READ+SPIN

COOKBOOK

In Louisiana, cultures and their foods mix and mingle to create a cuisine distinct to the region. In The Essential Louisiana Cookbook, author Stanley Dry brings together the state’s culture and history via 50 of his delectable recipes. (Editor’s note: The book is locally produced and printed by Renaissance Publishing, publisher of this magazine, and edited by the writer of this monthly column.) Many readers are familiar with Dry from his Louisiana Life magazine “Kitchen Gourmet” column. He also is a former senior editor of Food & Wine magazine and an accomplished cook. The perfect kitchen companion for Louisiana natives and novices alike, the book offers everything from tried-and-true gumbos to modern takes on seafood, poultry and meat dishes.

With mouth-watering, full-color photos by New Orleans photographer Eugenia Uhl, this collection is created by and for food lovers – especially lovers of Louisiana food. 

FICTION

New Orleanian and Tulane University adjunct professor Katy Simpson Smith’s debut novel, The Story of Land and Sea, is gaining widespread recognition on a national scale. The story chronicles the lives and loves of three generations in a North Carolina costal town at the winding down of the American Revolution.

ROCK AND COUNTRY

Louisiana-native Jerry Lee Lewis’ new, Memphis-recorded album, Rock & Roll Time, features collaborations with musical greats across multiple genres, including Keith Richards, Neil Young, Ivan Neville and Shelby Lynn. With songs spanning the catalogs of greats such as Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and Chuck Berry, the Killer flexes his musical muscle with old-school favorites and lesser-known treasures. His bluesy rendition of the title track, Kristofferson’s “Rock & Roll Time,” opens with Lewis’ signature piano playing, combining slide guitar and vocal harmonies drawing from country and gospel. The tour to support the new release kicks off Oct. 4 at the Ryman Auditorium. Additional dates are to be announced.