Although many modern bartenders find the Ramos Gin Fizz to be a nuisance at best. and more work than it is worth at worst. But that famous drink, invented by Charles Ramos, continues to fascinate us. John Shelton Reed, storyteller, author, and historian of the south, tells the tale of the Ramos Gin Fizz in his new book by that name.

John Shelton Reed

Want to know more? Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

The list of writings by John Shelton Reed is a long one. Notable among them and apropos of this book is his book entitled Dixie Bohemia: A French Quarter Circle in the 1920s, Louisiana State University Press, 2012).

Many people work in stressful environments. It can take its toll on you, leading to unhealthy attempts to find relief from that stress. Drugs and alcohol are high on the list of the types of self-medication that might be pursued.. Southern Smoke, a nonprofit organization that supports people in the hospitality industry from the stress of financial insecurity to mental heath issues.

We talk to Cat Bill is the Chief Mission Officer of Southern Smoke. She walks us through their programs like the Emergency Relief Fund, Behind You - the no-cost counseling, and the Crisis Toolkit. These are all available to F & B workers.

A symposium is coming up in November in New Orleans. Check out the line-up. I’ll be there. Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

Do you consider a restaurant to be a business? Is the chef an artist or a craftsperson turning out identical versions of the same thing? What is your expectation from a restaurant? Adam Reiser has been a part of the wait staff in many high-end restaurants. He has seen many catastrophes happen. And he shares his experiences and his ideas about guests and guest comportment in his new book, The New Rules of DIning Out: An Insider’s Guide to Enjoying Restaurants. Listen to our conversation. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

Adam Reiner is a James Beard Foundation award-winning writer. Calling on his previous experience as part of the wait-staff at restaurants, he now writes about food for many publications.

When you are looking for a quick way to perk up your cooking, just grab Milk Street Shorts: Recipes That Pack a Punch , a new book from Milk Street. We talk to J.M.Hirsch, James Beard Foundation award-winning writer and Editorial Director at Milk Street about the book and its recipes, with ideas inspired by the library of recipes developed from 10 years of Milk Street. We talk about shortcuts, quick fixes, and my favorite tip from the interview - using an overturned sheet pan on top of cauliflower steaks to cook both sides at once.

You’ll find lots of ideas and inspiration in the book. J.M.’s enthusiasm for deep flavor is contagious. Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

Dedra Faine is a hospitality maven. But hospitality to her includes love and connection. And when she plans for a public event, these same elements are present. Even if you don’t need her services you can learn abouth her attitudes and priorities from her books.

Her new book is A Breath of Grace: Embracing the Spiritual Gift of Hospitality. We talked about this and more. Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

Even thinking about the name - The Obituary Cocktail - carries a touch of romance and a touch of the macabre. That is a tantalizing combination. We speak to Sue Strachan, the author of The Obituary Cocktail, for her authoritative take on the cocktail and other things tinged with absinthe.

Sue is also the author of another drinks book, Café Brûlot, about that legendary flaming drink.

We discuss the fine points of the Obituary Cocktail, vermouth and its fragile nature, what kind of gin is best in the drink, and how much absinthe is just right. I put in my plug for Death in the Afternoon. Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

Starting from her family's kitchen in Detroit, Michigan, Chef Celeste has become a fixture on the food scene in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was important to the development of the downtown market. And she has just written a cookbook, Chef Celeste’s Louisiana Kitchen: Simplifying Cajun and Creole Cuisine, which is full of personal stories and delicious recipes. Listen, it’s on Tip of the Tongue.

And her book . . .

Not many companies that are still operating in the United States were started in the 1700s. Laird and Company is one of them. We have a lively conversation with Lisa Laird Dunn, President and Global Ambassador. She is the 9th generation to operate the business, and her children have joined the company. Imagine 10 generations of apple brandy! Listen to what Lisa has to say. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

You can read about the history of the company and all of its products.

And if you are interested in recipes, there are plenty of cocktail recipes on the website. There is even a cookbook available.