TrueSouth Season 3 Episode 1 Oxford

TrueSouth: Oxford is an episode from the third season of the television series TrueSouth. In this season, the host and creator of the show, John T. Edge, travels to different cities across the American South to discover the local cuisine and culture. The first episode explores Oxford, Mississippi, a small town known for its literary legacy and Southern charm.

The episode opens with a shot of Oxford's historic town square, a bustling hub of restaurants, bookstores, and art galleries. John T. Edge introduces himself and explains how he used to visit Oxford as a young writer looking for inspiration. He says that Oxford is one of the places that shaped his understanding of the South, and that he's excited to return and explore its food and history.

The first stop on John's tour of Oxford is Square Books, a beloved independent bookstore that has been a fixture on the square for over 40 years. John interviews the store's owner, Richard Howorth, and learns about the store's role in promoting Southern literature and culture. John is also introduced to Oxford's literary heritage, including William Faulkner and Eudora Welty, two of the town's most famous writers.

Next, John visits Ajax Diner, a local restaurant that specializes in Southern comfort food. John tries the crawfish etouffee, a spicy and savory dish made with fresh crawfish tails and rice. John interviews the restaurant's chef and learns about the importance of using locally sourced ingredients in Southern cooking. John also meets the restaurant's servers, who are all long-time residents of Oxford and share their own stories about the town.

After lunch, John visits Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner, which is now a museum and tourist attraction. John takes a guided tour of the house and learns about Faulkner's life and work in Oxford. John is struck by how Faulkner's writing is rooted in the landscape and culture of the South, and how his legacy continues to shape Oxford's identity.

Next, John stops by The Graduate, a local bar and music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in Southern rock and roll, including The Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams. John interviews the bar's owner, who talks about the importance of live music in Southern culture and how The Graduate has become a gathering place for the community.

Finally, John ends the day at Snackbar, a high-end restaurant that combines traditional Southern flavors with modern techniques and ingredients. John tries the catfish with jalapeno sauce and is blown away by the dish's complexity and flavor. John also talks to the restaurant's chef about his approach to Southern cuisine and how he draws inspiration from the region's history and ingredients.

Overall, TrueSouth: Oxford explores the intersection of culture, food, and history in a small Southern town. Through interviews with locals, visits to iconic landmarks, and tastings of traditional and modern Southern dishes, John T. Edge creates a rich and nuanced portrait of a place that has played a significant role in shaping Southern identity.