Is there a specific word for those rolling, pull-down gates that cover up storefronts in old-school cities (Brooklyn, Barcelona) at night? Here's a picture of the kind of gates I mean. [more inside]
posted by jcruelty on Nov 9, 2009 - 28 answers

Where can I buy calamus root tea in Kansas City? [more inside]
posted by melangell on Oct 20, 2009 - 3 answers

I'll be heading to Kansas City in a week or two for just a few nights. It's on business, so I won't have any time to see the sights. But my colleagues are already talking about spending all night trolling for barbecue, because apparently, that's what you do in KC. But of course, I'm a vegetarian. I'd like to hang out with my workmates, but it's going to be a drag for me and for them if I'm eating dinner roles and water all night. So is it a lost cause, or is there usually enough non-meat fare that I won't be too conspicuous? Is there anywhere you suggest? I don't think I'll be able to talk them into marginal barbecue just because I'll have options. If I'm to hang for the night, the meat will have to be outstanding, as well as non-exclusive. And not that I'd be so lucky, but there isn't any good tofu/mock-barbecue, is there? Does that even exist? Is it worth the time?
posted by ochenk on Sep 17, 2009 - 18 answers

Where can I find the best bagel in NYC? [more inside]
posted by whimsicalnymph on Sep 16, 2009 - 45 answers

How do I look for an afterschool program for my soon to be preschooler? [more inside]
posted by RajahKing on Aug 5, 2009 - 2 answers

I want to spend Jan-Apr of the 2010 season snowboarding in the Salt Lake City resorts. Can you guys help me figure out where to live in SLC (three months at a resort is just too much $$, and plus I'd like to be able to get away from the mountain on the days I don't ride) , and the best way to go about securing a place? [more inside]
posted by Calloused_Foot on Jun 16, 2009 - 5 answers

NYC Restaurant Filter: Looking for a nice restaurant very close to Carnegie Hall for dinner on Wednesday night. (Or walking distance from Madison Sq Park would also work.) [more inside]
posted by ruwan on May 25, 2009 - 8 answers

A weekend in Hamburg, with two parts to it - what's worth doing and seeing? [more inside]
posted by Happy Dave on May 18, 2009 - 4 answers

Does New York City or Seattle offer the better mix of city life and outdoorsyness? [more inside]
posted by biochemist on Mar 25, 2009 - 37 answers

Planning May '09 vacation to Panama City - please recommend a newer hotel - on the beach - in the mid-to-upper range price. I have not been in many years and need your help.
posted by pamspanda on Feb 21, 2009 - 3 answers

Kansas City - what's kitchy, what's fun, what's happening next week, and where are the arcades with DDR, ITG, or Pump? [more inside]
posted by hworth on Feb 9, 2009 - 12 answers

Help me choose the perfect boots for wandering around foreign cities... [more inside]
posted by Happy Dave on Dec 9, 2008 - 14 answers

I read Peter Ackroyd's London: The Biography awhile back and loved the loose-limbed, ambulatory, anecdote-heavy style of it. Is there a "biography" of New York City that shares some of those characteristics? If not, what is the most fascinating book that covers the full history of New York City (rather than specific time periods or subregions)? [more inside]
posted by Falconetti on Nov 17, 2008 - 10 answers

What interesting but not too hipster NYC hotel should I choose for a four-night near Christmastime stay in December? [more inside]
posted by objdoc on Nov 3, 2008 - 7 answers

I'd like a referral for a service in New York City that can provide transport for six people, and luggage, from Penn Station to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. There are dozens - if not hundreds - limo services to choose from so I just need help separating the wheat from the chaff. Thanks.
posted by Man with Lantern on Sep 18, 2008 - 7 answers