In what is developing into a delightfully regular occurrence, New Orleans-based writer/photographer/pop-up restaurateur Pableaux Johnson is coming back to Nashville to bring a heaping helping of Big Easy spirit at the latest stop of his Red Beans Road Show. An old New Orleans tradition, red beans and rice are a traditional Monday night meal, since you needed something that could simmer on the stove all day while you were doing the laundry. Pableaux has been hosting small get-togethers of strangers (who soon become friends) at his home for years, and has broadened the scope of his events over time.
Now that he is touring the country with his road show, he can accommodate dozens of diners at the same time as be prepares a simple and soulful menu of red beans and rice with smoked sausage (vegan and vegetarian options are also available,) skillet corn bread and usually a nip of whiskey and something sweet for dessert. The entire meal is seasoned with conversation and conviviality, from the initial welcome reception over drinks and snacks, to when that the final partygoer is rolled out the door.
So it makes all the sense in the world that Johnson is teaming up with two of Nashville’s friendliest restaurateurs, Karl and Sarah Worley of Biscuit Love, for the next edition of the RBRS. They’ll all be sharing the kitchen at the Worleys’ restaurant at 316 11th Ave. S. for the dinner on Tuesday, March 28, starting at 6:30. Trust me that you’ll want to be in that number when Pableaux comes marching in!
Tables are intentionally set up to encourage strangers to meet and eat, and there is a strict “no phone” policy. Or as Pableaux says, “Take a damned picture of the bowl and then put that thing away and make some conversation!”
Get your tickets ASAP at the event website before they sell out!
