LAT Mon. 8/1 Andrew Bannem

[magus]

Not Neat

 
Where dos are done   SALON
Theme: CHIP, CRYSTAL, and CUBE used in random phrases.
The ends of {theme} are forms of it   ICE [lowest southeast entry]

 
This puzzle could have been better if there were not three foreign entries, AMOI, AVEC, and ESTA; and if there were a W used in the grid.  The grid would then have had all 26 letters.
To add the W at 5-Across, change three words:
C R A W S
S O L O N
I M O N E   [a music mixer]
To avoid AVEC at 68-Across and preserve ICE, so to speak, change the French to ALEC and:
M I N I
A L E C
J O V E

RATING:    Three grins = Excellent: Loved it; Two grins = Good: Enjoyed it; One grin = Satisfactory: A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Unsatisfying: No fun