“I’m hard-headed...”

“...but completely soft inside”

— Lucius

"I'm hard-headed, but completely soft inside.." How true. Those lyrics describe how stubborn I can be when I think I know everything, and how humbled I feel when I am shown that I don't.

In December of last year I went to a concert for charity in Manhattan that featured several different performances by bands, comedians, poets and the like. It was star-studded as far as I'm concerned. Lake Street Dive, Guster, Jack Antonoff (fun./Bleachers) and Ingrid Michaelson were all playing at a small venue for a humble audience hosted by Lena Dunham. It was, as I recall, a hugely entertaining night. This was also my first exposure to the delightful harmonies of the band Lucius. Two friends hailing from very different parts of the country had formed a band whose charisma could easily be described by the word "captivating."

A sort of modern-day Spector-esque duo, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig front the quintet dressed in deliberately matching costume, their hair and makeup and singing style a mirror's reflection complete. The music is light and full of delight, with more than a hint of sorrow or defensive derision. Still, it's the brightness and harmony of it all that leaves its mark.

The duo inspired me to reboot a dish I only just realized had permeated every corner of our society. Maybe you, too, are oblivious to the results of this encroachment, but I doubt it. Somehow, despite the seriously ridiculous amount of food "news" to which I expose myself in my social media feeds, i missed it. I didn't get the memo on avocado toast.

Let me explain. I was recently at lunch with ten or so ladies as part of a weekend birthday celebration for our mutual friend. Sixty percent of everyone at the table ordered avocado toast. I looked around like I had missed out on a contest. (The 50th person to order avocado toast today receives an all-inclusive trip for two to avocado country!!) I missed it. The good news is, once your tired eyes have been opened to the glory that is a smashed avocado on a piece of crunchy bread, you will begin to see it everywhere. Is that cloud shaped like avocado toast? Yes. Is that Jeb Bush eating avocado toast? Yes. Did I actually have a dream about avocado toast last night?

And gentlemen, just so you know, avocado toast is not merely an affliction endemic to female populations, you too can enjoy this for breakfast, lunch or anytime you wish to appear relevant.

My avocado toast was influenced by Lucius. It is two-sided. One side is avocado, seasoned and then smashed with a squeeze of lemon. The other is a hummus made fresh with roasted garlic and homemade tahini. Top with crisp spring radishes for a pungent punch, fresh poached shrimp for added protein, sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and a little frisée for bitterness. I hope I can effectively be readmitted into the clan of humanity now.

Check out the video for Lucius' "Go Home" here:

Or the video for "Turn It Around" here:

Thank you to the staff and ownership of The Collins Quarter in Savannah, GA for the hospitality and inspiration.