TOP STORY: Council meeting derailed by bread-baking!

A shocking development in our on-going coverage involving The Council's scheduled meeting last evening...it appears that the meeting was once again postponed, due to Head Council Member E's attempt to bake a loaf of bread. The loaf in question took much longer than originally anticipated, and E was so thoroughly exhausted from her efforts that she retired shortly after the loaf emerged from the oven. Our reporter on the scene managed to cleverly snap the following EXCLUSIVE PHOTO early this morning:

The Culprit! (homemade bread)

The bread in question is a homemade loaf, with sun-dried tomato and asiago and parmesan cheese. Head Council Member E has confirmed plans to eat some of the bread later this evening, when she returns to The Lair.

Our reporter reports that Council Members Baron von Dracula and Lord Dreidel spent most of the evening at rest while waiting for the meeting that never transpired. Baron von Dracula briefly took position perched on the couch, in anticipation of the meeting, but as the night wore on, he retired to his cushion, where he assumed an unusual position, and took a nap. Limited Time Offer Skillet was not seen, and it is assumed that he remains in hiding, presumably in The Culinary Wing of The Lair.

Baron von Dracula waits, in vain...

No Council Members were available for comment, and no statement has been issued as to when the meeting will be rescheduled. It is also uncertain at this time whether or not there will be any bread for Citizen Meow.

Smokes! Snacks! Seats! New 7-11 opens! Hurray!

It's here, at last!! The new 7-11 appears to have opened, on 8th Avenue, off the corner of 37th Street. E was spotted a short while ago, making her debut visit, and our reporter on the scene noted that her purchases included a hazelnut coffee, a rice pudding snack and a pack of Newports.

E, who rarely carries cash on her (largely because she has none), is particularly pleased by the convenience of now being able to buy cigarettes with a credit or debit card. She is also thrilled by the coffee selection, as well as the lovely assortment of tasty creamers to complement the brew.

The new establishment is vast and bright, offers mezzanine seating, perfect for grabbing a quick bite, or to take a peaceful break from the daily grind, with a cup of coffee and a sudoku. This is indeed a much-welcome improvement to the neighborhood and the local community at large.

The Council, back at The Lair, has yet to issue a statement regarding the opening. We will keep you posted throughout the day, should they choose to speak.

TOP STORY: "Amazing" Roast prepared at The Lair...

It appears that Head Council Member E was burning the midnight oil last night, at The Lair. Her experimental efforts towards a London broil resulted in an incredibly amazing dish, as the meat was braised in a BBQ-twinged sauce, along with baby carrots. Uncertain as to how the dish would come out, she extremely pleased with the end result, although it was unfortunately too late in the night to call anyone and share her excitement. Fellow Council Member Limited Time Offer Skillet played an intregal role in the roasts' preparation, although Lord Dreidel and Baron von Dracula spent most of the evening continuing their rest (see yesterday's top story for more details on that.)

Head Council Member E issued the following statement:

"It came out great. Spectacular. Sublime! The meat is so tender, you can cut it with the edge of a fork. The sauce, so juicy and tangy. And it was so easy to make! I am quite pleased. Indeed."

E plans to keep the recipe top-secret for the time being, although it was the first recipe to grace her fancy new recipe binder. Plans are in the works to prepare a brisket version of the roast for the upcoming Passover holiday feast, and she also brought some along with her today for lunch, which she plans to eat with some white rice, to be purchased from a local Chinese or Thai establishment. In fact, she was spotted by one of our reporters earlier this morning, walking through the rain with an extra spring in her step, and it believed that her enthusiasm stems from anticipation of her homemade lunch. Plans to offer some of the roast to Citizen Meow have been called off, as she would prefer to keep it all to herself. Citizen Meow was unavailable for comment on the matter.

EMERGING REPORT: Esther wants an herb garden!

Just moments ago, Esther has decided that she wants an herb garden, to continue her culinary adventures through the spring and into the summer season. She has plans to convince some fellow Council Members to join her in her efforts to set up the garden, however she is skeptical of their participation, and she fears she may have to go it alone. She offered the following comment:

"Some fresh basil would be a nice addition to my famous pasta sauce...and perhaps some mint. And chives! For dipping sauces!!"

We will follow this intensely intriguing story as it unfolds.