I was waiting for a table at the Ruby Slipper restaurant yesterday for brunch. If you’ve ever been there, you know that it’s a small restaurant and it’s a given that there will be a line outside. I sat outside on some steps in the oppressive heat, being grateful that it was at least in the shade.
But as I sat, meditating, trying not to move or speak (as if to ward off some of the heat), my trance was suddenly broken by a robotic voice box. The burst was, at first, incomprehensible, but it got louder as it got closer, “I got watermelon and canteloupes. I got spinach.” The sound was coming from the locally well-known Mr. Okra. He’s a produce vendor on wheels and he can be seen throughout the city of New Orleans, selling his goods to residents and businesses. Apparently, he recently got some new wheels with a new paint job.
I don’t need to let you all know what a catastrophic impact the Gulf Oil Spill has had on the planet.
And the Gulf can use all the help it can get - big or small. An organization called, Women of the Storm, are campaigning (in conjuctionwith Louisiana state and local officials) for a Gulf Restoration Plan. So many are supporting this effort and I hope you will too. Just follow the link below and sign your name.
Picture 1 from 4: I had to go into Rouse's last night to pick up a few things and spotted this gift box; it contained camo-print beer, local hot sauce, cracklins and jambalaya. Only in Louisiana :).
I was in California for a week spending my 4th of July holiday with family and friends. My brother and his wife had the 4th of July party at his house, with views of the fireworks right in the backyard. I was too busy cooking and having a good time to take any pictures (sorry).
During the rest of my visit, I got my fix of Asian fare…and it was very much needed.
Picture 1 from 6: For my first night in town, Mom and I enjoyed a cool, California summer evening in her backyard, eating local, in-season fruit. Cherries and figs.
I had an ideal Sunday afternoon, beginning my day with brunch in the Bywater at Satsuma Cafe. I needed something substantial to feed my weary, but happy soul from the previous night’s outing with a few great friends.
Check out these beautiful vegetables! These are straight from Charlotte Martory’s garden (the Culinary Department supervisor - my boss); just look at the variety of eggplants, the bellpeppers, cayenne, jalapenos (they’re the super small ones) and cucumber!
Many people are starting their own gardens these days and reaping the many benefits from it….One day, it will be me as well!
To celebrate local farmers and the release of Chef Emeril’s new book, Farm to Fork, the restaurants and the Test Kitchen teamed up with the Crescent City Farmer’s Market, and will be doing the Green Plate Special for the month of June. Every Tuesday, at the Uptown location, you will find one of Emeril’s restaurants cooking up dishes, using local ingredients.
I know it’s been a while and apologize for the long interim. The Culinary Department here spent the last few weeks helping Chef Emeril with edits on the testing, writing and editing of his cookbooks and assisting him on the Home Shopping Network (amongst a couple of other things as well). Phew! But it’s been a good kind of busy.
Not until recently have I had a chance to enjoy my work days at a bit of a slower pace before tackling new and upcoming projects. I’ve also been able to conduct a couple of experiments as well: pickled watermelon rind and cabbage kim chi.
Yesterday on Cooking with Emeril, Chef Michel Nischan joined us to talk about what’s on the menu at The Dressing Room, his latest work with the Wholesome Wave Foundation, and his beautiful new cookbook, Sustainably Delicious.
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