22 replies to this topic

[fresh_a]

Looks like a great publication...

Anyone know about this:Eat

[bsan]

Sorry. I haven't heard of the name, let alone read it.

[ballast_regime]

It's definitely style over substance. Same content as Wallpaper, etc.

[mcdowell]

Is it for real?

The article on the Breast Muffler is too funny ("killing me softly with those breasts").

[fresh_a]

To Ballast-Regine: You've read it then? Seems to me that they have some interesting subject matter...Is the writing crap? Do tell...

[ballast_regime]

Fresh A: I wasn't particularly impressed, to be honest, but that's just my two cents.

[fresh_a]

So you've read it then? Aside from not being impressed, was the writing good quality ? The London Times said they have some of the best food photography anywhere...

[Fat Guy]

I've never seen the magazine, but I just went through the limited content available on the Web site and didn't find it to be particularly interesting or well-written. Perhaps it's just not a compelling presentation online.

[fresh_a]

That seems to be the case... they look like they have some good ideas, but the website content sucks, especially the city guides...Anyway, I've ordered a couple of issues, I'll keep you all posted...

[alacarte]

That site appears to be different from this "Eat Magazine", which is based out of Canada, apparently.

I have to admit that the "can't eat" section of the website fresh_a mentioned is interesting. It's not often that a food site/publication addresses hunger and homelessness.

[alacarte]

Apparently this is a Japanese publication, also available in the UK. More info on that is here.

[fresh_a]

Strange how the Rave Crouton link is so far superior to Eat Magazine's own website...

[alacarte]

I agree.

I think this Eat Magazine is sort of the Gastronomica model. Food as cerebral, not corporeal.

[fresh_a]

I disagree, Eat looks far more exciting than Gastronomica, which puts me to sleep. Then again, I haven't read a single issue of Eat, yet, though I have ordered a couple copies.

[alacarte]

Please let us know how Eat stacks up. If it's good, I might consider ordering some issues myself.

yeah, Gastronomica can be a tough read. But I did like their piece about Women Who Eat Dirt.

[fresh_a]

Just received my two copies from Tokyo, the "Speed" issue because of the William Gibson interview, and the other cause it's the most recent.

Will keep you all posted...

[fresh_a]

I've gone through most of issues #11 and #14, and, although the magazine seems to have some promise, the level of the writing is not very impressive. They have some nice photos, and try to attack some interesting and off-the-wall subjects, however, and it's probably the only magazine of its kind in Japan, but not up to most Western standards...

[fresh_a]

I've now read three issues, and am very disappointed. As Ballast-Regine said, "It's style over substance", I would counter that it is lack of style, over lack of substance.

The "Exile" issue was the worst, closely followed by the eminently crappy article by a so-called French chef in Tokyo, Philippe Batton, in the latest, issue #14.

I quote it as follows for it's pathetic laugh (or groan) factor:

"I would say that the Auberge de l'Eridan is the best restaurant and hotel in France right now. The chef is just brilliant. He creates food tasting of something you've never tasted before in your life. He does a lot of dishes with fresh herbs. This guy used to be a sheperd, so he knows all the herbs in the countryside. He has some herbs which nobody uses because nobody knows about them. You know in France we have the Michelin guide. They give three stars for the best restaurant. This place should have four stars, because I've been working in three star restaurants-very good, everything perfect - but here you have something plus. It's really amazing".

What's really amazing, though, is that anyone published this drivel!

Edited by fresh_a, 03 September 2003 - 02:34 AM.

[fresh_a]

...or that I gave it this much coverage!

[alacarte]

I think Eat magazine is from Singapore, not Japan as we originally thought. Guess that explains why it's published in English.

[fresh_a]

Not at all. It's from Tokyo, Japan, edited by a group of English-speaking expats, with contributors from all over.

And apparently no editor.

What made you think it was from Singapore?

Edited by fresh_a, 03 September 2003 - 07:47 AM.

[alacarte]

What made you think it was from Singapore?

This page.

It has Singapore listed for the subscription form.

[fresh_a]

Actually, that's the wrong page.

The correct one is : Eat JAPAN!