[Comment From Pedro Dias] Craig, something that's bugged me for a while: why is the Inquirer's coverage of the PLCB so perfunctory? I get *much* more information about buying wine in Pennsylvania from the Pitt Post-Gazette than I get from my hometown newspaper...

Tony Fitts:  Hi Pedro - I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to, because we write about the LCB all the time, both from a news perspective and a consumer's perspective. My Drink column every Sunday usually recommends a wine or spirit - almost always available in Pa. The fact that we're so close to Jersey and Delaware, however, opens up stores in those areas for possible features (we do have readers there, too!) In Pittsburgh, the state stores are the only option. But definitely, I'm writing about wines available through the LCB almost every week.

[Comment From jeannette] Quiz: 1) Syrenka 2) Dutch Eating Place 3) Morimoto

Tony Fitts:  You nailed it, Jeanette - our first Crumb Tracker winner in several weeks! (Please email me at claban@phillynews.com your mailing info so I can send you a signed book soon..) Yes, Syrenka is the Polish buffet in Port Richmond that is one of the best bargain meals in town - a huge and tasty stuffed cabbage in sweet and sour red gravy with a side of buttery mashed beets for just $7. (Their bigos kraut stew, and their pan-fried pork chops are also favorites); 2) Just pulled up a stool at the Dutch eating place last week, and that turkey platter really hit the spot. Very simple food, but satisfying in a homemade way that so many diners around here no longer do. 3) This was an odd fusion dish at Morimoto, but not the first time I've had Italo-Japanese fusion there. It was a very good idea - tasty soba noodles with the pop of edamame, the smoke of little bits of pancetta (?) in a truffled parmesan cream, with sweet little bay scallops. In truth, the sauce was just a little too heavy on the cream for such delicate noodles, but the flavors were a nice match. On the topic of comfort food, though, and comforting soups, Morimoto's chicken ramen soup may be the most fortifying bowl in town...

[Comment From jeannette] Hi Craig! I was thinking about getting soup today for lunch since it's such a cold, rainy day. I was wondering if you have any favorite places to pick up soup (not eat-in) in Center City.

Tony Fitts:  That Morimoto chicken ramen is high on my list, but there are so many others I love , especially in Chinatown - the shrimp dumplings noodle soup at Ong's, the shaved noodle seafood soup at Nan Zhou Hand-Drawn noodle house.... There is also great posole soup at Acapulco in the Italian Market, the tortilla soup at Distrito (and El Vez) are just fabulous; the matzo ball soups at Hershel's (and Marathon Grill) are worth a craving; and I also recall loving the gastropub soup-as-a-meal at N. 3rd. There are many, many others, but that's a good start.

[Comment From Jay] Cold weather comfort food - where's the best cassoulet in town?

Tony Fitts:  Jay - that is an excellent question. I'm drawing a blank at this very moment, but with all the new French bistros in town, I'd think there's one good one out there. It's one of my favorite dishes, but again, it's such a hearty dish that it can be a difficult thing to make well - the perfect combination flavorful white beans, garlic sausage and salty duck confit.... anyone out there with some good crocks of cassoulet?

[Comment From mark] speaking of comfort food have you ever reviewed or eaten at Meil's in Stockton, NJ.?

Tony Fitts:  No, Mark, not yet, but I've seen it many times near the Stockton Inn. It has a great reputation, and is spoken well of by folks I know and respect up there. Is there anything there that I shouldn't miss when I finally get there?

[Comment From Jack] Any favorite spots in Doylestown and Bucks County to recommend....

Tony Fitts:  I'd say Slate Bleu (a French bistro that might be a good bet for a cassoulet) is a good bet, as well as Honey's, an ambitious small-plate spot in downtown that I enjoyed last year. Also, in Newtown Square, I was very impressed with the upscaled French country cooking at Rouget. He's another guy who could probably pull out a great cassoulet.

[Comment From Jaime] What are some of the restaurants you loved that you were very sad to see go? Do you know what any of those owners / chefs are up to?

Tony Fitts:  Jaime - I'm actually really sad to see Sovalo close. It always seemed to hit just the right note of sophistication and good seasonal flavors - and fit so many occasions, from a date to a dinnner with old friends. And I thought it was fairly priced for the quality, and more importantly, it added a note of sophistication to NoLib's dining scene that is kind of rare. Others I was sad to see close? Deux Cheminees and Sansom Street Oyster House - even if they were old fashioned, I loved the food and feeling of those places. Pasion is another spot that is sorely missed (by me) - Pernot at his creative peak in the kitchen was a joy to eat and report on...

[Comment From Jon Staz] Hi Craig, I just got back from New Orleans, loved the food down there. Is there any gumbo or jambalaya places you could recommend for this cold weather.

Tony Fitts:  I'd suggest, in this order: Cajun Kate's (in the Booth's Corner Farmer's Market in Boothwyn), Ted's on Main (Medford), Melange Cafe (Cherry Hill), and Les Bons Temps (though I haven't been since the changes there...)...and Grace isn't too bad for jambalaya when they don't let it get too soupy.

[Comment From Buckethead] Best cassoulet I've had is at Cochon, but it was a special, not a regular menu item. Pub and Kitchen had a good one as a special recently too.

Tony Fitts:  EXcellent suggestions.

[Comment From Brett] Is there anything worth eating in Norristown?

Tony Fitts:  There's August Moon (Korean) and Taqueria La Michoacana (authentic Mexican, not my favorite, reallly, but not terrible...)