Players: here are your coaches. You are each, for various reasons based on various whims, paired with a coach who will: (a) coach you through each round, suggesting recipes, techniques, strategies, etc; and (b) host your entry when it is due. It is your responsibility to get in touch with them through their sites [unless otherwise noted] and to get materials to them whenever they ask for them in order to have these entries up by Sunday night at 10 EST. So that’s your due date: Sunday at 10 PM. And now for your pairings:
(1) Melissa, because you almost ate his book, you are paired with: David Lebovitz! [note: Melissa, please e-mail me and I’ll send you David’s e-mail.]
(2) William, by some miracle, you have been paired with your FAVORITE food blogger: Pim! [Hey, readers, check out this awesome profile of Pim in The Observer!]
(3) Jason Sholar, because you are obsessive as a collector, you are paired with an obsessive foodie: Derrick!
and
(4) Kathy, because it was frosty of you to mentally scar your son with a poster, you are paired with: Jeremy!
Great players, great coaches: it’s gonna be a helluva show!
And now for your first challenge… pens and pencils ready?
Challenge #1:
The ‘Po Boy
According to Wikipedia a po’ boy is: “a traditional sandwich from Louisiana, similar to a hoagie or submarine sandwich. It consists of meat or seafood (typically fried) served on a baguette. A po’ boy ordered “dressed” has lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise…
“The term “po’ boy” was coined in a New Orleans restaurant owned by Benny Martin, a former streetcar conductor. In 1929, during a four-month long strike against the streetcar company, Martin served his former colleagues free sandwiches. Martin’s restaurant workers jokingly referred to the strikers as “poor boys”. Eventually the sandwiches themselves began to be called “poor boys.” Over time this was shortened to “po’ boy.” These original po’ boys were often made with a large, french-fried potato instead of meat to cut costs. The “french fried,” meatless po’ boy is increasingly hard to find.”
And so, players, your job is to make the most scrumptious, exciting, beautiful to behold and shocking to contemplate ‘po boy in the universe. It’s important that you make something that looks delicious (because pictures are a must!) but is also unique and exciting and different from all the rest. The write-up is up to you. The number of pictures is up to you and your coach. Do you want several step by step pictures like I do on my site? Or one glorious shining picture of the end product to lead with? What will win the most favor among readers?* [*Remember: voting, which will go Monday through Wednesday, is based on monetary contributions of readers. Every $5 = 1 vote. The player who collects the least will be bumped from the game!]
Again, your coaches need to have these up on their sites by 10 PM EST Sunday night. If you have any questions, concerns, or problems contacting your coaches please don’t hesitate to e-mail me. Best of luck with your ‘po boys!
How exciting… I cannot wait to get started.
Ooooh… po’ boys! Actually, I’ve never had a po boy and I don’t think I’ve ever even dreamed of cookin’ up a batch of po’ boys at home. But yes, the possiblilities are endless and they sound quite scrumptious -can’t wait to see what our survivors come up with!
How wonderfully appropriate!
I was just thinking about how to cook gourmet challenges on a poor graduate student’s budget. (;
Good Luck Melissa!
:)
Melissa, if it helps I’m in a similar quandry. Wee, tiny budget here as well. Just makes it more of a challenge!
I’ve never had a Po’ Boy, either, and am excited to learn more and see what I can come up with.
You might as well add me to the non-rich list as well. But, I beleive you can always manage to make some of the best looking and tasting items for less money than expected though.
Hey, Adam, as per your request, I sent an email to the address you’ve got listed in your “About Me” section over there. My email’s been sending me those “Oh, I haven’t sent your message, yet… but don’t re-send it, ’cause I think I might still do it…” notices, though, so I’m not sure if you’ve received it, yet.
Yo Melissa!
I guess Adam forgot to say “A copy of The Great Book of Chocolate…with a paid receipt!” Ok, we’ll let it slide this time, since I’m your host and my mother always told me that hosts need to be nice to their guests.
You can email me through my site, using the link on the right side column…
Hey, I’m poor! I have to resort to lusting after books in the store (and occasionally eating them in lieu of ramen on occasion. (; )
Well,
Today my father found out from my mom that we have been challenged with po’boys. I guess his face lit-up and declared that he loves them. Interestingly enough he did not say what kind, but it looks as if he shall be larking for dinner.
I have to admit, I’m very curious as to what a French Fry Sandwich tastes like. Sounds like something the English would love!
French fry po’boy…sounds like carby heaven …
I recently had an excellent classic po’boy here in Portland, Oregon. What made it special? Homemade French roll, homemade mayo, heirloom tomato, yummy fried oysters. And lettuce.