Pat,
I believe Mario's used to take credit cards. In fact, I am sure that we have used them for several years in the old location. Did they explain why they weren't using them. Have the prices increased considerably. I also wondered why Didier is no longer there. When we bought the Mario's cookbook, he was featured as an important part of the team. We even had him sign our books. I keep asking but never get an answer. We really like him and hope he is well. I was salivating at your description on the onion soup, always my favorite and you are right, a meal in itself. Enjoy the rest of your stay and keep posting so I can live vicariously through you until April.