Victoria Clark and Melissa Scott bite off a very specific bit of history with their new book, "Dictators' Dinners: The Bad Taste Guide to Entertaining Tyrants." They discuss the paranoias, obsessions, and just weird tastes of these figures.
books
Punk Legend Viv Albertine of The Slits on Rules and Rock
The punk movement of the 1970s was all about rebelling against the establishment - but it wasn't quick to embrace changing roles for women. Viv Albertine was among a group of feminist pioneers in the scene who paved the way for Riot Grrl and everything after.
A Supposedly Food Thing Meghan Daum Will Never Do Again
The foodie world of "heirloom tomato ketchup and chanterelle mushroom omelets" holds little appeal for columnist and essayist Meghan Daum.
Nick Hornby’s Hopeless Liberal Arts Sensibility
Beloved writer Nick Hornby's newest project is the screenplay he adapted from Cheryl Strayed's best-selling memoir, "Wild." He suggests annexing your lover's books immediately.
Nick Hornby – “Hot Potato”
A royal laugh from writer Nick Hornby about a peculiar way to cook potatoes.
Restaurant-ese with Ben Schott
Word-obsessive Ben Schott delves deep into the peculiar argot of dining professionals.
Aasif Mandvi Can’t Be Michael Jackson All the Time
Actor and writer Aasif Mandvi is best known as the "foreign" correspondent on "The Daily Show." His new book, "No Land's Man," is a collection of humorous essays inspired by his life and the particular challenges of being a South Asian man in Hollywood.
Sound Man Glyn Johns on Recording an Era
Glyn Johns was the engineer and producer of some of the most popular rock songs ever recorded, including classics from artists like The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, and Neil Young. He has a new book about that experience, "Sound Man."
Chef Gabrielle Hamilton’s Work is Excellent — Not Fine
Acclaimed chef and best-selling author Gabrielle Hamilton knows her way around a kitchen. For 15 years she has helmed Prune, one of the most celebrated restaurants in New York City, and her memoir "Blood Bones and Butter" won a James Beard award. This month she released her first cookbook, "Prune."
Dan and Lizzie Post Are Our First-Tier Friends
We invite our inner-circle of etiquette expertise to join us once again to offer etiquette advice. This week we learn we don't have to tip postal workers, or buy our friends drinks.