Culinary Crosswords: Tummy-Rumblin' Puzzles
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I usually start my post-breakfast day with the day's New York Times crossword. On Tuesday, I noticed that puzzle-builder Ken Bessette must have been hungry.
39 Down: General on Chinese menus
60 Down: Kung _______ chicken
I wonder if he had just ordered delivery or was only thinking about it.
As crossword-solvers well know, each puzzle usually has a theme. But I like it when seemingly unintentional themes crop up. This isn't the first time I've caught a coincidental food mix in a Times crossword. Every few weeks a puzzle-builder will seem to have food on the brain. The thing is whether I can get enough of the answers to detect their cravings.
Any of you serious eaters also serious crossword geeks? If so, here are some ways to combine your interests.
Book Form: Food And Wine Lovers Crosswords
Online: Culinary Crosswords at FoodReference.com, and Theme Crossword Food at PuzzleDepot.com.
You know, I usually complete Tuesday puzzles, but I found this one to be at least Wednesday-level or just beyond. Looks like Diary of a Crossword Fiend agrees with me.
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11 Comments:
Total crossword (and other word game) geek here. I definitely have to find the book before I hit the beach.
Barbara Hanson at 9:35AM on 07/03/08
There are new and used versions on Amazon, though I don't know what a "used" crossword puzzle book would mean. Though you wouldn't be able to get that before the weekend. Maybe try The Strand.
Adam Kuban at 10:07AM on 07/03/08
I'm guessing if Amazon lists it as "used", it's more of like a second-hand new copy - something from the discontinued/closeout section rather than a copy that's actually been completed. Of course, I could be very wrong.
worldcupfever at 11:29AM on 07/03/08
@worldcupfever: I figured as much, but I like to think of the funny idea of someone trying to sell a book of crosswords they've completed.
A+ Condition! Each puzzle is complete. And in pen!
Adam Kuban at 11:34AM on 07/03/08
I'd pay for a book of completed crosswords if they were done by the bartenders at a particular local watering hole. My friend and I used to stop by now and then and they'd ask us for help with the USA Today & Tribune crosswords - we would suffocate trying to stifle the laughter from some of the guesses they had made. It was awesome.
worldcupfever at 11:47AM on 07/03/08
By the way, 43A is "Asta".
worldcupfever at 11:48AM on 07/03/08
Love Crosswords, and loving the used discussion. Might have to order one, just to see. Man, would I be bummed if any of them were solved, or attempted.
PerkyMac at 1:01PM on 07/03/08
@worldcupfever: Thanks. Oddly enough, that clue comes up a lot. Probably because, like aloe and Eno (as in Brian), it's short and has a lot of vowels.
Adam Kuban at 1:10PM on 07/03/08
@Adam: I figured you knew the Asta, it just cracked me up to see it blank since it's in like 97% of the crosswords you see. Eno was just in yesterday's Sun-Times puzzle, I think. You're right about that being another frequent clue.
worldcupfever at 2:19PM on 07/03/08
@wcf: Yeah. I never remember it. And if I get it by process of elimination, I always forget to remember it. Will probably remember it now. Eero (as in Saarinen) is always in these things, too. Would be funny to get a rogue's gallery party of Saarinen, Eno, Asta, and an aloe plant together for a dinner party.
Adam Kuban at 3:00PM on 07/03/08
@Adam: Wasn't referring to the beach vis a vis this weekend; I'm working. Thanks for the suggestions, though, and will definitely have time to get a version (not used, I hope!) before my two-week stint at the Jersey shore in August.
Barbara Hanson at 5:00PM on 07/06/08