Secret Chow Sign?

[BobB]

I was just in a discussion on my local board about a wonderful bakery in my neighborhood, and it struck me that so many of us were writing about being in there on a daily basis that we've probably seen each other there and not known it.

So I was wondering if maybe we could come up with a secret chow sign we could use to identify each other. Any ideas? Something a bit more discreet than having "CH" tattooed on our foreheads would be nice.

I'm not sure I'm entirely serious about this but thought I'd throw the concept out for discussion.

[moh]

Here's my secret Chow sign:

Grinning like an idiot from ear to ear, I carefully read every section of the menu, even the ones not in English. I order way too many dishes for the number of people at the table, and then order another just in case. I cackle with glee when the food arrives, and jump up and down, barking and clapping and spinning. Then I eat and eat and eat, and don't let the servers remove a dish until it is spotless. I nod and bob my head happily at anyone watching me stuff my face, and thank the staff effusively all night. After dinner, as we leave the resto, I suggest to my fellow diners that we go try the broasted chicken at the hole in the wall down the road. And mean it. Another bark at the moon, then off to sweet dreams about Uglesich's soft shell crab po-boy, alas no more. Wake up hungry at 3:00 am.

[c oliver]

Oh.....wow..... yes. Absolutely.

[Passadumkeg]

An artificial clearing of throat and cough; Gjim Leff(cough). A big sneeze: Chowhouuund.

[Sam Fujisaka]

People would just take me for an old Nihonjin getting ready to speak.

[cuccubear]

I like the idea of self created “CHOW” gear, not advertising per se for the website, but as a “secret handshake” for other hounds. I’ve been thinking about this for awhile myself. I was thinking a silhouette of a person munching on a chicken leg + the silhouette of a dog, sort of a Rebus puzzle on a t-shirt.

Not many around here will figure it out, so I’ll just have to schlep all the way to the big city... dang, all that variety...what a dream come true! hehe

[kattyeyes]

I like the "new you"--the gummies didn't seem like you as much as a real bear. ;)

I will now begin looking for personal "signs of chow" on my fellow consumers.

[alkapal]

cuccu-country bear jamboree? http://www.disneylies.com/disney_worl...

i'm for scargod's "chow baby!" tags.

[limster]

It's just a lot easier to organise chowdowns. And chowdowns one major advantage: you get to taste more dishes/items.

[Sam Fujisaka]

Big yellow happy face pins. Who else would be nutso enough to wear these?

[c oliver]

Or how about :) ---- one of your personal faves!

[Sam Fujisaka]

The sideways grinning moron icon!!!!

[insert sideways grinning moron icon here to indicate good intent]

[c oliver]

I saw an especially stupid one on AOL the other day --- ,) for cyclops. Now that's something *I* use a lot, don't you???

[Sam Fujisaka]

<[0 j 0]>

[c oliver]

A bi-cyclops! Now that has some relevance.

[alkapal]

or elephant man, with some ear modification

[rochfood]

Chowhound gang signs ? Hmm... a bit dorky to me.

"Marco ? Polo ?"

How about hobo signs etched on the storefront out side ?

[Monch]

Or maybe turn the "Marco/Polo" thing on its side.....

"Pollo?".........."Adobo!"

[lucygoosey]

Love the hobo symbol. We have designed 2 hobo symbols for our house based on variations of traditionals. For chowhound a variation of the kind hearted lady as cat could be redone as a kind hearted hound.

[kattyeyes]

I had to look this up when I read "kind hearted lady as cat"...I was not familiar with hobo symbols. These are very interesting:
http://infoczarina.blogspot.com/2008/...

Now I'm just curious--where have you posted the symbols for your house?

[lucygoosey]

We have them in chalk on our retaining wall.
The 2 we have designed are a sort of table w/ a heart on top=meals prepared w/ love here and Minside a starburst= it is time for Milo(one of our dogs to take control of the US government. I'm somewhat embarassed to say I have have also made this one on T shirts.

[soupkitten]

actually there is a great hobo sign that would work as a t-shirt or pin for chowhounds-- capital i, letter 8

I8

[lucygoosey]

Looks like 18, and I'm clearly not but I like it. As a hobo symbol I guess I would add the little stems at top and bottom of the stick. Is this already a hobo symbol or did you make it?

[soupkitten]

sorry-- it does look like "eighteen" on the font here-- you need to do the little stems/be very roman numeral about the "i" on the actual sign you'd use-- "i ate."

it's a real hobo sign for a place to get food.

[kattyeyes]

Love it!

[Gio]

I remember someone mentioning that we could use the old shadow silhouette of a doggie head... thumb touching middle & fourth fingers of right hand ..index and pinkie raised like ears. I'm not saying I'd feel foolish doing this or anything....

[cimui]

Haha. I like it. But I always thought this was the sign for little bunny foo foo (inflictor of head bops upon field mice).

[kattyeyes]

No, silly rabbit, little bunny foo foo looks like the peace sign. ;)

[cimui]

All these years I've been teaching all these little kids the secret Chowhound sign and didn't even know it!

[JoanN]

I think that's brilliant, Gio. It could be flashed discreetly, and anyone not in the know would think you were just having a temporary hand cramp. I'm all for it. Count me in.

[kattyeyes]

Gio, right church, wrong pew, perhaps. And I say this with respect as I consider you a friend from these boards. But unfortunately, the doggie head looks too much like Beavis and Butthead at a metal concert:
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Ar...

Couldn't we have a Chowhound question--something that would identify us to each other, but we could walk away from with ease if we didn't make a chow connection? Like, I'm just throwing this out there..."Are you a friend of Jim's?" And if the person says, "Jim who?" you'll know they're not one of us. We could easily say, "Oh, sorry. You look like my friend's brother." or something that wouldn't be obnoxious. But if the person IS a Chowhound, that can kind of be the secret question. There's probably a better secret question, but to get the ball rolling, here we go.

Edit: ROCK ON, GIO, just the same! ;)

[Glencora]

Sorry, but "friend of Jim's" is creepy. I like the idea of a little pin. That way, if you see it, you can speak to the person or not, as you please -- instead of walking up to random people and speaking to them in code or flashing them odd hand-signals -- which is amusing to think about, but probably not a good idea.

[kattyeyes]

I am totally on board with the little pin. Where can we get one? :) What should it look like? Is it a scarlet C (scarlet letter!!!) as appears in the URL line? Too bad there is no actual "hound" in Chowhound anymore. A tiny dog would be cool.

I agree it's more amusing than practical to engage in some of the suggestions (code words/hand signals) we've discussed.

[Glencora]

A scarlet C could work. Good idea.

[rworange]

>>> Too bad there is no actual "hound" in Chowhound anymore.

A Chow is a type of hound. So a chow pin. Or how about a dog tag with "Jeff" on it? Then the question "Are you a friend of Jim's?" when spotting it.

And it keep it about food, it coudl be a utility dog tag with a bottle opener and knife
http://www.8gb.co.uk/dog-tag-bottle-opener.php
http://www.prezziesplus.co.uk/gadgets...

[kattyeyes]

By no actual "hound" in Chowhound anymore, I meant the cartoon dog I've seen with Melanie Wong's screen name (Jim Leff's, too, I think). I love Chows, though--this is a FAB idea! How 'bout a Chow with the scarlet letter C as his dogtag? That'd be a pin I'd be happy to wear (either on my jacket or handbag). rworange, Ruth, alka...I have a feeling we may be on the same page here. What does everyone think?

I can see how a bottle opener would be fitting, but it seems like one more thing that would potentially get confiscated at the airport, so maybe a pin of some sort is the happy solution. How cute is Cooper the Chow here:
http://www.dailypuppy.com/puppies/coo...

What do you think? Could Cooper the Chow with a C be our secret Chow sign? :)

[small h]

Why not just dye your tongue blue? It's Chow-like. It's connected to eating. If you spot someone you think is a fellow chowhound, just stick your tongue out.

[kattyeyes]

While that is true, I'd still like a Cooper the Chow with a C pin, please. But, by all means, you have fun sticking your tongue out at strangers, don't let me stop you! ;)

[small h]

Well, I'm against barking (ask alkapal!), and I wouldn't bite someone I didn't know. So this is maybe all I have left?

[kattyeyes]

No, no--you want a pin. I can sense this about you, small h. It eliminates barking AND biting (and sticking out tongues). Very civilized. :) A feel-good item if ever there was one.

[small h]

Alright, alright, I'll wear the pin. I'm nothing if not civilized. Mostly.

[Scargod]

I believe you meant "Leff", not Jeff.
The dog tag tool is a very cool idea, but might not appeal to everyone. I don't particularly like jewelry against my skin.
I think Chow is really missing the boat by not selling things like this that are personalized for Chowhounds!
I like the idea of a pin that has some reference to Chow. Like this:

[kattyeyes]

<<I think Chow is really missing the boat by not selling things like this that are personalized for Chowhounds!>>

Agree wholeheartedly. Wonder if "they" are listening?

But the C with a tongue? Be a sport and make a nice Chow tag with Cooper, please. I'd rather see a Chow dog tongue than a C with a tongue hanging off of it. ;)

[Scargod]

Ya mean they might think something else? I did not have it vetted by my legal department for SC and SI. How's this?
Edit: I see this is gaining momentum (?). I'm trying to play like I'm retired. (CHOW call me!)

[c oliver]

That truly made me chuckle! And I think you're right that Chow could do this so easily. Think they read these boards???

[JoanN]

It's CHers who came up with the idea and CHers who are promoting it. I say let some enterprising CHer rather than some corporate entity make the profit. Or, any profit could be donated to a charity such as Meals on Wheels. And I'm sure there's more than sufficient expertise on the boards to pull it off. Clearly, Scargod has the talent and wherewithall to create the design. Who's in a position to help with the manufacturing? Distribution?

[c oliver]

Great idea, JN.

[kattyeyes]

You're right, of course, Joan. If I had to guess Chow's POV on this, they wouldn't want us to identify ourselves publicly to a restaurant, so they probably hate this idea. But I don't want a pin so a restaurant knows who I am. I would like one so "my imaginary friends" can identify me and show me maybe they're not imaginary.

I used to make pins for fun when I was doing crafty stuff. I was half thinking if someone could make the Chow dog with a C, I'd just print it out on nice stock and laminate it as my own Chow pin. Maybe later today I'll see just how skilled I am and see if I can create something.

[c oliver]

I just love Scargod's design. Representative of the CH attitude :)

[Gio]

While I think Scargod has oodles of talent in so many areas, I just don't care for the tongue hangin' out. But that's just me. Of course I have yet to envision a design of my own, but It could happen any minute now.

[Glencora]

I like the idea of people making their own pins, instead of having them factory-made and for sale. They'd all be a little bit different, individual, but recognizable to other hounds. Seems sort of subversive that way.

[kattyeyes]

Thank you. I will be working on my own pin. Be on the lookout, fellow 'hounds, wherever you are.
>>^..^<<

[rworange]

>>> I believe you meant "Leff", not Jeff.

Nope ... Jeff. People always used to run the two names together ... though maybe 'Not Jeff'" would be better. You could always put the dog tag on a key chain or attach tothe strap of a purse. How about a tattoo?

[Scargod]

All get the official tattoo in discreet places or perhaps like this??

[c oliver]

This is still my fave. Can you bring me one to O'Rourkes? I also like the idea of everyone doing their own. But I'm not clever OR talented and you are.

[Gio]

<"the doggie head looks too much like Beavis and Butthead at a metal concert:">
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Ar...

ROFL.... That's so funny KE.....I had no idea. But the sign was not my original idea. Just something I read on a board a few years ago. Also I think the fingers were supposed to move up & down as if chewing. Only a Chowhound would think of something so complicated. LOL

And thanks very much....
I AM a friend of these boards, I Love This Bar!

[Servorg]

Jim had this all figured out a long time ago: http://www.radioopensource.org/wp-con... and doggone it if he isn't easy to spot as a chowhound!

[MMRuth]

Maybe we could all just introduce ourselves as "A friend of Jim's".

[Servorg]

T-Shirts it is then ( with a discretely silk screened "Don't be Leff Out" across the back in magenta).

[c oliver]

A few months ago I was part of a thread about eating honeycomb. We discussed beanies with black and yellow propellers (I know that honeybees aren't those colors but still....) Certainly not discreet.

[alkapal]

c -- did you ever order the propeller beanie? ;-).

[c oliver]

Nah, but a fun mental picture.

[Ruth Lafler]

Before we formally met, I once sat across from rworange through an entire tea seminar. I wondered if it was her, but didn't have to nerve to ask. IIRC, she was thinking the same.

In the olden days, there was a chowhound store where you could buy stuff with the old chowhound logo on it. Maybe a discreet pin that could be worn on a lapel or afixed to a hand bag or tote bag would be a good idea.

[kattyeyes]

How very 80s--we could pin them on our jean jackets! ;) No, seriously, I would be glad to put a Chow pin on my handbag. That would be fun. It would definitely have to be small enough so non 'hounds wouldn't be apt to notice it, but we could seek out this "badge of honor" (more like Girl Scout merit badge) amongst our own kind. ;)

[alkapal]

when i started a thread like this two years ago, and also suggesting a pin, the moderators deleted it!

ha, now they may want more outside "promotion", do ya think?

[cimui]

how about a rapid succession of three right eyebrow raises followed by four left eyebrow raises, followed by a bark. it will be completely unintelligible to non-insiders.

[c oliver]

I don't know how to raise my left eyebrow.

[cimui]

i don't either, i found, when i tried to do this myself. fingers came in handy!

[c oliver]

That's sure to draw some looks :)

[BobB]

I don't know, that one sounds a little too Trekkie - besides, I don't want people to start calling the men in the white coats when they see me! (unless those are chef's jackets, of course...)

[cimui]

=P

[Scargod]

I think I might risk being slapped or punched, based on gender...
How about the dog hand shape as you would do for a shadow puppet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahuCdu...

[alkapal]

wait just a second! how come all of you "dog proponents" jumped all over me when i "barked" (ha!) at the sampling station! (LOL!)
~~~~~~
now ya see, that is just how handy the "gentle "woof, woof" can come in -- recognizing fellow hounds.

=^

[Scargod]

I was not one that disparaged you for the barking at the greedy, grub grabber. I sometimes growl (not too loudly), at people as a sign of displeasure.
I still don't think woofing at females is a good Chowhound signal... unless, you're willing to risk the consequences. A coworker once said about a straightforward proposition: You could get slapped or you could get laid.
Barking at someone might get you bitten! ;')
And remember, “Practice safe eating - always use condiments.”

[alkapal]

scargod, i do beg your pardon, you were *not* one of those who jumped on me. (and i appreciated your support). whew! they locked that thread down tight. {[^D..

yeah, i agree, woofing, howling, doin' the dog, and the like -- PROBABLY not the safest course of action. 'specially if she's got a conceal-carry, and her nick-name is "glock-pal".

[cimui]

perfect! though my mutant pinky needs some help getting into position. :)

(i'm sort of afraid to ask, but why the gender-based acts of violence?!)

[Scargod]

"a rapid succession of three right eyebrow raises followed by four left eyebrow raises, followed by a bark."
I think this could be interpreted in any number of ways! I am a male and I'm not sure how some males would interpret it. Yes, women might just think me weird.

[cimui]

it's a remarkably effective pick up strategy... just try it... you can trust me! =P

[small h]

Some ideas:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/596196

[cimui]

small h, we nyc / east coast chowhounds need to organize a chowdown!

[small h]

I would love that. I'd be very interested in a group thing at a Cantonese seafood place. I don't eat meat or poultry, so I've been reluctant to reach out lest I be shunned for my non-omnivorousness. The Manhattan board can be awfully fleischig-y.

[cimui]

oh gosh... =( small h, i really think that most people respect decisions like yours. there may be a few obstreperous voices on these boards, but i think they're often just louder, not indicative of most chowhounds' opinions. i think a seafood place (or any other place with vegetarian / pescetarian friendly options) would be *wonderful* for a chowdown.

the big problem i see would be finding a space in the city big enough to fit us all!

[c oliver]

We're going to be in from the Left Coast for a month, off and on, beginning June 15. If you organize something during that time we'd LOVE to be included. Any kind of food is great for us.