225BatonRouge.com

HERE: Executive director, The Shaw Center for the Arts; Owner and chef, Lava Room

THERE: Director, current programming and production at AOL in New York City

When and why did you leave Baton Rouge?

I left in the fall of 2005, shortly after Katrina. Having spent over a year opening the Shaw Center and another five months at Lava Room, I felt it was time to get back to my roots as a television and media producer and director.

What do you miss about the city?

I miss Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium, the energetic young artist community, shrimp po-boys at George’s, round-the-world pizza at Fleur de Lis, biking around the LSU lakes and spending time with friends and family.

What don’t you miss about it?

The “good ol’ boy” politics, small-minded

community thinkers and low civic self-esteem.

What does New York have that you wish Baton Rouge had?

Energy. Daring independence and a colorblind, eclectic spirit.

What’s essential when you come back to visit?

A visit to Tsunami at the top of Shaw Center.

When were you in town last?

I was home over Thanksgiving spending time with my family and watched the amazing LSU-Ole Miss game and updated my food blog,

ForkNewYork.com.