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Why The Long Line?
November 17th, 2008 | Stephen Bailey
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There's a phenomenon in New York City that has always baffled me. This obsession New Yorkers have with brands and trends. It struck me the other night as I was walking along 32nd street. I noticed a crowd of people blocking a section of the sidewalk. I wondered what all the fuss was, and then I saw. They were waiting to get into Red Mango for some frozen yogurt.
What? Frozen yogurt? Seriously?
Of course it doesn't end there. Coffee, beer, cupcakes. You name it, people will stand out in the heat, the cold, the sun, the rain to get a taste of something that they could get at any of a dozen places. And don't try to tell me that Starbucks is better or Pinkberry or Magnolia or the like are better than all the rest.
I'm not saying they're bad … just not better
New York City is the mecca of gastronomical variety. If you live here you know this. If you visit here you know this. But strangely, all it takes to generate trendy, brand-centric fanaticism is a cross between casting and location scouting.
Sit the cast of Gossip Girl in a Pinkberry or wherever and suddenly everyone wants to spend way too much money on frozen delights. Or have the cast of Sex and the City order cupcakes from Magnolia and you can find yourself standing for up to two hours (yes, I said two hours) for dessert.
See what I mean? The typical line forming outside of Magnolia
Over the years I've developed a pretty strict 'no waiting' rule while out on the town. Sure there are things I'd willingly stand on line for. Concerts, plays, maybe movies. But there are simply too many quality, affordable places to eat and drink in this city to waste time waiting on a fad.
My advice to those who may find themselves standing, aching to fill a craving … walk a couple of blocks and give a shop you've never seen on some TV show a shot. My guess is you'll be pleasantly surprised
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Stephen Bailey | Comments Off
Why The Long Line?
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
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