I’ve just received my shipment of Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice, red peas and coarse white grits. Inspired by Sean Brock at Charleston’s Husk restaurant, I’ve wanted to dig into coastal southern cooking which is largely rice-based. Now I’ve got the authentic, heirloom materials!

Rick Lewis is a good pal, a pro-level fisherman and a guy who can build most anything. He’s also a fine painter who has applied his artist’s craft to fine furniture building using antique lumber.

Poor Moon (Tompkins Square), the latest recording by Hiss Golden Messenger is the most richly rewarding music to arrive recently. It presents a struggle in song for attachment to spirit, to family, to meaning in an indifferent wilderness of temptation.

Zac Zavislak is one of our bandmates and we’ve worked on multiple projects together. He’s also a great cook and has a special interest in food and wine. Just like us. His gallery prints of food and tables echo old-master lighting with vivid color and often alarming juxtapositions. The effect ranges from the minimal to the baroque.

Gentlemen. Are we sick of dressing like a saloonkeeper in Deadwood yet? Let me take you back to a time when a man could be angry and snarling and still look sharp.

Sydney Wayser just released an alluring new collection of songs – and it’s a big step forward. Listen before she’s on everyone’s summer playlist!

Colonie, my HQ on Atlantic Ave., has Channing Daughters Refosco Rosato, poured fresh from keg. But Christopher Tracy doesn’t make much so go now while the sun’s shining.