Joey Chestnut, the pride and joy of San Jose, took the top prize at the Nathan's International Hot Dog Eating Contest for the third year in a row. This year, Chestnut set a record—68 hot dogs in ten minutes (think about that)—in defeating rival/former champion Takeru Kobayashi, who "only" downed 64.5 hot dogs. But as the Mothership points out, it really should be noted that the elephants smoked all their asses. [SE]]]>
We'll get to the sweet Bauer action when it goes online, but first, Patricia Unterman became the first mainstream critic to file on Flour + Water. And her rave won't make it any easier to snag a coveted table at the Mission hotspot: "...the pizza crust at flour + water tastes so exciting you can’t believe it’s made of, well, flour and water ... given the choice, I’d rather eat at flour + water than almost anywhere else these days. It’s that good." [SFE]
· Q&A With Heidi Walrath, Bartender at Bobo's [SFE]
· Video: Food Inc Director Robert Kenner on The Daily Show [EMD]
· First Look at Donato Enoteca in Redwood City [KQED]
· The Story of Dominique Crenn; She's an Aries [Chron]
· San Jose's AP Stump's Closing After 12 Years [Merc]
· Summertime Boozing at 15 Romolo in North Beach [SFist]
· SF Chain Restaurant Fee Goes to Vote Tomorrow [SFE]
· Japan Creates World's Biggest Hamburger: 300 Pounds [Japan Probe via Eater NY]
THE CASTRO—Market Street's Home has appointed Jim Wimborough to be its new executive chef, per an announcement this afternoon. Wimborough was last seen as Evvia's executive chef, and before that, he had put in time at Kokkari, Boulevard and Rubicon, among others. [EaterWire]
BERKELEY—Fresh off its 15th anniversary, Rivoli will close temporarily for the second half of July to go under the knife. According to Zagat, the restaurant will undergo a remodel by Martin/Heid (Range, Serpentine) to give it "a ranch-house feel with Japanese influences." And when it returns, there will be cocktails too. [Zagat]
JACKSON SQUARE—The prospect of selling vodka for four cents could get dangerous, but 5A5 Steak Lounge is doing just that, tonight from 10pm to 11pm. [Broke Ass Stuart]
DEPT. OF BAD NEOLOGISMS—Yeah, this will make people embrace the term "mixology," because see, bartenders that deem themselves mixologists have a better excuse to be rude (or something): "I'm not saying its [sic] right, but at least with mixologists at cocktail bars I have a better chance of getting a good drink, effrontery aside. What excuse do you have if you're just some boorish bar-waiter, barren of talent, woefully lacking experience and devoid of compassion, with no inkling of humility in the face of someone turning over his or her hard-won money to you?" Maybe all bartenders should just be, you know, nice. [The Atlantic]
[Photo: Home]
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1) Noe Valley: With the help of ex-Contigo sous chef Pierre Mange, Lupa's Stefano Coppola has reopened the (very) short-lived City Grill as Bistro 24. The space looks better than it did in its last incarnation, though the layout is mostly the same. The menu is being billed as "new American comfort food" with Mediterranean influences, and opening hours are 6pm to midnight, Tuesday through Saturday. 4123 24th Street, between Castro and Diamond; (415) 285-2400; website [EaterWire]
3) SoMa: A Mission Mission reader notices that after being forced out of its longtime Valencia space due to landlord issues, Suriya has resurfaced over on Howard Street. All's well that ends well? 1532 Howard Street, between 11th and 12th; (415) 355-9999 [MM]
4) Ghirardelli Square: We highlighted the story behind the latest restaurant/bar to grace Ghirardelli back on Monday, and right on schedule, The Pub opens to the public today. 851 Beach Street, between Hyde and Larkin; (415) 351-0500; website [EaterWire]
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Civic Center: You've got to hand it to the nutballs at PETA: when they're not harassing small business owners, they can put together a wildly-entertaining waste of time, all while taking it to the man. As SFist teased earlier today, this fun/bloody scene is currently taking place today at the big McDonald's on Van Ness, and a tipster sends in the above shot live from the scene. The good news is that PETA didn't include any terrifying Andy Dick nightmare clowns this time around.
· See Semi-Nude "Chicks" Bathed In Blood On Van Ness at Noon Today [SFist]
Ferry Building: Right this second, the brand new Thursday marketplace at the Ferry Building is very much underway, as indicated by the many balloon installations gracing the sidewalks there. A few farms are represented—see the list—but the main event, without a doubt, is the vendor lineup. Peruse the above gallery for a quick walk-through, and here are some first impressions: Namu is rocking the Korean tacos (among other items), Pizza Politana had a mobile pizza oven and Laiola's Tacolicious stand had the biggest crowds in the earlygoing. Next week, Ryan Farr's 4505 porkfest joins the fray. And if the early crowds are any indication, the market should play nicely as a midweek special for lunchseekers; oddly enough, the only vendor sans a line was Blue Bottle Coffee.
Nary a week after the second Plant Cafe location opened on Pier Three, word comes out that the organic restaurant/cafe will soon be opening a third location. Some further investigation reveals that the latest Plant Cafe outpost will be only a quick-service cafe, located in the Financial District's 101 California building, which has seen several eateries shutter recently. Mixt Greens, say hello to a new green downtown rival. [7x7]]]>
For his Thursday showcase this week, Fireworks Bauer returns to Fog City Diner, the Embarcadero restaurant that once upon a time, was on a cutting edge. Last the Chron checked in earlier this decade, the nouveau diner was hanging onto a pair of stars, but this time around, Mikey Boom Boom decisively slices that number in half with a one-star thrashing. At least the gift shop sounds promising:As I feared when looking at the merchandise, it's become a tourist trap, with all the stereotypes that implies...Probably the best thing about the meal was that we were in and out in 50 minutes...The food at Fog City is certainly nothing to linger over.]]> The hits keep on coming too: the soup should have never been served, the pot roast is reminiscent of precooked Trader Joe's meat, and the meringue in the lemon meringue pie is only described as a "sickly brown" (ew). So it goes. Thus, inspired by a rare 1/2-star rating for food alone, Fog City Diner and its gift shop get demoted to the lowly singleton star status. You do hate to see that, almost as much as the official "Bauer-Certified Tourist Trap" designation. [Chron]
Mandy Erickson gets the second review in the Datebook today, and she bestows a deuce upon Burlingame Ave's Kabul Afghan Cuisine. It's an offshoot of the San Carlos institution and with the food on par with the original, it just might break the revolving door of its cursed space: "Afghan food is a fine addition to Burlingame's offerings, and after 20 years in San Carlos, the restaurant has proved it has staying power." [Chron]
Like Bauer, Paul Reidinger also revisits a classic Kuleto restaurant in Farallon, and—surprise!—the flashy seafood restaurant has aged quite gracefully on Post Street: "[Farallon] has survived its perilous youth to achieve, perhaps, the stability of middle age ... The theme instead is one of discreet sophistication, cleverness that does not call attention to itself." [SFBG]
Matthew Stafford finds his way to Little Skillet. Though there are some misses to be had, most po' boys are winners, and the alley hole-in-the-wall is perfect for those rare San Francisco sunny summer days: "This urban enclave of shade trees, greensward, tables, and benches is the perfect spot for a midday summertime getaway." [SFW]
THE ELSEWHERE: The EBX does hidden Berkeley Chinese food at the Mayflower, the Merc deems Crimson "uncomfortably close to laughable" (that's not good), the MIJ finds quirky wackiness at Coast Cafe in Bolinas, the PressDem has three stars for Petaluma's Gohan, Single Guy takes an early look at Commis, the Bunrabs are at the Marina's Noodle Theory, Bargain Bites stops by Beautifull, Bar Bites does Fifth Floor, and lest we forget, the big review of the week was Bauer's three-star coronation of Michael Mina's RN74.
[Photo: Flickr/sfgamchick]
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Been wondering about the whereabouts of one Ryan Scott? Good, because first of all, the Top Chef alum has signed up for the Twitters (you're welcome). Perhaps more notably though, he's going to be making his return to national television tomorrow. Bright and early Friday morning, Ryan Scott will appear on the Today Show, chopping it up with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. Brace. [EaterWire]]]>
· Is Slate's Takedown of Free-Range Pork Total Hogwash? [GS]
· Disaster Report: Car Crashes Into Oakland Taqueria [Merc]
· Profile of De La Paz's Unique Coffee Operations [Mission Mission]
· Canteen, Bix and Slow Club Embrace Tiny Kitchens [Chron]
· The Worst Restaurant Names in the World [FNH]
· Behind the Scenes at PlumpJack's New Cade Winery [SHS]
· Total Number of CA Wineries Surpasses 2,800 [LAT]
· Pez Sues Burlingame Pez Museum For Laughing During Piano Recital [SE]
SOMA—Roughly 18 months or so after he first took over the restaurant food operations, Laurent Manrique has bowed out of Fifth Floor, per tomorrow's Scoop. Manrique says the move is motivated by economic reasons. Executive chef Jennie Lorenzo will take the restaurant in another direction: New American cuisine with a "casual dining aspect." [Scoop]
THE MISSION—For all those wondering: yes, Valencia Street's Pi Bar will indeed offer (cheese) slices for the tidy sum of $3.14 and the plan is to be open until midnight. [BJ, previously]
SAN FRANCISCO—Even though it's still rough out there for restaurants, don't think for a second that restaurateurs are sitting on their hands: "Businesses that appear to be searching most actively for space in San Francisco include restaurants, markets and drugstores, according to Edward Plant, owner of Edward Plant Co. Inc., which specializes in leasing retail space in San Francisco." [SFE]
[Photo: Jennifer Yin]
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246 Kearny Street, FiDi 
Half of 2009 is now officially in the books, which means it's time for the quarterly review of shuttered San Francisco eateries. By our unofficial count, there were 30 closings in the last three months, but even though April, May and June saw several heavyweights go down (Postrio, Jack Falstaff, Jeanty at Jack's), the good news here is that the number is way down from the 40+ of the notoriously-difficult first quarter. After the hop, witness the carnage. Cue the Elton John as you pour out a little liquor.
Did we miss any? Do tell.
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1) The Mission: On Valencia between 15th and 16th, Anthony Lavia (Matador, Ace Cafe) will be opening another project called Little Sparrow, assuming everything falls into place correctly. The liquor license is for beer and wine only, and the interior looks like it's going to require a full build-out. More info as it comes in. [PLYWOOD]
3) The Fillmore: Just about ready to roll out in the old Powell's space is Gussie's Chicken & Waffles, right around the corner from 1300, but slight delays happen. From owner Michele Wilson: "Ok. So the building inspector is a cool guy but has me making some changes. We will now open July 20. Bummed but making the best of it." [POST-PLYWOOD]
4) Polk Gulch: On Polk, next door to the ill-fated Midpoint/O'Reilly's, new signage is up for Lush Lounge, promising the same cocktails and ambiance as the Post Street original. [PLYWOOD]
5) SoMa: Longtime plywood vet Passion Cafe seems to be coming together. Perhaps most notable is the development of the roof patio, which from the outside, looks like it could be the best place on Sixth Street to watch the crackheads from above. [PLYWOOD]
6) North Beach: Finally, some liquor license activity in the old Cinque Terre space on Vallejo, between Columbus and Stockton. The DBA is Pulcinella, so it looks like it's going to be another Italian place. Anyone know anything? [PLYWOOD]
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· Q&A With Lauren Kiino of Il Cane Rosso [MenuBlog]
· Judy Rodgers, Others Debate Definition of "American" Cuisine [Chicago Trib]
· Sorry Berkeley; Does Oakland Have the New East Bay Gourmet Ghetto? [IB via EOB]
· Local Restaurants Pay Homage to MJ [SFW]
· So Hot These Days: Beer in Cocktails [NYT]
· Heaven's Dog and RN74 Commence Late Night Hours [BauerBlog]
· Ferran Adria Not Opening a Pizza Place After All [Gourmet]
HAYES VALLEY—Via a tipster comes word that Hayes & Kebab has closed and will be moving down the street later this summer to new digs—with a garden!—at 580 Hayes, an address that has hosted a grocery store, art gallery and rug store (not all at once, probably). Meanwhile, the shuttered location has that weird layout which shares a kitchen with the space around the corner that last housed the shuttered Breezy's. [EaterWire]
THE RICHMOND—Next Tuesday, two of the more exciting chefs in the Bay, Aziza's Mourad Lahlou and Commis' James Syhabout, will combine forces for a multi-course (we count 6+) meal at Aziza as part of the Moveable Feast series to benefit CUESA. Tickets/more info can be had here. [EaterWire]
AD WATCH— Gawker discovers the food ads are getting more disgusting by the day: "You thought that Hardees' 'Name Our Holes' campaign was the pinnacle of pornographic fast food advertisement? You are correct. 'The A-hole tastes funny,' declares a guy in this ad, for greasy doughballs." [Gawker via Eater NY]
PIGLAND—Slate runs a provocative piece today, questioning the idyllic images of free-range pigs like those from Niman and Iberico farms. To be sure, more than a few interesting points are made regarding "ringing" and castration, but the article would be even more persuasive if it didn't quote the PETA wackjob who talked about the pigs' "life-long depression." [Slate via 7x7]
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Cow Hollow: Once upon a time (2007), the Union Street location of Yogurt Bar was the first of the new-age, LA-inspired frozen yogurt joints to open in San Francisco. Since then, the city has certainly been subject to a froyo boom, but lately, the yogurt shops have been dying off rather quickly. The SoMa offshoot of Yogurt Bar closed back in December (with dubious promises of a summer return), and over the weekend, the flagship Cow Hollow location called it quits too, sans mention of a comeback in either location. Granted, Pinkberry still has those big Bay Area expansion plans, but as the local imitators continue to go by the wayside, the question is inevitable: has the froyo trend officially topped out?
· The Shutter: Swirl Culture Departs North Beach [~ESF~]
· The Shutter: Yogurt Bar on a Very Long Winter Break [~ESF~]
Russian Hill: Last week, news leaked of the Bar Johnny's lame duck status. There's still no definite name for the upcoming bar/restaurant, but with escrow open, the Tonic guys are ready to swoop in whenever the liquor licenses go through. Of course, that timeline is always a crapshoot, and the way the ABC is backed up these days, likely odds are early fall. In the meantime, many more details have now emerged regarding what the new ownership team has planned for 2209 Polk.
Hey look, new things for coffee drinkers to ignore: "Starbucks is unveiling a raft of new products [today] that represents the largest food launch in the company's history ... Starbucks will have overhauled 90% of its bakery case." Bonus: some photos of the new products, which include giant marshmallow cubes. [AdAge]]]>
Financial District/Belden Place: Lots happening in and around the Kearny corridor this week, so pay attention, FiDi workers. On the bright side of things, Trademark Grill is slated to open in the old Voda space next Monday, courtesy of the Elite Cafe folks. But perhaps the bigger neighborhood news is that Bourbon & Branch spinoff Rickhouse is opening its doors tomorrow, much to the delight of downtown workers in dire need of a watering hole, and also cocktail lushes everywhere. More Rickhouse frenzy will take place later in the week, but on the other side of the equation, a click down Kearny, Bonbon has closed for good after less than a year, with the owners (also of Belden Place's Plouf) deciding to rethink their gourmet patisserie concept.
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Denny's has enlisted D-list musicians to appeal to the prized "Post-Party Young Adults" demographic, but unfortunately not even Good Charlotte can make Moons Over My Hammy edgy: "[Denny's] has added late-night menu items fashioned by well-known musicians including Rascal Flatts and Good Charlotte. On Tuesday, singer Jewel is slated to concoct a new Denny's menu item ... Katy Perry was one of Denny's adoptees before her song 'I Kissed a Girl' garnered her attention. The program itself hasn't been as big of a hit, though." We repeat: Jewel. [WSJ]]]>
· The Weekender Subscription (with free Ritual Roasters) [The New York Times]
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Following in the footsteps of Pacific Catch, Farina and Sushi Bistro, Tartine is the latest San Francisco eatery to be featured prominently in a national television campaign by the Apple iPhone. But unlike the prior trio, Tartine is probably in no need of buzz, even in times like these—as the line down Guerrero can attest—but hey, free national publicity never hurt anyone. And for those doubters of the power of the iPhone buzz machine, consider that in the weeks post-commercial, Pacific Catch had its best month ever.
· AdWatch: Farina, Sushi Bistro Get Free National Publicity [~ESF~]
· iPhone ad boosts Marin restaurant [MIJ]
· French Laundry, Michael Mina Among OT's Top 50 American Cuisine Restaurants [OT]
· Winery/Twitter Contest Down to the Final 50 [7x7]
· Exploring Waterbar's $60 Monday Prix Fixe Menu [SFist]
· Local Dining Options for the Fourth of July [Zagat]
· Alameda Pizzeria Robbed at Gunpoint by Teens [Merc]
· New Words From the "Dictionary of Modern Gastronomy" [The Food Section]
BAY AREA—The day of reckoning has finally arrived for Joseph Schmidt, which is being axed by Hershey, along with Scharffen Berger. From NBC: "San Francisco original Joseph Schmidt Confectioners will permanently close its Castro store tomorrow at 5 pm; the Santana Row store in San Jose will close today at 5pm." Godspeed. [NBC]
BROADWAY STRIP—Just a reminder that Coi is currently closed for renovations until July 9th. [EaterWire]
THE MISSION—Mission Mission stumbled across a weird deal at Blowfish Sushi today, prompting the Appeal to investigate further. Lo and behold, it's not really too much of a deal: select cocktails are 50% for 94110 residents ... only at the bar ... only on Thursdays ... only after 9pm. [MM/SFA]
CALIFORNIA—The turn of the calendar will have big repercussions for chain restaurants, because calorie counting becomes law: "Starting July 1, [123 chains with at least 20 restaurants in California] can either list the calories in their standard items on menus and indoor menu boards or they can offer customers brochures listing the amount of calories, saturated fat, salt and carbohydrates in those items" [IBA]
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1) Marina: After a false alarm, the current incarnation of Jones has finally closed for good. Still en route are the Bin38 foursome, who plan to remodel the corner space and convert it into an upscale sports bar by the autumnal months. [EaterWire]
2) Cow Hollow: The Luisa Hanson gong show at 1785 Union Street continues full steam ahead. Last we checked in on Mama Mia (née La Vinoteca), the place was up for sale, though the pizzeria was still open. That's no longer the case: over the weekend, Mama Mia went dark, with a note on the window promising the following: "Soon Mexican Grill." Stay tuned, won't you? [EaterWire]
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1570 Stockton Street, North Beach
The Mission: Over on Valencia, the long-delayed Grub has sat quietly in the long-vacant space since Isaac Mogannam (of the popular Phat Philly down the road) bowed out of the project back in February. In the last week or so, several reports of fresh action have streamed in to the tipline, so it looks like the modern diner concept that will try to compete with the likes of Boogaloo's hasn't been abandoned after all. As the interior shot above attests, the space is still very raw, so we wouldn't advise any holding of the breath for the molasses-project, but still, action! That's exciting!
· Plywood Report: Grub, 2/13/09 [~ESF~]
· EaterWire: Personnel Changes at Grub [~ESF~]
Mission Local has a nice summary of all the recent restaurant action up and down Mission Street, from the upcoming Gracias Madre to the embattled Medjool to the tough earlygoing of new places: "This year, in the midst of the downturn, [Weird Fish owners] Holt and Hood opened The Corner two doors down on the corner of 18th. It’s been tougher going serving Italian/California fare, but Holt expects to survive." [ML]]]>
Ghirardelli Square: It was about a year ago that the $100 million Ghirardelli revitalization project took flight; 12 months later, work on the Gary Danko brasserie is still quiet while O'Neill's and Marche are both shuttered. News of the two replacements—The Pub and Sogno—came out last month, and this week, the latest chapter finally begins, with The Pub opening on Thursday. The BizTimes brings forth more details on The Pub: in old O'Neill's space, it's going to be barbeque joint from the folks who also own Aces and Bell Tower. There will be about 80 seats in the 3,000 square-foot space and the plan (at least for now) is to serve food until 1:30am.
Chapman said that Garry [sic] Danko's planned 7,000-square-foot brasserie had a construction meeting this week and that work will start soon. The restaurant might be open by Christmas 2009.Meanwhile, the deal for the Marche space is apparently still in lease negotiations with the Pazzia people and another unnamed party.
The Bauerlicious review that everyone's been waiting for dropped yesterday: RN74. The ambitious project by Michael Mina, Rajat Parr and Jason Berthold gets a glowing three stars, with the highest marks awarded to the "stunning" AvroKO interior and of course, the vino: "...people are accepting RN47 for what it is: a great wine-centric restaurant that gives the wine bar concept a white-tablecloth turn ... [Servers] help to create a restaurant with all the amenities but none of the pretension. RN74 is on track and steaming full speed ahead." [Chron]]]>
· The Weekender Subscription (with free Ritual Roasters) [The New York Times]
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The New York Times gives some national ink—and lots of love—to Outerlands, the lovable newcomer on Judah and 45th. Despite describing the Outer Sunset as "gloom" and "natural moodiness" on the "bleak" western edge of the city, the restaurant itself is actually quite charming: "... the D.I.Y. aesthetic contributes to the larger vibe: homey and epicurean ... The result is a casual, cozy nook where your beer glass is a Mason jar and you pay before you eat. And the food is delicious." [NYT, photo]]]>
· Truck Spills 14 Tons of Soybeans in East Bay, Shuts Down Hwy 12 [KTVU]
· The Five Best Food Mascots in the City [SFW]
· Oakland's New Brunch Destination: Bacheesos on Grand Ave [Examiner]
· Why Don't Desserts Sell? [BauerBlog]
· Fancy Doughnut Options in Wine Country [PD]
· One Dead, Two Wounded at Shooting at Nightclub Pink Diamond [Chron]
· Go Figure: Napa's McCafe Turns Out to Be a Hit [NVR]
· Restaurant Owner Publicly Shames Couple Who Walked Out on Bill [WREG via Coldmud]
FINANCIAL DISTRICT—Camper English has all kinds of details—and interior plywood shots!—from Rickhouse, the new superbar from Bourbon & Branch in the old the Ginger's space on Kearny. Head over to Alcademics for the complete picture, but know that Rickhouse won't be resy-only like B&B, everything is wood, and though construction is finishing up soon, it won't be fully open for three weeks or so. Keyword: fully. [Alcademics]
OAKLAND—Earlier today, the debut of James Syhabout's Commis was highlighted, and this afternoon, a tipster sent in tonight's menu, so we've updated our original post to include it. The menu will change/evolve over time, but it should give you an idea of what they're working with. [EaterWire]
NAPA—Despite protests from some creditors, The Trainwreck That Is Copia finally got the go-ahead on its bankruptcy filing, but don't expect any action anytime soon: "The court is expected to rule in August on a plan to repay creditors. It would have to be approved by creditors and the court before it goes into effect." [PD]
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Here they are, this week's Curbed Network advertisers: · 2 Gold Street · ACES · American Apparel · The Apthorp · Beacon Towers · Blackstone Properties · Columbus Square · Concerto · Crunch · CUESA · Devlin McNiff · Edge · Food Trip with Todd English · Forté · The Great American Food & Music Fest · Innis & Gunn · MAGIC · The New York Times · NYC Wine & Food Festival · Patina Restaurant Group · Peter Cooper Village / Stuy Town · Stoli · Terranea Resort · Time Warner Cable · Toren · VeeV · The View at East Coast. Join in on the fun. Details in our online media kit. Or drop us a line.]]>
@GaelGreene: "Remembering wild, sensuous disco nights dancing to Michael...feeling young and unstoppable and irresistible even if it was mostly fantasy"
@anjanmitra: "Was reminiscing how 'Off the Wall' inspired my life-long groove!"
@michaelbauer1: " "
@TylerFlorence: "Hi guys, I've got a schedule conflict for our cooking class tomorrow morning that just came up. I've got to push it back two hours. Cool?"
@ChefJamieLauren: "just met Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Go's at Absinthe. And she's a fan of MINE!!! talk about surreal, I grew up on the Go-Go's!!!
@ilanhall: "Jewban sandwiches were a hit! I sold out over 1,000 portions with 45 minutes left in the grand tasting! @richardblais looks like a lezzie!
@chefyouk: "Let the hiring process begin...nope, nope, nope, definitely no, interesting resume, nope..."
@linecook: "Everytime someone orders their fish 'no pancetta', God kills 5 puppies."
@chefludo: "Cindy is so nice, so great so sweet. I love Mustards Grill. "
@sfinz: "D.J. from 'Full House' is now a winemaker. Jeez."
@ruthreichl: "Just drove the cats upstate. Stella has discovered the chipmunks in the woodpile; Haley has discovered the cardinals in the trees."
· Past Episodes of A Moveable Tweet [~ESF~]
Those restaurateurs who can't sell their businesses despite their best efforts—and you know who you are—might want to consider pulling a wacky stunt like one Oregon restaurant. After unsuccessfully trying to sell Tolly's Restaurant, the debt-laden owner is holding a contest in which entrants just have to pay $500 for a chance to win the restaurant. The owner thinks he can get at least 1,800 entrants to cover his debt, and then one lucky person buys the million-dollar restaurant for only $500. It's a win-win situation, he insists. Of course, there are plenty of other fun ways to throw away $500. [KMTR]]]>