In Pt I, we learned that the word "lunch" has its origin in drinking, TLG's favorite pastime and the subject of strong precatory language.
In Pt II, we learn that this etymological story is not unique. "Tiffin" is the Anglo-Indian world used in much of the Subcontinent to indicate a lunchtime meal. This geographically particularized "lunch" derives from "tiff," a 18th century colloquialism that indicated drinking by small sips.* The spread of English through the British Empire resulted in the development of regional usages which reflected the intersection of several cultures.
Two great things come from this story:
(1) Further proof that the Anglophone tradition reflects a judgment made by many cultures about the appropriateness of the association of lunch and imbibing alcoholic beverages. It is, in fact, so old as to be fundamental to our linguistic conception of noontime activity.
(2) Tiffin-wallahs, the model for small business people everywhere.
*Though unsupported by any "traditional" source, I point you to "tipple" as a closely related verb for further support. Also, because it sounds like "nipple" and is thus good for a giggle.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
a brief history of lunch (pt II)
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Friday Wrap-up: The Curse of TLG Pizza
So, apparently what was once sweet, lucky pizza heaven has turned into bitter, unlucky pizza hell for TLG (TLG would probably classify Spring Lounge as umami). A full 3/4 of Friday outings have now been restricted to Pizza, with our Lombardi's Redux this past Friday.
There's no need to retell the restaurant experience generally, since we've already done that, so instead we'll just have a bulleted list of highlights:
- Jen's sentencing and punishment for her TLG crimes.
- Alex's sentencing and punishment for an imaginary constitutional crime (thank goodness for his lackadaisical approach to all things legal).
- Alex's freakishly long tongue.
- A good excuse to create the "tongue" tag in our Flickr account.
- Nadav's encounter with his doppelganger.
- Eric yet again being tagged under "weirdo" in our Flickr account.
- A semi-reenactment of our Martini lunch (sans tires).
- Derek gropefest.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
I'll buy a vowel
Seems like the lunch-by-random-fate trend is catching on.
http://www.coverpop.com/wheeloflunch/
Lombardi's, Fate, and TLG
"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."
Pizza is our destiny.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Friend... or Foe???
What are you, oh "The Lunch Club?" Are you a rival, intent on subverting our membership, our PILC auction funding, and our souls? Are you a friend - someone for us to call upon when times are tough and only the sympathies of an alternate midday-eating themed website can bring us the solace we need? Perhaps you are the the demented red-headed stepson of TLG, raised in a cabin in the woods by wolves which now harbors a vendetta against mankind?
A brief stop over by the clubhouse makes clear the simple purpose "To make friends and forge community." But then why would John, a 34-year-old, ostensibly from the Upper West Side, call both the vibe, as well as the quality of the people unique - indeed "down-to-earth, cordial, and diverse?" Something's not right here. Something's not right at all. Beware the machinations of Cobracow!
Evolution of Lunch Game
The question is simple: can 2 independent lunch games evolve in different locations. A visit to the internet today suggest that the answer is "YES." I ran across what appears to be a primitive version of the Lunch Game. Some key observations about this neanderthal version of the lunch game:
1. The Game appears to be played individually.
2. There appears to be a vague conception of rules, yet they are neither uniform, not codified.
3. There does not appear to be alcohol involved.
However, I would point out that this pioneer of lunching, even at this early stage, notes that "the lunch game is not for the slight of heart." Perhaps Alex Amirsaleh has something to learn from history!
Check it out:
http://www.ethankennethtriplett.org/thelunchgame
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
To Ecuador... and Beyond!
TLG soldiered on through Tuesday/Legislative Monday. The Hand drew #11 from The Cup in patented Lunch Game fashion, so off we went, intending to follow the edict of the gamesheet and "Get in a cab, ask where he is from. Where does he get that food?" Having hailed and dismissed several cabbies (causing consternation up and down 6th ave) and having no luck in finding someone willing to bend his insurance policy and take five people in a cab (including a minivan cab-- bastard), we finally chose a conveyance.
We got off to a smashing start. Our cabbie was Ecuadorian, it emerged. (Mmm. Ecuadorian food.) However, we faltered on the second question. "Queens," he tersely replied.
A quick look was exchanged-- sure, it was Mon[Tues]day, but we could go to Queens for Ecuadorian food, right? Wrong. The location of the restaurant: "too far, too far." So Queens was out. Ecuadorian in Manhattan? "No," he said tersely.
Board Member Eric showed a remarkable ability to think on his feet and suggested: "Mexican?" Because, after all, both Ecuador and Mexico are (1) south of the United States and (2) Spanish-speaking. So TerseCabby drove us to the 58th St. location of Rosa Mexicana.
Which turned out to be closed for lunch. More quick thinking led the participants to adapt the TLG precatory language, leading them to the closest restaurant they could see from their position. Fusha turned out to be a quality Japanese restaurant, with a mural made of beans and an indoor petrified forest. Success. Today's adventure encapsulated the serendipitous spirit of The Lunch Game and proved that perseverance pays off.
Some questions remain. Was there crack in the hot and sour soup? Was the man in the chicken suit really resulting in an uptick in his deli's sales? Why is TLG Monday edition #11 so hard? And most importantly: Derek, why do you always have to go straight to the Baboon uterus joke?
Tune in next time.
Troubling Correspondence
Lunch Game is Concerned:
In a disturbing turn of events TLG received the attached correspondence from Cobraphant's arch-nemesis, the CobraCow.
Will Board Member Derek cave in to the demands of CobraCow and his Pentecostal cronies?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Bridge Cafe, Two Martinis & A Tire
On Friday, February 16th, The Lunch Game made its way to The Bridge Cafe for a Two-Martini lunch. Apparently The Bridge Cafe is "the oldest surviving tavern in New York and one-time home to a brothel," and TLG participants were eager to see if it met up to their expectations. (Answer: yes).
The Lunch Game went on a bender this fine, frigid Friday. Martinis were had; Martinis were spilled; guilty parties were sentenced; and punishments were meted out. The food was good, if somewhat expensive; the service was attentive; and well, the martinis were great.
The precatory after-drinks were consumed at Jeremy's Ale House, the kind of establishment where one could order drinks by pint or by quart. At this point, the combination of martinis and after-lunch drinks started taking its toll on some TLG participants (particularly those who had three martinis) and, well, the pictures speak for themselves. (Click here for all of Friday's photos). (Oh, and here's the tire).
Kudos to TLG participants for a great Friday outing. Boo-yah.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Pics from Saigon Grill Up
For those of you who missed out on TLG's first Monday outing, The Saigon Grill proved to be the perfect draw for the lesser of outing days. It was close, cheap, quick and absolutely delicious. Alex and Sarah even managed to follow TLG's precatory language and got silly wasted off buckets of sake. Way to go, TLG Monday! View all Saigon Grill pics here. View the official outing weirdo here (unbelievably, not Eric).
ARGHH!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
TLG: CELEBRITY SIGHTING
a brief history of lunch (pt I)
"Lunch" is, as you might have guessed, an abbreviation of the more formal "luncheon," much as "trunch" is an abbreviation of "truncheon."* The OED first cites "luncheon" to Hollyband in 1580. Quoth he: "a lumpe, a goblet, a luncheon." (Perhaps a good motto, TLG?)
Though the origins of "luncheon" are unclear, several sources have suggested and I now deem official for all TLG purposes its derivation from "nuncheon [noon + shench]," which referred to a midday drink of ale (sometimes with food). Appearing as early as 1342, this proves that while we, the members of TLG have put our own chance-heavy spin on the process, we are merely continuing a venerated tradition of preprandial drinking and dining.
Long Live Lunch.
*No, really.
Happy Valentine's Day, now go to hell. Or go to Saigon Grill
On this special day, the TLG blog would like to share a message with you. I love you. Why don't you love me? You used to love me. I thought we had something special together. Was it the pizza two weeks in a row? Was it too confusing having a Monday list and a Friday list. Was it the time I threatened to smother you in your sleep, or unleash a vicious, bloodthirsty, passive-aggressive Cobraphant on you? I can change, I swear, you just have to tell me why. WHY HAVE YOU STOPPED POSTING? If you are reading this, this means you. If you aren't reading this, this means you twice over. So please, don't let this relationship die. Without your posts, there will no longer be any reason to provide new blog content such as this official TLG colonoscopy video, or updates to the ever expanding Cobraphant gallery. Did I tell you that you complete me? Well you do. You complete me.
On a less than related note, the TLG team went to Saigon Grill on Monday (pictures coming soon [note: Pics are UP --Ed.). It was fantastic insofar as it was pretty good, cheaper than it looked and conveniently located. The turnout was strong enough to field an 8 man football team, and TLG membership is expanding at a healthy clip. You can all look to the awesome example set by new poster so sorry / huge hurry for the kind of sweet, sweet, post-lunch blogging experience we can't afford to take for granted. Thank you so sorry / huge hurry, I love you too.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Friends of TLG, Episode 2: I Heart Lunch
A riddle from TLG: What do you get when you take two
sassy librarians, a dash of humility, and two cups of awesomeness? The answer is I Heart Lunch, an amazing friend of TLG, http://iheartlunch.blogspot.com/.
A Tribute
I ran across this somewhat hilariously anthropomorphic lunch.
I think that we should take a step back every now and again to pay
tribute to those who insure that lunch remains a reflection of us.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Official Nemesis of TLG
"No One Cares What You Had For Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog is my very first book! When I think about it, it makes me want to throw my beret in the air and spin around in circles. It’s true that I don’t currently own a beret, but still."
Heap your scorn here.
May the vengeance of Cobraphant be swift and bloody.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
How do they do that? On Dixie cups and other Lunch Game technology
Many of you have been wondering about the fabulous new features here on the blog, as evidenced by the stunned silence of a number of contributors. For those wondering how magic is made, I can tell you - one feature at a time. Here is a rundown on the lunch game technology which has recently come available.
1) The Gamecups: Featured above, one could argue all the real magic of The Lunch Game fits in a Dixie cup. Sure, we could use another paper cup, but between them are now 85 distinct parallel universes of lunch, all existing at the same time, any of which may become your future. I think that calls for the best paper cups we've got.
2) The MySpace page: If you haven't been to The Lunch Game's MySpace Page yet there is something wrong with you. All the cool kids are doing it. You know you could use another friend. Plus, you can meet everyone else who has joined in friendship with The Lunch Game. Not just a bunch of losers (yes, like us) but famous losers like the U.S. Pizza Team. Join today!
3) The Counter: As of 9am Friday morning a hit counter was installed just to give us some some idea of the traffic we are attracting. It's all the way at the very bottom. Go ahead and take a peek. On the way down you might see something interesting.
4) The Cobraphant Gallery: Beautiful and Majestic, Clever and Valiant, Heroic and Deadly, the Cobraphant is known by many adjectives. Check out the Gallery to see him fighting a Headless Ape armed nearly to the teeth. If you have pictures of the Cobraphant, please submit them.
5) The Webcam: In order to ensure a fair drawing, the TLG board has invested in a webcam for online auditing. The Logitech Quickcam was out of reach at $29.99, but almost a steal at $14.99 after mail-in-rebate. Still waiting for that check, by the way.
6) The Advertisement: The Lunch Game has now sold out. In order to finance the rapid growth (see everything above) TLG Admin has cautiously explored a union with somebody. You can find out who that person is if you click on the advertisement. Mind you, this is in no way a solicitation for ad-clicking, simply a reminder that should you stop to click on that advertisement, The Lunch Game stands to profit. Or so the theory goes. The most recent finance committee meeting yielded a proposal that when the money starts rolling in, Lunch Game participants will enjoy a lunch on the house. If you want to know how far away your free lunch is, check the hit counter below. If you aren't satisfied, tell your friends about this page. Only you can force them to view advertisements for your own selfish gain.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The Lunch Game Myspace Page
The Lunch Game has finally caught up with the craze that took America back in 2005.
Please visit http://www.myspace.com/thelunchgame
Friends of TLG, Episode 1: The Lunch Blog
It is with much excitement that we now present to you a new TLG series: "Friends of The Lunch Game."
Recently, Board Member Nick, in his haste to post something on TLGBlog, typed in the wrong URL in his browser. Instead of entering thelunchgame.blogspot.com, he entered thelunchblog.blogspot.com. To his surprise, Board Member Nick arrived at an alien lunch blog.
This blog, run by The Lunch Guy, was created in December of 2006, and raises many intriguing questions. Where are you, lunch guy? Why, lunch guy, have you only posted once? From where were you telecommuting, Lunch Guy? What exactly do you mean when you say the "soup was very average"? Lunch guy, we salute your ode to that one day in December when you decided to have a chicken salad sandwich (on a TOASTED white bun). We at The Lunch Game want to be your colleagues in Lunch.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Heroic and Deadly
This is the most recent rendering of the Cobraphant. Don't let his impeccable sense of style fool you--he has no qualms about showering his new suit with the blood of his enemies.
Grimaldi's Pizza
Lunch Game - you do love pizza. Please feel free to comment about our experience at Grimaldi's Fine Pizzeria. Lunch Game feels we need to learn to appreciate pizza before we move to grander things. [Click on the pic above to access our shots from our Grimaldi's outing]
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Anna Nicole Smith Memorial Lunch Game Drawing
We here at the lunch game are disappointed to be having such difficulty posting our first live video post. But, if you care, the link is here. We drew lucky #22. We dine at 1:30 - feel free to plan all your carpooling arrangements in the comments below.
Constitutional Question
It is likely I will have a meeting tomorrow afternoon that will prohibit me from participating in this week's iteration of TLG. However, I very much would like to play. Normally this would not be a problem, as I would declare myself eligible and then, taking advantage of the constitutional provision permitting withdrawal until the moment of the drawing, simply plan accordingly. But this tentative meeting is at a large, bureaucratic international organization and sometimes one only gets a final commitment (positive or negative) from people at 10am on the morning of the event.
I am a good TLG Participant/citizen of the world, and I want to comply with my constitutional duties. May I in good faith issue a conditional statement of participation contingent upon the non-occurrence of one specific event whose scheduling is out of my hands? Or are my constitutional options delimited by the text of Article I?
(The background question is, of course, whether or not we determine that the constitution of TLG permits advisory opinions. I assume without deciding that it does.)
TLG WebCam - Make it Happen
I propose that TLG take up a collection to purchase the official TLG webcam. Benefits of this purchase: all participants may watch drawings in real time. Cons: NONE. If giant pandas get webcams, shouldn't TLG?
When you spend Friday night on the toilet you will have only yourself to blame
Both gamesheets have been posted now. The Friday Gamesheet will be considered fixed as of the drawing this evening, and the Monday Gamesheet will be fixed as of Sunday night. If you have any specific comments you would like to make with respect to either of these lists, please respond with a comment to this post prior to the relevant deadline. All future changes will have to be made in accordance with the processes outlined by The Lunch Game Constitution. Anyone who fails to bring their claim in a timely manner will be instructed to put it in Maureen's blender and suck it.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
The Official Virtual Blender of TLG
Only Maureen is now the official virtual fruit drink blender of TLG.
Visit the blender to experience 4 Billion flavor combinations:
http://www.onlymaureen.com/thesis/launcher.html#
More proof they're behind the Times
In today's Dining & Wine section, the NYT reports on the new idea of "hot cereal" for dinner. Now, without taking them to task over their definition of cereal, which is another post entirely, this just proves how myopic their approach to food is. Shrimp and grits (hominy) has been around about as long as shrimp and grits have; and people in the south have been combining them and enjoying them for breakfast for just as long. In the last 20 years or so, the dish has migrated to dinner-- well ahead of any uptight New York food writer's appreciation of hot cereal for dinner.
I propose we add soul food in Harlem (Amy Ruth's/Sylvia's) to the Lunch Game in protest of such narrow-mindedness.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Famous Quotes
"The lunchgame, like life, is not always fair."
-Robert McNamara, former US Secretary of Defense
Monday, February 5, 2007
Lunchgame History
Summer 1999-First lunchgame is played in Providence, RI by Tom R. and Joe B., while employed in the Bindery of the Brown University library. The names of restaurants were printed on small pieces of paper and drawn from a baseball hat. Pizza parlor Via Via IV was selected an astounding four times in a row.
Summer 2006-The lunchgame returns thanks to the efforts of Derek G. After some serious brainstorming between Tom and Derek, the new and improved NYC luchgame sprang forth from their MANginas to become what it is today. With the new number coded selection process and the standardization of drawing time, the lunchgame has matured into an exquisite excercise in abandoning your free will.
An Opus in 54 Parts - The List
Nearly completed now, The Gamesheet - Friday edition is open for comments.
In the interests of greater participation, there will be a Monday and Friday version modified so as to accomodate scheduling needs as necessary. Rest assured, both will include the possibility of dining sans underwear.
For His and Her Pleasure
The Lunch Game Constitution
[Admin note: all Board Members will be allowed given permission to edit within the next couple of days]
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Constitution and Gamesheet coming soon
All lunch game participants please be advised: I will be posting the operational gamesheet shortly, pending group consensus. For those who would prefer to skim, there are a number of delicious additions and a few new features including "Secret-Santa" style ordering and attire requirements such as "Wear a suit" and "Go Commando," which are not mutually exclusive.
For an overview of the basic framework of the constitution please see the constitutional debate comments. For a more complete constitution help me find the scrap of paper I wrote it on by searching my pockets thoroughly when we next meet.
Important Message for Board Member Derek
Board Member Derek, it is imperative you post your draft Lunch Game Constitution. As Board Member Pete once said, "they were the Founding Fathers, not the founding father." As you can see with the preamble, posted drafts quickly get worked into water-tight documents. Furthermore, our site will soon be published for the PILC auction, and it would be mighty embarrassing if we didn't have a written constitution. We'd be like England.
New York Times blows it
Hmm, seems the New York Times styles section (huh?) missed a golden opportunity to feature the new wave of food blogging. Namely, us. MSM sure is off the ball.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
restaurants
Lunch Game board member jen proposes that we post the restaurant list on the blog, and that we link to the websites of those locales that have an Internet presence.
Blog Aesthetics and Layout Committee
The Lunch Game requests that TLG Board Members discuss ideas for layout of the TLG Blog. This discussion should include (but by no means be limited to) the heading, font, color, sidebar, pictures, and general procedures for posting.
Inaugural Lunch Game Outing - Lombardi's
Attendees to TLG's inaugural event were Board Member Nick, Board Member Alex, Board Member Jen, Board Member Pete and Board Member Derek. Three pizzas and a pitcher of Sam Adams were ordered and a good time was had by all. Following the meal, attendees followed the precatory language of TLG's constitution (creation pending) and proceeded to the first bar in sight: The Spring Lounge. Another good time was had by all.
TLG would like to congratulate all participants and looks forward to the long-lasting and bountiful relationship to come. Click here or on the picture for all inaugural TLG outing pictures.
Constitutional Convention (Preamble Debate)
Below is the first draft of the Constitution's Preamble, as penned by Board Member Derek. The Lunch Game asks that All Board Members discuss said draft in comments sections.
Draft Lunch Game Constitution Preamble (2/3/2007):
We the participants of The Lunch Game, in assuming the mantle of participant and all that entails, of our own free will and accord recognize these principles of the lunch game, and do hereby elect to abide by them fully for good or ill. [constitution to follow]
Lombardis
I just wanted to mention how pleased I was with the inaugural Lunch Game trip to Lombardi's. I also would like to thank the kind-hearted barman at Spring Lounge (the closest bar to Lombardi's) for reminding Derek that 3pm on a Friday is a time for drinks, not talking about so-called "health-care initiatives."
