Table Talk · January 29, 2025
This winter’s weather seems to be raising hell all over the country! Folks in Ocala, Florida braved nearly freezing temperatures this past weekend while the Charleston Kennel Club had no choice but to cancel their shows due to weather-related conditions at the fairgrounds. I give all my friends who showed in Brooksville and Ocala credit. We all know that showing dogs outdoors in freezing cold conditions is exhausting.
I don’t know about you, but Westminster snuck up on me. Most of us will be leaving for Manhattan in about 10 days. I am so excited about the show’s return to the city in February. Westminster is always a great opportunity to see friends we only get to see a few times a year, and to watch the best of the best compete for that coveted Westminster Kennel Club Best In Show win. Please remember that competing is an honor itself, so enjoy the moment!
Keep your eyes open for a Table Talk Live! segment today with Donald Sturz, Westminster Kennel Club President. Don will discuss the logistic details including move-in, shuttles and other necessary information to make this year’s show as exhibitor friendly as possible.
Please be aware that there are some scammers out there posting Westminster live streaming options, etc. Do not give your financial information to any of these social media posts. All Westminster-related activity should be conducted from the WKC website at www.westminsterkennelclub.org
And, for those of you who are trying to make lunch or dinner plans, or those who would like to visit a bakery, here are a couple of suggestions from Tanner Congleton, who has been living in New York for several years:
- Red Gate Bakery
- Levain Bakery
- Cello’s Pizzeria
- Pizza Loves Sauce
- Keen’s Steak House
- McSorleys Old Ale House
- JG Melon (late night option)
- Katz’s Delicatessen (one of MY favorites!)
- Gramercy Tavern
- Magnolia Bakery
- 4 Charles Prime Rib
- Mama’s TOO! Pizzeria West Village
- Minetta Tavern (hot spot for celebrities)
- Kahlo
- Scalini Fedeli
- LOVE Korean BBQ
- Cho Dang Gol
- Hortus NYC
- Fish Cheeks
- Death & Co East Village (speakeasy)
- Ippudo Westside
- ROKC
- Maison Pickle
- Cookshop
- L’Artusi
- L’industrie Pizzeria West Village
- Mermaid Oyster Bar Times Square
- Shanghai 21
- Wayla
- Fuku Omakase
- Electric Lemon
- Jacob’s Pickles
- Bangkok Supper Club
Next week, I will share some bar and pub options along with a couple “touristy” recommendations.
This past weekend the Javits Center went to the dogs for a different reason: AKC Meet the Breeds! Once again, many fanciers brought their dogs to the city to introduce the public to their chosen breed. If you have never participated in one of these events, I strongly recommend making the effort. It is good for the sport, and good for our breeds. It allows us to educate the public about the special qualities purebred dogs possess. It is most definitely a labor of love for both human and canine alike, but it’s so worth the effort!
Those of you who are AKC Club Presidents, Secretaries or Delegates have probably received the notification that the AKC event service fees will be increasing by $1.50 on October 1, 2025. It is likely that most of these fees will be passed on to exhibitors. The $3.00 event service fee has been in place since 2008.
I am deeply saddened to report that Jeffrey Pepper passed away last weekend. Jeff fought an illness for many years and was determined to carry on, and he did. He was well-known for his kindness, sense of humor and zest for life. He had quite the adventurous side and enjoyed several African safaris with Kim and Angela Booth and other fanciers. His stories about his adventures were always enjoyable. Jeff was one of the founders of Take the Lead and you could always find him at the TTL booth giving back to the sport he loved so much. Jeff’s kindness and wisdom will be sorely missed by the fancy. Those wishing to donate in his memory can give to Take the Lead or the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
Don’t forget to enter the Motor City Winter Dog Classic (Detroit Kennel Club and Oakland Kennel Club) that closes at noon central time today. Onofrio is the Superintendent.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include John Wade, Elizabeth Hugo Milam, Penny Kretchmer, Dominic Palleschi Carota, Jessica Smith, Randy Benns, Kellye Riani, Julia Kinsey, Sharon Carvalho, Gina Wieser and Liz Hansen. Make it a great day, my friends! Best wishes for a great year ahead.
Here’s some food for thought: Have respect for those who came before you. Stop for a minute and listen and learn from those with experience. One day maybe you, too, will have knowledge to share.
Be safe in your journey, wherever it may take you. I look forward to seeing everyone in New York. Until next time…
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