This is the Last Birthday Present You'll Ever Need to Get Me

For your mind's enlightenment and your stomach's greatest yearning, I present... The ChefStack Automatic Pancake Machine. Yes, you heard me correctly. This bad boy churns out delicious, 97% fat-free, all-natural, 4-inch diameter pancakes (only 82.5 calories per) at a rate of 200 flapjacks per hour. In the company's own words, "[It] is a revolution in the making." I couldn't agree more.

No, this is not cold fusion, nor is it the hovercar you've always wanted. But it's pretty damn close. Sure, you might have to pony up $3,500 for this commercial godsend, but... Pancakes! Automatic! Fast! Tasty!

I don't care what anyone says. This is, quite possibly, the greatest invention of the modern era. Or ever. Finally, my noms will be cured.

Definitely Not Zagat: Becco

Well, today, I try my hand at restaurant reviews. No, this isn't exactly Zagat quality, but hey, worth a try. Y'see, before the Coldplay concert, my family decided to splurge on a nice dinner, which brought us to a nice homestyle Italian place in the Hell's Kitchen district of Manhatten called Becco.

Word of warning: This is probably the most upscale dining place I've ever been to. We're talking an $18 minimum per person, most entrees in the $20-$30 range. So don't go for it unless you're willing to splurge on good food.

The word Becco is derived from the Italian word beccare which means to peck, nibble, or savor. I don't know about the first two, but I did quite a bit of savoring. The restaurant is best known for its savory, home-inspired cuisine of its owner, Lidia Bastianich. It's signature dish (which I ordered) is called Sinfonia Di Pasta, and features a trio of pastas with unlimited portions, along with an appetizer. The pastas are handmade fresh each day, and there is a different pasta for each night. Great quality.

I found myself with an Antipasto Misto, a seafood appetizer beautifully presented with fresh vegetables and seafood. For the first time, I tried monkfish and... octopus, the latter of which is surprisingly chewy and, well, fishy.

The main course featured spaghetti with tomato basil sauce, a penne bolognese, and a Swiss chard ravioli. All were absolutely fantastic, and had a unique bite to it that, I'm told, was a result of its handmade nature. I finished them all, with seconds.

In conclusion, if you're looking for authentic homestyle Italian cuisine with a nice modern decor, Becco is definitely a great choice. I award this one a mutant three thumbs up.

Becco • 355 West 46th Street • New York, NY 10036 - Telephone: 212.397.7597