A Drink and a Destroyer

Like most of us, I am deeply saddened by what is happening in New Orleans. I have always felt a stong attachment to the "Crescent City" even before I ever had the chance to visit. Life especially in the French Quarter appeals to the darker side of me.

I was lucky enough to visit New Orleans right after our wedding in 2001. Call it a pre-honeymoon, with guests. We were married in Austin, TX and since New Orleans was a hop skip away, we were able to spend four days there with my Mom, her husband, Kenny, and our good friends Dawn and Marcus.

The first night we were there, since I was the "N'awlins" virgin, Dawn, Jimmy and Marcus took me to infamous Pat O'Briens to indulge in the now ironic drink "The Hurricane". One of those was all I needed to have...... ever. But when in Rome as they say.

According to this article, I guess its no coincidence that the official drink of New Orleans is called the hurricane, but I do find it a bit eerie that this article was published less than a month ago. Like most of us, I am watching the news with my jaw dropped.

To me, New Orleans is one the few places in the United States with a multi-cultural history and strong character. If cities were people, New Orleans would be your fun, vibrant, colorfully dressed, French, Creole Uncle Paul who loved to eat, drink and tell insane stories about his colorful--if somewhat shady--upbringing, sing the blues, listen to jazz and pass out with his clothes on. The Uncle that your parents never want you to spend time with as a kid, because he has that crazy voodoo doll, but the one you always want to be around because he is just so fun.

Unfortunately, I don't have a crazy Uncle Paul, but when I went to New Orleans it was like meeting a soulmate. I felt that close to the city. Although, I think any city with French influence, amazing architecture and absinthe history speaks to me.... but that's a whole different talk show, er, blog.

Now, this IS a food blog so let's talk about the food! We had it all while we were there... To die for Cafe Au Lait and Beignets at the world famous Café Du Monde. Po Boy's, Etouffe, Gumbo, peel and eat shrimp. We walked to Central Grocery for muffaleta and enjoyed a picnic along the Mississippi River. At the strong recommendation of my Uncle John (who is not crazy by the way) we went to Mother's. It was all good.

Jimmy and I stayed in the Garden District here....



...around the corner from Anne Rice's former house and Trent Reznor's now former abode. We always said we would stay in that wonderful house again whenever we had the chance to return....

My heart goes out to all the wonderful and warm people, and their pets, of New Orleans.

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ADDENDUM: My mom has generously opened up her guesthouse in Arizona for any displaced New Orleans family that needs a place to stay. If you are interested in finding out more about how to share your home, spare bed, couch, etc. please check out:

Operation Share Your Home

Her info is under CandleGirl

or here at Hurricane Housing through Move On

Also, donations for Katrina relief, any of the animal assistance programs, or your favorite charitable organization can be made through Network for Good.