Salt Bae on 'SNL' Is Way Weirder in Person

He's the MOST IMPORTANT CHEF in the WORLD.

By Emma Stefansky

Published on 05/04/2021 at 08:22 PM

You know those things that look cool on camera or sound nice in concept, like live ASMR events and sensory deprivation tanks, but just end up being kind of uncomfortable and weird in person? Salt Bae, the meme chef of freakin’ 2017, seems like he’d be one of those things. The sensual seasoning merchant popped up on this weekend’s Saturday Night Live, hosted by Daniel Kaluuya (who’s been cleaning up during this awards season for his portrayal of Black Panther leader Chairman Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah), and proceeded to antagonize a table of couples with his bizarre… meat… rituals.

In the sketch, Kaluuya, Cecily Strong, Mikey Day, and Ego Nwodim sit down at a table at Nusr-Et, the luxury steakhouse chain Salt Bae owns. The ladies are overjoyed when the man himself walks out and proceeds to manhandle steak in front of them, dribbling handfuls of salt crystals into their food. Kaluuya is horrified by the viral celebrity’s antics, saying Salt Bae, in his odd facial hair and sunglasses, gives off “magician energy.” (He’s right, and we all know how magicians suck.) To make matters worse, David and Victoria Beckham are sitting at a table nearby, watching as Cecily and Ego slap a hunk of steak. Look, steak is great, but this just seems unsanitary.

Emma Stefansky is a staff entertainment writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @stefabsky.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

By Natasha Bazika

Published on 12/01/2023 at 12:59

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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