Fundamentals of Interactive Journalism

For anyone heading down to New Orleans, I have three suggestions for some good eating.

Breakfast: There’s a great spot on St. Louis Street called Petunia’s Restaurant. Located in a 19th century Creole townhouse, you’ll find a warm & cozy spot for brunch. I had their absolutely delicious French Toast – which I highly recommend. The service was terrific. They were friendly, fast and attentive to empty coffee cups. Get there early if you want to avoid a line out the door.

Lunch: Take a drive, stroll or bike ride down Magazine Street for nice selection of shopping and dining. When you get to State Street, stop and try some of Reginelli’s tasty pizzas and salads. They have other locations throughout the city but I love the vibe of this area. I felt like I was in the East Village. And the staff is mellow and polite. 

Dinner: When you’re looking for a more upscale option, I recommend a trip back to the French Quarter for Bayona. Give yourself some time to browse the extensive wine options. Their menu changes daily and my only criticism is one that applies to all the restaurants of New Orleans – not enough vegetarian options. But if you do fish, there’s always some delicious blackened something or other. Dinner for two will set you back at least $100 – depending on your appetizer and wine choices. This is the place to splurge.

Bon Appetit!

When you finally regain your ability to eat after Thanksgiving, I want you to consider how New York food is different. I’m from California, and during my fine dining in New York I’ve noticed some strange customs. There’s a continental divide in our cuisine:

• People in New York drink from soda cans with a straw.

• They also fold their pizza slices.

Folded?

I admire this convenience but I can’t bring myself to convert. The pizza’s so beautiful you want to see the toppings. Also, the diversity of texture found in the cheese, sauce, vegetables and meat is far more pleasant than the monotony of bread. So for now, I’m going to eat with one eye on my toppings and another on the 6’3” construction worker who keeps staring at me.

• In New York restaurants (and in other busy places) people wait “on line” not “in line.” This is confusing.

• Every fast food Chinese restaurant serves a very popular condiment called duck sauce. Apparently they have duck sauce in other places, but I had never heard of it. I wasn’t prepared for the outpouring of love New Yorkers have for duck sauce.

• In New York people get their food “To stay or to go,” while in California they get their food “For here or to go.” New Yorkers are much more logical. Should I stay or go? Makes sense. This must be a commentary on the nature of Californians. They had to develop a system of restaurant speak that emphasized the here, the now. Enjoying the moment.

Enjoy your post-Thanksgiving.