milk *an advertising agency

Cuts Like a Fork – The Knork

Come on, you knew utensil innovation couldn’t end with the spork, right? Introducing the Knork. By “incorporating critical modifications into the age-old fork design, the Knork enables a user to both cut and spear food using only one utensil.” You might be thinking, “wouldn’t it also slice my tongue?” We thought that too. There’s no mention of it on the Knork site, not even an FAQ, but we’ll assume it’s been asked and answered elsewhere, like in product development. Check it out.

Curb Appeal - Fine Pastry Goes Mobile

Want to open a bakery in NYC but can't afford the rent? Buy a truck! That's what a couple of enterprising bakers did recently, and now they're sharing their goodies with New Yorkers who want something more than the normal morning bagel or bear claw. Google The Treats Truck and The Dessert Truck (different companies, same idea) and you'll find two new go-getters to root for. Enjoy!

What’s Gotten Into Dan Aykroyd’s Head?

“Thousands of years ago, thirteen crystal heads were scattered across the earth – and they are greater and more powerful than anything we have the ability to manufacture today. Their workmanship is perfect: they contain no tool marks and have been cut against the natural axis of the crystal, defying the laws of physics. Some say they are artifacts from the lost civilization of Atlantis, some say they date back to the Mayans, still others say they were created by a higher intelligence. Brought together, the Crystal Heads are said to contain vast knowledge and enlightenment capable of unlocking our most enigmatic ancient mysteries. Alone, each is believed to house radiant psychic energy, which has magical powers and healing properties.” 

Hey, let’s fill them with vodka! Yup, Dan Aykroyd has replicated these all-powerful heads and filled them with quadruple distilled Newfoundland vodka. We have to admit, it’s a really compelling sell job and we sure as hell want one of these premium suckers, but there’s also something odd about it. Look for Chevy Chase’s Virgin Mary Margarita Mix at a store near you! Check it out.

Brew Ha-Ha - Dunkin' T's Starbucks

Back in June we posted about the storm brewing in the coffee category when McDonald's went all-in with McCafé. Well the pot is boiling over. Have you seen this t-shirt from Dunkin' Donuts? It reads, "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks." Not sure who would pay $14 for it, but DD has spunk for doing the kind of direct competitive messaging we've seen recently in this lagging economy. Dominoes taking on Subway's toasted subs comes to mind. In fact, so does a poster ABC ran about ten years ago to promote its prime time shows. It read, "Friends don't let friends watch Friends." We love a good fight.

Maximum Exposure - Pepsi Max and CBS Video Ad

To promote CBS' new fall lineup and Pepsi's diet drink Pepsi Max, the two brands teamed up to take advantage of a new technology from Los Angeles-based Americhip, features a paper-thin interactive video player. It is being unveiled in an insert packaged with a co-branded ad that will appear in Entertainment Weekly's annual fall TV preview issue dated Sept. 18. Cool idea. Let's hope the quality lives up to the hype.

Brand Statement - Ben & Jerry's

We don't know what side of the issue you're on, and we're not here to play politics, but rarely do you see a big brand make such a positive statement on an issue as polarizing as gay marriage. So kudos to Ben & Jerry's for taking a risk few brands would. The company has changed the name of its iconic flavor Chubby Hubby to Hubby Hubby in support of Freedom to Marry. Get the full scoop here.

Madres of Invention – Taco Bell Does it Again!

Cue the music. Let the confetti and balloons fall from the rafters. Taco Bell has just created a new menu item using the same four basic ingredients for the 1,000,000th time! Introducing the new Bacon Cheesy Potato Burrito! We know, we know – Pizza Hut, Burger King and all the rest spit out new menu items using the same building blocks like a lawn sprinkler with Tourettes, but no one in Fast Food Land does it with such frequency and zest. Now if Taco Bell would only recycle the Chihuahua. Yo quiero Chihuahua! Check it out.

A Storm’s a Brewin’

The coffee wars are heating up and ultimately, it’s good for coffee. But who will be the big winner? And will there be any losers? McDonald’s has officially thrown its hat into the ring with McCafé (it’s biggest launch ever), Starbucks is fighting back (with advertising no less), and as we all know by now, America runs on Dunkin’. Some brands like Joffrey’s in Tampa believe that customer attention and product quality will win out over convenience. On its blog Expresso, the company writes, “Face the facts, McDonald’s is not a coffee house and cannot deliver the experience to the customer that so many local coffee houses can and do successfully.” Joffrey’s believes coffee is a culture and focusing on that culture will be a key for independent shops to survive. They may be right. What’s your take? Check it out.

Word of Mouth – The Shrinkwrapper Restaurant Blog

Posted by Cynthia & Jeff who like small, unique places with inventive food and atmosphere, The Shrinkwrapper has become our go-to source for vittles everywhere from SoNo to the East Village. The duo knows what they like, and present it in a palatably honest voice; as you’d hope two friends would. They pull no punches and they don’t get paid for this. Like so many in the digital age, they’ve paired something they love with the ability to blog and it’s done well. Which is rare. For this medium. The Joe Sequenzia pick of the month. Check it out.

The Real Miracle Spread – J&D’s Baconnaise

Stuff a stocking and clog an artery with the yummy goodness that is Baconnaise. That’s right; Justin and Dave think everything should taste like bacon so they’ve added their bacon-flavored mayonnaise to a product line that already includes bacon-flavored salt. You hear that cauliflower! Prepare for a bacon bath! Check it out.