What I Ate In Louisiana
Now you didn’t think I’d just repent my gluttonous sins and be done with it, did you? Of course I have to show you the evidence. As much as it pains me to relive this, that food was darn good and I’d do it again in a (sluggish) heartbeat, practicing just a wee bit more self control…maybe.
Gumbo!
Interesting discovery: In Cajun Country, gumbo is served with a side of “whipped” potato salad. As if that chicken and sausage gumbo wasn’t enough. You can put the potato salad right in the gumbo, or eat it on the side. I had gumbo for lunch and dinner one day, both times it came a la mode. Gotta love it. PS: whipped potato salad? Genius!
Plate Lunch!
Plate lunch might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Extremely common in Louisiana, a plate lunch usually consists of a main course and two sides, all three typically starch heavy. This heaping pile ‘o stuff—chicken and dumplings (I skipped the “over rice” part), sweet pea salad (which was basically runny egg salad with peas), and mash potatoes in gravy—costs just $6. SIX DOLLARS!!! Note: this is why I can never allow myself to live in the south.
Po’boys!
This is just something I cannot get behind. Fried seafood (shrimp is most common), on bread, smothered in mayo. Sure it can be tasty, but you won’t see me running out for a po’boy in the middle of the nite any time soon. I’ve gotta draw the line somewhere. Good Lord!
Boudin Sausage!
Being somewhat of a red meat vegetarian (I know, I know, I can no longer refer to myself as such), I was scared to death of what was going to happen on the Boudin Trail. Turns out boudinrocks! It’s a pork/rice mixture, sometimes packed in casing, sometimes deep fried into little balls. I don’t care what way you give it to me, just give me some damn boudin. (It’s pronounced “boo-dan,” so it rhymes, see?)
Intermission: Meat Deals!
No, I did not partake in any meat deals. I just liked that every sort of meat deal was available at this store. Moving on…
Chocolate Statues Bedazzled with Macaroons and Truffles!
This whole thing was made of chocolate, and was waiting for me in my hotel room one nite. Whoever left this there: you are my soul mate.
Insane Breakfasts!
Now let me just tell you about a little place called Le Caféin L’Auberge de Lac Casino Resort. First off, items on the menu include chicken and waffles, crab and cream cheese omelets, buffalo frog legs, and lobster mac and cheese. I went with the L’Auberge Eggs: poached eggs on a griddled buttermilk biscuit topped with crawfish etouffée.
The one healthy thing on the menu was oatmeal…
but served with a scoop of ice cream. I mean, for serious.
So all this and more was consumed BEFORE I even got to New Orleans, my favorite food destination in the world. Coronary heart disease to continue tomorrow…
