Cross-border relations: We're in a real pickle

A silent war is being waged between two powerful neighbors. Canada and the U.S. are, unbeknown to most of us, fighting a bitter battle over who makes the better junk food.

A recent, informal taste test amongst employees of The New York Times dealt a decisive blow, although points were scored for and against. Participants tasted four flavors of Canadian potato chips currently unavailable to American audiences.

Roast chicken chips, "taste like ramen noodles," according Laurie, a taste tester. Ketchup chips taste, "exactly like a chip dipped in ketchup, if you like that sort of thing," said Ross.

On to the all-dressed chip, a secret blend of ingredients that is distinctly Canadian. This one was a hit! The flavours were bold, inventive and strangely addictive.

The clincher, however, was the humble dill pickle. "This is the best potato chip I've ever tasted!" Jim exclaimed. And Lillie has found a "new favorite."

Another battle quietly won through negotiation, reason and sheer good taste.

I will survive

Dear Diary,

As of today, Sugar and I are officially on a break. It's not that we don't love each other and nothing says we might not get back together again some day, but for now we just need some space.

Sugar is just way too controlling. It's like I can't go anywhere without him. Not a day goes by when he won't leave me alone. I think it will just be good for us to have some time apart. I'm sure Sugar will see other people - but I'm ok with that.

We've had some good times, Sugar and I. It's going to be hard to live without him. My strategy will be one of distraction. I am going to try to be intrigued by others... to find beauty in places I haven't yet explored. Like Fennel, maybe. I saw him at the farmer's market yesterday and he looked SO good!

I might try to throw myself into work as a way of forgetting - somehow though, Sugar is on my mind most during the late hours of my shift.

For now, I have a bunch of sad breakup songs playing over and over in my mind...

I walk along the city streets
You used to walk along with me
And every step I take recalls
How much in love we used to be

Maybe just one more night... I can start tomorrow...

Cheese of the Week: Appenzeller

Appenzeller

Country: Switzerland

Milk: Cow

Description: A fabulous semi-hard cheese from Switzerland that can be identified by its yellow- to reddish-brown rind and medium-sized holes. It has a nutty, delicious flavour with a little bite that comes from a secret blend of herbal ingredients carefully guarded over the centuries (this cheese is said to date back at least 700 years).

Link: www.appenzeller.ch

The not-so-Happy Meal

I usually think twice before spending $18 on a t-shirt, but this one is so cool I might not have a choice. The shirt is marketed on 'Threadless,' a social networking site where people can upload their own t-shirt designs.

The image makes a strong statement about fast food... it has also apparently enraged school principals across the country, who seem to find it offensive and inappropriate... What a world we live in.

Size does matter, shilling for votes and a strange reward

12 inches of hunka-hunka burning meat
Gothamist reviews Prime Burger Cafe, which serves not only burgers but foot-long Kobe hot dogs. It looks like it might be worth a try - could either be delicious or your 'wurst' enemy!

Do I have to eat them all at once?
A Utah restaurant is looking for the crook who stole $3,000 from them last month. Seeing as all the cash is gone, the restaurant is offering an unusual reward to anyone who provides information that can lead to an arrest - 500 tacos. At over $2 a pop - that's worth about $1,200! Wonder if you'll have to pay for a little guac on the side?

This just in...
If you're one of those people who still reads Zagat's before heading out to eat, then the New York Post has got some news for you. The people who write in may have been influenced by some strategic 'ballot-stuffing' techniques engineered by the sneaky restauranteurs themselves... For those of you shattered by the thought, try this: Chowhound.com

What fast food REALLY looks like

This guy might have too much time on his hands, but I've got to give him credit for a clever idea, well executed.

Jeff Kay, who describes himself as "an Ugly American living on the cusp of a mid-life crisis," runs a blog called The West Virginia Surf Report (even though he lives in Scranton, PA). He recently took the time to compare the food seen in fast food advertisements to what the items look like in reality.

An unpalatable preview:



Check out the full report.