Now this is something . . . Perhaps someone should put this into the hands of Dave Chappelle.
Here is an update to the NY cookie story by John Del Signore at the Gothamist.
UPDATE: We just spoke with Kefalinos on the phone and he remains utterly oblivious, telling us, "This whole thing was blown out of proportion." He says he's sold out of the "Drunken Negro Cakes" and doesn't plan to make anymore, despite the fact that many customers have been requesting them (he claims). When asked whether he understands that most African-Americans find the word "negro" offensive, Kefalinos explains, "It's a French word. It comes from the French."
Community Board 2 was quick to call for a boycott of Lafayette French Pastry, to which Kefalinos responds, "I'm sorry they feel that way because I was trying to do a nice thing." Not seeming to grasp in any way the degree of outrage he's sparked, he added, "I did it and that's the end of it and it's over."UPDATE 1/24: Now Ted Kefalinos apologizes: "Seriously, from the bottom of my heart, it was an innocent design I created. It was nothing more than just a piece of art."
B-
This bakery is in NYC. And, thankfully many there heard about it.
I think it's important that this specifically be sent to folks in California so that they can boycott this bakery. I do not think this is a case of lack of sensitivity because too many people stated that this owner, Kefalinos, commonly uses racial slurs. Hopefully people will stop buying his products and the recession will give Kefalinos what's coming to him!