Boy, I don't usually talk about trying to solve as fast as possible, but if I could type better with my thumbs, I think I could have been at least a minute faster on this. It put up absolutely no resistance. I'm guessing Colum has a good chance of coming in under four.
The theme of PRIVATEPARTS (55A: What unmentionables cover … or what 20-, 27-, and 44-Across all begin with?) is just fine, if we accept the commercialism of HIDDENVALLEY (20A: Big name in ranch dressing). And while we're on the topic, salad dressing is the easiest thing in the world to make yourself, and it takes less than five minutes. I know that at least two of our regular readers already make their own, but for those of you who don't, just save a jelly jar or something similar, clean it, then pour in oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper and shake. You can change it up however you want - different vinegars (sherry, champagne, apple cider, balsamic), add a little lemon or lime juice, a few spices or herbs… the possibilities are endless. And if you want ranch, just add a little mayo or sour cream, some onion and/or garlic powder, and go from there.
Where was I? Oh, right, the CREOLE (17A: Louisiana language) CLAMBAKE (18A: New England cookout)… sounds great! Where do I show up?
EDUCE (24D: Bring out) is a nice word. PICASSO (42D: Painter with a Blue Period) is always welcome. BARHOPping is fun.
Nice Monday.
- Horace
6:51
ReplyDeleteThat is a typical Monday time for me. I starred PRIVATEPARTS since it's the name of one of my favorite movies, but there isn't much else of note other than what Horace alreaady mentioned. I did get off to a slightly slow start with 1A Counterpars of sirs (MADAMS) because I was thinking of ma'ams or dames. I'm off clams, but not bars.
4:05. You could argue that HIDDENVALLEY and SECRETGARDEN are synonyms for PRIVATEPARTS to begin with, which leaves the poor CLASSIFIEDAD left out, unless you want to get really creative. Yes, this puzzle put up no resistance, but for that, there is a fair amount of nice fill, starting with that excellent NW. When that corner is good, the entire puzzle feels happy. Other good longer fill include PICASSO, WEBSITES, CLAMBAKE, and the odd looking DCAREA. Fun Monday indeed! I hope it bodes well for the rest of the week.
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