Culture

I didn’t have a hangover, but I wasn’t going to miss this classic redeemer of those who regret the night before.

My latest piece for Waxwing Literary Magazine is on Hurray for the Riff Raff’s amazing singer Alynda Lee Segarra.

Deep in the Ninth Ward sits the local institution Jack Dempsey’s, an island of consistency in a sea of change… Dining Partner: Keith Hurtt Occupation: Attorney at Law, Tour Guide, Gentleman of Questionable Reputation. You can find him: Drinking an …

Forty miles from New Orleans sits this legendary little roadside stand that serves the state’s most famous, and most unique, catfish platter. Bring your appetite, and a few friends to help you… “Shaved catfish is what we’re famous for,” said …

Lunch at a Bywater staple with two of my nearest and dearest. A long time with these two, and with this restaurant… Dining Partner 1: Magda Boreysza Occupation: Comic book artist You can find her: At a gallery opening showing …

Hitting a few spots in my hometown with an old friend. Sarasota’s not the easiest town for the young and laterally mobile, but we do our best. Dining Partner: Alynda Lee Segarra Occupation: Musician, Singer/Songwriter You can find her: Wherever …

I took the red line down to Koreatown on L.A.’s still brand spankin’ new mass transit system. I was advised not to take it at night because “nobody uses it.” I can’t say whether or not that’s true. I rode …

One last trip out in this series before I hit the road. It’s all dairy all the time on this run… Dining partner: Izzy Occupation: Poet, librarian You can find her: Scanning the book she recommended to you at the …

Heading out to the edge of town for killer soul food with my old friend Charlie Halloran. It’s a reminder that good things don’t go away, they just change location… Dining Partner: Charlie Halloran Occupation: Musician You can find him: …

Heading uptown to visit chef Xavier Laurentino’s latest contribution to the culinary scene. A couple small plates turns into a three hour meal/hangout, followed by the big sounds of a legendary New Orleans band. On my wing this evening, fellow …