For over 40 years Robert W. "Johnnie" "3 Lunch" Apple Jr. was a fixture on the staff of the New York Times. The nickname 3 lunch came from his propensity to schedule multiple lunch dates when he was hot on a story. Political reporter, foreign affairs analyst, culture, travel and food writer. Johnnie has a true gift with a pen. Admittedly I had temporarily forgotten Johnnie, until a 3 part coincidence landed in my lap.
First and most importantly I located my copy Apple's America, his 2005 memoir and distinguished travel guide to the 40 best cities in North America. Should you hit the road with any frequency this guide is indispensable, although it is becoming a little long in the tooth, it will tell yoiu where to go, what to do, and where to stay.
Second, I was clearing out old magazines and came across Calvin Trillin's New Yorker profile of Mr. Apple. If you are a fan of Trillin, you may enjoy this send up. The profile also led me to Harvie and Hudson and the gingham shirt fiasco.
Finally, I looked up his Times obit which directed me to the last story printed under Mr. Apples by line, The Global Gourmet an exposition of Johnnie's list of the top ten restaurants in the world.
Skinny food writers always scare me. 3 lunch was, anything but, he was one of the best. He died in 2006.
Toad
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