News to Chew

New blog post: Now, That’s Really Stupid: Pizza Making Vending Machine Invented By…Italians. http://newstochew.com/?p=187

So, it seems fitting to start a category “Now, That’s Really Stupid” with this inaugural entry: A vending machine that bakes fresh pizza has made its debut in, yes, Italy. But it’s not just a machine that heats up a pre-made or frozen pizza. We already have  one of those in our homes: it’s called the oven.

The bright-red “Let’s Pizza” machine uses infra-red rays and technology developed at the University of Bologna to knead flour and water into dough, spread it with tomato sauce and a choice of topping, and cook it — all in less than three minutes.

According to a Reuters report, Let’s Pizza’s developer, Claudio Torghele, says the machine has proved popular in trials in two Italian regions, but gourmets say it is an affront to traditional methods of cooking the classic dish.

“This is not just a vending machine, it’s a mini-pizzeria,” said Torghele, 56. “It has windows where you can watch the pizza-making process. Kids, including my own, love it: when the machine is working, there’s always a crowd.”

The Italian pizza was invented in the 18th century in the southern city of Naples. So, you have to admire the Italians’ laissez attitude for taking 300 years to find a way to cheapen their beloved dish. I’m just surprised some American hadn’t invented it sooner – it is so much more our speed. For godsakes, we eat microwaveable frozen pizza.

So, what’s next? The burrito-making vending machine? Or one that makes fresh sushi? Oh, don’t put it past ourselves. But the question is, does the Let’s Pizza robot technology slice the pie into pieces? Makes the $32,00 machine almost worth the $4 (Euros) it’ll cost you.

Just some news to chew on.

I’m in Jack in the Box this morning and ordered breakfast off their self-serve touch screen. Awesome! When will they add it to drive-thru?

New blog post: I’m in Jack in the Box this mo… http://newstochew.com/?p=185

I’m in Jack in the Box this morning and ordered breakfast off their self-serve touch screen. Awesome! When will they add it to drive-thru?

Primal Pleasure Pt. 3: Third night of Austin barbecue and the winner is…Lambert’s. Absolutely amazing brisket, ribs and sides. No contest!

New blog post: Primal Pleasure Pt. 3: Third n… http://newstochew.com/?p=182

Primal Pleasure Pt. 3: Third night of Austin barbecue and the winner is…Lambert’s. Absolutely amazing brisket, ribs and sides. No contest!

Primal Pleasure Pt. 2: More Austin barbecue and Stubbs is even better than Ironworks – more kick and flavor. All subjective, of course.

New blog post: Primal Pleasure Pt. 2: More Au… http://newstochew.com/?p=179