Page 20 - Forbes - USA (March 2020)
P. 20
Steve Forbes Cont.
candidates who each received, say, 10% vantage in elite running races, thereby RESTAURANTS:
of the vote in the first round. To win a threatening the integrity of the sport. It GO, CONSIDER, STOP
runoff, contenders would have to bar- appears the shoes won’t be banned in Edible enlightenment from our eatery
gain with the field’s losers for support in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics; how- experts and colleagues Richard Nalley,
the final round. The horse-trading and ever, the world governing body for track Monie Begley and Randall Lane, as
outright payoffs this new system would and field is trying to curb further im- well as brothers Bob, Kip and Tim.
18 encourage would make today’s political provements in this technology. z Caviar Russe
bargaining look tame in comparison. Huh? What’s the big deal here? 538 Madison Avenue, between
Then, of course, you would have cru- We’re not talking about drugs. Isn’t 54th & 55th Streets (212-980-5908)
T
N cial, nitty-gritty details to resolve. Who sports equipment supposed to get bet- This small second-floor restaurant is a civi-
E
M would police the 175,000 voting districts ter? The way Vaporflys are constructed lized oasis where you can enjoy a conversation
M to avoid chicanery? Who would ensure reduces a runner’s “energy cost.” Run- on comfortable banquettes surrounded by
O that absentee ballots were not tampered ners love them. Winners of recent lovely murals and hushed and helpful service.
C Such pleasure does not come without cost:
with? All of this could involve a major marathons, at which records were set,
& 50 grams of osetra logs in at $190 but arrives
with crème fraîche, chopped chives and your
T expansion in the central government’s wore versions of the sneaker. Natu-
C power. Each state today has its own rules rally, Nike’s competitors are unhappy choice of tiny warm blinis, slivers of toast
F A and sliced potatoes upon which to spread it
for voting. Some states, for example, that prestige (and amateur) athletes all. While the rich smoked salmon is plenti-
•
encourage early voting; others do not. are flocking to Vaporflys. They would ful, the dry-aged ribeye with celery-root
Under a direct-voting system, these rules be delighted to see Vaporflys banned in puree and small potatoes leaves one hungry
for more. The basket of miniature mad-
would have to be uniform—again, an- competitions—for now. They’re scram- eleines is so good you can skip dessert.
other extension of Washington’s power. bling to create their own versions— z Knickerbocker Bar & Grill
Democrats hate the Electoral Col- free-market competition works! 33 University Place, at 9th Street
lege because in both the 2000 and 2016 Over the years sneakers have made (212-228-8490)
elections they lost the White House quantum leaps in comfort, style and Classic, comfortable neighborhood fixture
even though their candidates received durability. So have sports fabrics and serving hearty American fare. To start, try
more popular votes than their GOP op- other kinds of equipment. Isn’t this what the crab cakes, which are star-worthy, or the
ponents. This ignores the fact that if the progress is supposed to be all about? shrimp cocktail, which is straight out of the
1950s. The chicken pot pie, which could feed
College hadn’t existed during those con- four, is as tasty as it is plentiful. Ditto the
tests, the candidates would have waged barbecue ribs. Bread pudding or a slice of
entirely different kinds of campaigns. Bloomberg Blows It carrot cake—enough to feed an entire bridal
party—will put you over the top. It’s all good
Donald Trump, for instance, would not and all reasonably priced. And you can still
have taken precious time near the end of Mike Bloomberg proclaims he can best converse when the musicians are playing.
the campaign to visit Maine in the hope beat Donald Trump. But he made a z Land of Plenty
of garnering an electoral vote in a con- blunder that will hurt him badly if he 204 East 58th Street (212-308-8788)
gressional district (which he did). is the Democrats’ nominee this Novem- Great spot (a short walk from Blooming-
Our Founders knew exactly what ber: He came out for raising economic- dale’s) for a delectable Chinese meal for
they were doing when they created the growth-killing taxes on a scale that two—with wine—for under $80, including
Electoral College. We ignore their wis- would ostensibly raise almost 50% tip. When the word amazing is in front of
a chicken or shrimp dish, expect your taste
dom at our peril. more revenue than Joe Biden’s suppos- buds to be warmed by a very hot and spicy
edly more moderate schemes. Bloom- sweet sauce. The crispy shredded sesame
berg’s nostrums would crush capi- beef crackles, and there are braised fresh
Don’t Ground tal creation and business investment mushrooms with bok choy for those look-
ing for “healthier” fare. Plenty to like and
These Sneakers and tank the stock market. Econom- plenty to eat in the land thereof.
ic growth would stagnate, and wage z TAK Room
Nike has produced a sneaker called the growth would wither, if not decline. 20 Hudson Yards (929-450-4050)
Vaporfly that is roiling the sports world. By contrast, the president will be This is the anchor restaurant in an over-the-
Its technology, according to critics and unveiling another round of tax cuts to top mall, and it’s clear who will be paying for
competitors, gives users an “unfair” ad- be enacted if he’s reelected. all this “luxe.” Though good, the food lacks
Bloomberg and the rest of the the flourish of chef Thomas Keller’s usual
creations. The menu is fairly classic Conti-
Democratic field have forgotten what nental cuisine, but the prices are colossal (and
Introducing happened the last time their party the service is never attentive). Many plates are
What’s Ahead, standard-bearer so loudly trumpeted offered for “two”—Dover sole for two for $110;
the new podcast hosted raising taxes: In 1984, pro-tax Walter New York strip steak for one or two for $160,
with a variety of sauces at an additional $7 to
by Steve Forbes. Mondale carried only one state and the $12. There are less expensive offerings, but not
Subscribe now on iTunes District of Columbia against the tax-cut- by much; a lone crab cake is $27. Desserts are
or GooglePlay Store. ting incumbent, Ronald Reagan. F quite good—try the coconut or chocolate cake.
F O R B E S . C O M M A R C H 2 0 2 0
