Peter just sent me this fantastic photo essay on eGullet that shows proof of why I was right to mock that guy for wanting to eat Tavern on the Green. Note use of the word “par-cook.” This means whatever you’ve ordered is just getting reheated, basically. For some things–stews with wine, especially–this is great; for others, like pork chops and french toast, it’s just gross, and kind of a health hazard.

Which is not to say I’m not completely fascinated by this kind of quantity cooking. Especially those gorgeous little stacks of poached eggs, and the fact that the guy can get a box of lamb shanks cooking in three minutes. Dang–skills!