May 10, 2026

Title: "WANT SOME COMPANY?" (Freestyle)

Constructor: Amie Walker

Editor: Amie Walker


Theme synopsis:
"WANT SOME COMPANY?" (Freestyle): There's no theme today, as this is a freestyle, or themeless puzzle. The title is a nod to IS THIS SEAT TAKEN (7D: "Can I join you?").

What I learned from today's puzzle:
  • ROTI (4A: Sada ___ (Guyanese flatbread)) ROTI is a type of flatbread. This I knew. Today I learned about sada ROTI, a simple, plain flatbread made with white flour (instead of atta flour used for some flatbreads). Sada ROTI is a popular staple food in Guyana.
  • NOEL (1D: ___ Crane ("Felicity" character) Felicity is a TV series about the college experiences of the title character, Felicity Porter, portrayed by Keri Russell. The show is set at the fictitious University of New York (based on New York University). The show ran for four seasons (from 1998-2002), corresponding to Felicity's freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. NOEL Crane, portrayed by Scott Foley, is a fellow college student of Felicity's and the R.A. in her dorm.
Random thoughts and interesting things:
  • O'HARA (14A: "Schitt's Creek" star Catherine) Schitt's Creek (2015-2020) is a TV series about a formerly wealthy family that relocates to a small town named Schitt's Creek, which they once purchased as a joke. The family's matriarch, Moira Rose (portrayed by Catherine O'HARA) is an eccentric and exceedingly dramatic former daytime soap opera star.
  • ERR (16A: Say "You, too" to an usher who said, "Enjoy the show," say) This clue made me laugh. I have definitely done this!
  • SHED (22A: What some pets do) You know I love my cat, Willow, but – oof! – she does SHED a lot. So much fur!
A calico cat is sniffing at a mug that reads, "Everything tastes better with cat hair in it."
  • CHICAGO-STYLE (28A: Like a hot dog said to be "dragged through the garden") A CHICAGO-STYLE hot dog is an all-beef hot dog served on a poppy seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato, pickled peppers, and celery salt. There is no ketchup on a traditional CHICAGO-STYLE hot dog. The "dragged through the garden" description is a nod to the many toppings on a CHICAGO-STYLE hot dog.
  • SNAP (36A: Bend and ___ ("Legally Blonde" move)) "Bend and SNAP" is a song from the 2007 musical, "Legally Blonde." The musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the movie of the same name.
  • GLITTER BOMBS (46A: Showers with a burst of sparkles) Typing GLITTER BOMBS into the puzzle as an answer made me shudder thinking of how GLITTER goes everywhere and lingers for an eternity.
  • ONCE (53A: The second "O" of YOLO) I did say "you only live ONCE" out loud to figure this out.
  • THEATER KIDS (59A: Teens who love drama?) Don't all teens love drama? Oh yes, but THEATER KIDS love putting on dramas (and comedies) as well. I enjoyed this question mark clue.
  • WET (66A: Like someone who got caught in the rain without an umbrella) This is a very visual clue for WET, and I like it.
  • RED TEA (4D: Rooibos, e.g.) Rooibos is a RED TEA that is caffeine-free and has an earthy flavor and aroma.
  • ORO (5D: Spanish for "gold") ORO is making back-to-back puzzle appearances. We saw ORO yesterday clued as [Top medal in los Juegos Olimpicos].
  • AHA (9D: "I get it now!") AHA is also making back-to-back puzzle appearances. Yesterday we saw AHA clued as ["Eureka!"]
  • PAGE (37D: "The Umbrella Academy" star Elliot) The Umbrella Academy is a TV series based on the comic book series of the same name. The show is centered on a family of adopted sibling superheroes reunited to solve the mystery of their father's death, while also trying to prevent an impending apocalypse. Elliot PAGE plays the role of Vanya Hargreeves, a violinist who can unleash great force by focusing on sound.
  • MIT (50D: ___ Blackjack Team ("Bringing Down the House" group)) Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions is Ben Mezrich's 2003 book about a group of card counters known as the MIT Blackjack Team. The movies 21 (2008) and the Last Casino (2004) are adaptations of the book. Although the book is classified as non-fiction, it contains some fictional elements as well as greatly exaggerated accounts of some things that did happen.
  • OCHO (51D: Cinco + tres) and NUEVE (52D: Cinco + quatro) I enjoyed this pair of consecutive clues.
  • TLC (61D: "Unpretty" group) "Unpretty" is a 1999 single by TLC. Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins wrote the song in response to watching an episode of Ricki Lake (a daytime talk show) in which the men were referring to women in unflattering ways.
  • DIP (62D: Garlic aioli or tzatziki) Garlic aioli is an oil-based garlic DIP. Tzatziki is a yogurt and cucumber DIP popular in Greek cuisine.
  • A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
    • AIR GUITAR (3D: Imaginary instrument)
    • HOLD MY BEER (8D: "Watch this ill-advised thing I'm gonna do")
    • GOSSIP SESH (29D: What a group hang might devolve into)
IS THIS SEAT TAKEN is a fabulous grid-spanning answer. Why yes, puzzle, I'd love some company? I'll save a seat for you. Thank you, Amie, for this delightful puzzle.


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