NYT food critic William Grimes laments the death of smoking in bars in restaurantseven though he's not supposed to. "As a diner, critic and epicure, I applaud the new antismoking law...Smoking is the enemy of food. It distorts or disguises flavors. It dulls the taste buds. It has no place in a restaurant." Yet, Grimes writes, "By temperament and by profession, I am aligned with the pleasure seekers. Therefore I find the no-smoking crusade disturbing, even though it works to my benefit. What's next? Cakes and ale?" Next to be regulated, speculates Grimes: noise, fat, and red meat.
On a clear day I can eat forever [NYT]