Keri Russell on the Art of Eating, Afternoon Wine, and Bad Music

Interview by Mickey Rapkin, Damon Gardner

For Austenland star Keri Russell, an afternoon glass of wine is totally fine. Bad music? Not so much.

The Golden Rule

"Always order something you don't normally cook yourself. That's what the late Jill Clayburgh told me once. She ordered sweetbreads. It sounded so exotic to me. But even if it's something I can cook, they're going to cook it better than I could."

SEE MORE: The Best Restaurants in America

Music Makes the Meal

"I like music in restaurants -- when it's used well. I've spent a lot of kitchen time dancing to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' 'Man on Fire.'"

Embrace Happy Hour

"It's always ok to have an afternoon glass of wine. I'm a mother of two. Isn't it in the rule book?"

Don't Obsess Over Price

"It doesn't always reflect a restaurant's quality. If a place is cozy and delicious, it's so much better than having eight courses and being uptight."

Go Early

"I eat alone a lot, so I love finding a tucked-away-in-the-corner spot with my book, just when they open."

Define Your Night

"Maybe I'm old, but to me, 'going out' means going out to dinner. It's about the conversation: someone recognizing your intellect, the charm of flirting, and really speaking to somebody."

MY TOP NOLA SPOTS

"When I'm in a city for a few months, I get a bunch of favorites and create a routine." Here's where Russell ate in New Orleans this summer while shooting Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

SEE MORE: 10 Snacks You Thought Were Healthy But Really Aren't

Boucherie "They make this insane appetizer: shredded-pork carnitas rolled up with peach inside."

Patois "I love the olive oil cake."

Velvet Espresso Bar "A sweet little coffee shop."

Lilette "Every single one of the desserts was incredible."

Sylvain "I stumbled into this magic dark alley and had a glass of rosé with good food in a hidden courtyard."

More from Bon Appétit:
25 Ways to Use Sriracha
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie
7 Most Common French Toast Mistakes
25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids