January 28
...serving up your daily dish.
From this month's issue of Food and Wine, an illuminating article on the eating/cooking habits of Bobbi Brown. Seems Brown has something in common with another Montclair wife, swapper Elaine Bramhall, when it comes to keeping things under control.
The makeup artist turned industry titan is so health-conscious that she has an approved menu of acceptable foods for meetings and celebrations that's constantly updated and sent around to employees. Right now the rule is that crudités, hard-boiled eggs, cheese or other wholesome alternatives must join any junk food on the conference table. "I don't care if there are cupcakes," Brown says. "But people have to have a choice.
Note to Brown's staff: No matter what she says, don't bring in cupcakes, or your days are numbered.
Note to Bobbi: No matter how well pedicured, bare feet near a kitchen prep area are less than appetizing.
January 28, 2005 in Major Dudes | Permalink
"are" less than appetizing, O criticizer of other's grammar!
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 28, 2005 9:35:33 AM
Yuck. I agree about the feet.
Note to the media: PLEASE stop giving this woman and her husband publicity! Please. Just. Stop.
Posted by: Miss Martta | Jan 28, 2005 9:45:24 AM
I agree with Martta. There are tons of people in Baristaville who are cooler and more interesting than the ones we keep hearing about - the Pfolker-Brown's and all the rest. What about all the musicians, struggling artists, entrepreneurs, activists, etc who really could benefit from exposure on a site like Barista? I personally would like to hear more about them. Just a thought.
Posted by: ridger120 | Jan 28, 2005 10:39:28 AM
Thank you. If I never hear another word about those people, it will be a pleasure.
Posted by: latebloomer | Jan 28, 2005 11:57:15 AM
left my grammar rules book at home, but isn't "bare feet ... are" correct? Feet being plural and all ...
Posted by: bgreen | Jan 28, 2005 12:44:31 PM
Heard the name but never really knew who Bobbi Brown was.
Posted by: Chris | Jan 28, 2005 1:04:07 PM
bgreen,
You are correct. In the intial post it said "bare feet near a kitchen prep area is less than appetizing."
I suggested the correction and Barista (quietly) changed it. (without noting the "update")
some minor confusion ensues.
Now it looks like *me* have egg on my face.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 28, 2005 4:06:18 PM
ROC: In Bobbi Brown's case, it would be egg whites only. *snark*
Posted by: Miss Martta | Jan 28, 2005 4:10:49 PM
You don't have to like her feet, or her husband's decision to demolish the Marlboro Inn, or the publicity they get, but whom do you think all the charities and non-profits in this town go to for financial support for the struggling artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and musicians? Did you know that Bobbi & Steve donated a piece of real estate that HOMECorp used to develop a two-family housing for two working-class families from Montclair who can now afford to remain here? Have you ever met either one and talked to them for a few minutes? The wealthy (like elected officials) live in a fish bowl and understand their actions and motives are always under srutiny. And no one needs to ever feel sorry for either of them. But it's sooooo easy to throw stones and judge, especially when you can do it from the relative anonymity of a computer.
Ed Remsen
Posted by: Ed Remsen | Jan 28, 2005 8:07:46 PM
Who's throwing stones? All they said was keep those pretty feet away from the food. Me thinks the galant mayor doth protest too much. We know your buds, but gee whiz.
Posted by: wowsers | Jan 28, 2005 8:22:57 PM
Most of us give to charity on which ever level we can afford. Those who make more, can give more, and get bigger tax writeoffs.
Any struggling artists, activists, or entrepreneurs out there who have benefited from the Plofkers' largesse, please post here. I'd sincerely love to hear about it.
Posted by: latebloomer | Jan 28, 2005 9:22:31 PM
One more question, Mayor Remsen. Didn't Mr. Plofker have a proposal to condemn the block of Bloomfield Ave where the Soda Pop Shop and other businesses are located, in order to have room for his new luxury hotel? Guess it depends which struggling entrepreneur you're talking about.
Posted by: latebloomer | Jan 28, 2005 9:36:30 PM
Amen Mr. Mayor! Yeah, the Plofker-Browns get a helluva lot of press - and there are probably a couple of PR agencies out there who make sure of that - but you nailed it. They are incredibly generous with their time and their money, and dozens of organizations, from HOMECorp to First Night, have benefitted from their largesse. What is the need to be so snarky and snide? If you don't like 'em: don't buy her makeup, and don't move to one of his buildings (or patronize the stores that rent space from him). Easy.
Posted by: rhubarbd | Jan 28, 2005 10:29:59 PM
Relax, people. I think some folks are just plain bored by the overkill, that's all. There is more to baristaville than "power couples" and such (I can't believe I just said "power couple" - yechh.) I loved hearing about the M Room and eating well in a snowstorm. Those are the kinds of things I moved here for. (I know, I know - the grammar.)
Posted by: ridger120 | Jan 29, 2005 8:19:42 AM
And by the way, her "Beach" fragrance is lovely. I got it for Christmas.
(oops)
Posted by: ridger120 | Jan 29, 2005 8:22:15 AM
While large donations from wealthy people may only be as good as a similar percentage (of income, say) donation from someone less affluent in a moral sense, the larger donation does much MORE good in the world due to it's size.
If latebloomer gives a cause $100 and Plofker gives $100,000 then his donation does 1000 times more good in the world. He is no better a person than latebloomer BUT his money does 1000 time more good.
It is true that if you find 1000 other like minded latebloomers you can achieve the same good, but if *I* were seeking donations for HOMECorp I would certainly rather solicit one Plofker than 1000 latebloomers. (partly for the time savings alone).
So IMHO this is why the wealthy have an increased obligation to make donations, because for the same relative "pain" (percentage) they can singly achieve so much more.
So if they get a little PR in the process, I say good! After all, maybe that positive PR will lead to more donations to worthy causes.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 29, 2005 10:22:12 AM
I commend them for being donors of local causes. They could be giving their $$ to national causes that are against the values of most residents here, etc. I dont think anyone should be bashed for giving to charity.
However, I didnt see any bashing going on. I saw someone post that they're sick of hearing about only celebrities or a few "known" people here, and I think that's a legitimate comment. I do like reading about the celebs (maybe b/c I grew up in a small town and so there's still the "wow factor"), but I also like reading all the stories about local people and local events, etc. I think more of that is missing.
Posted by: butchcjg2 | Jan 29, 2005 11:59:32 AM
