The Spring 2020 issue of Food & Dining Magazine has landed, so pick up a copy and read our words.

The new quarterly issue of Food & Dining Magazine is out, and for those just tuning in, a reminder that it has been a pleasure to assume the duties of Digital Editor at the publication.

Since last July, I've penned most of the daily web site posts. It's an ongoing learning experience for me and I appreciate the opportunity.

Now for the Spring 2020 (March/April/May) edition. Hard copies (they're advertising-driven and completely free to you, the reader) should be in their usual locations -- there's a big stack at Pints&union) -- and my colleague Jon Larmee has links to the on-line articles at issuu: online/">Our Spring 2020 issue of Food & Dining Magazine is now available on newsstands and online!

In the coming weeks these articles and columns will appear at the Food & Dining Magazine web site on Saturdays.

I'm actually glad to have been given only one assignment this time around, because it was a bear ... and perhaps the most rewarding process I've experienced since taking on longer-form features and profiles. SOU! is the real deal, and you owe it to yourself to give them a try.

PROFILE | SOU! Southern Kitchen & Bar

Over the course of his 25-year career, Chef James Moran has become known among insiders as a Chef’s Chef. Now, with business partner Ashley Sayler, his restaurant SOU! is wowing Louisville diners.

One other suggestion, as it would be remiss of me not to make note of Sara Havens' "comeback" column.

BAR BELLE | The Return of the Bar Belle

For over a decade, Sara Havens has been offering wise and witty commentary on the Louisville bar scene. Now she joins F&D — with a pub crawl primer.

Since Insider Louisville folded, Sara has been working in public relations for Mint Julep Experiences. It's great having her back again as the Bar Belle.

Matt Nash and the Bar Belle on 25 Years of Beer and Loathing.

Matt commences with an ominous sentence, considering the record of the early years ... but it's a nice segue into his personal account of pizzas, beers and so much else. I'm happy to say I was there on the night when Matt and Amy met, because if memory serves, it also was the night that Barack Obama was elected president.

NASH: A quarter century of beer and pizza, by Matt Nash (News and Tribune)

JEFFERSONVILLE — My personal relationship with the New Albanian Brewing Company goes back to a few years before I was even able to drink beer, legally.

Sara "Bar Belle" Havens of the Louisville Eccentric Observer interviewed me two weeks ago and incorporated the results into her column.

Bar Belle: A salute to NABC, by Sara Havens (LEO)

When I was 25, I drank like shit — cheap, American swill chased by shots of Jager or Rumple Minze. Unfortunately, some things haven’t changed. But throughout my years of socializing after dark, I’ve learned to appreciate good bourbon and craft beer.

Rich O’s/Sportstime Pizza/New Albanian Brewing Company in New Albany is celebrating its 25th birthday this month, and you better believe there won’t be a Miller Lite or shot of Jager anywhere near the place. In fact, co-owner Roger A. Baylor is renting out New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater to throw a big party. Mark your calendars for July 22. It’s free, starts at 10 a.m., and features live music, NABC beer, wine and a bloody mary bar (link here). I caught up with Baylor to reminisce about the last 25 years.

In LEO this week: "Bar Belle vs. Mr. Mug Shots" (an NABC Fringe Fest preview).

After following the link and reading my sassy answers to Sara's sassy questions about Fringe Fest (starts this afternoon!), check out the Louisville Eccentric Observer's (LEO) updated web site.

Bar Belle vs. Mr. Mug Shots

The New Albanian Brewing Co. is hosting the Fringe Fest this weekend (Oct. 9-11) at the new Bank Street Brewhouse in New Albany. Mr. Mug Shots Roger Baylor agreed to answer a few questions.

Meanwhile, everything's shaping up for Fringe Fest. We've had the expected musical cancellation or two -- Roz Tate (death in the family) and Social Ties Denied (unexpected defection in the band family) are the two that spring to mind. We'll all be thinking of you, Roz.

Entrance to Fringe Fest is gratis, but remember that it's 21 and over only. We open the gates whenever the beer trailer comes on Thursday, then circa 1 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and the music starts around 5 p.m., although earlier on Friday. It's Harvest Homecoming, so parking's always a full-contact sport ... beware of restrictions that may be posted in pencil on cardboard and duct-taped to a utility pole.

Here's the updated scoop on NABC's Fringe Fest ... beer, music, film, art and “Harvest Culture on the Skids.”