AlanBike

How do you like your fudge?

As Senior Editor, can you explain why the publication date is missing or buried and hard to find in so many SA articles? I frequently read something that looks hot only to realize that it was written 3 years earlier. Thanks.

Why I'm Bullish on Darden

After a 3 year hiatus, my family of 3 ate at Olive Gdn in Ventura, CA in January. We remembered it as very inexpensive and decent and fair---but not gourmet food. While prices, menu, wait and host staff were really good for this level of restaurant, we were shocked at how he food has degraded. Pizza crust and texture of ingredients were no better than the cheapo $2.95 supermarket brands. The bottomless salad bowl had only 1 small, mashed olive and only a few shreds of tomato. Chicken entre was really pathetic. Boxed wine is served along with all the ingredients that live in a can or vacuum freezer bag before "cooking." The cheapening of everything is unmistakable. However, judging by the mainly working-farming class clientele and parking lot full of beater cars, the food is probably good enough. The real investment play is probably for the microwave manufacturer. One can get a lot better even in this rural community, for the average $10 ticket here.

What Year Is Ben Stein Living in?

Ben Stein is an egomaniac buffoon and local LA yenta who loves attention. I watched him recommend Citi in May 2007 at $33 with the comment, "well run, will always be around, pays a nice 5% dividend." It's incomprehendable that his TV career endures. But then Fox TV isn't known for high standards.