I was standing at Union Square one day watching a rodeo of sorts going on as a promo for a television show, and I bumped into an old acquaintance Pyul and her little dog.
AskaNewYorker: Hi Pyul! Cute dog. What’s its name?
Pyul: Brigitte.
AskaNewYorker: What brings you to Union Square today?
Pyul: I’m just out walking Brigitte through the dog park. There’s also a movie being shot over there with Alec Baldwin. I watched that for awhile too. I’m just walking around.
AskaNewYorker: And you’ve got your spring outfit on!
Pyul: Well, it’s not really springy because it’s black. But, it’s a short sleeved top, so it’s kind of springy, I guess.
AskaNewYorker: Where’d you get this great, stylish jacket?
Pyul: From Prada.
AskaNewYorker: Very nice. How about those boots?
Pyul: The boots are from Bear Claw. They’re like Uggs, but are actually more comfortable. A lot cheaper, too. Half the price.
AskaNewYorker: Any good sales we should know about?
Pyul: Urban Outfitters (162 Second Ave is one of many NYC locations) has great shirts for spring. All the stores are having spring sales right now. Anywhere you go.
AskaNewYorker: What type of dog is Brigitte?
Pyul: She’s a Jack Russell and Shih Tzu mix, but she looks like a wild hair Jack Russell, right?
AskaNewYorker: She’s very cute, but a little skittish.
Pyul: I know. She’s really scared of horses and she’s shaking right now!
AskaNewYorker: Did you see the Naked Cowboy hanging out?
Pyul: No. I missed him, which is probably a good thing.
AskaNewYorker: What did Pyul do last night?
Pyul: I went to dinner at this great Japanese place, a new restaurant called Shaburi (129 E. 39th St.). They’ve got great shabu-shabu. I went last night because I went with my boyfriend on Sunday night and I loved it so much that I had to go back. I was craving it all day!
AskaNewYorker: What’s shabu-shabu?
Pyul: Japanese soup. It starts with the water broth with mixed vegetables, different meats if you like, and it’s really healthy and low in calories.
AskaNewYorker: Healthy diet. Is that how you keep your complexion looking so fresh?
Pyul: I use La Prarie, which is a skin care line from Switzerland, actually. But I do eat a lot of greasy foods, so it’s a great equalizer.
AskaNewYorker: What do you do for fun?
Pyul: (giggles) I go shopping! I know, I’m so bad. I’m not working right now so I walk around with my dog and I pretty much do what I want.
AskaNewYorker: A life of leisure.
Pyul: Yes, it is. It’s wonderful!
AskaNewYorker: Have you ever been horse-back riding?
Pyul: Yes, I did it in Michigan. It’s fun.
AskaNewYorker: What are you reading? Anything on the night-stand?
Pyul: Right now I’m reading “Setting Free the Bears” by John Irving. I just finished a book by Augusten Burroughs called “Sellivision”, his first book. It was excellent. He’s fucking hilarious. I’m a huge fan of his. I love his style. Open, raw, and he doesn’t hide anything. He’s not ashamed of anything.
AskaNewYorker: Any special diet for Brigitte?
Pyul: Yes, actually. She seems to be allergic to certain meats. We’re trying to figure it out, but I think she’s allergic to beef and veal. She eats Innovative Veterinary diet.
AskaNewYorker: Sounds highly specialized. Wow. Where do you shop for her bed and things like that?
Pyul: Trixie and Peanut (www.trixieandpeanut.com). I think her bed costs more than my bed!
AskaNewYorker: What color is your Ipod?
Pyul: Pink. My boyfriend gave it to me last Valentine’s Day. He got it engraved on the back and it says “Pyul Baby”. Very sweet. It was such a nice gift.
AskaNewYorker: What’s the band you download most frequently?
Pyul: Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
AskaNewYorker: Does Brigitte do any tricks?
Pyul: Yes. She sits, lays down, stands and shakes hands, and she even does yoga.
AskaNewYorker: Let’s see the yoga position (see picture at left). Does she go to dog training school?
Pyul: Yes, Andrea Arden puppy school (227 E. 44th St, 212-213-4288).
AskaNewYorker: Anything else you’d like to share, Pyul?
Pyul: My claim to fame is that I eat a lot. At a buffet eating contest I ate seven plates of food. I beat everyone. I can also eat a 32 ounce steak, two baked potatoes, and two ears of corn on the cob, all in one sitting.
AskaNewYorker: What’s the strangest food you’ve eaten?
Pyul: Pickled, boiled pig’s feet. Dipped in hot sauce, they are a Korean delicacy.
AskaNewYorker: Yum. Thank you Pyul and Brigitte for sharing!
