I interviewed a very excitable boy, David Letterman, about our mutual love of Warren Zevon vulture.com/2023/04/david-…

On the occasion of NY Int’l Antiquarian Book Fair and Independent Bookstore Day I wrote about my history as a reader (and a writer) and my passionate, though sometimes complicated, relationship with books (mostly the business of books). Read more on LAST CALL Substack: bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/one-for-the-…

I interviewed thomas beller 23 years ago … and things did not go well. I never heard from him again. Read abt. it here in L.A. Times Books Los Angeles Times latimes.com/entertainment-…

"Like all old bars, we wanted to build a relic that would be here, or somewhere, long after all of us were dirt—whether it’s still here operating or in a collector’s house or in a museum." --Greg Best. Read the Ticonderoga Club chapter from LAST CALL. bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/the-return-o…

also Joan and I made some Dan playlists and answered some dive-bar essay questions for ⁦Brad Thomas Parsons⁩’ great Last Call newsletter. hit the link to worry the bottle, mama bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/dive-bar-juk…

We are saddened by the news of the passing of actor Rick Dalton, best known for his roles in the hit TV series Bounty Law and The Fireman trilogy. Rick passed away peacefully in his home in Hawaii and is survived by his wife Francesca. RIP Rick Dalton 1933-2023

It’s an All Steely Dan Dive Bar Jukebox with PAPPADEMAS & @joanlemay, the author and artist behind “QUANTUM CRIMINALS: Ramblers, Wild Gamblers, and Other Sole Survivors from the Songs of Steely Dan.” Substack open.substack.com/pub/bradthomas…

Read an exclusive excerpt of "Jukebox Hero," a new essay of mine from the latest issue of Imbibe Magazine magazine about the enduring appeal of the classic bar jukebox in LAST CALL. bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/jukebox-hero

Beviamo Italiano! In this week’s LAST CALL Substack dispatch I rewatch “The Talented Mr. Ripley” with an eye toward what the characters are drinking in Italy throughout the film. (Hint: Campari and gin-soaked Martinis). bradthomasparsons.substack.com/p/drinking-ita…

The voices of The Long Island Bar, Brooklyn's beloved corner bar. My oral history of LIB on VinePair. vinepair.com/articles/long-…

An Oral History of Brooklyn’s Beloved Long Island Bar (Brad Thomas Parsons - VinePair) redef.com/item/64922a583…

LUCA. Horse Inn. Valentino’s. Cabalar Meat Co. Pizzeria 211. Passenger Coffee. The Fridge. Lancaster Central Market. In nearby Lititz: Per Diem, Bulls Head Public House. Stoll & Wolfe Distillery.

Snapshots and a recap of my day at the Specialty Food Association Summer Fancy Food Show where thousands of brands from around the world presented everything from candy, confections, charcuterie and cheese; to popcorn, chips, pretzels, and mustards; and so much more. LAST CALL Substack

When it comes to cocktails, does the number 3 hold some extraordinary influential force beyond mathematics? Find out on my latest at VinePair, featuring David Wondrich, Jim Meehan, @ROSimonson, Cocktail Kingdom & Maison Premiere. vinepair.com/articles/class…

Three is the magic number.. vinepair.com/articles/class…

7/11 is not only Free Slurpee Day, but also the 1-year anniversary of my @substackinc, LAST CALL, devoted to spirited dispatches on bars & bar culture, drinks & spirits, restaurants & regional foodways, and popular culture. open.substack.com/pub/bradthomas…

Never too early in the day for apertivo grooves... ht Brad Thomas Parsons #nowplaying open.spotify.com/playlist/6b6gY…

Amaro expert and enthusiast Brad Thomas Parsons (Brad Thomas Parsons) has been sneaking striking bottles of the Italian digestivo back to the States for decades. Here, he explains why the much-misunderstood drink is like catnip for collectors cluboenologique.com/story/amaro-co…

Trader Joe’s has a proven history with wine, launching its portfolio of popular Charles Shaw wines. In addition to branded private-label bottles of tequila, vodka, and whiskey, Pronto! marks the chain’s first foray into the amaro category. But is it good? vinepair.com/articles/trade…

“Bars have always been my sanctuary, a democratic community where everyone is welcome to disappear among the crowd. But when you literally can’t fit in, you’re left with nowhere else to go.” open.substack.com/pub/bradthomas…