Baker wrote:
Thanks for the heads up Carey, I will give it a go. My mom's side is all from that part of the world. Sure spoiled a lot of things for me....like gumbo. You cannot find decent gumbo outside of Southern Louisiana. Most concoctions aren't even close. They sure do try around here but rarely do they hit it. Anyway, I have an uncle that is the gumbo master of our family. He is around 80 and has been fighting health issues for 20 years(he smoked Winston reds his entire life). My wife and I are trying to get over there(Broussard,La.) and spend a weekend under his tutelage. I realize gumbo is an art form honed over one's entire life. But it would be a start....anyway, blah blah blah!!! I love the Cajun Country.
JohnI probably should have waited on the book review, as I now see I should have made clear that the book is entertainingly humorous (in the beginning), but is very serious in the discussion of the eroding marsh and the inevitability of continued restraint of the Mississippi. I too love everything about the area. I am particularly drawn to the La Fourche and Terrebone Parish, and my favorite, Grand Isle. If I were to consider leaving the NW, I would probably head straight to Grand Isle. I'm not sure I would survive the heat and humidity however.
As to Gumbo, you are so right. It became my favorite local fare while in LA, and I found that it varies a lot. All of it was palatable, but some definite standouts are there. My favorite restaurant in LA became "Cafe Des Ami" (spelling?) in Breaux Bridge.
Back to the book, remember that it was written in 2003, and does not take into account the added issues created by Hurricanes, Katrina, Rita and Ike. Nor does it consider BP's blunder. Speaking of which, I wonder if we'll ever know the full extent of damage to the Gulf from the oil. You know it's a hundred times worse than anyone is willing to admit right now.
On a final note, I have to say that the Galveston, Kemah, Houston area definitely caught my eye when I was down there. Another interesting area I'd like to explore further.
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-- Edited by Carey on Sunday 27th of February 2011 01:41:45 PM
-- Edited by Carey on Sunday 27th of February 2011 01:44:06 PM