170 Comments
Sep 25, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

What a great ending! An amazing prank, yet the people getting pranked didn't suffer and actually got a good meal out of it. I love this story.

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Sep 25, 2023·edited Sep 25, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

Only a bunch of 20-somethings would put in this much energy into something so pointless 😂 I'm looking forward to seeing what other completely meaningless things they can accomplish in the future! Best part of this story: that comment by your waiter had me roll over laughing.

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I definitely think the long-term, high-effort joke is an under-appreciated ingredient for forming strong bonds with long-time friends. These kind of jokes take on a life in the lore of the friend group and evolve through the ages. I hope that a decade from now some of these friends will be saying "remember ten years ago when we...?" That's really special! The more effort that goes into it, the more spectacularly ridiculous it is, the more it acts as glue between people :) I love it.

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Sep 25, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

Hey Mehran, I know you’re reading this. I double doggie dare you to try this again, but vegan. If you think steak people are relentless about trying a new spot, you should see how my people happily line up in a vacant lot by the airport at night to wait for a guy to sell us $7 donuts (that’s per one) out of the back of an ‘87 Dodge Caravan.

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amazing! this totally reminds me of a story several years back about a guy who made his backgarden shed the #1 restaurant on Tripadvisor.... https://www.vice.com/en/article/434gqw/i-made-my-shed-the-top-rated-restaurant-on-tripadvisor

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Omg this is amazing! The black and white photos made me laugh out loud, such a great touch. This whole story is an answer to your survey - Mehran's courage and persistence to pull this off, and your curiosity in pursuing it.

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I disagree with an earlier commenter: bonkers is the perfect word for this whole story. I loved that you were both the author of the murder mystery and a character therein. I give this piece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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founding
Sep 25, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

I just finished the newsletter about the ultra-exclusive prank-steakhouse. I'm reminded of Groucho Marx's quote that, "I'd never join a club that would have me for a member."

My favorite part remains the guys who refused your inquiries and slammed the door.

The prank was an all-time great prank. Everyone involved in the setup will remain friends forever, laughing all the way into infinity.

Anne, YOU were the catalyst!! It's every bit as intriguing and funny as "The Sting." The question is who will play your part in the movie?? Taylor Swift?!

This prank has screenplay written all over it!! In fact this is Broadway worthy!!

Ask readers to come up with a title: "A Lot At Steak" "Steak'n Shake (down)" "Maybe Dinner at Eight" "I Won't Steer You Wrong" "Reservation to a Prank" "Open the Door to Your Mystery Steak" "Iran a Phantom Steakhouse" "A Prank to Remember" "Giuliani, Party of One"

None of those are worthy.

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there is truly nothing I love more than absurd levels of commitment to a bit. kudos to Mehran and his staff including one Anne Kadet, accomplice and intrepid reporter who made this story available for us all

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This is just SO ... New York City. LOL.

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You write the best tales! I just loved this.

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Great story! Thanks for taking us down this rabbit hole with you!!

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WOW! What a caper! This is like an old school movie!! Kids today are amazing! And good for you for helping make it happen! (My only wish is it had been vegan or vegetarian!!)

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This is proof that people are amazing! Mehran’s commitment to the prank is inspiring honestly!

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Under the weather. Quick comment. FOMO is a powerful force. Silicon Valley speculators prank the Upper East Side.

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I would totally contribute to a Kickstarter to adapt this bonkers story in a film called Steak, Cake & Lies. This story was so freaking good, Anne! I loved everything about it. Thanks for sticking with the mystery and wadding through the challenging ethics of reporting on a prank.

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