January 29, 2009 by traveler.

What a week for Nigeria’s image. First the whole makeshift helmet weirdness, and now this. Police have arrested a goat. The police believe the ’suspect’ is actually an armed robber who transformed himself into a goat to escape. The only thing ’suspect’ here is their policework.

The story about makeshift helmets is pretty good too…a law came into effect that mandates helmets for scooter riders. Many people have flouted the law by wearing pots, pans, and even dried-out calabash shells as makeshift helmets. Reuters reports that some construction workers have begun renting out their safety helmets to motorists. Authorities express frustration, saying that motorists had plenty of time to get a helmet before the law was enforced. There are legitimate helmet shortages now, but that is not the only reason people won’t wear a helmet. One cop-out reason is that some fear helmets will transmit infectious diseases. Seriously, in Lagos what DOESN’T transmit disease?! The best reason, though, is that helmets could have an evil spell that will make you easier to rob. Huh?! How’s this for a spell- ‘Bubble bubble, toil and trouble. Wear a helmet or your fines will double.’

Pull it together, Nigeria. I liked you better when you just sent me spam email.

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January 11, 2009 by traveler.

When you think of your favorite ice cream flavors, what comes to mind? Strawberry, chocolate, butter pecan, maybe mint chocolate chip? What about Saffron? Is saffron on your list? If not, it might be soon.

Baskin Robbins ME unleashed September’s flavor of the month- Saffron Escapade. This new flavor incorporates saffron ice cream, sesame cardamom brittle, and a honey ribbon. For those not familiar with saffron and cardamom, Wikipedia describes cardamom as having a ’strong, unique taste’ with a ‘coolness similar to mint.’ Saffron is described as ‘hay-like and somewhat bitter.’ Sounds like perfect ice cream ingredients, right?

Despite initial reservations, I would recommend trying the flavor IF you enjoy flavor contrasts, particularly the interplay of savory and sweet. Lately that has been a big theme of mine, and so I enjoyed the Saffron Escapade tremendously. In fact, I went back to Baskin Robbins the very next day to buy another serving of this experimental flavor. I’m glad I did, because the flavor appears to have disappeared as quickly as it arrived.

In the end, you might be glad you missed it. In an attempt to win converts, I managed to disgust several people who thought Saffron Escapade was hands-down the worst ice cream flavor they have ever tasted. I, however, loved the taste and would gladly pick up a scoop if I find it again. (BR- make Saffron Escapade flavor of the month again!) In any event, I will remember it as one of the weirdest ice cream flavors I’ve tried.

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January 4, 2009 by traveler.

Looking to buy a gift for the billionaire-to-be baby in your life? Might I suggest this…

I GUARANTEE you will be the only person at the baby shower to give this diamond pacifier. YES- I SAID DIAMOND PACIFIER. WTF?!?! Glad to see the recession isn’t quite affecting everyone. At only $17,000, this pacifier has to be a joke, or some sort of conceptual art piece. $17k for something your kid would chew on? Save yourself a couple grand and get your kid a pimped-out stroller instead.

As a side note, the website ’selling’ the pacifier (I am guessing that diamond pacifier sales are a bit sluggish) offers a large lineup of other, more reasonably priced children’s gear. However, beware (or enjoy) their line of political clothing. It seems to target liberal consumers and anger conservative website visitors.

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January 3, 2009 by traveler.

Time for round one of Weird Food. For the series’ premiere, we are looking at chocolate bars with, well, interesting ingredients. Theo Chocolate brings us the 3400 Phinney Chocolate line, featuring organic chocolate from Fair Trade certified cocoa beans. These are not your mother’s chocolate bars. These flavors will challenge the most adventurous candy connoisseur.

Coconut Curry chocolate
I am a huge fan of coconut curry. Coconut curry chicken, that is. Coconut curry chocolate is not my idea of a tempting treat. With great trepidation I unwrapped the bar, half expecting evil spirits to be unleashed. I dutifully took a bite and was surprised that the curry flavor wasn’t as overpowering as I expected. I took a second bite and realized that the curry does kinda build up from bite to bite. After my third bite, the curry flavor exploded in intensity, blocking out any pleasant chocolate flavor. There wasn’t a fourth bite. The only person I can imagine might like this ‘chocolate’ bar is someone who…actually, I can’t imagine anyone liking it. Shame.

Fig Fennel & Almond chocolate
I shook off my unpleasant memories of the coconut curry and moved on to this more palatable-sounding flavor. Those with adventurous tastes might enjoy the flavors in this chocolate bar. The almond slivers and fennel interacted nicely with the bittersweet dark chocolate. I was relieved to eat this candy bar, because it reaffirmed my faith in 3400 Phinney. While this bar might not become my new favorite (hard to beat a simple peanut butter cup), I can see it satisfying a craving for unique chocolate flavors. Try one for yourself and see what you think.

Based on their website, 3400 Phinney has a number of other unique flavors. If I get to try any others, I will let you know. Also, stay tuned for further Weird Food posts- a loved/hated Baskin Robbins experiment is coming up.

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