Babbo-tism

Last night's traditional tasting menu at Babbo (with wine pairings):

Acorn Squash "Sformato" with Sage
Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio "Vigna del Vulcano," Villadora 2003
[Delicious and inventive, my favorite course: a squash custard with trimmings, including pieces of raw squash.]

Pappardelle with Chanterelles and Thyme
Pinot Bianco "Santa Rosa," Castello di Spessa 2003
[Great wine; average pasta dish.]

Duck Tortelli with "Sugo Finto"
Refosco, Le Vigne di Zamó 2004
[Better than the first pasta course, and yes: I ate duck.]

Grilled Guinea Hen with Spaghetti Squash and Black Truffle Vinaigrette
Sagrantino di Montefalco, Adanti 2001
[Too gamey for me.]

Coach Farm's Finest with Fennel Honey
Franciacorta Brut NV, Bellavista
[Simple, light, and sweet: goat cheese with a side of fennel soaked in honey. The bubbly balanced the goat cheese exceptionally well.]

"Crespella di Castagna"
Vin Santo del Chianti, Poggio Salvi 1999
[A crepe flavored with chestnuts, honey, and orange.]

Frozen Chocolate and Walnut Torrone with Babbo Nocino
Barolo Chinato, Cappellano NV
[My favorite dessert course: a semi-frozen chocolate ball infused with walnuts and nocino, a nutty liqueur, perfect for fall. Heavenly.]

Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Budino
Recioto della Valpolicella, Begali 2003
[Another seasonal course: spiced pumpkin cake with cream. We also had a plate of quince paste with custard and sorbet.]

So I have finally been Babbo-tized: excellent service, odd music (from elevator jazz to heavy metal), and gastronomic pleasure.

Wii are nerds.

On the way back from the gym tonight, I noticed a mostly-male group camped outside the Best Buy on Broadway just north of Houston. A queue was forming. I quickly realized this group's intention: to buy either (or, most likely, both) the Sony PS3 or the Nintendo Wii on their 11/17 and 11/19 respective release dates.

Wii are here.

I laughed in derision, thinking of the recent South Park episode in which Cartman freezes himself until the Wii's debut date. I was just about to shout out "Hey, NERDS!!!", when something dawned on me: there I was, gliding along in an Engadget T-shirt.

I kept walking.