I do not often talk about applications but this Facebook application is fun and well-done. Moreover, Praize'n'raze is produced by a talented team from Montreal.

The offices of Praized Media are on the same building than my company. I know the three owners because I met them at YulBiz and we hang in the small IT events around Montreal.

The CEO of Praized Media is no stranger to the blogosphere. I am talking about Harry Wakefield of MoCoLoco.com. It is a small world!

Before launching their main product, Praized Media created a Facebook application. Praize'n'raze was published a few days ago. But I must warn you that Praize'n'raze is quite addictive.

How does it work?

The principle is simple: you give a thumb up (praize) or a thumb down (raze) to local merchants. You can also add comments and bookmark your most loved stores.

Partnerships with Yellowbook, Yellow Pages Group Co and Localeze in the US mean that you have access to 17 million searchable, North American business listings. So you can pass hours ranking your favorite stores.

If you are on Facebook, give a try to Praize'n'raze.

Reminder

I am taking this opportunity to remind you about Status Competition. My husband and I produced Status Competition on Facebook as a quick and easy way to connect with your friends.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Praize'n'raze on Facebook

Your old submissions to Tastespotting live again. I am glad I added new Google Alerts on my blog name yesterday because this is how I found out that Tastespotting is back online.

We know more about the big saga that led to the temporary close down of Tastespotting. A business split occurred between Jean of NOTCOT and Sarah J. Gim, the editor of Tastespotting.

Sarah is now the owner of Tastespotting. She continues to run the hugely popular food porn site. The front end and back end systems of Tastespotting had to be rebuilt. It is still almost at part with the original site.

What Is Lacking?

One important feature that is lacking is the preview of a submission. In an interview to Food Interviews, Sarah said that they are working on an improved version of the Preview function. The upcoming Submission Preview will give the users more powered than the original one. It should be ready in a week or two.

What Is New?

Every member of the Tastespotting community can add a 250 by 250 pixels avatar image. I put that on my To-do list.

I like that the URL of the submitted story is written on top of the picture. Knowing ahead that information can save us time. It encourages us to discover new blogs and it reminds us to visit old favorites.

Improve Your Chances to Be Selected

Sarah will continue to be picky on the picture quality of each submission. I am glad because it ensures the level of quality that made this site a success.

If like me, you wish to polish my photography skills; we got one more reasons to do so. In the Food Interviews, Sarah Gim gives a few tips on how to create an outstanding food picture and how to write a caption.

New Players

In the interim, similar sites emerged to try to fill the void. One that stands ahead of the crowd is FoodGawker by Chuck of Sunday Nite Dinner. It stands ahead again for the visual quality of the featured posts.

One feature that is great on FoodGawker is that we can follow the status of our submissions. They also posted an overall submission reports on Twitter. So you can know that all submissions prior to midnight were reviewed. It is fun to see the interaction between social networks.

FoodGawker started as an homage site to Tastespotting. Now, they must find a niche of their own. The cooking industry is large enough for the two to coexist.

Which food porn cravings site(s) do not plan to visit on a daily basis?

>>> Sourcing:
Get inspired: Tastespotting
Get inspired: FoodGawker
Via: Inspiration From Electric Artists- 06.27.08 [NOTCOT]
Via: Interview with Sarah J Gim of Tastespotting [Food Interviews]

This UK glass and porcelain maker proposes a line of products that fits well into the casual modern entertaining lifestyle. By combining several pieces, you can easily reproduce the hip restaurant look at home.

What is great with LSA tableware is that you can serve cuisines from the World in their dishes. The key when buying an all white dinnerware is to put the emphasis on shapes. You need several interesting forms to add interests to your table.

I selected three collections: the Luna tableware, the Opal tableware and the Malo vases.

Luna incorporates bowls, serving platters and four sizes of plate. I really like the starter/dessert dish. Some suggest to harmonize Luna with the handmade Iona glassware series.

Opal is a 13-piece porcelain collection of bowls, teapot and cup. Opal's design is characterized by a generous curve. There is also a Drinkware Opal collection that includes drinking glasses, jugs, tea light holder and vases.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Tableware by LSA International
Buy online: Luna dinnerware by LSA at Ideal Forever starts at 4.23
Buy online: Opal and Luna Tableware at dotmaison.com - starts at 4

Trois Femmes et Un Coussin imports and distributes high quality dinnerware made for restaurants, hotels and gourmets. They sell to the public too.

I am showing you their line of custom designed tableware. This modern series feels so much like summer. These items are pricier but not over the top. This is a place to shop in Montreal for wedding gifts.

The Candide oval platter (top left picture) sells for $120 CAD. The square dinner plate is $31.50 while the salad bowl is $34.50. This stylish breadbasket by Ferran Adri costs $80 CAD.

I plan to stop by their showroom to get some plates and bowls for my prop collection.

3 Femmes et 1 Coussin
783 Gilford (corner Saint-Hubert)
Montreal, QC H2J 1N8
p 514.987.6807
Opening hours: Mon-Wed. 10-18 oclock, Thu-Fri 10-19, Sat 10-17

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: 3 Femmes et 1 Coussin

If you are still looking for ideas to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow, do not despair. I got an easy solution for you than is sure to impress your friends and family.

Simply read the casual and relaxed guide prepared by Cheryl Chan for The Vancouver Province. The owner of Bright Ideas Event Coordinators, Sharon Bonner and I share party ideas to help you organize a fun Canada Day party.

The story covers every elements of your party from venues, dcor, food and drink menus, activities, and settings. I wish to thank again Cheryl Chan for this interview.

Traditional Dessert

Pouding chomeur is a classic, comfort food dessert in Quebec. Adults and kids love the taste. I will prepare and showcase the three most typical recipes. You get to see the difference between the original pouding chomeur recipe up to an upscale version served on individual ramekins.

Read the full story at Don't stress to impress on the big day by Cheryl Chan [The Province]