How many of you figured out you were making GUACAMOLE by entering answers into the grid? I didn't get it until I got to 40A: About two cups cubed, after peeling and pitting (AVOCADO). Now, I know I'm a philistine when it comes to this, but I'm not a fan. I probably could get used to it and even enjoy it at this point. But I have the hardest time with the texture of the main ingredient.
On the other hand, I do enjoy CILANTRO a lot, so "chacun à son goût," as they say.
The circled letters are oddly placed. They are placed in a sort of lopsided circle, and not symmetrically. I think that would have been more aesthetically pleasing if it could have been managed, but I'm not surprised to find it might be a challenge, especially with the nine ingredient answers.
It's a fun and interesting theme, particularly good for a Wednesday puzzle.
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| Donnie and Marie OSMOND |
The longest non-theme answer is seven letters, so there's not much super exciting in the fill. I laughed at the clue at 67A: Marine fish that's also the name of a hairstyle (MULLET). I mean, calling it a hairstyle is generous. I also thought 70A: Brand for a butterfly expert, perhaps (SPEEDO) is very well done.
The C/AP at 18A: Bawdy (RIBALD) has a lovely 18th century feel to it. We should be using these words far more frequently, if you ask me.
Otherwise it's a smooth solve and a curious one, so thumbs up here! 4:45.
- Colum
I'm impressed by the symmetrical placing of the ingredients...CUMIN saved the day on that, I'm thinking. Smooth solve is right!
ReplyDeleteAgree about the symmetrical placing!
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