Places

Blame Charlie Papazian. Thirty years ago, even twenty years ago, it was damn near impossible to find American beer that wasn’t from one of the major manufacturers (Coors, Miller, Anheuser-Busch). But there was something new cooking under the surface. Jimmy …

If I had a GPS, it would not be pleased. It would be screaming at me by now, attempting different languages to tell me that I was off the trail, on the wrong route, that I was, as my dad …

Entering the western states and crossing a classic overland route, I found a town resolutely committed to its past, and two men who exemplify the complexity of making a home in the American West. There is a scene in Robert …

The last time I took a road trip like this, my car tried to kill me. I was about 30 miles outside of New Orleans, still coming to terms with a decision that would change my life. With no job, …

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 …

“Any man is old when he’s 36.”   —Leon Spinks It’s a funny quote, that one. Leon Spinks was on the verge of fighting a 36 year-old Muhammad Ali when he said it. It’s the kind of thing you say when …

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 …

Taking my dad to visit a local institution that has withstood the ravages of ferocious growth. Some things remain intact in my hometown… It’s a different town. That’s all I can say when anyone asks me what I think of …

An annual trip to Loudoun County, Virginia, where a Civil War era farmhouse serves as the unexpected home for annual festivals of music and dancing. Loudoun County is the kind of place where Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan might have …