Diary 7|8|2014: Dogman. Oakman. Pastrygirl. Wineguys. And Oysters.

[title type="h5"]Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Dogman. Oakman. Pastrygirl. Wineguys. And Oysters. [/title] Proof #4383 that only 500 people actually live in New Orleans: One of the members of our Radio Round Table today is Skip Murray, who conceived the brilliant Dat Dog mini-chain, the first really good hot dog stands New Orleans has ever enjoyed. Skip has a strange sense of humor, but so do I, so I find his takes on the world highly amusing. The origin of Skip's wit came out before the show today. His father is Jack Murray, longtime general manager of WDSU Radio in the years just before I started working there in the 1970s. Jack, who is no longer with us, wrote letters to me with intentionally peculiar points of view on matters we talked about on my radio show. I also had lunch with him a few times. But get this: he is the ex of Kit Wohl--fellow food writer and friend for decades, whose magnificent apartment was the venue for MA and my wedding reception. Now I put it to you: if any more than 500 people lived in New Orleans, only one of the connections above would be true. Not all of them. Other visitors to the Round Table today: Adam Superneau (pronouced "super no"; what a great name!) is one of the three Sicilian-descended owners of the popular, new, and very good Oak Oven pizzeria and Italian restaurant in Harahan. He spent many months in Palermo a few years ago, an experience that refocused his world view. And Megan Forman, the owner of Gracious Bakery, a pioneer in the blocks of South Jefferson Davis Parkway across from the old Wise Cafeteria, between the canal and the I-10. I haven't been, but everyone who reports to me about it is delighted. Lunches and breakfasts are its mainstays. Another restaurant I won't be able to try until my radio hours shift back to late afternoon. Megan's husband and partner is Jay Forman, food writer at New Orleans Magazine, and therefore a successor to me in that job. And, clearly, another one of the 500 people. Our liquid refreshments today come courtesy of Troy Gant, owner of Second Vines, a new wine store in the Marigny. But get this: his shop on the corner of St. Claude and Touro is in the building that once was Martin's Poor Boy Restaurant, the certified creator of the poor boy sandwich! With Troy is Mauricio Burns now the wine store's general manager. Mauricio was at Le Foret, where he showed himself to be a man who understands not just wine but first-class service, too. I miss his presence there. I meet Mary Leigh and The Boy at Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar and Fish House. I learn from the manager that Mr. Ed (McIntyre, who owns not only this former Bozo's but also two just-plain Mr. Ed's and the upscale Austin's) will open his second Oyster Bar in the French Quarter, on Bienville between Decatur and Chartres. The quiet opening is this Friday. I wonder why I never get invited to these anymore. I eat oysters, of course. Raw, then grilled--or are they broiled? I think the latter is the formula here, and it works very well. Then a cup of oyster-artichoke soup and a salad, and I am done. Mr. Ed's operation carries on the great-oysters aspect of the old Bozo's proudly. Mary Leigh has spaghetti and meatballs--a daily special. The Boy gets char-broiled chicken. In his love for poultry, he is the current Chicken's Worst Nightmare, a role Jude played for many years. It's another way in which The Boy fills the empty space Jude left at the Cool Water Ranch when he moved out after Katrina. [title type="h5"]Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar & Fish Grill. Metairie 2: Orleans Line To Houma Blvd: 3117 21st Street. 504-833-6310. [/title]