New York Times sends mixed messages in egg commentary

With egg prices still grabbing headlines, the New York Times this month published an article about people who hate eggs – the taste, smell, appearance, texture, everything. It described Alfred Hitchcock, for example, as a famous “ovaphobe” (someone who fears eggs) and quoted a chef who has avoided cooking with eggs for three decades.

With all that in mind, I think the graphic accompanying the Times’ article (below) missed the mark. Unlike the individuals mentioned throughout the piece, this does not look like a man who hates eggs. He is at least egg-curious.

Why else would there be a plate of eggs in front of him? Either he ordered them and is now having second thoughts or they were delivered by mistake, and he did not correct the server. Neither scenario makes much sense. If this guy hates anything, it might be bacon and toast, which he clearly did not request but which would make those plain, yolky eggs easier to stomach.

Separately, what diner delivers the entrée without refilling the water glass and coffee cup? No diner I’d revisit, I can tell you that much.