Hunger Games

I Need My Lunch

I Need My Lunch by Idan Shvartz

Seafaring puzzle adventurers who were equally thrilled, befuddled and impressed by a tiny metal puzzle box that made its way across the world a few years ago have been patiently waiting for their next great “white whale” to surface. Was the mysterious genius known as Idan Shvartz working on something new? Or had he instead gone for a lunch break?

Idan has had an interesting career so far, but one area of his past training prepared him incredibly well for something he probably had no idea even existed back when he was learning the skills – designing complex mechanical sequential discovery puzzles. Thanks to his sharp intellect and natural aptitude, he was selected during his time serving in the IDF for a special, top secret unit, where he specialized in what he calls "micro mechanics". He explains “in simple words, I mainly learned "how to utilize a minimum of space for maximum capacity."” Now he uses this talent to incredible effect in his puzzles.

this might require three martinis

If there was any question after Idan’s debut puzzle, Abraham’s Whale, that he has a talent for creating complex and innovative mechanisms that interact and exist in small spaces, I Need My Lunch should dispel any lingering doubt. The follow up is fantastic, full of confusing and clever ticks that are all layered one on top of the next in a lengthy sequence of steps that keep you guessing and entertained for a long time. You’re probably going to be really hungry by the time you finally find that lunch!

no such thing?

When Idan was released from the Army, he spent some personal time as a body builder. His routine was strict and this included his diet. Of course, as he describes and we can all understand, life often gets in the way of such routines, and Idan often found himself consuming food which met his caloric requirements but may not have been the usual pristine diet or certainly not the healthiest. Memories of these “cheat” meals are what inspired his newest puzzle. If you enjoyed Abraham’s Whale, you are sure to enjoy INML. “Almost all the tricks there are new/have undergone a serious upgrade to make them more impressive. For example, an entire lock [one of the steps] is based on very precise calculations of magnetic induction. I personally have not come across any similar mechanism to date. It is very impressive when you understand how things work, if you really try to understand "what happened" or what you actually did.”

don’t lose your lunch

Idan told me a bit more about his process and the new puzzle. “For design, modeling, drafting, analysis and various calculations, I use SOLIDWORKS. Sometimes people don't understand that planning each puzzle requires thousands of hours of work on the computer. I have been working on this puzzle specifically for more than two years and of course it has gone through several incarnations. There are several workshops here in Israel that I work with and in which I do the [manufacturing] work myself. Some of the pieces are manufactured abroad by different suppliers. As with every puzzle, I learned a lot of new things this time too. This can be expressed in the recognition of new materials, their properties, design, new technologies that exist on the market that allow you to do things that you couldn't do before, different coatings, different treatments for materials and many, many more things. I'm proud of everything! It's definitely very satisfying that you work on something for a considerable period of time and that in the end it gives other people a good experience. What's important in this case is that you let me know how much you enjoyed it and how much fun you had, and then I can be even more proud.

What I'm working on next:
There are many, many interesting things next. In addition to the puzzles I'm planning for the future, I have special projects from the MSSDPP (MULTI STEPS SEQUENTIAL DISCOVERY PACKING PUZZLE) series that I'm working on in collaboration with DR VOLKER and - FREDERIC BOUCHER. A message to fans - there's something to look forward to..”

let’s do lunch

Idan has packed a ton of puzzling into this lunchbox. He describes the components, which include over 80 individual parts: “The puzzle is made mostly of aluminum with hard anodizing to withstand abrasion and the various applications required of the various parts, various types of stainless steel, brass, and silicone (for a very important purpose). Most moves are very subtle and you’ll need to pay close attention to the tiny details.” Idan calls his signature puzzles “MSSD” - multi-step sequential discovery, and there is more to that moniker than meets the eye. Not only are there many, many steps involved along the journey that unfold in stages like a story, but almost every one of the many many tools you will find is used more than once – or as Idan says, often more than twice! And like many legendary mechanical puzzles, when you think you are finally finished, and attempt to close things back up again … maybe not! I Need My Lunch is a ton of fun. It can be solved with logic and careful observation of anything you find along the way, although there’s no shame in asking for a hint or two. It was just the thing I needed to reinspire my love of mechanical puzzles and to continue writing about Boxes and Booze after a little break. Thanks Idan!

Edna’s Lunchbox

If you happen to find yourself in Oklahoma City, you might consider making your way to Edna’s Bar and Grill, a popular neighborhood dive bar where you can staple your dollar bill to the wall next to all the others. Edna’s is quite famous for their oddly popular house cocktail, the Edna’s Lunchbox, which is equal parts Coor’s Light and orange juice with a shot of amaretto. Before you pass judgement, you should know that Edna’s has sold over 3 million of them! Named after Edna Scott, the vivacious proprietor of her eponymous bar, the Lunchbox cocktail was reportedly a “happy accident” first served in the 90’s and popular at the bar ever since.

Lunch special

In place of the Coor’s I used an incredibly delicious IPA from Maine Beer Company which has a name that was too perfect for this toast to pass up. Idan will be pleased to learn that the beer is actually named after a very special finback whale that researchers followed off the coast of Maine. The beer is probably best enjoyed on its own rather than in a cocktail, but exceptions for art must be granted, and stop judging me already – if you’re reading this you surely must have a few flaws of your own. As far as beer cocktails go, the Lunchbox is definitely tasty and quite refreshing, like a shandy. The amaretto lends a more exotic sweetness to it all and makes it surprisingly decadent. It’s certainly easy to drink, which might be the only easy thing you’ll experience if you enjoy one while attempting to find the lunch in this deviously locked lunchbox. Cheers!

time for lunch

Lunchbox

6 oz beer (typically light beer)

6 oz fresh orange juice

1 oz amaretto

Build ingredients in a chilled mug. Orange slice.

explore more:

To purchase this limited edition of I Need My Lunch, get in touch w Idan Schvartz.

N.B. “P.S. - I'd love it if you wrote in the post, anyone who has a copy of the previous puzzle and did not buy it directly from me should contact me if they are interested in buying the current one and so that I can match the number to the previous puzzle. The first purchase option will be given to those who have the previous puzzle. I'm still in the assembly process, but anyone who has the previous puzzle can contact me and check if their copy is ready.”