Helen Laroche

"Order the duck hearts. Even if you've had chicken hearts or the like before, you've never had them like this. And if you've never been brave enough, now's the time. They're delicious and tender."

"The Mason Special (turkey & avocado) is simple but filling. They overdo it on the mayo; ask for your sandwich dry if you are picky."

"Go on a nice day and watch the doggies run around in joyful, reckless abandon. :)"

"Try the premium wine-tasting room in the basement, and ask for Philippe if he is around. A glass of the Back 40 Cab Sauv alone (at $85/bottle) is worth the $15 tasting fee."

"Try the late-harvest Reisling and resist the urge to steal a dollar off the walls."