More from the Mail Box

One of the most rewarding aspects of Cafe Drake is its reach beyond the intended audience of friends and family for which it was originally created. While we cherish that core group above all else, we certainly LOVE to receive email from visitors around the globe (thanks for the Internet Village, Al Gore!) Even the occasional harsh slagging is welcome in here, though we've chosen to ignore all mail that doesn't even attempt at creative criticism. Below are a few excerpts from strangers far and wide, with responses we hope will be helpful. Keep those messages coming, even if they're not entirely full of praise! (All names and email monikers have been withheld naturally - though we were tempted to post a few and put on blast the minority of haters with excess time on their hands).

Thanks for the Cafe Drake blog. I really lik (we're hoping that's a typo) most of the recipes and some of the other suggestions for music and things. I do wish that you would focus less on liquor though. It seems like so many of the entries promote alcohol. Also alot of your jokes about being drunk or alcoholic. Otherwise though it's a good website and your pictures are really nice and especially those of the food.

- Clearwater, Fl

Dear Clearwater,

Like the noble deposed King Lear, you are not amongst the first, who attempting the best (half-hearted kudos for Cafe Drake) have incurred the worst (our annoyance). Perhaps you should practice however some of daughter Cordelia's loyalty? (We've waited along time to work in a vitriolic Shakespeare reference - sorry). For the final word on the subject: Cafe Drake approaches the tangled complexities of Life with a satirical nature designed to lessen the everyday burdens. "Jokes" regarding alcohol consumption follow a long tradition of comedic staples, from Catskill comedians of the 1940s through 50s TV and up until the point political correctness colluded with the agenda of 12-step cult members. Lighten up, Florida, and have a drink to take off the edge. We've got some great cocktail recipes online here.

Love love love Cafe Drake and the many ideas you offer for creative entertaining. I really appreciate your effort to keep recipes varied and clever, and LOVE again the music referrals and tips on dessert and after-dinner drinks. There's always coffee at the end of all meals I've noticed. What kind do you use? My husband and I enjoy a cup after a good meal but find guests shy away with worries of insomnia. Can you recommend a brand or type without caffeine? Or an alternative to coffee besides the Spiced Hot Chocolate I've seen on Cafe Drake before?

- Lincolnville, IL

Dear Lincolnville,

First let's begin by admitting we published your email mainly because of a posting above which encourages visitors to steer clear of caffeine-free coffee. But shall we let you in on a little known secret? This: American-style coffee with its high water-to-bean ratio is much more stimulating than a small cup of thick espresso and best left to the mornings when we all need a boost. Cafe Drake serves exclusively demitasses of espresso (or machiattos or even cappuccinos for those who desire them) after dinner, and has found that even the most sensitive guest will tolerate the delicious mini-portions quite well. Also remember that the powerful antioxidants in coffee are lost in cups deprived of the characteristic ingredient. Alternatively, herbal tea is always nice to have on hand. We cannot however in good conscience recommend any black tea or decaffeinated coffee product.