New Orleans

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 …

The Bonnet Carre Spillway diverting excess water from the swollen Mississippi River. There are many cars pulled up in the parking area when I arrive, everyone coming to see this mile and a half long structure designed to save us …

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 …

When I came home, nothing went right. New Orleans does that to me. I’ve lived in cities that welcomed me with open arms after some time away. New Orleans is not one of those cities. We develop relationships with the …

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 …

An unexpected layover in New Orleans. Just because I live here doesn’t mean I can’t be a tourist… 6:30 a.m.—Louis Armstrong International Airport “It’s because you’re flying tomorrow,” said the ticket agent, who was making it clear what I already …

Crossing the Mississippi for the first time in this series, I hauled percussionist “Washboard” Robin Rapuzzi over to Gretna to sample the West Bank Vietnamese staple Tan Dinh. Let the massive portions commence… Dining Partner: Robin Rapuzzi Occupation: Musician You …