Hahaha! Cottage cheese and instant coffee eh? Add a little sugar and you might be on to something!
Another fascinating collection. No one wants to predict the future? I can understand that. Loved the moody photography of two of your bodega people. And the protein bars sound yummy. Such a shame I’m allergic to caffeine these days.
So glad you had a good break. Looking forward to learning more about American fast food chains. All the best for 2026. (My only prediction is that it’s definitely not going to be boring…)
"Dare to make a prediction or offer advice for 2026? Leave your thoughts in comments!"
Egg Boy will smash an egg on Donald Trump's head during the halftime show at this year's Super Bowl! Bad Bunny will perform his new song titled, "ACHO EGG BOY" during the same halftime show; and the 3 of them, Egg Boy, Trump and Bad Bunny will head over to Applebees and try to get thrown out for singing NutBush City, the unofficial Australian National Anthem! https://youtu.be/KtokwBf-Oog?si=tlgUkn77b2bMsV_q
THIS IS MY EGGBOY T-SHIRT FROM BACK WHEN HE SMASHED THE EGG ON THAT SENATOR'S NOGGIN!!! LOL! THIS SHIRT IS VINTAGE!!! A ONE-OFF!! I MAY DONATE IT TO MOMA!!!
Now that's a 'proper bit of predicting' for a Cafe Anne post. I haven't thought of Egg Boy in ages and also had to Google to remember the incident. The comments that often flow in this great newsletter are the best.
Having just recently learned the slang definition of Moose Knuckle, I don't think I could plop down the cash for one of those jackets. I mean, look at the logo?! A CAFÉ ANNE branded Moose Knuckle Protein Bar infused with Cafe Bustelo on the other hand? Take my money!
Yes, all I want after a hard day's work is a big plate of chicken wings.
(?????)
I will have to check that video out and I love the idea of Wingstop, David. It's for sure a place I'd never think to try. And it looks like there are roughly a dozen in NYC including one on Flatbush Ave just a few subway stops away.
Checking out the menu now. Should I try the boneless wings?
Welcome to 2026. Good to see your words back in my life. Should you ever find yourself in Texas, check out a Buc-ee's. They are a convenience store, eatery, gift shop and fuel depot all in one huge footprint. There is one 14 miles from our ranch house, so drop by and we will make the intros.
Buc-ee's has other locations nationwide. I visited a location in AL. Wow! They are huge!!! Kind of overwhelming. I also tried Cava, a chain restaurant, in AL. Super delicious 😋 If they are in NY I highly recommend them.
Would be interested in thoughts on the Jollibee chain! There’s one in my neighborhood and I’ve gotten their fried chicken which was good but I’ve heard the dish to get is a spaghetti in a sweet sauce that resembles ketchup? I was intrigued but haven’t had the chance to try it.
Oh wow that sounds totally horrific and also I've been totally meaning to check it out, Megan. I think they just opened their first NYC location last year in Times Square (of course!)
Mamdani is the left-wing version of the right-wingers who seemed focused to have the trains run on time like Hitler, Mussolini & Stalin. People seem to put timetables above all else and like to complain they never approved after the fact. Most people bring their pre-conceived notions and bias (and protest if you observe the behavior) and just curve fit with yeah but he/she is worse than the other person. Welcome to the predicament. At least he is not 80 and wearing a diaper like the last three Presidential terms.
The band that defined my youth. They performed in Buffalo right after the trampling that occurred in Cincinnati on the same tour which was a high visibility tragedy. Daltrey came on stage and said something like "I know you all know what just happened. We are all shattered. This one's for them all." They proceeded to rock out as they always did. Got to see them when Keith Moon was still drumming and again a number of years later. Your choice of music perfectly captured my opinion. Always great to hear from my friend. Happy New Year. Especially appreciated you advanced to the perfect line in the song!!!
I must ADD this to the list of why I am always happy to engage with JRB!!! The vagaries of human memory and what we can construct in our heads. I was sure I had seen Keith Moon but alas your comment made me question my own statement. Moon died in 1978 and there is NO WAY I was able to see him as their previous last performance in my hometown was in 1975. He was dead and buried during that late 1970s concert. Chalk one up to my friend JRB!!! As for my 'memory' I chalk it up to the best an upright walking ape can do at times :)
Three weeks off. You are clearly bored. How else to explain mixing coffee crystals into cottage cheese to keep yourself upright. The mixture is zany enough to take off. I do think it is hilarious that the craze of protein mainlining has now merged with hyper-caffeine loading. I would imagine some customers buy two and in their elevated state can't resist eating the second one they bought for later on the way home.
Anne, this was my first read. I couldn't stop reading. I love your approach, writing and humor. Well done! Now if we get stuck as to what to talk about as discussion partners, protein bars will do the trick!
And when I was wondering what was missing in my Substack feed! I hope you enjoyed a well deserved break. Is it too late to say happy new year? I had this question with a friend, discussing what the protein intake is per day and per person. I'm sure that's not what you intended to write about but I got that info now. In terms of caffeinated protein bars? Would it be the same without the scent of coffee and a drink to go with? I'm no fan of protein bars in general.
I know there is an ongoing debate but to my mind, it's cool to say Happy New Year through January 15. Because the year really is still new. So, Happy New Year!
As far as protein guidance, I think the gov just changed its recommendations thanks to Mr.Kennedy and his New Pyramid, but I'm basing it on what Mayo Clinic says: 1.2 grams per kilogram. Which is not enough!!! Well not enough for me.
This is sort of content is EXACTLY why I subscribe to this Substack!
Thank you PSW! That makes happy!
Anne, thanks for sharing another delightfully nutty experience.
Keep on!
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks Drew!
Hahaha! Cottage cheese and instant coffee eh? Add a little sugar and you might be on to something!
Another fascinating collection. No one wants to predict the future? I can understand that. Loved the moody photography of two of your bodega people. And the protein bars sound yummy. Such a shame I’m allergic to caffeine these days.
So glad you had a good break. Looking forward to learning more about American fast food chains. All the best for 2026. (My only prediction is that it’s definitely not going to be boring…)
Beth I tried adding a little Splenda and that did help. I might also try adding some vanilla extract!
And I'm with you...2026 will not be boring. Though considering the last five years, maybe we could all use a little boredom!
"Dare to make a prediction or offer advice for 2026? Leave your thoughts in comments!"
Egg Boy will smash an egg on Donald Trump's head during the halftime show at this year's Super Bowl! Bad Bunny will perform his new song titled, "ACHO EGG BOY" during the same halftime show; and the 3 of them, Egg Boy, Trump and Bad Bunny will head over to Applebees and try to get thrown out for singing NutBush City, the unofficial Australian National Anthem! https://youtu.be/KtokwBf-Oog?si=tlgUkn77b2bMsV_q
https://youtu.be/7fDzLGDTMqc?si=92OTMgbbk1qM2Qlk
JRB of course the first thing I did this morning was Google "Egg Boy" but now I am just more confused than usual.
THIS IS MY EGGBOY T-SHIRT FROM BACK WHEN HE SMASHED THE EGG ON THAT SENATOR'S NOGGIN!!! LOL! THIS SHIRT IS VINTAGE!!! A ONE-OFF!! I MAY DONATE IT TO MOMA!!!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ou06N4-5TKOJIxev0rQjxBY521Rf4RT3?usp=sharing
PS Anne, you need to reach out to Egg Boy!!
Maybe Beth could facilitate!
I have an Egg Boy t-shirt from the moment! Not this one!
https://share.google/images/PZG1pd7SEupY5yUzj
https://youtu.be/tSQI7E7eMhk?si=ombtgxrug-EIIh4O
Oh yes, we absolutely LOVE our Nutbush City Limits.
THIS IS MY EGGBOY T-SHIRT FROM BACK WHEN HE SMASHED THE EGG ON THAT SENATOR'S NOGGIN!!! LOL! THIS SHIRT IS VINTAGE!!! A ONE-OFF!!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ou06N4-5TKOJIxev0rQjxBY521Rf4RT3?usp=sharing
Ike could never have imagined!! https://youtu.be/bpuf6AmQH4M?si=8dw5ErhPeGWFzdsy
Now that's a 'proper bit of predicting' for a Cafe Anne post. I haven't thought of Egg Boy in ages and also had to Google to remember the incident. The comments that often flow in this great newsletter are the best.
Anne is the catalyst!
Having just recently learned the slang definition of Moose Knuckle, I don't think I could plop down the cash for one of those jackets. I mean, look at the logo?! A CAFÉ ANNE branded Moose Knuckle Protein Bar infused with Cafe Bustelo on the other hand? Take my money!
Haha Rob I did not know that but I just Googled and now I do. And maybe now I wish I could unknow it.
Anne, remember in 2011 when we went to Olive Garden for the first time and it was so bad?! Those were the days.
OMG that was 2011????? I am STILL telling people about how disappointing it was. We thought it would be so bad, in a good way! But it was just BAD.
Have you heard of Wingstop?
There is a viral video where a woman explains to her friends that she’s worked all day, she hasnt eaten anything, and all she wants is Wingstop.
You might find it interesting to try Wingstop.
Yes, all I want after a hard day's work is a big plate of chicken wings.
(?????)
I will have to check that video out and I love the idea of Wingstop, David. It's for sure a place I'd never think to try. And it looks like there are roughly a dozen in NYC including one on Flatbush Ave just a few subway stops away.
Checking out the menu now. Should I try the boneless wings?
Oh look, they have a PROTEIN PACK!!!!
Incredible reportage on Unhinged. We live in an age of wonders.
Oh Brave New World!
Happy you enjoyed, Charlie.
Fantastic issue to kick off 2026, Anne!
Thank you Chris! So happy you enjoyed.
I look forward to seeing Unhinged bars at Trader Joe’s!
That'd be a good fit, Mr. Steiner. Though they'd have to...what is the word for multiplying your production by 10 million?
As a master of understatement, I’d say the word is “scale.”
Welcome to 2026. Good to see your words back in my life. Should you ever find yourself in Texas, check out a Buc-ee's. They are a convenience store, eatery, gift shop and fuel depot all in one huge footprint. There is one 14 miles from our ranch house, so drop by and we will make the intros.
OMG Buc-ee's sounds great. Where in Texas are you, Terry?
Buc-ee's has other locations nationwide. I visited a location in AL. Wow! They are huge!!! Kind of overwhelming. I also tried Cava, a chain restaurant, in AL. Super delicious 😋 If they are in NY I highly recommend them.
Thanks Michele. We do indeed have Cavas. I will check it out!
West Houston neighborhood known as the Energy Corridor.
Would be interested in thoughts on the Jollibee chain! There’s one in my neighborhood and I’ve gotten their fried chicken which was good but I’ve heard the dish to get is a spaghetti in a sweet sauce that resembles ketchup? I was intrigued but haven’t had the chance to try it.
Oh wow that sounds totally horrific and also I've been totally meaning to check it out, Megan. I think they just opened their first NYC location last year in Times Square (of course!)
I'm smiling.... we can compare David bars.... Thanks.
Mamdani is the left-wing version of the right-wingers who seemed focused to have the trains run on time like Hitler, Mussolini & Stalin. People seem to put timetables above all else and like to complain they never approved after the fact. Most people bring their pre-conceived notions and bias (and protest if you observe the behavior) and just curve fit with yeah but he/she is worse than the other person. Welcome to the predicament. At least he is not 80 and wearing a diaper like the last three Presidential terms.
Politics!
PEOPLE!!
https://youtu.be/Jtb10ZwbReY?si=TGlUvmznOVMwvACK&t=469
The band that defined my youth. They performed in Buffalo right after the trampling that occurred in Cincinnati on the same tour which was a high visibility tragedy. Daltrey came on stage and said something like "I know you all know what just happened. We are all shattered. This one's for them all." They proceeded to rock out as they always did. Got to see them when Keith Moon was still drumming and again a number of years later. Your choice of music perfectly captured my opinion. Always great to hear from my friend. Happy New Year. Especially appreciated you advanced to the perfect line in the song!!!
Wow! That's historic! You had to be pretty young??!! Keith Moon was still drumming!! Wow! I recall the tragedy in Cincinnati...
I must ADD this to the list of why I am always happy to engage with JRB!!! The vagaries of human memory and what we can construct in our heads. I was sure I had seen Keith Moon but alas your comment made me question my own statement. Moon died in 1978 and there is NO WAY I was able to see him as their previous last performance in my hometown was in 1975. He was dead and buried during that late 1970s concert. Chalk one up to my friend JRB!!! As for my 'memory' I chalk it up to the best an upright walking ape can do at times :)
I never want to ruin anyone's memories! I had no idea whether Keith Moon was still around then or not. I was just happy for you!
For your zany writing which we all LOVE, he will inspire a story or two :) Glad you are BACK!!!
https://youtu.be/Jtb10ZwbReY?si=TGlUvmznOVMwvACK&t=469
Three weeks off. You are clearly bored. How else to explain mixing coffee crystals into cottage cheese to keep yourself upright. The mixture is zany enough to take off. I do think it is hilarious that the craze of protein mainlining has now merged with hyper-caffeine loading. I would imagine some customers buy two and in their elevated state can't resist eating the second one they bought for later on the way home.
It happened to me first, Mr. Dolan!
You are a trailblazer who took a chance on Popeye's
Anne, this was my first read. I couldn't stop reading. I love your approach, writing and humor. Well done! Now if we get stuck as to what to talk about as discussion partners, protein bars will do the trick!
Hi Dale! So happy you are reading! I will bring you an Unhinged bar to try next Sunday...I have a whole extra carton!
And when I was wondering what was missing in my Substack feed! I hope you enjoyed a well deserved break. Is it too late to say happy new year? I had this question with a friend, discussing what the protein intake is per day and per person. I'm sure that's not what you intended to write about but I got that info now. In terms of caffeinated protein bars? Would it be the same without the scent of coffee and a drink to go with? I'm no fan of protein bars in general.
I know there is an ongoing debate but to my mind, it's cool to say Happy New Year through January 15. Because the year really is still new. So, Happy New Year!
As far as protein guidance, I think the gov just changed its recommendations thanks to Mr.Kennedy and his New Pyramid, but I'm basing it on what Mayo Clinic says: 1.2 grams per kilogram. Which is not enough!!! Well not enough for me.