Day of the Triffids

Rooted in a radical concept espoused by horticulturist Michael Pollan in his dark and scary book The Botany of Desire, an intriguing art exhibit entitled Implant is currently ruling the extensive lobby gallery of 1285 Ave of the Americas (6th Ave at 51st St, home to Paine Weber, BBDO and Cafe Drake's daytime job). Pollan argues that plants use us to further their existence and are ultimately predatory and biologically geared to survive at the cost of humans and all other animal life. Artists who may or may not agree, but who have all produced works that sinisterly suggest there may be truth to this ruthless view, are exhibited in 14 mini-galleries. Standouts for Cafe Drake include the always excellent Felix Gonzalez-Torres, yet another disturbing/amusing video from Swiss Miss Pipilotti Rist, Nick Cave, Stan Brakhage, Hiraki Sawa , Dennis Oppenheim, James Weeling amongst 40 others.

Cafe Drake suggests supplementing the provocative exhibition with a home viewing of (now on DVD) The Ruins, 2008's most entertaining horror film and directed by famed fashion photographer Carter Smith, a positively freaky chiller drawing equally from campy plant monster movies (Little Shop of Horrors) and the paranoia-fueled plant horror of contemporary progenitors such as Cabin Fever and Bug.

We're showing plants who's boss at Cafe Drake with an all-time favorite salad recipe below, one that if executed with flair can stun - and not terrify - dinner guests.

MIXED GREEN SALAD WITH WALNUT DRESSING

First, make the dressing and let in sit in fridge for a few hours to mingle flavors. This is how you do it: place in a blender: 1 cup walnuts, 2/3 cup vegetable broth, 1 T. or so soy sauce, a small piece of chopped and peeled fresh ginger and a sprinkle of sugar. Blend to a thickish consistency, adding more broth if mixture becomes too stiff.

Now, place facing outward, 3-4 leaves of Green Leaf lettuce. Top in a small circle with endive leaves. In very center, place a small hand full of watercress leaves.

Pour dressing over each salad plate just before serving.