… when it comes to Southern food, there’s no more solid source than the director of the Southern Foodways Alliance, a small, incredibly dedicated group out of the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture. (This pic is from his appearance as a judge on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.” Food Network’s director of programming and development Allison Page said he’s perfect for TV: “Smart, funny…”)

The Miami Herald calls him “the Faulkner of Southern food.” Except — and I could get myself into some hot water here — unlike the impenetrable Mr. F, he’s actually a pleasure to read. His latest book is “Donuts: An American Passion” which follows “Burgers”, “Fried Chicken” and “Apple Pie”… cannot wait to see the movies that come out of these entertaining essays.

I’ve got a story in Wednesday’s Commercial Appeal about Edge and the SFA… and the exalted place they’ve found on the nation’s culinary landscape.

And, how’s this for a segue… speaking of donuts, my buddy Jess Walter’s book “Citizen Vince” just won this year’s Edgar Award in New York last weekend… it’s the story of a guy in the witness protection program who moves to Spokane and opens a donut shop. (Of course, there’s lots of twists and turns… and it actually will be a movie some day. Richard Russo has written a screenplay. (That’s Jess on the right with The Edgar and his editor below… He said it looked just like (Former Spokesman Review/current CA editor) Chris Peck!