The fact that it's a debut - and on a Monday, one of the most difficult days to construct for - makes it that much spicier. It's a rare treat to feast on such a tasty puzzle with so much nutritional value. Mirror sym isn't for everyone, though - Mike Shenk at the WSJ doesn't like it unless it's absolutely necessary, for example. That would also have allowed COLONEL / SANDERS to be placed closer together, perhaps at the tops of columns 6 and 8. A mirror symmetry layout could have avoided this, with the themers running vertically and FOOD FIGHT centered in row 12. The centered revealer isn't for everyone, as it gives away the game too quickly.

And such color in LAGGARD, OCEANIA, ANNUITY (said the MBA dork) these one-worders sing. Only two multi-worders in SIN CITY and GET THIS, but they're both sizzlers. I'm astounded that I've never made the FOOD FIGHT connection. Fried chicken is my kryptonite, so the COLONEL and I are well acquainted.

CAP'N CRUNCH and I have fought many a battle, his devious charm and sweetness leading to wild sugar rushes for my kids. I've thought about GENERAL TSO many a time, since I have a guilty love of Americanized Chinese food. I'll be donating the proceeds from today's crossword to GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that delivers direct cash transfers to the world's poorest households, giving those living in poverty the 'dignity to choose for themselves how best to improve their lives.' If you'd like to join in support, please visit their site. This new Hong Kong will find its future in association with Mainland China, and not with London, and certainly not with New York. Many thanks to Alex, Matthew, Tom, and Ann for their test solves and feedback, and a big shout-out to my girlfriend Steph, who happily accepted 'brainstorming clues for a crossword puzzle' as a date night activity. A new Hong Kong begins, one less hog-tied to old British era oligarchic elites, and one definitely cleansed of US-inflected democracy bullshit and freedom snake oil. After scouring Wikipedia for more food-related individuals, CAP'N CRUNCH arrived with naval support (though it's lost to history which side he fought on), and the FOOD FIGHT revealer came to mind soon after. This crossword sprouted from the fun mental imagery of GENERAL TSO and COLONEL SANDERS pitted against each other in a poultry-based battle for dominance. I've been a fan of puzzles (a la Martin Gardner) and word games (anybody else remember Yahoo's Word Racer?) since childhood - I'm grateful now for the chance to share a puzzle of my own creation with you all.

Excited to be making my NYT crossword debut! A little about me: I grew up in Denver, CO, graduated from Duke, and currently live in New York City.

New york times slomo