Smellivision!

Emeril is always talking about Smellivision...and it cracks us up everytime.

Soon, though, you might actually be able to smell your fave cooking shows, instead of just watching them on TV (or actually cooking something, 'natch).

This futuristic looking helmet (pictured) was devised by British scientists to re-create the sights and smells of far flung destinations, but we think it would be better suited to send to you straight to Kitchen Stadium (what does eel ice cream smell like, anyway)? We want to know!

So how would this smell-helmet work?

According to ixplora.com, "a tube connected to a box of chemicals releases smells under the wearer’s nose, while a similar device can spray flavours directly into the mouth and provide a texture sensation."

Texture sensation! It's almost like eating!

Professor Alan Chalmers, of Warwick University, said the headset should be ready within five years.

Let the countdown begin.

For more information: http://www.ixplora.com/the-headset-that-will-make-the-virtual-world-as-convincing-as-real-life/

Mother's Day Bargain Brunch: The Oak Room Food Fest

The Oak Room (at the Plaza Hotel: 212-758-7777)

We think $85 is a solid amount to spend on Mom this Mother's Day. Nay, it's a downright bargain.

Especially if it involves champagne, the swanky Plaza hotel, and unrestricted access to a fantastic raw bar.

But that's not all. Moms should bring a serious appetite to this brunch deal...since the lunch includes a choice of entree, carving station, a trolley serving small bites likes pastrami sliders and smoked salmon with bellini caviar, and a dessert bar---should you still be (suspiciously) hungry.

You don't even need to waste time buying something special for Mom, since all mothers will take away a gift bag filled with certificates and special deals from Plaza retailers.

Want more ideas for Mother's Day that involve our two fave things, shopping, and eating? Check out: http://www.examiner.com/x-2935-Manhattan-Food-Examiner~y2009m4d30-Mothers-Day-at-Macys

City Harvest: Skip Your Lunch Day!

We adore City Harvest--the NYC-based food rescue organization that works to feed the hungry.

And on May 6, you can show your love for the org by simply skipping your lunch.

Ok, so you don't really have to skip it, just donate the cash you would've spent on a slice at: http://www.skiplunch.org/chsk/CompleteRegistration.asp?fkroledescid=5.

Your donations do make a difference, since funds collected go to help feed 350,000 New Yorkers who don't get enough to eat. $10 can feed 7 children for a week!

This is one lunch special New Yorkers can't afford to miss.

Zoma Restaurant: Finger Lickin' Ethiopian Food

Zoma (2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd., 212-662-0620) (Photo by: Melanie Chin)

This Ethiopian resto has more to offer than just finger-lickin' shiro wett (a highly spiced chickpea and lentil blend) --including a full bar, cocktail list, and affordable, by-the-glass wine selection.

Unlike the majority of pan-Afrian restaurants in the neighborhood, Zoma stands out with polished service and an elegant decor...making it a great spot for a date (especially if you like watching people play with their food!)

Best of all, dinner for three cost just $25 each--including alcohol.

On the combination plate we tried (pictured), the tastiest morsels included tibs wett (stewed sirloin), doro alticha (mildly herbed stewed chicken) & gomen be sigo (collard green and sauteed beef).

Retro Cookbooks Make a Comeback

I love all things retro, and all things food related.

That's why I'm strangely attracted to these old fashioned cookbooks!

You don't have to sift through grandma's attic to find them though. I found a place to score them online!

The best park about these cookbooks? Timeless advice to pertinent questions like "What makes a hostess famous?"

http://www.jackscountrystore.com/ offers them for less than $30 a pop...along with other amusing vintage treasures like moustache wax and nostalgic chewing gum.

Want to see more fun vintage food posts? Check out my article on food ads: http://www.examiner.com/x-2935-Manhattan-Food-Examiner~y2009m4d15-Funny-Vintage-Food-Ads

Park Slope Pork Off Competition: This Sunday

Forget about the much-hyped Bacon Takedown. We've got you covered this Sunday, May 3rd, for the Park Slope Pork Off.

Citycitybangbangny will be offering a triple bacon salad at the event...cooked by...yours truly. But that's not all!

$10 buys you a ticket to hog heaven--literally--as over 20 competitors (food writers, home cooks, and local chefs) combine forces for charity (toxic waste victims in the Philippines, 'natch).

That means you'll get over 20 tastings of pork-tastic dishes...at about .50 a pop. What a steal!

Come early though, as we're expecting a great turn out.

Consider this your official invite to pig out!

New Food Network Line Up

It's that time of year again, foodies.

1. Our fave channel, the Food Network (duh!) has finally listed its lineup...and here are some of our favorite new shows:

What Would Bryan Boitano Make?: (Seriously?) Yes, it's true. The Canadian Olympic champ plans to skate into your heart this August with a daytime show about cooking for events (with a new 'challenge' every episode). We can't wait to skip work and see what this character is going to come up with! Added points for the South Park reference. And did we mention we heart figure skating Canadian cooks?

Foods That Changed The World: If Alton Brown's scholarly shtick doesn't drive you up a wall, you'll love this mini-series (set to debut in 2010) about food that...you guessed it...changed the world. We hope there will be a strong emphasis on mead.

Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Chefs Anne Burrell and Beau MacMillan will try to transform six hopeless cooks into kitchen superstars in just 10 days! Think of this as a Queer Eye for the Straight Guy without the hair 'szhuszhing' and inappropriate, tight jeans (we hope).

The Next Iron Chef: This October, Chefs will compete for instant fame--with one lucky contestant joining the ranks of Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, and the MIA Mario Batali (where did he go?). We hope Season Two gives us more superfluous back flips from the Chairman. We love that guy.