Jay McInerney, a renowned New York writer celebrated for 'Bright Lights, Big City,' shares his musings from his Malibu home. He humorously discusses the quirks of modern dining, like referring to meat as 'protein' and his love for cinnamon rolls. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as he reflects on the quirky moments of past literary life, from smoking in restaurants to the allure of 80s Absolut Vodka ads. Jay also contemplates the intricacies of writing a memoir and the shifting landscapes of New York and LA's cultural scenes.
The podcast discusses how food choices, such as selecting sushi before drinking, significantly impact hangover recovery and overall enjoyment.
Jay McInerney reflects on the nostalgic connections people have with desserts like cookies and cinnamon rolls, highlighting their emotional significance.
The evolving dynamics of the literary world are examined, focusing on how modern writers struggle with audience engagement through platforms like Substack.
Deep dives
Reflections on the Disney Party
Attending a high-profile Disney party was likened to an extravagant wedding reception, showcasing elaborate food stations and an opulent atmosphere. Despite the impressive presentation, the music was notably poor, leading to a sense of disappointment, especially with Questlove's presence not being utilized for a DJ set. The imagery of guests mingling while munching on fine dishes underscored the event's grandeur, but the lack of appropriate entertainment left something to be desired. The hosts could have made a missed opportunity to elevate the celebration further with better musical choices.
Navigating Late-Night Dining Decisions
Deciding what to eat before and after a night of drinking is a key consideration for many, as it influences both the impending hangover and recovery. Sushi or sashimi is deemed an ideal pre-party meal, serving as a flavorful and efficient base for a night of indulgence. In contrast, heavy or sugary foods are criticized for complicating hangover recovery the next day. The discussion emphasizes how food choices can significantly affect one's experience during a night out, influencing enjoyment and outcomes.
The Allure of Sweet Treats
Desserts like cookies and cinnamon rolls evoke nostalgic feelings and personal stories, illustrating the deep-rooted emotional connections people have with food. At a recent event, the temptation of a rich cookie was alluring, representing a moment of indulgence despite ongoing dietary commitments. The discussion also highlights how certain foods, particularly desserts, provide comfort and satisfaction during nostalgic recollections of family traditions and gatherings. This speaks to the universal comfort found in sweet treats, especially when they bring back fond memories.
Influence of Historical Dining Culture
The conversation reflects on how New York's dining scene has evolved significantly over the decades, from the prevalence of iconic restaurants to their roles in social interactions. The advent of early dining hours and moderate drinking patterns in Los Angeles is contrasted with the late-night culture of New York, illustrating cultural differences in social habits. There’s also a sense of nostalgia for the past entertainment scene, highlighting how restaurant choices can gravitate towards social experiences rather than purely gastronomic endeavors. The dynamic accessibility of fine dining venues represents not just a culinary landscape but also reflects broader cultural shifts over time.
Literary Pursuits and Media Consumption
The evolving landscape of literary careers and media engagement is discussed, particularly how modern writers navigate audience expectations through platforms like Substack. The writer reflects on the pressure to constantly engage and produce in today's digital culture, expressing ambivalence towards the immediate demands of continuous content creation. The struggle with the public's perception, especially through comments and criticisms, emphasizes a desire for a balanced personal and professional life. This dialogue underlines the complexities that modern authors face in maintaining relevance while staying true to their creativity and identity.
Jay McInerney is a writer from New York. It's the 40th anniversary of his book Bright Lights, Big City, and we spoke with Jay from his Malibu home about when people call meat "protein," cinnamon rolls, surfing in Malibu, we romanticize smoking in restaurants and on airplanes, blasting lines with Ray Carver, Absolut Vodka ads in the 80s and 90s, hanging with Bret Easton Ellis, sucks when the producer gets canceled, he finished his memoir but probably shouldn't put it out, Keith McNally's memoir, his hangover cure, classic New York restaurants, Tesla cars, and his thoughts on Substack.
