Day 271 -- Dreaming of the Crescent City

Over the past two to three weeks I've been thinking a lot about a number of places I've visited, but one place seems to be in my thoughts more than others -- New Orleans. I'd say I have five favourite cities -- London, New York, New Orleans, Honolulu, Hong Kong -- going from east to west. Now, there are many cities and towns that I have visited that I've enjoyed and few that I haven't (only one comes to mind but no 'call outs' here). For some reason these few carry a special place in my head and heart. So, why am I thinking of New Orleans recently? Perhaps it was triggered by news reminding us of the anniversary of Katrina and Rita, seeing the commercials for the new NCIS New Orleans, or maybe some e-mail from the Southern Food and Beverage Museum SoFAB). I'm not sure why, but I smile when I think of the city.

I find myself talking about 'making big (or small) groceries'  based on the length of my grocery list. This phrase seems more descriptive, visual and upbeat than 'I've go so much to get' <smile>. So much about the culture of the city is unique and identifiable. The food (of course!) is stellar -- a delightful blend of Caribbean, European, and American Indian cuisines. I love heat in food, so the cajun spiciness makes my day -- chicken and andouille gumbo <sigh>.  Red beans and rice (Lundi beans at my house) filled with smokiness from chipotle instead of ham in my version -- something wonderful for a colder day. Then there's the music -- the jazz and zydco and blues and everything else. It is everywhere in the city, just like the food. These are two of the main factors that truly set New Orleans apart and define a way of life. In my dreams, I take on an apprenticeship at the SoFAB museum. It seems to be exciting to delve into an aspect of the culinary history of this part of the world. <smile> After all, if you haven't heard, Food is My Life [TM}. <g>

The song selected for today brings the upbeat approach to life and rebirth of the city after the natural and man-made disasters it has experienced in the last decade. Both food and music give people some grounding when everything around them seems in upheaval. If this doesn't make you move to the music, I'm not sure what will <smile>. Enjoy!

Down at the Twist and Shout -- Mary Chapin Carpenter