Buying the New Yorker 1986 - page 68

One of the things that I've started to consider while doing this is the way that the time of year the issue comes out has an effect on the advertising. Because, these are all mid-January issues, we see quite a number of travel ads, both for spontaneous getaways to escape the winter and huge trips in the summertime that require a few months of planning. Because the holidays have just ended, we see few ads for drinks. Valentine's Day is on the horizon, so there's a few ads for jewelry. But here's something that I hadn't thought of yet: the New Yorker readership have to start planning to get their seeds in. Harris Seeds can give you such delights as the "Ghostbuster Eggplant" (it's sheet white!), the "Purple Haze Carrot" (it's appropriately psychedelic!) and something called the "Tidal Wave Petunia."

So, as I was saying: here's a vacation to St Croix. The Buccaneer's website says that it was "Founded in the 17th century and family-run for generations." It also says that 2007 will be its 60th Anniversary. A glance at the history page gives us the answer: It's only been a hotel for the last 60 years. Before that it was an estate, a sugar factory, a cotton plantation and a cattle ranch. Check out this page of vintage photos. If that's the best in their archive, then I feel really sorry for them.

It's called the Ambassador Grill because it's next door to the United Nations. Not because they serve grilled ambassadors. And look, it's in the agelessly named Millennium UN Plaza Hotel New York! Here's the description of their Champagne Brunch:

Start off with a complimentary Bottomless Glass of Champagne, enjoy our signature Ambassador Grill Lobster, Shrimp and Crab Cocktail, then wander through our lavish buffet, resplendent delectables, such as Eggs Benedict with Black Truffle Hollandaise, Beef Stroganoff with homemade Spaetzle, Austrian Cider Braised Chicken and Hibachi Salmon with Sake-soy Baby Bok Choi. These delicacies will be nestled between our Chefs hard at work carving Roast Prime Rib au Jus with Horseradish Cream, filling steamed Chinese Buns with Peking Duck and preparing Omelets and Mini Waffles to order and an array of desserts including a full selection of Pastries, Cakes, Cookies surrounding our renowned Bananas Foster and a Make Your Own Sundae Bar.

That should hit the spot after a long week across the street arguing about Darfur.