IDIOM'S RESTAURANT

Credit: NY Times Crossword - Jan. 27, 2002

Patrick Berry (#1-9)

Each clue below leads to an idiomatic expression involving a food item which, theoretically, could appear on a restaurant menu. For example, given the clue "Messy seafood dish," the answer could be "A fine kettle of fish."

1. Suddenly stop eating

2. Dessert that's easy to prepare

3. Everything on the menu

4. Basic item that you depend on

5. Troubling drink order

6. Beverage that suits the drinker perfectly

7. Fruit offering that's simply incomparable

8. Unavailable fruit - but no one really wanted it anyway

9. Items intended to divert attention from the main menu

10. Clear, smooth complexion

11. Basic, essential aspects of an issue - no frills

Answers:

1. Cold turkey

2. Piece of cake

3. Whole enchilada

4. Bread and butter

5. Hot water

6. Cup of tea

7. Apples and oranges

8. Sour grapes

9. Red herring

10. Peaches-and-cream

11. Meat and potatoes