And now, a foray to the dark side. Ever since I discovered the Department of Health web site listing New York City restaurant inspection reports, I find myself returning from time to time, always with mingled fascination and dread. Sometimes I eat out in total ignorance of how “dirty” the place might be, and sometimes I consciously forget. I like to have the kitchen in plain sight; but then again I’m always watching out for something that’s off when I can see it. Being Snackish, I’m not supposed to be too-easily squeamish about what happens in there. However, that’s a facade that’s oh so easy to crack.
Although I can’t read a word of the French copy, the pictures in the current issue hint that Yummy (Junk Food Design) Magazine fetishizes fast food culture through through the lens of a design junky. But getting past the obvious ironies, surprises abound–a pictorial of Cadbury creme eggs (those eggy fillings always struck me as peculiarly creepy), photos of Japanese candy displays, lunchmeat collages, some supermodely-lit fried chicken, and a woman having a hell of a lot of fun with a bottle of Perrier. Yummy is released annually, which is probably just as well for me since it’s priced like an art book at 30 euros. But it all goes to show that the things we eat are fertile ground for inspiration–or maybe even art?
There’s a near-legendary statistic that nine out of ten new restaurants fail. Of course, some important info, like what constitutes “failure” and how long it takes to achieve it, is left out of that soundbite. Reasearch shows that closer to 25% of new restaurants close or change ownership within their first year. That number rises to 60% within three years. These are still not happy statistics, but are close to the average failure rate for new businesses across the board.
Still I wouldn’t be surprised if that rate is much higher for certain parts of Manhattan. In the East Village especially, I’ve noticed that if a certain street falls out of my flight pattern for a few months, I end up re-discovering the block. Signs change, familiar spots are shuttered, once-dark places are ablaze and spilling drunk kids onto the sidewalk, and the whole landscape has re-shuffled in my absence. I found this novelty quite enjoyable, except in a few cases, like the lovely Italian place near my apartment, that decamped in place of construction and a swirly neon sign in Miami pastels. That sign gives me a bad vibe; like it is calling, in a pitch beyond normal hearing, screechy girls in tube tops and mini-skirts and their paramours. More obstacles to my front door. Of course, the rate of change also affects me personally when I realize it’s rendered portions of my blog out-of-date in under a year.
So for now, Boedguita Cubana, whose Serbian owners supplied me with delicious Cuban fare throughout last summer, has closed. The other places mentioned at the Zagat link, namely Bouche Bar, and Sea Salt, were also familiar spots. I will attempt to indicate on my blog which of the places I’ve reviewed that have subsequently closed.
Germaphobes everywhere received a stunning blow yesterday, when it was revealed that there is no scientific evidence that alka-seltzerish “immunity-booster” Airborne prevents colds. Well, maybe not so stunning. Despite a few endorsements from friends, I had my doubts about the stuff. Sure, I still used it but I need my placebo pellet-peddlers to remain untouched by litigation. Once that happens my stupidness threshold prevents me from actually spending money on the item.
This morning, as I gently stuff myself onto a hot, packed subway that stinks of fetid, phlegmy coughs, I wonder: what oh what will replace the fizzy comfort of Airborne? Short of developing a hand-washing compulsion that leaves me with papery geriatric fingers, or wearing a latex body suit, it seems I am exposed at every turn.
Here are instructions on how to get your Airborne refund online. Mind you, if you submit a claim for more than six packages, you must send in your file of neatly-saved Airborne receipts, which you have no doubt stashed away for just such an occasion.
I completed my first long-overdue WordPress upgrade. Now on Version 2.3.3, I was able to install this cool GeoMashup plugin, found on Cyberhobo, which plots my snacking adventures on a Google Map from WordPress, and places a link on the post that takes you to that location on the map. It’s not perfect yet–I kind of wish it displayed business names and addresses–and I don’t know what kind of freaky mess you’re seeing in IE6. Sorry. Click here to experience the wonder of the Snack map.
Now I’m thinking a redesign is in order, so I’m taking in the full You Suck At Photoshop series. There’s just something about emotionally-devastated design tutorials that makes learning so much fun. Don’t miss episode 4 and episode 7.