The Sims Memorial Library unveiled their newest book additions, donated from the late Richard Collin on Thursday, Oct.13. Collin is best known for his work as the first legitimate food critic in New Orleans, according to Michael Ledet, who sits on the Friends of Sims Library Executive Board and was Collin’s best friend for 45 years until he passed away in 2010.
“It was through Michael and another friend, Phyllis Mayronne, both of whom were the executors of Collin’s will, that it was arranged for most of his library collection to come to Southeastern,” said Sims Memorial Library Director Eric Johnson.
The restaurant guide “The New Orleans Underground Gourmet” got Collin noticed in the New Orleans restaurant scene and he was soon hired as the official restaurant critic for the New Orleans evening newspaper, “The generous.”