by:

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!

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