I will buy you lunch or supper… (Placemat Contest Details)
It’s time to revise The Flying Banzini placemats. This means adding to the Banzini family history and wisdom.
The current placemat is pictured above. A couple of more detailed pics at the bottom so that you can read the text and understand the sort of thing that I am looking for. You will note there are two parts: (1) Short paragraphs detailing Banzini family history; and (2) Memorable quotes from Banzinis past. I am planning a similar placemat, this time though, written by you – our customers and social media supporters.
Your job is to do tons and tons of research (i.e. completely make something up like I do) and then post your history or wisdom here or email it to me directly: [email protected]. Although I reserve the right to edit in order to give the placemats a common voice, if your paragraph or history make it onto the placemat I will credit you on the placemat, buy you lunch or supper for two, and bequeath your much coveted Banzini name (OK… I am not so sure that these are coveted).
Write on my friends. Write on.
And, pass this blog post along to anyone you think might want to throw their hat in the ring with a paragraph or two. You are more than welcome to make one submission but it will be one free lunch per entrant.
Dave
Hey Dave,
A few bio’s submitted for your perusal. Once I got going….
r.
Hazelhurst, Mississippi
1911
Frank Banzini, town planner. Although remarkably prescient in his vision of the future needs of the travelling public, Frank very nearly thwarted history by attempting to have a roundabout installed at the site of the famous “crossroads” of Robert Johnson fame. Johnson’s musical retort to this plan, “Banzini Blues,” was considered too vitriolic and profane to be recorded.
Mount Carmel, Calif.
1945
Sophie Banzini, inventor. Toiling for years as a full-time home-maker and part-time inventor, Sophie finally achieved success with her prototype for the Bobble-head doll, said to have been inspired by her husband’s freakishly long neck and remarkably acquiescent nature.
Portland, Oregon
1859
Theodore Banzini, politician. One of the less celebrated members of the Banzini family tree, Theodore made an unsuccessful bid to become the first Governor of the state of Oregon. To this day (although, thankfully, only in Oregon) visibly wetting your pants during a public debate is known as “pulling a Banzini.”
Woodstock, New York
1969
Billy “Bong” Banzini, entrepreneur. One of the first Banzinis of the modern era to adopt the culinary arts. “Bong’s” career nearly ended before it began with the infamous announcement from the Woodstock stage that “the cherry cheesecakes are not too good. They won’t kill you, they’re just BAD cheesecakes.”
Paris, France
1780
Jean Baptiste Banzini, neighbour. Living next door to the notorious Marquis de Sade, Jean Baptiste earned his neighbour’s scorn by complaining about everything from late-night whip deliveries to trash can encroachment on his property. De Sade, in turn, exacted his revenge by bestowing Jean Baptist’s name upon an act whose precise nature remains a mystery to this day. It is said, however, that on many a night, the Paris air was filled with the shouts of De Sade’s, uhmm, friends, to “Banzini me!!”
Some brilliant work! Sure to find some of these on the new placemats. Bravo. LOVE Robert Johnson’s roundabout.
Missouri Territory
1880
Frank “Flapjack” Banzini. Sous-chef. Member of the notorious Frank and Jesse James gang. Often overshadowed by their bank robbing exploits is the fact that the James gang were at the forefront of the thriving wild west haute cuisine movement. In fact, but for all the shootin’ an’ killin’, they would likely best be remembered for their creative approach to tapas and imaginative wine pairings. “Flapjack” met his own untimely demise when he was shot in a dispute over garlic-infused aioli.