Thanks for this, Kate -- I've been rather incoherent to express my rage over Richman's piece but you captured it quickly and concisely.

Darn right he stepped in it. Infuriating.

At least I know he'll never be interested/brave enough to try and skewer Detroit.

That was a truly nauseating piece of "journalism". Perhaps he should take up political commentary next.

Thanks Kate. It's been very good to read the almost universally outraged response to Richman's piece.

"Supposedly Creoles can be found in and around New Orleans. I have never met one and suspect they are a fairie folk, like leprechauns, rather than an indigenous race." This after he spoke with Leah Chase.

Smacks of racism, no?

Kate, I truly enjoy your blog when you stick to food but your forays into political and social commentary are just too much. Richman' article was condescending but have you read Cliff Bostock in Atlanta's Creative Loafing? Food writers are editorialists in the same vein as movie and art critics. You may disagree with them but their career is based on subjective and sometimes caustic descriptions. Of course this you rblog and you can say whatever you want but there is sufficient rancor in the world already.

"the French Quarter, ...a ... mix of characterless housing, elegant antiques stores, and scuzzy bars, a destination for tourists seeking the worst possible experience. The entertainment values are only marginally superior to those of Tijuana, Mexico."

It certainly is poor food writing, however, I have only visited New Orleans once and was unable to discern what all the fuss was about. San Francisco is far more charmng. I'll take a trip to Swan Oyster House or any number of San Francisco restaurants, especially in China Town, any day over almost anything in New Orleans. I would tend to agree with Richman's description. Nor is his gratuitous comment about a vintage of wine a comparison. It is codescending but where you get "entitlement" out of that is hard too see.

"The citizens of New Orleans might not be the most energetic Americans—I believe their morning exercise regimen consists of stumbling out of bars—but they are joyful, expressive eaters."

New Orleans has always, at least in the south, a reputation of less than energetic endeavor. Ask a any long term transplant aboutthe difficulties of finding dependabel employess. It ain't easy.


And just how does ""Supposedly Creoles can be found in and around New Orleans. I have never met one and suspect they are a fairie folk, like leprechauns, rather than an indigenous race." This after he spoke with Leah Chase." smack of racism?

You're all taking way too much offense at a silly article.