I’ve been very, very leery of all these Katrina anniversary specials lined up on the various TV networks and in various publications. I’ve advised myself against watching them and, frankly, had thought about some sort of personal boycott because I’m sure any outsider would have some sort of agenda or overdramatization.

But, I gotta say, major props to Emeril Lagasse. His “one meal at a time” special this evening on The Food Network kicked ass — giving a very, very good outline of the relationship between food and music in this city and in showing a pretty accurate view of what we’re facing as a city these days. The program was serious, yet upbeat and honest without going into any overly Draconian predictions about our future. I can’t call it journalism — but I can definitely opine that it was among the most balanced programs I’ve seen. We’ve been dealt a hell of a blow, but we’re coming back and we can make it — but we still need definite help. The bottom line was “come see us and find out for yourself.”

We switched back and forth between Emeril and the program on The Weather Channel, hosted by the ever-unctious Jim Cantore. Not that it was a bad program (not at all — taking a look at the oyster and shrimp industries and other stuff) — but there was much too much direness (is that a word?).

These are only the first of many. We’re not sure how many we’ll actually watch (or read). But I simply had to go with this public “thank you” for Mr. Lagasse — very, very nicely done by a locally-based guy who took undeserved heat in the immediate aftermath of the storm and has gone far beyond the call in its wake to hire, promote, push and help this region.

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