The Smudge Report--Hold until 1 April 2007
We have learned that Marvin Shankin of the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate will be trading places for at least 12 months. Only these gentleman will have their office staffs support them in their new duties but both publication's writers will remain at their positions.
Early indications are that the Parkers will be renting Shankin's bungalow in the Hamptons and Shankin will commute from New York to Parkton when necessary.
The switch insiders say was a result of an attack of ennui for both men. Parker inherits the rosters of celebrities and restaurants being covered by The Spectator in the next year and he will continue to use the WA scoring system.
Shankin has already contacted DC and Maryland VIPs to be guest reviewers. Shankin intends to entertain at Cafe Milano in DC and Smith & Wolinsky's. He has taken a crash course at the NY best seafood restaurants so that he can appreciate crab cakes and coddies.
Parker gets Shankin's table at Elaines, Rao's and Le Circe.
When contacted Michael Broadbent commented, "Jolly good--maybe they'll trade place next with Clive or Jancis."
Jancis Robinson speculated that she heard one of the wine moguls wanted a sex change, but decided there was too much downside from this drastic change. Sir Elton hearing the rumours was quoted as saying "Pity".
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