

Thanks, for the info, Chris. I occasionally post on e-gullet, as I said, especially for local restaurants. Sometimes it's useful, sometimes not. Will have to check out chowhound some more.

This site is great - I had no idea there were so many restaurants near where I live that I 'need' to try! ARGH . . . . in this heat who wnats to cook . . . restaurants or Italy - tough call! *smile*