snack

snackspot: vidor’s hump with giraffes

Here’s another inside look at the inner-workings of the pr machine. A perplexing email from a west coast publicist accompanied by photo and word docs in unintelligible Japanesesque symbols. Read the first two paragraphs and see if you can figure what tha…this is promoting? Perhaps your friends are in the habit of shopping for rhinos. Answer and the rest after the jump.

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"In the admittedly unlikely prospect that a friend of yours seeking a matched pair of white rhinos is told to contact Brian Vidor, tell them not to bother. Vidor doesn't do that anymore, though he might be able to give you a name to call for a couple of nice giraffes. And don't ask him to play rock 'n roll guitar or fly anyone anywhere by helicopter.

But if you're looking for a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the sun setting over the Pacific, just call Vidor. And if you're flying your personal Cessna 182 into Santa Monica Airport, you can tie-down right in front of his place of business (and pleasure), Typhoon."

snackspot: 202

I’m happy to see 202 coming in at #45 on R&R's best cheap eats list. I’ve always been fearful that the sporadic clientele could eventually lead to a closing and that would make me trés triste. But I’ve never sat down to eat, shopped or been there during daylight hours. I go exclusively for cocktails. In all the media mentions, few (if any) have noted the presence of Stephan Trummer. He’s one of Gotham’s original barchefs. He can make you a dirty martini with his eyes closed, but pass by the classics for one of his original libations. J’adore the Titanic, a frosty combination of vodka, muddled grapes, verjus with an elderflower sorbet iceberg and a grape sinking to the bottom, topped with a float of Champagne for a little brightness and sparkle.

hotsnack: chefscorts

I'm not sure exactly what "modern catering service" means or how much that costs. Comments are open for you to report back.

snackology: new and improved linkage

Increasingly people inquire as to my likes and dislikes, wanting specific references and recommendations. So to reply, I’ve added some new links to snacking around, found on the column to your left. I’ll be adding to the list during these slow days of summer. Note all is not food related. Some is fashion, some is art, but all of it is good.

planesnack: ode to nature

People often ask where I’d like to go next. At the top of my list is Tennessee. Really. Perhaps you saw my travel story yesterday on Blackberry Farm? As per usual, some things wind up deleted by the editorial-powers-that-be, like my poem from the original draft.

The farm part is 4200 acres at the base of the Smoky Mountains with breath-taking vistas that conjure up those “God’s country” clichés. In spite of my steadfast urbanity, it’s was hard not to be seduced. It’s inspiring. Makes you want to write a haiku.

Real Christmas tree smell

Not cardboard on cab mirror

Nature is pine fresh

planesnack: bbq & bbq in dallas

I’m in Dallas for that big barbeque we go to every year. We’ll make our annual trip to Sonny Bryans. Comments are open if anyone has any must-eats for me or perhaps the low down on the lone star Bastille Day fetes.

snackstuff: fancy food show leftovers

I went to the fancy food show on Monday. But you probably already read that. As per usual, I found many more things I like than had room for on the page.

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To make a few gross generalizations…

I walk through the Spain area, hoping to find Ferran Adria Lays potato chips or some cool line of fruit-flavored mono-glyceride gels. Nope. Despite the fact that Spain is the world’s capital of innovative cuisine, their food exports are pretty traditional.

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Little countries with emerging export markets, like I saw Bulgaria and Ecuador, all seem to have the same things, a basic line of offerings. Olive oil, cheese, vacuum packed/frozen/conserve fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and perhaps the local version of American breakfast cereals.

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Here’s a quick list of some new, some scary, some you-may-have-already-seen-but-are-great-nonetheless items that caught my eye at the Javits:

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snackspot: japonais

Japonais opening next week. Have been waiting paitently since April 05.

snackspot: savoy summer clam bake

It’s unusual for me to note a menu or special event, because there are so many listings in print and online that do an excellent job. But this one’s hard to resist. Tonight Savoy starts their summer clam bake. It’s a three course menu of iced littleneck clams on the half shell, Montauk Point Boiled Dinner (lobster, mussels, kielbasa, sweet corn and potatoes) and peach and blueberry crumble for dessert. A mere $40 per person or $55 with an unlimited glass of rosé, which is the snack summer beverage of choice. Clam bake's on through the end of July.

snackspot: get your game on

I’ll be watching the world cup soccer finals on Sunday, but I’m not sure where. I’m looking for a giant screen, nibbles and libations, and like minded sports fans. Here’s a list of places showing the match along with linkage to other lists. Comments are open for your favorites.

Aix

BREADTribeca

Butterfield 8

Christos, 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria 718.777.8400 

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Le Mui, 107 Avenue A, NYC  212.473.2075 

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La Esquina, 106 Kenmare Street, NYC 646.613.7100

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Mercadito, 179 Avenue B, NYC 212.529.6490

Pigalle

Tintol

Trattoria Dopo Teatro – Free drinks when Italy scores!

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Ulysses'- Free Champagne when France scores, Prosecco for each Italian goal!

Virgil's BBQ

Linkage:

Jaunted

New York Magazine

SoccerBars.com

The L Magazine