Taking strangers to dinner and interviewing them about their lives since 2008
Frank Brigtsen, chef and owner of New Orleans restaurant Brigtsen’s, is currently social distancing at home during the coronavirus pandemic. But that hasn’t kept him out of the kitchen, and he’s just released a “Stay-At-Home” spring cookbook with 19 recipes. It costs $25 and can be bought directly from Brigtsen’s…
The 59th Throwback Thursday is my May 2014 lunch with classical cellist Daniel Lelchuk at New Orleans’ Tujague’s Restaurant. We talked about his life in music, including his current role as assistant principal cello with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and much more.
The phrase “one-of-a-kind” is used far too often to describe people, but it’s a precise way to describe the outgoing, creative, joyful and thoughtful Adrian (he goes by only his first name). He’s a 26-year-old content creator based in Atlanta who makes a living through podcasts, YouTube videos, online writing,…
For the 58th Throwback Thursday, here’s my two-part interview with lifelong New Orleans resident Mary Burns. Over a long lunch at the fantastic Deanie’s Seafood in May 2014 she shared her colorful life story. Part one of the interview dealt with growing up in the Crescent City and her teaching…
If you’re looking for some entertainment while social distancing, singer-songwriter Lorraine Bowen is here to help. Every day at 11am (UK time, so 6am Eastern in the United States), Lorraine takes to Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for her show “Elevenses With Lorraine” that features a mix of fun exercises and…
Here’s the 57th Throwback Thursday: Dinner with DC-based ukulele-playing singer-songwriter Louisa Hall, talking about what inspired her to play the instrument and where she gets the inspiration for writing quirky songs like “Barista Boyfriend,” “Missed Connections,” and “Awkward.” The article includes a couple of Louisa’s music videos, including her impromptu…
During the COVID-19 pandemic some restaurants are aiming to stay afloat by offering delivery and takeout service. Among those who could use some love are several restaurants whose owners I’ve interviewed for Dining With Strangers, so please help if you can however possible. FishScale (Washington, DC) In October last year…
The 56th Throwback Thursday: May 2014 dinner with costume technician Edwin Schiff. We met at the since-closed Tash in DC’s Eastern Market to talk about his work, primarily as the wardrobe head for the Folger Theatre. “I could never do a 9-5 job,” he told me. “I thrive on variety…
Social distancing right now is imperative to help battle the coronavirus pandemic, and I’m staying cooped up at home. That means I won’t be leaving the house to meet any strangers for dinner interviews for at least the near future. I do have three interviews to write up that I…
Here’s the 55th Throwback Thursday — my April 2014 dinner with Elizabeth Moore, a DC resident who said she used to be an introvert but completely changed her life when she started saying “yes” to more of the opportunities that came her way. We had a fun dinner at Pesce…